Ohio University Online NP Programs: AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP
- BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Ohio University School of Nursing offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-Master’s Certificate, each with three nurse practitioner specializations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Coursework is online with three to six campus visits depending on which degree and specialty is chosen. Students complete practicums at approved facilities local to the student.
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) programs prepare graduates to improve the quality of patient care in acute and complex care settings through advanced clinical diagnostic skills and evidence-based decision-making skills. Courses are both theoretical and practice-based and provide graduates with opportunities to plan and evaluate patient care, practice AGACNP skills, and apply knowledge to specific cases. Included in this program are four on-campus intensives. Students in this track will be prepared to take the AGACNP certification exam.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs are both knowledge- and practice-based, allowing students to learn and apply nursing skills in clinical situations. Focusing on evidence-based practice and quality of patient care, FNP graduates learn how to care for patients across the lifespan. One course focuses specifically on the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age, while another focuses on caring for adults and older adults. FNPs focus on preventive medicine, physical assessment, yearly exams, healthcare patient education, and diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses. Graduates will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam.
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs prepare graduates to diagnose and treat the mental health of patients across the lifespan. Learned skills include advanced therapeutic modalities, including individual, group, and family psychotherapy, mental health assessment, and diagnostic reasoning. PMHNP students are also trained in advanced psychopharmacology and pathophysiology. Courses cover assessment and management of mental health disorders, neurobiology and theory in psychiatric mental health, and psychotherapeutic treatment. Graduates will be eligible to take the PMHNP certification exam.
Nurse practitioners work in various care settings depending on their specialization, including hospitals, acute and complex care units, private clinics, mental health facilities, schools, rehabilitation facilities, long-term care facilities, and home health situations.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online NP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Ohio University is located in Athens, Ohio.
What to Expect from the Ohio University Online AG-ACNP, FNP, and PMHNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Ohio University online MSN program must have a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; BSN to DNP applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.2; Post-Master’s Certificate applicants need a 3.0 or higher GPA for full admission. In addition, prospective students must hold a current, unrestricted RN license and have earned a grade of C or better in the following courses: chemistry, statistics, anatomy and physiology I-II, research, and microbiology. Prospective students must present proof of the equivalent of two years of full-time nursing experience within the past five years. Application materials include official transcripts, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, specified health status requirements, background checks, a statement of professional goals, and an application fee. International students must reside in one of the states listed in the State Restrictions section below and have appropriate English language test scores. Students will also participate in an online admission interview with faculty. No GRE or GMAT is required.
State Restrictions: In order to attend the online NP programs through Ohio University, students must be a resident of Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. In addition, students should check with their state of residence for licensing requirements.
Study Plan: The online MSN program can be completed in six semesters by taking two courses per term. The online DNP program takes two to four years to complete. The Post-Master’s Certificates take three semesters to complete. Courses run seven weeks each, and students can take up to two courses each semester. The programs are offered part-time. The AGACNP program begins in the Fall only, while the FNP and PMHNP programs begin twice a year in the Fall and Spring semesters. MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate students complete 750 clinical hours for the AG-ACNP and FNP specializations and 500 for the PMHNP specialization. BSN to DNP students complete at least 1,000 clinical hours.
MSN Core Curriculum: Core courses for the online MSN include Advanced Pathophysiology; Advanced Pharmacology; Analyzing EBP for the APN; Health Appraisal for NPs; Assessment and Intervention for Families; and Theoretical Basis of Practice.
AGACNP Curriculum: The AGACNP specialty comprises 38 credits plus 750 clinical hours. Specialization courses include AGACNP Management of Common Adult Health Problems I-II; Applied Clinical Pharmacology for the AGACNP; Advanced Diagnostics and Procedures for Clinical Decision-Making; and AGACNP in Practice. This specialty also includes the 2-credit Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners.
FNP Curriculum: The FNP specialization comprises 37 credits plus 750 clinical hours. Specialization courses include Advanced Maternal and Child Care; Primary Care of Adults and Older Adults; Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care Practice; and Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners.
PMHNP Curriculum: The PMHNP specialization comprises 38 credits plus 500 clinical hours. Specialization courses include Neurobiological and Theoretical Basis for Psychiatric Mental Health in Advanced Nursing Practice; Assessment and Management of Mental Health Disorders for Advanced Nursing Practice I-II; Psychotherapeutic Treatment Modalities for Advanced Nursing Practice; PHM Practicum for APN I-III; and Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners.
BSN to DNP Curriculum: The online BSN to DNP program comprises 70 credits plus at least 1,000 clinical hours. DNP courses include Professional Presence; Statistics Review; Advanced Pathophysiology in Nursing Practice; Advanced Pharmacology; Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Practitioners; Leadership, Role, and Collaboration; Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice; Quality and Safety in Population Health; Health Policy and Advocacy for Advanced Nursing Practice; Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice; Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Application; Business/Finance Resources Allocation; Diagnostic Reasoning; and Epidemiology and Population Health for Advanced Nursing Practice. Nurse practitioners then complete their clinical courses for their specialization. As well, a DNP Practicum and DNP Immersion are required.
Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) Curriculum: The PMCs comprise 20 credits and require the completion of 750 clinical hours for the AG-ACNP and FNP specializations and 500 clinical hours for the PMHNP specialization. Courses include Diagnostic Reasoning and respective Clinicals 1-3. Prereuqisites include Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology in Nursing Practice, and Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Practitioners.
Online Experience: Ohio University utilizes Blackboard as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Courses are both synchronous and asynchronous and prove to be interactive and collaborative. Blackboard offers tools such as discussion boards and video collaboration tools. The Ohio eCampus offers students free online tutoring and writing services, academic advising, learning support, library services, 24/7 tech support, services through the Career and Leadership Development Center (CLDC), counseling and psychological services, and a student Success Center.
On-Site Requirements: Ohio MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate NP students must come to the Athens, Ohio, campus three times for intensives, typically at the beginning, middle, and end of the programs. These may include orientation, pre-clinical, mid-clinical, and final clinical intensives. OCIs may focus on assessment, clinical management, and preparation for the certification exams. BSN to DNP students must come to campus three times for the DNP portion and three times for the NP portion of the program. Some visits may be combined; therefore, students should verify with the Ohio University School of Nursing for complete details.
Paying for the Ohio University Online AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP Programs
Ohio University has varying tuition for residents and non-residents, as well as varied cost-per-credit depending on specialization. Estimated tuition for each nurse practitioner program is listed in its respective table below. Prospective students should contact the admissions department at Ohio University to verify program tuition and fees.
Ohio University offers unsubsidized federal graduate loans administered according to the FAFSA. Nursing students may check with their employers to see if they qualify for a tuition reimbursement program. Ohio University students may also seek outside opportunities to fund their MSN degree, including scholarships and grants.
Offered to students in 28 states with affordable tuition rates and AGACNP, FNP, and PMHNP specializations, the Ohio University online MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate programs focus on the unique challenges of nurse practitioners with a comprehensive curriculum and in-depth learning through online coursework, three to four immersions, and clinicals local to the student.
BSN to DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Ohio University in Athens
Athens, Ohio 45701
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
6
70
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.2 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
70
$608.00
$42,560.00
$627.00
$43,890.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
6
70
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.2 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
70
$608.00
$42,560.00
$627.00
$43,890.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
6
70
1,000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.2 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
70
$608.00
$42,560.00
$627.00
$43,890.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
40
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
40
$668.00
$26,720.00
$687.00
$27,480.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
3
40
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
40
$668.00
$26,720.00
$687.00
$27,480.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
3
40
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
40
$633.00
$25,320.00
$652.00
$26,080.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
AGNP – Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3
20
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
20
$775.00
$15,500.00
$794.00
$15,880.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
3
20
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
20
$674.00
$13,480.00
$693.00
$13,860.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring
No
3
20
750
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GMAT or GRE required
3.0 or higher
AL, AZ, CO, DE, DC, GA, ID, IA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NE, NY, ND, OK, OR, PR, RI, SD, TN, UT, WA, WY
Program Tuition
20
$633.00
$12,660.00
$652.00
$13,040.00
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.