The Ohio State University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs: FNP, NNP, PMHNP
- BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Master's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate
The Ohio State University School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP), and Post-Master’s Certificate programs with three specializations that are distance accessible:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
MSN and certificate students in the neonatal NP track come to the Columbus, Ohio campus three times during the last four semesters of the program and FNP students come to campus once. The PMHNP program does not require any campus visits for the MSN and certificate programs. BSN to DNP students also come to campus for a DNP orientation and a final visit to defend their DNP projects. These visits are in addition to those required for the MSN programs. Clinicals for all tracks are completed at approved sites local to the student.
Each specialization utilizes evidence-based practice throughout the curriculum to promote better patient outcomes. The programs are offered part-time and full-time for maximum flexibility and many of the courses are synchronous for more faculty/peer interaction and collaboration. The curriculum for these programs meets the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) guidelines.
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) program prepares graduates to serve patients and their families across the lifespan in primary care settings, hospitals, schools, government facilities, and long-term health care situations. A holistic approach to healthcare sets the FNP apart, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. The FNP program also meets the Essentials of Master’s Education through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The Neonatal NP program prepares nurses to care for neonates, infants, and children up to two years old in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Applicants to the NNP program must have two years of full-time work experience in a NICU before beginning clinicals. The curriculum also meets the guidelines of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN).
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners serve patients across the lifespan with their mental health needs in settings such as counseling centers, rehabilitation centers, schools, correctional facilities, and government organizations. They may assess, diagnose, and treat patients through counseling, advice, programs, and the use of psychotropic medications. The curriculum also meets the guidelines of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Graduates of each specialization are eligible to take their respective certification exams through the ANCC, the AACN, or the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Ohio State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Ohio State University is located in Columbus, Ohio.
What to Expect from The Ohio State University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Admission Requirements: All nursing applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. The GRE and GMAT are not required for the certificate or BSN to DNP programs, however, they are required for the MSN programs if applicants do not meet the GPA requirement. Applicants to the NNP specialty track must have two years of full-time work experience as an RN in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before beginning clinicals.
- Program Specific Admission Requirements
- MSN: Hold a BSN degree from a CCNE-accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Application materials include an application, a statement of purpose, a resume or CV, contact information for three professional references, official transcripts, and proof of RN licensure in a program-approved state. An interview may be required.
- BSN to DNP: Hold a BSN degree from a CCNE-accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Those with a GPA less than 3.0 may still apply and be considered. Application materials include college transcripts, a current resume or CV, a purpose and goals statement, and three letters of recommendation. A recorded online video interview is also required.
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from a CCNE-accredited program. Candidates must have advanced practice nurse certification or have completed the following courses: Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Pathophysiology. Application materials include an online non-degree application, post-master’s application, college transcripts, resume or CV, a purpose and goals statement, two letters of recommendation, and proof of any certifications. An online interview will be required. Accepted students will have a gap analysis done to see which courses are needed to complete the certificate.
State Restrictions: Although Ohio State accepts students from most states, there are some restrictions. The nurse practitioner programs are not currently available to students residing in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, there is limited authorization in Alaska, Maryland, Utah, and Washington DC.
Students in any state outside of Ohio should check with the admissions department of the Ohio State School of Nursing to verify enrollment eligibility. In addition, out-of-state students should always verify that the program meets state licensure requirements in their state of residence.
Study Plan: Students are admitted to the nurse practitioner programs in the Fall only. The MSN programs can be completed in five semesters on a full-time basis or seven to eight semesters on a part-time basis. The BSN to DNP programs can be completed in four years on a full-time basis and about five years on a part-time basis. Depending on the results of the GAP Analysis, certificate program students may complete the program in one to two years. Students should expect to have to drive significant distances to fulfill clinical requirements as necessary.
MSN Curriculum: Core courses for the MSN programs include Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Across the Lifespan; Health Policy and Advocacy; Quality Improvement and Informatics; and Evidence-Based Nursing Scholarship.
- FNP Specialty Courses: The FNP specialty comprises 62 credits and 675 precepted clinical hours. Courses include Concepts in Advanced Family Nursing; Advanced Pharmacology in Nursing; Advanced Health Assessment; Pathophysiology of Altered Health States; and Advanced Nursing Practice FNP Clinical Practicum I-III.
- NNP Specialty Courses: The NNP specialty comprises 61 credits and 712.5 precepted clinical hours. Courses include Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology of the High-Risk Neonate I-II; Advanced Newborn/Infant Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment of the Neonate; Developmental Care of the High-Risk Neonate; Developmental Physiology and Pathophysiology of the High-Risk Neonate; and Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of the High-Risk Neonate I-III.
- PMHNP Specialty Courses: The PMHNP specialty comprises 63 credits plus 600 precepted clinical hours. Courses include Neuroscience Principles and Concepts Relevant to Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing; Advanced Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Therapies Across the Lifespan; Advanced Health Assessment; Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan; Pathophysiology of Altered Health States; Advanced Pharmacology in Nursing; Advanced Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care Practicum; and Advanced Practice Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Clinical Practicum I-II.
BSN to DNP Curriculum: The FNP specialization comprises 86 credits plus 1,260 clinical hours, the NNP 78 credits plus 1,212.5 clinical hours, and the PMHNP 87 credits plus 1,110 clinical hours. These programs require completion of the NP clinical hours as listed for the MSN programs and 500 DNP hours. Courses may include Pathophysiology of Altered Health States; Innovation and Leadership Development for the DNP Nurse; Professional Seminar; MINDSTRONG: An Evidence-Based Program to Reduce Stress and Promote Overall Well-Being; Nursing Policy for Doctoral Nursing Practice; Quality Improvement for the Doctor of Nursing Practice; Concepts in Advanced Family Nursing; Health Promotion in the Age of Personalized Health and Health Care; Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice; Informatics for Leadership in Health and Health Care; Practice Inquiry I-II; Science of Practice Innovation; Ethics in Healthcare Practice, Research, and Policy; Methods and Measurement for Clinical Practice Scholarship; Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pharmacology in Nursing; DNP Clinical Immersion I-II; and DNP Final Project I-II. Students also take APRN Certification Exam and Master’s Comprehensive Exam. In addition, each specialization takes the specialty courses listed above for the MSN.
FNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The FNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises approximately 29 credits depending on the GAP Analysis and includes 675 clinical hours. Courses follow the FNP specialty courses listed above.
NNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The NNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises approximately 28 credits depending on the GAP Analysis and includes 712.5 clinical hours. Courses follow the NNP specialty courses listed above.
PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum: The PMHNP Post-Master’s Certificate comprises approximately 33 credits depending on the GAP Analysis and includes 600 clinical hours. Courses follow the PMHNP specialty courses listed above.
Online Experience: Ohio State utilizes Canvas as its online learning management system (LMS). Many of the distance-based courses for the online nurse practitioner programs meet synchronously for a real-time experience, although some courses may be asynchronous. Applications available include CarmenCanvas, CarmenZoom (audio and web conferencing), and Mediasite (for recordings, lectures, and screen-sharing).
NNP track students come to campus three times for two to three days each, while FNP students visit campus once for two days. BSN to DNP students attend two additional campus visits. Access to student services includes faculty help, academic advising, technical support, bookstore and library services, tutoring, career counseling, and disability services.
On-Site Requirements: Neonatal NP students in the MSN and certificate programs come to the Columbus, Ohio campus three times for two to three days each, while family NP students visit campus once for two days. PMHNP students in the MSN and certificate programs are not required to attend campus. BSN to DNP students come to campus for orientation and to defend their final projects for a total of five visits for the NNP, four visits for FNP, and two visits for PMHNP students. An optional orientation is also held on campus for MSN and certificate students who are encouraged to attend, as well as participate in graduation ceremonies on campus.
Paying for The Ohio State University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
The Ohio State University charges $972.50 per credit plus fees for online tuition. Travel expenses for the campus requirements are not included in tuition costs. For current tuition prices and fees, prospective students should check with the Ohio State Admissions Department.
Ohio State online graduate nursing students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans through the FAFSA. Other options for funding may include employer tuition reimbursement programs and community and organizational grants and scholarships. Students may also wish to check with The Ohio State University School of Nursing as to the option of graduate scholarships and grants.
Many of the courses for The Ohio State University online FNP, NNP, and PMHNP programs are live, synchronous courses that make for a more collaborative, interactive environment for online students.
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Post-Master's Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate
Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
86
1,260
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA
Program Tuition
86
$972.50
$83,635.00
$972.50
$83,635.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
5
78
1,212.50
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA
Program Tuition
78
$972.50
$75,855.00
$972.50
$75,855.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
87
1,110
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA
Program Tuition
87
$972.50
$84,607.50
$972.50
$84,607.50
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
1
62
675
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.0)
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
62
$972.50
$60,295.00
$972.50
$60,295.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
61
712.5
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.0)
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
61
$972.50
$59,322.50
$972.50
$59,322.50
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
63
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Yes (if GPA <3.0)
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
63
$972.50
$61,267.50
$972.50
$61,267.50
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
29
675
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
29
$972.50
$28,202.50
$972.50
$28,202.50
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
28
712.5
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
28
$972.50
$27,230.00
$972.50
$27,230.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
Yes
0
33
600
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AZ, CO, DE, GA, ID, LA, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, RI, SD, TN, WA, WY
Program Tuition
33
$972.50
$32,092.50
$972.50
$32,092.50
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.