Ohio Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

Case Western Reserve University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review
Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue # E421, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Case Western Reserve University, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a merger of Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University. The university was established in 1826. Nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enroll at Case Western Reserve University each year.

In addition to offering the PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University offers a dual DNP/PhD in Nursing degree program, one of very nursing schools to do so.

The Dual PhD/DNP program uniquely prepares nursing students for a role as a clinical researcher. The doctoral program can be completed in as little as 5 years. Some courses in the program are taken concurrently. To apply for the dual nursing doctoral degree program, applicants must complete separate admission processes for both the DNP, which is handled by the nursing school and through Case Western Reserve University, which admits students for the PhD degree. Students indicate their intent to apply for the dual degree program on their application forms.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice for masters prepared nurses is also offered individually. The DNP program at Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The PhD in Nursing program at FPB School of Nursing offers entry pathways for bachelors and masters prepared nurses, nurses seeking to study in summers only and nurses seeking an accelerated option. Students in the PhD in Nursing program can choose from one of six areas of research in which faculty specialize: oncology/genetics, cardiopulmonary, maternal-child, health services, gerontology and mental health.

Kent State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

Kent State University
College of Nursing
Henderson Hall
Box 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242

Kent State University is a public university in Kent, Ohio. The university has seven other campuses located throughout the state, though Kent is the flagship campus. Over 25,000 students are enrolled at the Kent State University campus.

The College of Nursing at Kent State University grants associate through doctoral degrees in nursing. The PhD in Nursing is offered in collaboration with the University of Akron, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice is the newest terminal degree program.

The PhD in Nursing program is based on the Boyer Model of Scholarship which includes the four components of teaching, integration, discovery and application. The doctoral nursing research program may be completed in as little as 6 semesters of study. Applicants to the PhD program should have a bachelors and masters degree. Applicants with a bachelors or masters degree in a related health field will be considered as long as one degree, undergraduate or graduate, is in nursing.

Prospective students to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program should have a minimum 3.0 GPA from an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing) program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. The DNP program is for masters prepared nurses with an advanced practice qualification and clinical experience as a nurse. Students in the DNP program will complete their studies part time, which will include 37 academic credits and a minimum of 540 clinical practicum hours.

The Ohio State University: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

The Ohio State University

154 W 12th Avenue

Columbus, Ohio, 43210

The Ohio State University (more commonly known as Ohio State University or OSU) is a public research university founded in 1870. The college is based in Columbus, Ohio and enrolls over 60,000 students annually.

OSU’s PhD in Nursing program admits both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. A unique Graduate Entry Option allows nurses to apply to the doctoral nursing research program in the second year of their graduate education program. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is a full or part time program for masters prepared Advanced Practice Nurses.

Focus areas of research interest include women and infant health, health risk management and reduction, decision making and symptom biology and management. Students considering applying to the PhD program may be eligible for several financial aid opportunities for the nursing PhD including graduate assistantships which pay tuition and a stipend, and also the University Fellowship, which also pays a tuition and stipend but does not require the nursing doctoral student to work.

Specific differences between the DNP and PhD in Nursing program are that the DNP prepares nurses for scientific research and scholarship as it relates to the nursing setting. The DNP prepares nurses for a clinical or a role closely related to nursing practice such as healthcare policy or leadership. Admission requirements for the DNP include a BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing or a similar health care field.

Otterbein University: DNP Program Review

Otterbein University

1 South Grove Street

Westerville, OH 43081

Otterbein University is a private university based in Westerville, Ohio. The liberal arts institution has roots with the United Methodist Church. Over 3,000 students are served each year at Otterbein University, which was founded in 1847. The university has a long history and tradition in the USA of welcoming marginalized groups admitting women, and minority students at a time when a university education was provided to limited groups.

Courses in the DNP program are delivered in a hybrid format, with both face-to-face and on-campus meetings. The doctoral nursing program can be completed in as little as two years of study. Applicants should have an MSN and education for the advanced practice nurse role before applying to the DNP. A minimum 3.25 GPA and a nursing license valid in the state in which clinical practicum experience will be performed is required.

It is recommended, though not required that nurses have an APRN certification. Applicants should have at least one year of professional experience as an advanced practice nurse. A personal statement that demonstrates a match between the prospective student and the nursing program is required as well as a prerequisite course in research.

In some cases, nurses with previous graduate coursework may be able to transfer credits to the DNP program. If a nurse has APRN certification, clinical practice hours towards the 1000 required to earn the DNP will be accepted from previous clinical practicum work.

Otterbein University has plans to offer a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program at the BSN to DNP level in the future.

University of Toledo: DNP Program Review

University of Toledo

2801 W Bancroft St

Toledo, OH 43606

Based in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo is a public research university awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees. Founded in 1872, the university is one of over 10 public universities located in the state of Ohio.

A Direct and Indirect Care option are offered in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Toledo. While the Direct Care program emphasizes the clinical role of the doctoral prepared nurse, the Indirect Care track focuses on administrative and leadership roles. The DNP program may be completed in eight semesters of study.

Students interested in the DNP program should have a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Master of Science with a Nursing major earned with a 3.3 or higher GPA. The applicant’s masters program should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). In addition to having a nursing license, applicants to the DNP degree program should have certification in a clinical or administrative focused area of advanced practice. Only students with international degrees that are applying to the nursing doctoral program are required to take the GRE.

Nursing applications for the DNP program at the University of Toledo are submitted through Nursing Central Admission Services and also to the College of Nursing at the University of Toledo. Scholarships and financial aid are available to nursing students in good standing, which hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

University of Akron: PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of Akron

The School of Nursing

Mary Gladwin Hall
209 Carroll Street
Akron, Ohio 44325-3701

Founded in 1870, what was formerly Buchtel College is now the University of Akron. The university offers more than 300 academic programs and over 200 extracurricular student organizations to join.

The University of Akron offers a joint PhD program in collaboration with Kent State University. The doctoral nursing program offers online courses in addition to campus-based courses held at the University of Akron and Kent State University. Admission to the PhD program requires a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) and MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Prospective students with a masters degree in a field related to nursing may also be considered for admission to the PhD program. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in order to be considered for the doctoral nursing research program.

In addition to meeting academic and degree requirements, nursing students are required to submit other documents and take additional academic tests or courses as part of the admission process. Transcripts and an exam score for the GRE no more than 7 years prior should be submitted with the nursing PhD admission application.

The PhD in Nursing program is offered both full and part time to accommodate the various needs of working nurses. Once accepted, admission to the PhD in Nursing program may be deferred for up to 2 years.

University of Cincinnati: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of Cincinnati

College of Nursing

3110 Vine St.

Cincinnati OH 45221-0038

The University of Cincinnati, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, offers over 300 academic degree programs, has a student to faculty ratio of 15:1 and serves over 42,000 students. Awards and honors of the university include being named among the most “green” and beautiful campuses in the nation.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, applicants should have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing. The nursing PhD is offered for full or part time study, with three years being the minimum time required for a full time student to complete the program. Graduate Assistantships and UGS (University Graduate Scholarships) are financial assistance opportunities offered by the College of Nursing.

Most students who pursue a PhD in Nursing pursue careers in academia and research-focused higher education institutions. Nurses with a PhD may also pursue education in health care related organizations and hospitals.

For practice-focused nurses, the DNP degree may be completed in a minimum of four semesters of study. In order to be admitted to the DNP program, applicants must have an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing). Nurses with a masters degree in a field other than nursing cannot be considered for this DNP program. The desired GPA for admission into the DNP program is 3.25. Applicants with a 3.25 or higher GPA do not have to take the GRE.

Wright State University: DNP Program Review

Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway

Dayton, OH 45435

Wright State University is a private university with two campuses in Ohio, the Dayton and Lake campuses, with the Dayton campus being the main campus. The university offers associate through doctoral degree programs. Wright State University has held classes since 1964, and was recognized as a university in 1967.

Wright State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in collaboration with the University of Toledo. The DNP program is an online program, which offers two concentrations. The Indirect Care concentration is for nurses pursuing leadership roles, and the Direct Care concentration is for nurses pursuing an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) role such as NP (Nurse Practitioner), CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), CNA (Nurse Anesthetist) or CNM (Nurse Midwife).

Prospective students should note that the doctoral nursing program is only offered on part time study. Applications to the DNP are accepted annually in January, March and June, though students may be admitted in the fall if seats are available in the DNP program. The College of Nursing encourages prospective students to contact the nursing program with questions.

Admission criteria for the DNP program include an MSN with an APRN certification. Applicants should have an MSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.3.