Online 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 Track Coordinator
Rachel Hoffer, DNP, APRN, FNP

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

Nurse Educator Track Coordinator
Jody Hostetler, DNP, MEd, RN

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track Coordinator
TBD

School Nurse Coordinator
Jennifer Boles, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN

School Nurse Wellness Coordinator & Graduate Nursing Certificate Coordinator
Jennifer Boles MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN

Online Degrees & Certificates Offered:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

• Master of Science in Nursing

• Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner

• Graduate Certificates in:

  • School Nurse

  • School Nurse Wellness

  • Nurse Educator

  • Health Systems Leadership

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) is a practice-focused degree that prepares nurses to function at the highest level of practice in the current health care environment based on a strong scientific foundation for practice. Emphasis is on evidence-based practice, leadership, cultural competence, organizational analysis, and policy.

The DNP program offers two pathways a MSN-DNP and a BSN-DNP with four tracks of study: 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

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

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner 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) 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.

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 Department of Nursing Graduate Admission & Progression Committee.

BS/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 BSN-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 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. Three 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

Curriculum Transition for DNP Program

The online format of the program allows for flexibility, although each cohort will be required to participate in residency requirements throughout the program. The DNP Project is an integral part of the total program of study as well as the culminating activity. The project represents an original application of knowledge in the area of student specialization. The target benefits of the intervention or innovation designed by the student would be beyond the individual patient or family and focus more on institutions, patient populations, or communities.

DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Implement nursing practice, including innovative approaches, based on scientific knowledge.

2. Evaluate health care policy and systems.

3. Plan for patient and family needs, anticipating their changing requirements, and ensuring patient comfort and safety in planning care.

4. Engage in interprofessional collaboration to meet the health needs of client systems in varied health care delivery systems.

5. Enhance the culture of safety in health systems through the application of information technologies.

6. Generate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes.

7. Demonstrate professional values and ethical behavior in the advanced practice nursing role.

8. Assume specialized roles in advanced clinical practice.

9. Design culturally competent health services for vulnerable populations.

DNP Health Systems Leadership Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

1. Implement best practice to improve health care and health systems using analytical methods.

2. Assume leadership positions at the systems level, integrating nursing science with organizational leadership and ethics.

3. Design, implement and evaluate quality improvement projects in health care systems to promote safe, effective and efficient patient centered care.

4. Evaluate health care policy and systems that provide care for individuals, communities and populations.

5. Engage in interprofessional collaboration to promote health, reduce risk and improve outcomes in varied health care delivery systems.

6. Enhance the culture of safety in health systems through the application of information technologies.

7. Improve patient outcomes locally, nationally, and globally through research and health policy.

8. Practice professional values and ethical behavior in nursing leadership.

9. Design culturally competent equitable health services for vulnerable populations.

Program Progression/Completion

A BSN to DNP student is required to satisfy the DNP degree requirements within 5 years from the semester in which the student completes the first course in their specialty track (i.e. (NUR 9210 and NUR 9575).  An MSN to DNP student is required to satisfy the DNP degree requirements within 5 years from the semester in which the student completes the first course for the degree.  All students are expected to follow the approved program plan.  Students are required to be continuously registered for credit each semester from admission through graduation.  If a student is unable to register for a class for a semester, an official leave of absence must be requested and approved by the DNP Program Director in order to maintain a place in the program.

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 Administrative Assistant for Graduate Programs 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 NP practice area (e.g. a pediatric NP seeking certification or DNP as a family NP).

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 Doctorate 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 Doctorate 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 Doctorate 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 Doctorate 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 Doctorate 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.

NOTE: CONHS program student handbooks with additional policies pertaining to the program may be accessed as a Catalog addendum.