Doctor of Nursing Practice

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Dean
Carrie Keib, College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Graduate Nursing Program Director
J. Kimberly Higginbotham, PhD, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Family Nurse Practitioner Coordinator

Health Systems Leadership Coordinator
Jill Matthes Baxter, DNP, RN, CHSE

Nurse Educator Coordinator
Theda (Jody) Hostetler, DNP, MEd, RN

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Coordinator
Michelle Gibson, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CNE

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) is a practice-focused terminal degree that prepares nurses to improve health outcomes and healthcare delivery across populations in complex systems. Emphasis is on the synthesis and translation of evidence to address current and emerging challenges in the dynamic healthcare environment.

The DNP program offers two points of entry: a MSN-DNP (students entering with a MS/MSN) and a BSN-DNP (students entering with a BSN). The BSN-DNP includes four specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Health Systems Leadership (HSL), Nurse Educator (NE), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

  • The Family Nurse Practitioner Track prepares advanced practice nursing students with a broad-based education, including three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and direct care clinical experiences. The Family Nurse Practitioner Track integrates the scientific process, current evidence, and national standards of care with a holistic approach to equip students to provide primary care across the lifespan.

• Health Systems Leadership (HSL)

  • The Health Systems Leadership Track prepares advanced nursing practice students with a broad-based education, including three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and health systems leadership practicum experience. The Health Systems Leadership Track integrates core competency domains in communication, healthcare environment, professionalism, and business skills to equip students for leadership in the healthcare setting.

• Nurse Educator (NE)

  • The Nurse Educator Track prepares advanced nursing practice students with a broad base education, including three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, direct care clinical experience, and nursing education practicum experience. The Nurse Educator Track integrates core competency domains in facilitating learning, assessment, evaluation, curriculum design, and continuous quality improvement.

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

  • The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track prepares advanced practice nursing students with a broad-based education, including three graduate-level courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and direct care clinical experiences. The PMHNP Track integrates the scientific process, current evidence, and national standards of care with a holistic approach to equip students to provide psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan.

Certification Disclosure:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduates are qualified to seek national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Health Systems Leadership (HSL) graduates meet the educational requirements to seek certification through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Credentialing Center (AONL-CC).

Nurse Educator (NE) graduates meet the educational requirement to see certification for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam through the National League for Nursing (NLN).

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) graduates are qualified to seek national certification through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Licensure Disclosure:

The Ashland University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Health Systems Leadership Graduate Nursing Certificate and Nurse Educator Graduate Nursing Certificate meet the requirements to apply for licensure and are authorized in the following states and U.S. territories: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

 The Ashland University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Health Systems Leadership Graduate Nursing Certificate and Nurse Educator Graduate Nursing Certificate do NOT meet the requirements to apply for licensure and are NOT authorized in the following states and U.S. territories: Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Delaware, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, the Virgin Islands, Washington and Wyoming.

 If a student’s permanent residence is in a state or territory that is not authorized and does NOT meet the requirements to apply for licensure, they can only enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, Master of Science in Nursing Program, Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificates, and Graduate Nursing Certificates if they agree that, upon graduation, they intend to seek employment in a state that meets the requirements to apply for licensure. Students must sign a formal attestation form.

 If a student’s state of residence changes during the enrollment in the graduate nursing program the student may be at risk for residing in a state that does NOT meet the requirements to apply for licensure. Students must sign a formal attestation form

Admission Requirements for BSN-DNP

1. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale). Applicants with a GPA <3.0 (>2.50) may apply and be considered for admission) with evidence for academic success.

2. Submission of official transcript from an accredited baccalaureate degree in nursing program. Transcripts must show completion of undergraduate statistics course.

3. Submission of active, unencumbered registered nurse licensure in the United States.

4. Submission of two academic or professional letters of recommendation (faculty or employer supervisor)

5. Completion of essay questions to be evaluated on overall content and writing competence

6. RN work experience (one year of experience preferred)

7. Interview with graduate nursing faculty.

BSN-DNP

Applicants possessing a Bachelor of Science in nursing from an accredited institution, with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.00 scale, currently practicing as an RN with at least one year of clinical experience, and a successful interview will be eligible for admission to the DNP program.

Admission Requirements for MSN-DNP

1. Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale).* Applicants with a GPA <3.0 (>2.50) may apply and be considered for admission) with evidence for academic success.

2. Submission of official transcript from an accredited baccalaureate degree in nursing program. Transcripts must show completion of undergraduate statistics course.

3. Submission of active, unencumbered registered nurse licensure in the United States.

4. Submission of two academic or professional letters of recommendation (faculty or employer supervisor).

5. Completion of essay question to be evaluated on overall content and writing competence.

6. RN work experience (one year of experience preferred).

7. Interview with Department of Nursing Graduate Admission & Progression Committee.

*Students that have earned a ADN to MSN must submit an official transcript from a Master of Science in Nursing Program

MS/MSN-DNP

Applicants possessing a Master of Science/Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution, with a cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.00 scale, current Certificate of Authority, with at least one year of experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse, and a successful interview will be eligible for admission to the DNP program.

How to Apply

The following materials must be submitted to finalize the application process:

1. Completed Ashland University Application

2. Submit a $30 application fee

3. Submit a copy of your resume or vitae

4. Submit official academic transcript(s) from accredited institutions of higher education documenting all undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded.

5. Two letters of recommendation; two academic and one professional

6. Submit a copy of your RN Licensure

7. If you are pursuing the MS/MSN to DNP submit your Certificate of Authority for advanced practice

8. Submit a 2 page essay on why you are pursuing the DNP degree.

9. Interview

Transcripts, application fees paid by check or money order, or other correspondence should be mailed to:

Ashland University
Attn: Enrollment Services
401 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805

Official Electronic transcripts should be submitted to: enroll-grad@ashland.edu

Program Progression/Completion

A BSN to DNP student must complete all requirements for the DNP Program within seven years after matriculation in the program. MSN to DNP students must complete all requirements for the DNP program within five years after matriculation into the program. All students are expected to follow the approved curriculum plan.

Transfer of Credits

A maximum of nine (9) graduate level credits from an accredited college or university may be transferred toward completion of the requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Official transcripts certifying graduate level courses completed at another institution prior to admission to Ashland University should be submitted at the time of application and will be evaluated by the DNP program director for acceptability as transfer credit.

Transfer credit will only be accepted for courses in which a grade of B (3.0 on 4.0 scale) or higher has been received. Courses taken over 5 years (over 2 years for APN) prior to admission are subject to the Gap Analysis evaluation. 

The student is responsible for initiating the request for transfer credit.  The student must:

1. Submit the transfer Credit Form, the transcript, and course syllabi for each course they wish to receive credit to the Office of Graduate Admission with the application. 

2. The Office of Graduate Admissions will forward the application and materials to the DNP Program Director for review and approval.

3. Students will be notified in writing regarding approved transfer credit.

4. Approved transfer credit and the student letter will be forwarded to the Nursing Department Administrative Assistant for inclusion in the student file and processing with the Office of Records and Registration.

Gap Analysis

A gap analysis will be completed for a student who is a nationally certified nurse practitioner seeking partial credit or waiver of coursework toward completion of a post-master’s DNP in another FNP practice area (e.g. a PNP seeking certification or DNP as a family FNP).

Evaluation of Graduate Clinical Hours

New Admits: Students who have been admitted to the DNP program with a MS/MSN must obtain a letter documenting their clinical hours completed from the program where they obtained their MS/MSN degree. This letter will be evaluated by the program director for approval.  The student may receive credit for up to but not exceeding 700 hours.  Three hundred hours must be completed while a student at Ashland University.

Transfer Students: Students who have been admitted to the DNP program with a MS/MSN, but are transferring from another doctoral program to complete course-work at Ashland University must obtain a letter from the program where they obtained their MS/MSN degree as well as the program from which they are transferring documenting their clinical hours completed from each program.  This letter will be evaluated by the program director for approval.  The student may receive credit for up to but not exceeding 700 hours.  Three hundred hours must be completed while a student at Ashland University.

BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Track

(Enter with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree including the Family Nurse Practitioner track.)

*Program Progression:   All DNP students are required to take the Scholarly Inquiry Series: NURG 8100 (1 hr), 8110 (1 hr), 8120 (1 hr), 8130 (1 hr) to meet Scholarly Project requirements for the DNP degree. Students may enroll in NURG 8140 and repeat for a maximum of 4 credit hours if additional Scholarly Project time is needed, which will increase the total number of hours in the program.

BSN-DNP Health Systems Leadership Track

(Enter with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree including the Health Systems Leadership track.)

*Program Progression:   All DNP students are required to take the Scholarly Inquiry Series: NURG 8100 (1 hr), 8110 (1 hr), 8120 (1 hr), 8130 (1 hr) to meet Scholarly Project requirements for the DNP degree. Students may enroll in NURG 8140 and repeat for a maximum of 4 credit hours if additional Scholarly Project time is needed, which will increase the total number of hours in the program.

BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

(Enter with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree including the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.)

*Program Progression:   All DNP students are required to take the Scholarly Inquiry Series: NURG 8100 (1 hr), 8110 (1 hr), 8120 (1 hr), 8130 (1 hr) to meet Scholarly Project requirements for the DNP degree. Students may enroll in NURG 8140 and repeat for a maximum of 4 credit hours if additional Scholarly Project time is needed, which will increase the total number of hours in the program.

BSN-DNP Nurse Educator Track

(Enter with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree including the Nurse Educator track.)

*Program Progression:   All DNP students are required to take the Scholarly Inquiry Series: NURG 8100 (1 hr), 8110 (1 hr), 8120 (1 hr), 8130 (1 hr) to meet Scholarly Project requirements for the DNP degree. Students may enroll in NURG 8140 and repeat for a maximum of 4 credit hours if additional Scholarly Project time is needed, which will increase the total number of hours in the program.

MSN-DNP

(Enter with a master’s degree in nursing specialty and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.)

*Gap Analysis: All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1000 practice hours. Upon admission, a gap analysis will determine if NURG 8080 and/or NURG 8090 is required for students to ensure completion of the minimum 1000 practice hours.

**Program Progression: All DNP students are required to take the Scholarly Inquiry Series: NURG 8100 (1 hr), 8110 (1 hr), 8120 (1 hr), 8130 (1 hr) to meet Scholarly Project requirements for the DNP degree. Students may enroll in NURG 8140 and repeat for a maximum of 4 credit hours if additional Scholarly Project time is needed, which will increase the total number of hours in the program.

DNP (BSN to DNP) Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP program, the student will be able to:

1. Synthesize and translate knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a framework for clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, and ethical decision making for advanced nursing practice.

2. Integrate health care priorities and societal needs to evaluate health policy and advocate for person centered care of diverse individuals, families, and populations.

3. Lead interprofessional partnerships using informatics and healthcare technologies to facilitate safe, quality, and equitable care across complex systems of healthcare.

4. Cultivate dimensions of professionalism, personal well-being, and leadership growth in advanced nursing practice with life-long sustainability.

5. Design, implement, and disseminate evidence-based quality and safety initiatives to improve health outcomes and transform health care.

6. Demonstrate competence in advanced nursing practice with specific tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems Leadership, Nurse Educator, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

DNP (MSN to DNP) Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP program, the student will be able to:

1. Synthesize and translate knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a framework for clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, and ethical decision making for advanced nursing practice.

2. Integrate health care priorities and societal needs to evaluate health policy and advocate for person centered care of diverse individuals, families, and populations.

3. Lead interprofessional partnerships using informatics and healthcare technologies to facilitate safe, quality, and equitable care across complex systems of healthcare.

4. Cultivate dimensions of professionalism, personal well-being, and leadership growth in advanced nursing practice with life-long sustainability.

5. Design, implement, and disseminate evidence-based quality and safety initiatives to improve health outcomes and transform health care.