Ashland University Online FNP Programs

Admission Requirements: Admission to Ashland University’s online DNP program is open to registered nurses who demonstrate academic readiness, professional experience, and a commitment to advanced practice nursing. As mentioned above, the program offers two entry pathways, each with specific eligibility standards and documentation requirements.

Applicants must hold either a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. All applicants must maintain a valid RN license and have at least one year of clinical practice experience. A course in undergraduate or graduate-level statistics is required, along with a successful program interview.

For the BSN-to-DNP pathway, applicants must currently practice as an RN and provide evidence of at least one year of clinical experience. For the MSN to DNP pathway, applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing, provide proof of a current certificate of authority as an advanced practice nurse, and have one year or more of advanced practice experience.

To complete the application process, students must submit a completed Ashland University application, application fee, resume, official academic transcripts from all institutions, and three letters of recommendation. In addition, applicants must provide a copy of their RN license. A two-page essay explaining their reasons for pursuing the DNP degree and a successful interview are also required.

State Restrictions: The Ashland University DNP program is authorized for licensure only within the state of Ohio. According to the program’s licensure disclosure, the DNP program does not meet the requirements for licensure in any other U.S. state or territory. Students whose permanent residence is outside of Ohio may enroll in the program only if they formally agree that, upon graduation, they intend to seek employment in the state of Ohio.

Study Plan: The Ashland University DNP program offers a flexible study plan designed to support working nursing professionals. Available fully online, the program allows students to continue their clinical practice while completing coursework and residencies over two to four years, depending on the track and entry point.

The program has two main tracks: the BSN-to-DNP FNP track and the MSN-to-DNP FNP track. Students are required to participate in a practice residency at healthcare facilities, complemented by a scholarly project. Total credits range from 38 to 77, depending on the chosen track. Students are expected to fulfill all requirements successfully within five years of initial enrollment.

Curriculum: Both DNP-FNP tracks at Ashland University equip nurses with advanced clinical knowledge and leadership skills for primary care practice across the lifespan.

The BSN-to-DNP track curriculum includes foundational courses such as DNP role and interprofessionalism; scientific basis for advanced nursing practice; epidemiology and biostatistics; research methods and evidence-based practice; healthcare informatics; healthcare delivery, quality, and safety; health policy and advocacy; principles of practice management; interprofessional seminar; and a two-part scholarly project. Advanced courses cover advanced pathophysiology I-II; advanced pharmacology I-II, and advanced health assessment I-II. Speciality courses include primary care I family; primary care II pediatrics & women’s health; primary care III adults & older adults; and primary care IV acute care. The curriculum also includes two residency experiences for clinical practice immersion.

The MSN-to-DNP track follows a similar curriculum but assumes prior foundational graduate nursing knowledge. It includes the same core DNP courses, advanced practice nursing courses, primary care specialty courses, scholarly projects, and residency requirements. This track is designed for master’s-prepared nurses who already hold certification as advanced practice registered nurses but seek doctoral-level skills and credentials in FNP practice.

Online Experience: Ashland University’s DNP program is delivered fully online, providing working nurses with the flexibility to advance their education without disrupting their professional and personal lives. Students have 24/7 access to course materials, lectures, assignments, and faculty support through an online learning platform. Students work on scholarly projects and participate in interprofessional seminars remotely, while continuing clinical practice in their local settings.

On-Site Requirements: Though the program is primarily online, it includes residency experiences that require students to participate in practice residencies at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities. These residencies provide critical hands-on opportunities. Students are required to complete two residencies during their program. The residencies ensure students gain clinical expertise in their specialization and meet certification requirements.