Online DNP

Take your nursing career to the highest level.

Ashland University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program will prepare you, through evidence-based practice, to meet the changing demands of the nation’s complex healthcare environment, promote positive patient outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of care.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Join the 1% of Doctorally-Prepared Nurses Nationwide

From the bedside to the boardroom, DNPs are leaders who advocate to deliver quality and safe outcomes for patients and families. Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online through Ashland University. Our CCNE-accredited, practice-focused program is designed for working professionals—courses are asynchronous so you can complete your degree while balancing work and family life.

To be admitted into the DNP program, you must meet the following admission requirements:

  • RN with one year of clinical experience
  • Undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or Master of Science in Nursing Degree (3.0 or higher)
  • Interview

Start from BSN or MSN

DNP Tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice, Health Systems Leadership

Earn the credentials you need to elevate your nursing career to the highest level. We offer entry points from BSN or MSN and, depending on the track you choose, you will be eligible for national certification in:

  • Family Practice, through the ANCC or AANP (BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner). Our FNP graduates have a 100% Pass Rate on this exam!
  • Executive in Nursing Practice, through AONL (BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP, Health Systems Leadership).

Health Systems Leadership

(BSN to DNP, 57 hours; or MSN to , 46-54 hours):

  • Prepares nurses at the doctoral level for executive leadership and management roles focused on creating, redesigning, and improving care delivery in complex environments
  • Graduates are eligible for national certification in Executive in Nursing Practice, through AONL

Family Nurse Practitioner

(BSN to DNP, 77 hours):

  • Prepares RNs at the doctoral level to provide family-focused, advanced-practice, primary care across the lifespan
  • Graduates are eligible for national certification in Family Practice through the ANCC or AANP

Advanced Practice

(MSN to DNP, 32-38 hours):

  • Enhances APRN practice to the doctoral level through evaluation and translation of research and evidence-based practice in order to promote positive outcomes and increase the effectiveness of care
Certification Disclosure:
Graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track are qualified to seek national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Graduates of the Health Systems Leadership (HSL) track meet the education requirement to seek the executive nurse leader certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center to attain the title of Executive Nurse Leader-Board Certified (ENL-BC).
 
Licensure Disclosure:
The Ashland University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program meets the requirements to apply for licensure in Ohio.
The Ashland University DNP program does NOT qualify students for licensure in the following states and US territories: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Connecticut, Delaware, ;District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, & Wyoming.
If a student’s permanent residence is in a state or territory other than Ohio, they can only enroll in the DNP if they agree that, upon graduation, they intend to seek employment in Ohio. Out-of-State Students states must meet with their advisors to sign a formal attestation form.

Accreditations

CCNE Accredited

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The Higher Learning Commission

Ashland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, is a member of the North Central Association and is authorized by the Ohio Department of Education to grant bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

U.S. News and World Report

Ranked in the top tier of colleges and Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

The Benefits of Ashland University’s Online DNP Program

The Benefits of Ashland University’s Online DNP Program

What to Expect from the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Through our flexible, individualized educational approach, upon completion of the DNP program you will be equipped to:

  • Evaluate health care policy and systems
  • Assume specialized roles in advanced clinical practice
  • Engage in inter-professional collaboration to meet the health needs of client systems in varied healthcare delivery systems
  • Enhance the culture of safety in health systems through the application of information technologies
  • Demonstrate professional values and ethical behavior in the advanced practice nursing role

About Ashland University

Founded in 1878, Ashland University continues to have a rich tradition as a private, comprehensive institution preparing students for exciting, impactful professions and careers. Your success is our goal, not just while you are a student but for the rest of your life as a member of the Eagle family.

We place a great emphasis on the importance of each member of our community. The phrase “Accent on the Individual ” has been our motto for many years and characterizes well the nature and content of both the online and campus environment.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Future