A doctor of nursing practice or DNP degree is a terminal nursing degree, meaning it is the highest level of education someone can achieve in this field. Many nurse practitioner programs offer DNP options, but there are other areas that nurses can specialize in when pursuing this highest level of education. Leadership tracks are popular, but there are other interesting options like population health and a combination DNP/PhD research degree. Here, we take a closer look at the DNP options in the state of Ohio.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in Ohio
Ohio offers many DNP programs, and all of them have primarily online components. Entry points, clinical requirements, and on-campus requirements vary per school and program. Below, we cover the various programs available in the state to help you find a program that fits your needs and busy schedule.
How to choose a DNP program in Ohio
Ohio’s 17+ DNP programs split between BSN-to-DNP pathways (integrated MSN-plus-doctoral coursework, typically 75–100 credits over 3–4 years) and post-MSN DNP programs (for currently-certified NPs adding the terminal degree, usually 18–36 credits over 1.5–2.5 years). The AACN recommends the DNP as the terminal clinical degree for advanced practice, and a growing number of Ohio health systems are shifting toward DNP-preferred hiring for new NP positions.
Public flagships like Ohio State, Kent State, University of Cincinnati, and University of Akron offer BSN-to-DNP pathways with in-state tuition and broad specialty mixes. Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing brings private-research prestige with national rankings. Smaller regional programs (University of Toledo, Xavier, Mount Carmel, Walsh) fit applicants tied to specific metros. The DNP is not yet required for Ohio NP practice, so applicants should weigh the longer timeline against career plans for leadership or faculty roles where the credential matters more.
Ohio DNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 17+ CCNE-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in Ohio at the MSN or DNP level.
- Ohio NP mean annual wage: approximately $120,500 per BLS OEWS data. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metros pay above the state average.
- Scope of practice: Ohio requires a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a supervising physician for APRN prescriptive authority. No full practice authority. Ohio Board of Nursing oversees licensure.
- National job growth: NPs projected to see 40%+ growth 2024–2034 per BLS OOH.
- BSN-to-DNP vs. MSN-to-DNP — BSN-to-DNP pathways integrate MSN-level NP preparation with doctoral coursework (75–100 credits, 3–4 years); post-MSN DNP programs are designed for currently-certified NPs adding the terminal credential (18–36 credits, 1.5–2.5 years).
- Flagship public picks — Ohio State, Kent State, University of Cincinnati, and University of Akron all offer BSN-to-DNP pathways with in-state public tuition.
Online DNP Programs in Ohio
Nearly every Ohio DNP program runs online or hybrid in some form. The meaningful distinctions come down to entry point (BSN vs. MSN), how much on-campus residency is required, and whether the school coordinates clinical placements or leaves that to the student. Public flagships (Ohio State, Kent State, University of Cincinnati, University of Akron) tend to offer the strongest clinical-placement support; mid-size privates (Franklin, Ashland, Ohio University) prioritize schedule flexibility.
Applicants in rural Ohio or bordering states should check whether a program’s clinical-placement team works in your home region. Programs that only place students in Ohio-based clinical sites will be a poor fit if you’re in West Virginia, Kentucky, or Michigan.
Ohio Online BSN to DNP Programs
If you have a BSN, the following DNP programs are available in Ohio:
Ashland University
- Ashland, Ohio
- Campus
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $840 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Ashland’s DNP through the College of Nursing & Health Sciences runs 46–54 credits depending on entry point (BSN or MSN) and specialty, with online coursework and regional clinical placements. It’s a fit for Ohio nurses wanting a small-cohort private-college DNP without the premium pricing of Case Western; applicants prioritizing flagship research infrastructure should compare Ohio State or UC.
Nurses with a BSN, MSN, or MS degree can apply for the health systems leadership track, an online program that is offered in partnership with the College of Business and Economics.
The other option is the advanced practice DNP track, which takes two years or six semesters to complete. This track is designed for nurses with an MS or MSN degree or any certified advanced practice nurse. This option has between 32 and 38 credit hours.
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 38
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $748 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Franklin’s BSN-to-DNP Leadership is 38 credits and completes in about 2 years full-time — among the shortest Ohio DNP pathways. Notably, it does not award a separate MSN along the way; students exit directly with the DNP. The program is leadership-focused rather than clinical-specialty-focused, so it fits nurses aiming at admin, policy, or executive roles rather than NP practice scope. Applicants wanting DNP + NP certification should compare Kent State or Ohio State.
Classes are offered online, and the program is designed for working nurses. Most students continue to work full-time while in the program. Franklin offers several BSN to DNP nurse practitioner tracks as well.
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $750 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Cedarville’s DNP is a Christian-affiliated program with multiple track options, delivered through its School of Nursing in the Dayton metro. It’s a fit for applicants prioritizing faith-integrated graduate study with smaller cohorts; secular applicants comparing cost should weigh against Ohio State or University of Cincinnati’s public in-state rates.
Cedarville also offers a post-master’s MSN to DNP degree that students can customize to their goals. These generalist programs can be between 35 and 68 credits, with the total credits and course progression determined by transcript review and the student’s desired outcome.
All DNP classes are offered online in a seven- or 14-week format, with classes being both synchronous and asynchronous. Full and part-time options are available.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Mount Vernon, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $798 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Mount Vernon Nazarene’s DNP runs through its School of Nursing in Central Ohio as a Christian-affiliated program. It’s a fit for applicants aligned with the Nazarene tradition who want Columbus-adjacent clinical access; others should compare Mount Carmel (Columbus, Catholic) or Ohio State (public flagship).
This 60-credit program includes 1,000 clinical hours in all, 750 clinical hours and 250 DNP project hours. Classes are online, and students are required to find their own clinical preceptors.
Ohio University
- Athens and Dublin, Ohio
- Online with on-campus intensives
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Between $608 and $648 per credit + fees for residents and $627 and $667 + fees per credit for non-residents.
Program Overview: Ohio University’s DNP is delivered online-forward with Athens-area residency requirements and lower tuition than most private alternatives. It’s a fit for RNs in Southeast Ohio, West Virginia, or Kentucky border regions tied to Appalachian clinical sites; applicants in the major metros have closer options.
Classwork is primarily online, with asynchronous coursework and part-time scheduling. Students take one class every seven weeks, making this program flexible enough for working professionals. There are also three on-campus intensives where students can network and get hands-on experience at either the Athens or Dublin campus.
Students with an MSN can enter the 36-credit MSN to DNP track. A gap analysis will determine how many clinical hours are required to finish the program for these students. Other program features remain the same, with online asynchronous courses and on-campus intensives.
University of Akron
- Akron, Ohio
- Online with on-campus intensives
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $462.50 per credit + fees for Ohio residents; non-residents pay $320 surcharge per credit
Program Overview: Akron’s post-master’s DNP is structured around working APRNs adding the terminal credential while staying in practice. Its cohort model supports peer networking, and public in-state tuition keeps cost below Case Western or Xavier. A fit for Northeast Ohio APRNs wanting a public DNP at a mid-size university; BSN-entry applicants seeking a BSN-to-DNP should compare Kent State.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $836 per credit + fees for residents; $851 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview: UC’s DNP runs through its College of Nursing with clinical access to UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The R1 research university setting plus broad NP specialty mix (FNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, WHNP, Nurse-Midwifery) makes it a strong pick for Cincinnati-area applicants wanting academic medical center depth. In-state public tuition beats Case Western on cost while still offering flagship-tier clinical networks.
The University of Cincinnati also offers a post-master’s MSN to DNP option designed for nurses with an MSN who want to advance their knowledge in health policy, patient care, population health, and leadership.
Most of the classes in the DNP program are fully online, with asynchronous courses and flexible scheduling, so students can choose when to complete their coursework. Students must also complete a DNP project as part of the program. Those who live within two hours of campus are expected to defend their DNP project in person, while those who live farther away can present their project virtually.
University of Toledo
- Toledo, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $800.53 per credit + fees for residents; $1,293.08 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview: Toledo’s DNP runs out of the UT College of Nursing with MSN and BSN entry options plus post-master’s APRN certificates. The Northwest Ohio location matters most for applicants in the Toledo/Findlay corridor or Michigan border regions. In-state public tuition is competitive with Kent State; applicants in other Ohio metros have closer flagships.
All of these programs also have clinical practice requirements. The nurse executive pathway requires 1035 supervised clinical hours, and the clinical practice leadership track requires 540 hours. The clinical practice leadership pathway can be completed in 3.5 years, and the nurse executive pathway in five.
Ohio Online MSN to DNP Programs
Many of the DNP programs in Ohio require an MSN. We outline these programs in detail below.
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online with on-campus intensives
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $2,425 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview: Case Western’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing is consistently top-50 nationally in U.S. News, with clinical access to Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth. Its DNP pulls from all three NP specialty paths (family, adult-gerontology, psychiatric, pediatric acute) plus a strong research-embedded curriculum. Applicants prioritizing ranking prestige and Cleveland academic-medical-center acuity will find it the default flagship-private pick; price is the trade-off.
The 34-credit Executive Leadership Track has three online courses, with the remaining classes taught on campus as five intensive sessions. Each intensive consists of an eight-hour day, and there are three scheduled throughout the program. Students also have the option to arrange off-site courses with cooperating institutions.
Case Western Reserve also offers a Combined PhD/DNP Program. This program is designed for students who want to combine leadership and research. Students take the DNP and PhD programs concurrently, with an overlap of 11 credits between the programs allowed. The DNP/PhD program takes at least five years to complete and is quite intensive. Students complete both a PhD dissertation and a DNP project.
Kent State University
- Kent, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $10,706 per year + fees for residents, $19,954 per year + fees for non-residents
Program Overview: Kent State’s BSN-to-DNP runs through its multi-campus system (5 Northeast Ohio locations) with broad specialty options (FNP, AGPCNP, PMHNP) plus post-graduate APRN certificates. In-state public tuition and flexible campus access make it the strongest-value flagship-public DNP for RNs tied to the Cleveland-Akron corridor.
The MSN to DNP program offers two concentrations: executive nurse and systems leadership. The executive nurse concentration focuses on preparing professionals for executive roles in high levels of healthcare administration, and the systems leadership concentration prepares clinicians to lead teams on quality improvement, research, and evidence-based practice. These specialties are between 46 and 49 credits.
BSN-prepared nurses can also apply for the systems leadership program, but they are required to apply for dual admission to an MSN program. Post-BSN students will begin enrolling in their DNP classes after two semesters of full-time study.
Miami University
- Oxford, Ohio
- Online with on-campus practicum
Modality: Online with on-campus practicum
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $795 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Miami’s online DNP is delivered through the College of Education, Health, and Society with clinical hours in the student’s home region. It’s a fit for RNs outside the major metros wanting an established online program at a mid-tier public research university. Applicants needing on-campus clinical immersions or flagship research resources should compare Ohio State.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online with on-campus immersions
Modality: Online with on-campus immersions
Credit Hours: 37
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,065 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Mount Carmel’s DNP runs as a Catholic-affiliated program in Columbus, with clinical rotations through the Mount Carmel Health System. It’s a fit for Central Ohio RNs prioritizing mission-driven graduate study with a focused nursing-only institution; secular applicants in Columbus should weigh Ohio State’s in-state public rate and flagship research resources.
Most of the courses are online, and there are two on-campus immersions throughout the program at the Columbus, Ohio, campus. The two immersions, each lasting four to five days, take place during the first and second semesters of the program. There is also a two-day virtual immersion during the fourth semester.
Mount St. Joseph University
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $710 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Mount St. Joseph’s DNP is a Catholic-affiliated program in Cincinnati. It’s smaller and mission-driven compared to UC’s flagship offering; a fit for Cincinnati-area applicants wanting faith-integrated graduate study. Applicants prioritizing lowest tuition should compare UC’s public in-state rate.
This program can be completed entirely online and is designed so that people can continue working while finishing their degree. Students take two 10-week courses every semester and attend an online meeting at the beginning and end of each semester.
The Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $972.50 per credit + fees for residents; $1,802.44 surcharge for non-residents
Program Overview: Ohio State’s DNP runs through the College of Nursing with access to the Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Multiple pathways cover BSN-to-DNP, post-MSN DNP, and post-master’s APRN certificates across every NP specialty Ohio State offers. It’s the default flagship-public pick for Columbus-area applicants; ranking, clinical breadth, and in-state tuition all align.
The other option is the DNP Nurse Executive track. This program is for nurses who want to focus on learning and transforming healthcare organizations. Applicants must have an MSN or a master’s in another field, like an MBA or an MPH.
Each program can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time. Students will complete between 38 and 45 credits, depending on the track. All courses are online, and most meet at a set day and time at least once a week. There are no on-campus requirements.
Ursuline College
- Pepper Pike, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Unspecified
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $919 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Ursuline’s DNP runs as a Catholic-affiliated program from its Pepper Pike campus (Cleveland metro) with smaller cohorts than the public flagships. A fit for Cleveland-area RNs wanting values-aligned graduate study; secular applicants comparing tuition should look at Cleveland State or Kent State first.
Walsh University
- North Canton, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $745 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Walsh’s DNP at the Byers School of Nursing in North Canton is a Catholic-affiliated program with regional Northeast Ohio clinical networks. A fit for Canton/Akron-area RNs wanting Catholic-affiliated graduate study; secular applicants on a budget should compare Kent State or University of Akron’s public tuition.
Students in this program will complete a DNP project that investigates an administration or clinical-based problem chosen by the student. Students explore their chosen problems, read pertinent research and literature, and then implement their project during a clinical immersion experience.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $767 per credit + fees
Program Overview: Xavier’s DNP is a Jesuit-tradition program through the College of Nursing in Cincinnati with mission-driven curriculum and regional clinical partnerships. A fit for Cincinnati-area RNs wanting values-aligned graduate study; applicants prioritizing public in-state tuition should compare University of Cincinnati first.
This program is entirely online, but course requirements vary by professor. Most classes are asynchronous, but some may require students to log in at specific times.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Ohio
The lengths of these programs vary, in some cases quite significantly. If you’re interested in completing a DNP in as short a time as possible, consider one of the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP program is the one offered by Franklin University. This program takes about two years to complete, but students must take two bridge courses before beginning the program, which can add more time.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The DNP program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing can be completed in as little as 18 months. Although most of the courses are online, this program does require more on-campus time than any of the others. The program at Mount Carmel has two on-campus immersions, each lasting between four and five days.
Best DNP Programs in Ohio
“Best” depends on what you’re optimizing for. For ranking prestige, Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and The Ohio State University College of Nursing place consistently in U.S. News’s top 50 nursing graduate programs. University of Cincinnati and Kent State follow as strong public flagships with broad specialty mixes.
For research-integrated pathways, Case Western’s combined PhD/DNP program is distinctive. For leadership-focused applicants, Xavier’s Leadership and Population Health DNP and Franklin’s BSN-to-DNP Leadership offer non-clinical focuses. For applicants prioritizing faith-integrated study, Cedarville, Mount Carmel, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Mount St. Joseph, Ursuline, Walsh, and Xavier all frame their curricula around their respective Christian or Catholic traditions. See the program overviews above for specifics on each.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Ohio
Among Ohio DNP programs, University of Akron publishes the lowest per-credit rate at approximately $462.50 for residents (non-residents add a surcharge). Ohio University is next, running roughly $608–$667 per credit. Cedarville, Franklin University, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Miami University, and Mount St. Joseph all land below $800 per credit for most tracks.
Total program cost varies with credit count (38–100+ across the state) and entry point (BSN-to-DNP vs. post-MSN DNP). A 38-credit post-MSN DNP at Akron can total under $20,000 in-state; a 100-credit BSN-to-DNP at Case Western approaches $250,000. Ohio Board of Nursing’s scope-of-practice rules (Standard Care Arrangement required) apply regardless of program choice.
Out-of-state applicants should compare the non-resident rates carefully. Public Ohio schools typically charge an additional $300–$500 per credit for non-residents, which can shift the “cheapest” list meaningfully. Private schools (Case Western, Xavier, Ashland, Cedarville, Ursuline, Mount Carmel, Mount St. Joseph, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Walsh) charge flat rates regardless of residency.
Ohio DNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between BSN-to-DNP and post-MSN DNP?
BSN-to-DNP programs integrate MSN-level NP preparation with doctoral coursework in one pathway (typically 75–100 credits over 3–4 years). Post-MSN DNP programs are designed for currently-certified NPs who want to add the terminal degree (usually 18–36 credits over 1.5–2.5 years). Both result in the same DNP credential.
Is the DNP required to practice as an NP in Ohio?
No. Ohio’s APRN licensure currently accepts the MSN as the entry credential. The AACN has recommended the DNP as the terminal clinical degree for advanced practice, and some Ohio health systems are shifting toward DNP-preferred hiring, but it is not a regulatory requirement.
Which Ohio DNP programs rank highest?
Case Western Reserve’s Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing and Ohio State’s College of Nursing consistently place among U.S. News’s top 50 nursing graduate programs. University of Cincinnati and Kent State are also nationally ranked.
Can I complete a DNP program online in Ohio?
Several Ohio DNP programs offer online or hybrid pathways, including Franklin University, Xavier University, Ohio University, and Kent State (multi-campus). Clinical practicum hours are completed in the student’s region.
What is the average DNP-prepared NP salary in Ohio?
According to BLS OEWS data, Ohio NPs earn a mean annual wage of approximately $120,500. DNP-prepared NPs typically earn 5–10% above MSN-prepared peers, especially in leadership, academic, and specialty roles.