11 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Ohio – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, a nurse manager, a nurse executive, or a clinical nurse researcher in Ohio? All those healthcare career paths and more are open to graduates of BSN to DNP programs in Ohio. Demand for nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees is high in the Buckeye State, and you can anticipate making a salary of $125,840 per year on average. Many BSN to DNP programs in Ohio are offered in a distance learning format, so you won’t have to give up your job while you’re making an educational investment in your future. Discover more by looking through this list of the 11 best BSN to DNP programs in Ohio for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN OHIO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 11 Best BSN to DNP Programs in Ohio (Online & Campus).)1. Ohio University - Athens
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Geri Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Executive
Regardless of the specialization you choose, you’ll complete the coursework remotely through online classes. In addition, every BSN-to-DNP track needs you to attend on-campus intensives. Graduation requires you to complete around 74 credits and at least 1000 hours of clinical practice.
Some of the common courses you take, make you proficient in topics including, leadership in systems & organizations, informatics, evidence-based practice, health policy & advocacy, epidemiology & population health, and the principles of business & resource management. In addition to core and specialization-specific courses, you’ll also complete a DNP project and thoughtfully planned clinicals.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. In addition, your RN license must be valid in your state of practice. The school also requires you to have completed undergraduate courses in research methods and statistics. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit three professional references, a personal goal statement, and your transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Ohio University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Ohio University BSN-to-DNP program reports an excellent placement rate, having employers desire graduates for their exceptional professional skillset.• Ohio University nursing school’s graduate programs rank among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• This BSN to DNP program provides interprofessional learning experiences and also offers electives to help you reach your academic and career goals.
2. The Ohio State University - Columbus
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
All the BSN to DNP specializations are offered with full-time and part-time enrollment. If you choose any of the BSN-to-DNP-NP tracks from, adult gerontology care, family health, neonatal care, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, or women’s health, you’ll require completing around 75 credits. On the other hand, the adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist track comprises a total of 70 credits. Whereas, if you choose to complete your BSN-to-DNP, having nurse-midwifery as your area of emphasis, you’ll require completing 97 credits.
Each BSN-to-DNP track builds on a common core coursework that covers topics such as foundations of evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, nursing research, and ethics in healthcare policy. Further, you complete the specialization-specific courses and a DNP project.
Admission Requirements: Ohio State University’s BSN to DNP program reviews applications holistically, so ensure you complete all aspects of your application. To qualify, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, your RN license must be active and unencumbered. Also, you are required to complete a prerequisite course in statistics. To apply, you must submit your transcripts, a current resume, a personal goals statement, and three letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential The Ohio State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• The Ohio State University nursing school’s doctorate ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s best DNP programs in the nation.• State-of-art simulation, nationally recognized faculty members, and extensive clinical training are some of the reasons that make Ohio State University’s BSN to DNP program rather popular.
• If you choose the FNP, NNP, or PMHNP specialization, you’ll be able to complete this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio entirely online. Also, even the clinical experiences can be completed within your geographical location.
3. Kent State University - Kent
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Regardless of the BSN-to-DNP track you choose, you’ll take a total of four years to complete the program. The first two years are spent completing the MSN and advanced practice courses, after which you can take the national certification exam within your chosen area of focus. Thereafter, you continue with the program to complete the DNP coursework.
Out of all the DNP tracks offered by Kent State, the CNS, PMHNP, and WHNP tracks are 100% online, whereas the AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, and PPCNP specializations are offered in person. To graduate, based on what you choose, you’ll require completing 71 to 79 credits and around 1050 to 1200 hours of clinical practice. The doctoral core courses that are common to all tracks include clinical analytics, research methods for evidence-based practice, organizational systems, quality improvement in healthcare, population health, healthcare finance, and health economics.
Admission Requirements: To meet the admission requirements of this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have a BSN from an accredited school or university. Further, your RN license must be active in your state of practice. In addition, you must submit your resume, an essay, three letters of recommendation, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Kent State University BSN-to-DNP Students
• At Kent State nursing school, you’ll find several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to make your BSN to DNP program rather affordable.• Here, you will be taught by doctorally prepared faculty members who are active practitioners and researchers.
• Kent State University nursing school is a distinguished Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Therefore, you can rest assured of receiving a top-quality doctoral education that matches industry standards.
4. Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
Spanning over nine semesters, the coursework comprises core courses, doctoral courses, and nurse anesthesia-related courses. The program covers topics such as advanced physiology, pharmacological strategies in anesthesia practice, advanced physical assessment, and theories for nursing practice. You’ll also be taught about leadership in organizations & systems, healthcare policy & planning, advanced leadership & management in healthcare, and ethical issues in advanced nursing practice.
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the CRNA certification exam.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN licensure must be valid and unencumbered in your state of practice. Additionally, you are required to submit three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and a resume.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Case Western Reserve University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Case Western Reserve University’s DNP program ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Case Western Reserve University nursing school celebrates 100 years of excellence in nursing education. Over this long period, the school has produced several nurse leaders who are influencing healthcare across the globe.
• Case Western Reserve University’s nursing school is one of the proud recipients of funding from the NIH. So, as BSN to DNP student, you’ll be able to engage in innovative research and interprofessional learning experiences.
5. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Health Nursing, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Public Health, and Systems Leadership
While the adult gerontology acute care and nursing anesthesia tracks are offered in person, all other BSN-to-DNP tracks can be completed online. Graduation requirements are based on the BSN-DNP track you choose and range from 77 to 82 credits. On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within nine semesters.
The DNP-NP tracks emphasize the healthcare management of your chosen population focus, and the nursing anesthesia specialization trains you to provide anesthesia care to patients across their lifespans.
Whereas, if you choose occupational health nursing as your DNP focus, you’ll work towards occupational health & safety programs, ensuring the well-being of employees and workers.
On the other hand, the public health focus equips you with specialized skills in advancing public health, locally, nationally as well as globally.
If you choose to complete your doctorate in systems leadership, you’ll be prepared to play leadership roles where you’ll enhance patient outcomes in a complex healthcare environment.
No matter your area of focus, upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the national certification exam within your chosen field.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the school requires you to submit a copy of your RN license, your transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Cincinnati BSN-to-DNP Students
• University of Cincinnati nursing school boasts of an excellent pass rate on the national certification exams. So, no matter the BSN-to-DNP track you choose, you will leave the school, thoroughly prepared to achieve academic as well as professional success.• In addition to competitive tuition costs, the University of Cincinnati's BSN-to-DNP program offers a plethora of funding and scholarship opportunities.
• As a graduate of this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you will join a large network of more than 20,000 nursing alumni who are holding pivotal positions in healthcare across the globe.
6. University of Toledo - Toledo
Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Executive
The school offers several BSN-to-DNP tracks that help you gain specialized knowledge in adult-gerontology care, family health, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health. Also, if you are inclined toward indirect patient care, then there is also a nurse executive specialization that you can consider.
Based on the BSN-to-DNP specialization you choose, you’ll require completing 69 to 74 credits. If you choose any of the DNP-NP tracks, you will learn topics such as biostatistical methods, healthcare informatics, population health, advanced physiology & pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, public policy, and advanced pharmacotherapeutics. In addition, the DNP-NP coursework also includes courses in quality & Advoccay, transformational & systems leadership, and advanced health assessment. Further, you’ll complete NP-related courses within your chosen population focus.
On the other hand, if you are choosing the nurse executive specialization, apart from the core graduate courses, you'll complete courses covering topics such as business skills, management & leadership skills, and evaluation & dissemination.
Admission Requirements: To fulfill the admission requirements of this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you must submit your resume, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Besides, you must have completed an undergraduate course in statistics.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Toledo BSN-to-DNP Students
• At the University of Toledo nursing school you’ll enjoy both, the resources of a large university and the personalized touch of a close-knit learning environment.• University of Toledo nursing school ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• With more than 50 years of excellence in nursing education, the nursing school has produced many nurse leaders who have actively contributed to nursing research and innovation.
• The interdisciplinary learning environment of the University of Toledo nursing school provides ample opportunities to interact with students from other healthcare fields.
7. The University of Akron - Akron
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
Offered through a combination of online and on-campus classes, you’ll take 36 months to earn your doctorate, out of which 33 months are to be spent in a residency. This BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio comprises a total of 93 credits, including 14 credits in core courses, 37 credits in DNP courses, and 42 credits in nursing anesthesia courses.
Some of the CRNA topics you’ll learn, include advanced pathophysiology, scientific components of nurse anesthesia, advanced pharmacology, anesthesia techniques, & procedures, and the professional role of nurse anesthesia. Aside from this, the DNP courses that you take teach you information management in healthcare, advanced healthcare statistics, fiscal management in healthcare, and nursing leadership.
Admission Requirements: This BSN to DNP program is open to BSN-prepared registered nurses who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a copy of your RN license, and your official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential The University of Akron BSN-to-DNP Students
• University of Akron’s BSN-to-DNP program in nursing anesthesia is the largest CRNA program in the Buckeye State.• University of Akron nursing school boasts of an excellent pass rate on the CRNA national certification.
• University of Akron’s BSN-to-DNP program reports a high retention rate, indicating that students are satisfied with the learning experience and therefore choosing to continue with the program.
• The BSN to DNP program graduates are not only serving in eminent hospitals and healthcare centers across the state but also throughout the nation. Some of the prominent employers include the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Akron General Medical Centre, Akron Children’s Hospital, and many more.
8. Ursuline College - Pepper Pike
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Leadership
Regardless of the BSN-to-DNP specialization you opt for, you can graduate with a doctorate within two years of full-time study or four years if you enroll part-time. Based on the specialization you choose, to earn your doctorate, you will require completing 73 to 81 credits, with the leadership track comprising the least number, and the adult gerontology acute care track having the maximum number of credits.
Admission Requirements: If you are interested in applying to any of the BSN-to-DNP tracks offered by Ursuline College, then you must foremost have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Besides, you are required to possess an unencumbered RN license. The school also requires you to submit all your official transcripts, three recommendation letters, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Ursuline College BSN-to-DNP Students
• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Ursuline College’s graduate nursing programs among the best in the nation.• The Ursuline College’s nursing school is a designated Center of Excellence in nursing education. This is a great indicator of the high-quality BSN to DNP education you can expect to receive.
• Not all BSN-to-DNP programs in Ohio confer an MSN, however with Ursuline College’s BSN-to-DNP program, you’ll also earn an MSN along the way to a DNP.
• This BSN to DNP program also offers two sub-specialties, including palliative care and nursing education. If you choose to complete nursing education, you can qualify for the nurse faculty loan program. Whereas, palliative care further enhances your skills as a nurse practitioner.
9. Ashland University - Ashland
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Health Systems Leadership
The BSN-to-DNP-FNP track is a 77-credit coursework that includes 21 credits in APRN courses and 22 credits in FNP courses. This BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio prepares you to provide advanced primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan.
On the other hand, the BSN-to-DNP leadership program comprising 57 credits, emphasizes management & communication, and healthcare finance, healthcare improvement. Integrating business and nursing concepts, the program prepares you to transform healthcare at the organizational level.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, regardless of the specialization, you must have BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, you are required to have a valid RN license in your state of practice. Additionally, to fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit your transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Ashland University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Ashland University’s BSN-to-DNP program boasts of an impressive pass rate on the national certification exams.• The U.S. News & World Report ranks Ashland University’s online graduate nursing programs among the best in the nation.
• Ashland University’s BSN to DNP program is rooted in faith-based values of service and compassion. You’ll be nurtured in a supportive learning environment that is invested in your academic and professional success.
10. Walsh University - North Canton
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio starts thrice a year, so you can start when convenient. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within three years. Also, you can enroll in the part-time schedule if you prefer a slower pace of study. The coursework comprises a total of 63 credits, including 1,250 clinical hours. Some of the courses you take include advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, healthcare economics & finance, and primary care of adults and elderly across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: To gain admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in Ohio, you must have an accredited RN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your current RN license must be active and unencumbered. Besides, you are required to complete a graduate-level course in statistics. To apply, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a resume, a personal goal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Walsh University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Walsh University’s nursing school ranks among the best in the Midwest Region as per the U.S. News & World Report.• Walsh University’s BSN-to-DNP program boasts of an excellent pass rate on the FNP certification exam.
• Walsh University nursing school offers a highly supportive, close-knit environment where you’ll be mentored by an experienced faculty who offer an engaging online learning experience.
11. Otterbein University - Westerville
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Anesthesia
With a combination of online and on-campus classes, the school provides the flexibility of taking classes from anywhere as well as the engaging learning experience of in-person classes.
The BSN-to-DNP-FNP program comprises 66 credits, whereas the BSN-to-DNP-PMHNP track is a 77-credit coursework. On the other hand, the nursing anesthesia track requires you to complete 101 credit hours.
Some of the core topics you’ll learn about include advanced pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, advanced pharmacology, biostatistics & epidemiology, health policy & and politics for advanced nursing practice, and nursing leadership.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, the school requires you to complete an undergraduate course in statistics. Besides, you must have the following submissions ready, including your transcripts, a resume, recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Otterbein University BSN-to-DNP Students
• Otterbein University’s BSN to DNP graduates consistently surpass the national averages on the national certification exams.• If you are an Otterbein alumnus, then you may be eligible for a special tuition cost.
• From all the BSN-to-DNP programs in Ohio, Otterbein BSN to DNP is unique in the sense that you’ll complete your BSN to MSN coursework within two years after which, if you wish to, you can take a break and later come back to complete the DNP courses. The two-year break-point also allows you to take the national certification exam within your chosen area of focus, after which you’ll be able to work in your advanced practice role, before even graduating with a doctorate.
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