Old Dominion University Online APRN Programs: NP, Nurse-Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist
#10 Best NP School Overall
#9 Best Program Variety
- MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator
- MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
- MSN – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
“NPs provide holistic, compassionate, patient-centered care and lead initiatives to improve health equity and population health.”
Kelli Garber, DNP, Associate Professor, Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University
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)
In addition, Old Dominion offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization. Details on this newer DNP specialization are coming soon.
All MSN programs are designed for RN’s with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 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 them.
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 are eligible to sit for 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 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Online Experience: ODU online courses 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.
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Meet the Expert: Kelli Garber, DNP, APRN, PPCNP
Dr. Kelli Garber is an associate professor and director of the DNP advanced practice program at the Ellmer School of Nursing at Old Dominion University. She is a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner with three decades of experience, including private practice, school-based health, and virtual care.
Internationally recognized, Dr. Garber is a published author and an accomplished presenter on telehealth best practices, APRN telehealth practice, telehealth policy, telehealth education, and school-based telehealth. Previously, she was a seminal member of the Medical University of South Carolina School-based Telehealth program, facilitating the development and expansion of the statewide program in South Carolina, bringing healthcare to rural and underserved children. She is passionate about telehealth education and empowering providers to improve access to care via technology.
Dr. Garber is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). She received her BSN at Johns Hopkins University, her MSN at the University of Maryland, and her DNP from Old Dominion University.
NPSchools.com: What’s something you wish people knew about NP practice in Virginia?
Dr. Garber: NPs practice in rural and urban areas, providing high-quality patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, offices, nursing homes, schools, and more. NPs provide holistic, compassionate, patient-centered care and lead initiatives to improve health equity and population health.
NPSchools.com: Do you have any advice for aspiring NPs?
Dr. Garber: I would encourage aspiring nurse practitioners to stay true to their passion, recognize their inherent value, and consistently strive to understand their patients’ unique experiences. It’s essential to approach patient care with both compassion and expertise.
For those already practicing, pursuing a post-master’s DNP degree—such as the program at Old Dominion University—can be a transformative step. Even experienced NPs can gain fresh perspectives and elevate their careers through the advanced knowledge and leadership development the DNP provides.
NPSchools.com: What does the future of NP practice look like to you?
Dr. Garber: The demand for NPs will continue to grow, especially as the U.S. faces ongoing shortages of primary care providers. To fully leverage their contributions to healthcare, it’s crucial to remove barriers that restrict NP practice. These limitations hinder their ability to serve in rural and underserved communities, reducing access to essential care for many patients. Notably, states that grant full practice authority (FPA) to NPs consistently achieve higher rankings on state health report cards compared to those without FPA.
Overall, the future of NP practice will be defined by greater autonomy, expanded practice authority, and growing influence in healthcare policy and innovation. Exciting times ahead!
Paying for the ODU Online Nursing Programs
Old Dominion University online APRN program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Travel expenses for the campus visits are not included and should be figured in. Interested students should contact the Old Dominion University School of Nursing graduate admissions department for cost clarifications and updates.
Graduate students may be eligible for federal unsubsidized student loans through the FAFSA. MSN nursing students are also encouraged to check with their employers concerning a tuition reimbursement program or with outside organizations for other loans, grants, and scholarships.
With a wealth of NP, CNS, and nurse-midwifery specializations, and affordable tuition rates, the Old Dominion University APRN programs offer many choices to those seeking an advanced nursing education.
MSN – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Nurse-Midwifery
MSN – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
5115 Hamptom Blvd.
Norfolk, Virginia 23529
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
3-4
47
504
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
47
$620.00
$29,140.00
$642.00
$30,174.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3-4
47
560
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
47
$620.00
$29,140.00
$642.00
$30,174.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
3-4
50
504
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
50
$620.00
$31,000.00
$642.00
$32,100.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3-4
49
560
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
49
$620.00
$30,380.00
$642.00
$31,458.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
NM – Nurse-Midwife
Fall
Yes
0
48
720
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
48
$620.00
$29,760.00
$642.00
$30,816.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
CNS – Clinical Nurse Specialist
Fall
No
5
48
504
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
48
$620.00
$29,760.00
$642.00
$30,816.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3-4
47
560
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
47
$620.00
$29,140.00
$642.00
$30,174.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
3-4
40
504
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
40
$620.00
$24,800.00
$642.00
$25,680.00
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.