Old Dominion University Online MSN Programs: NP, Nurse-Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist

#21 Best Overall NP School

#10 Best Program Variety

• MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator
• MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
• MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
• MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
• MSN – Nurse-Midwifery (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• MSN – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (for RNs with non-nursing BA/BS degree)
• Post-Professional Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Post-Professional Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

The School of Nursing through Old Dominion University (ODU) offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with eight advanced practice registered nursing specializations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator (AGCNS)
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS)
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Nurse-Midwifery (NM)

There are two entry points: one for those with a BSN, and one for RN’s with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Coursework is delivered 100 percent online with varying campus visit requirements depending on the path chosen. Most specializations require three campus visits. Students also complete clinical practicums at approved facilities local to the student.

Additionally, post-professional certificates are offered in the AGCNS, FNP, and PMHNP specializations. These post-master’s certificates may have up to two visits plus clinical practicums.

The FNP, PMHNP, and NM specializations are only offered on a full-time basis. The nurse-midwifery program is a joint program with Shenandoah University. The first year of courses is taken through ODU, and the second year, which consists of specialization courses, is taken through Shenandoah. Upon graduation, Old Dominion University awards the MSN, and a nurse-midwifery specialty is awarded through Shenandoah.

The other five specializations are offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. Courses are delivered in a combination of asynchronous and synchronous formats. Live online classes usually take place Thursday mornings.

Graduates of each MSN specialization and the certificate programs are eligible to take the corresponding national certification exams.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). ODU is located in Norfolk, Virginia.

What to Expect

Admission Requirements: Applicants must hold a current, unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. Prerequisites include undergraduate physical or health assessment and undergraduate statistics. In addition, MSN applicants must hold a BSN or must be RNs with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The GRE or GMAT are not required.

Application materials include three letters of recommendation, an essay, proof of RN licensure, and a completed application, including official transcripts. Other requirements may include physical exams, immunizations, liability insurance, CPR certification, drug screening, and a background check.

Post-Professional Certificate applicants must have an MSN and have completed Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, Pharmacology, and Health Promotion with a grade of B or higher. No GRE is required. A resume, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts must be submitted.

State Restrictions: It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the program meets state licensure requirements in their chosen state of practice. ODU is an NC-SARA participant.

Study Plan: The FNP, PMHNP, and Nurse-Midwifery specializations are only offered full-time. The other tracks have full-time and part-time study options. Students also complete clinical preceptorships at approved locations. The full-time plans are designed to be completed in two years. Part-time plan completion times vary. Students should expect to spend three to six hours per week per credit on coursework.

MSN Curriculum: Courses for all specializations include Evidence-Based Research and Theories for Nursing Practice; Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing; Ethical Concepts of Advanced Practice Nursing; Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice; Physical Assessment for Advanced Nurse; Introduction to Health Care Disparities, Vulnerable Populations, and Epidemiology; and the Business of Advanced Nursing Practice.

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): This program comprises 49 credits plus 560 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care Approaches for Children; Family and Community Primary Care Assessment; Advanced Family Nursing I: Management of Acute Illnesses; Advanced Family Nursing I-III Practicum; Aging in the 21st Century; Health Promotion and Maintenance Advanced Family Nursing II: Management of Chronic Illnesses; and Primary Care Approaches for Women.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): This program requires the completion of 49 credits and 560 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care Approaches for Children; Family and Community Primary Care Assessment; Health Promotion and Maintenance; Advanced Pediatric: Practicum I-III Primary Care; The Growth and Development of Children in the 21st Century; Management of Acute Pediatric Conditions I; Management of Acute/Critical Pediatric Conditions II; and Seminar in Pediatrics: Management of Chronic and Complex Clinical Conditions.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): This program requires the completion of 49 credits and 560 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Newborn Assessment; Developmental Neonatal Physiology; Foundations of Advanced Neonatal Care; Pharmacology for Advanced Neonatal Care; Advanced Neonatal Care: High-Risk Management I-II; Advanced Neonatal Nursing Practicum I-III; and Seminar in Pediatrics: Management of Chronic and Complex Neonatal Problems.
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator (AGCNS): This program comprises 49 credits and 504 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Instructional Delivery Methods and Learner Assessment; Aging in the 21st Century; Nursing Curricular Design and Program Evaluation; Educator Internship: Classroom Instruction; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Introduction to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Role Socialization; Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Transition to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II: Role Transition; and Health Promotion and Maintenance.
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS): This program requires the completion of 50 credits and 504 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Primary Care Approaches for Children; Family and Community Primary Care Assessment; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Introduction to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Role Socialization; Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Transition to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II: Role Transition; Health Promotion and Maintenance; The Growth and Development of Children in the 21st Century; Management of Acute Pediatric Conditions I; and Management of Acute/Critical Pediatric Conditions II.
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS): This program comprises 52 credits and 504 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Introduction to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Role Socialization; Developmental Neonatal Physiology; Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Transition to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II: Role Transition; Foundations of Advanced Neonatal Care; Pharmacology for Advanced Neonatal Care; Advanced Neonatal Care: High-Risk Management I-II.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This program requires the completion of 42 credits and 504 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Health Promotion and Maintenance; Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychopharmacology; Foundations of Psychotherapy; Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Adult Practicum; Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Child & Adolescent; Management of Psychiatric Mental Health: Geriatric; Management of Complex Mental Health Across the Lifespan Practicum; Substance snd Relationship Abuse; snd Advanced Psychiatric Mental Health Practicum.
• Nurse-Midwifery (NM): This program comprises 52 credits plus 720 clinical hours. Specialty courses include Aging in the 21st Century; Health Promotion and Maintenance; Primary Care of Women; Comprehensive Antepartal Care; Midwifery Practicum; Comprehensive Perinatal Care; Integrated Midwifery Program; Evidence-Based Practice Project; and Advanced Nurse-Midwifery Role Development. The second year of these courses is taken through Shenandoah University.
• Post-Professional FNP Certificate Curriculum: The FNP certificate program comprises 23 to 24 credits plus 560 clinical hours. Courses include Primary Care Approaches for Children; Family and Community Primary Care Assessment; Advanced Family Nursing I: Management of Acute Illnesses; Advanced Family Nursing I-III Practicum; and Primary Care Approaches for Women.
• Post-Professional AGCNS Certificate Curriculum: The AGCNS certificate program comprises 19 credits plus 540 clinical hours. Courses include Aging in the 21st Century; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Introduction to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist I: Role Socialization; Clinical Nurse Specialist II: Transition to Practice; Clinical Nurse Specialist Practicum II: Role Transition; and Health Promotion and Maintenance.

Online Experience: Courses offered through ODU are delivered through the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). Some courses offer attendance at live video streams. Other course material is delivered asynchronously. Students may collaborate with classmates and faculty through online tools and email. Tests are administered through Canvas utilizing a focus-only web blocker.

Certain courses, such as Advanced Physical Assessment, Aging in the 21st Century, and clinical courses, require campus visits, usually once per semester. Students may also need to come to the Virginia Beach campus for a comprehensive exam. Online student services include admissions counseling, academic advising, career counseling, faculty office hours, technical support, and tutoring services.

On-Site Requirements: Old Dominion University online students come to the Virginia Beach campus in Norfolk, VA, about three to four times for intensive learning and a comprehensive exam. Students are also welcome to visit campus and participate in campus graduation.