Old Dominion University Online APRN Programs

What to Expect from Old Dominion University Online Nursing Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the Ellmer School of Nursing’s online nursing programs must meet general University graduate admission requirements, along with program-specific requirements for each specialty. Admissions are competitive and designed to ensure students are well prepared for advanced nursing practice.

• General Admission Requirements for MSN Programs: A current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN), a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related science field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, completion of undergraduate prerequisites including a physical/health assessment course and a statistics or research course, submission of three letters of recommendation, a 500–700 word essay outlining the applicant’s goals and reasons, and recent clinical nursing experience is preferred, with specific minimum experience required for certain specialties (for example, at least one year for FNP and PCNS, and two years of neonatal intensive care nursing for NNP).
• General Admission Requirements for DNP PMHNP Program: A current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN), a master’s degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a 500–700 word essay addressing the applicant’s specific concentration area, a current resume, and successful completion (preferably within five years) of APRN MSN courses including advanced pathophysiology, advanced physical assessment, and advanced pharmacology with a grade of B or better.
• Additional Notes: Admission deadlines vary by specialty, typically ranging from March 1 to June 1 for MSN programs, and September 1 for the DNP PMHNP program. Prospective students are encouraged to review specific program details and check state licensure requirements before applying to ensure eligibility. Meeting these rigorous standards prepares students for successful completion of their programs and eligibility for relevant certification exams.

State Restrictions: Old Dominion University is a participating institution of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This enables many students across different states to enroll in ODU’s online nursing programs. Students residing outside of NC-SARA member states or in certain states with additional licensing requirements should verify program eligibility prior to enrollment. Currently, ODU is exempt from authorization requirements for online programs in California. Students from California should confirm this status and any updates with the university.

Prospective students should also verify licensure requirements with their specific state nursing boards. This is particularly important as state boards may impose restrictions based on where the clinical practicum is completed. ODU provides links and resources to assist students in determining whether their state approves their intended program for nursing certification or licensure.

State licensure requirements for advanced nursing practice vary significantly and are important for prospective students to understand.

Students are encouraged to check for updates and seek guidance from both the university and state agencies before enrollment.

Study Plan: Old Dominion University’s online nursing programs offer flexible study plans designed to accommodate working nurses and busy schedules. The MSN programs across all specialties generally require two years of full-time study, typically completed over five semesters.

The MSN programs across all specialties generally require two years of full-time study, typically completed over five semesters. Students complete online coursework combined with clinical practicum hours completed at approved locations, often near the student’s community. Many courses are delivered asynchronously, while some include scheduled live online sessions.

The nurse midwifery program is a two-year joint program with Shenandoah University. The first year focuses on advanced practice nursing courses through ODU, followed by a second year of nurse-midwifery specialization courses through Shenandoah University. Clinical work for this program is completed locally.

Some programs may require students to travel to ODU’s Virginia Beach campus for hands-on training, standardized patient encounters, or comprehensive exams, usually once per semester.

The DNP PMHNP program takes seven semesters to complete with full-time study and includes advanced practice core courses, specialty psychiatric content, clinical practicums, and an evidence-based research project. Clinical placements for the DNP program are coordinated between faculty and students to fit local community settings.

Multiple start dates are offered throughout the academic year to provide flexible enrollment. Students are encouraged to contact the Ellmer School of Nursing for specific start dates and enrollment options for their chosen program.

MSN Curriculum: Old Dominion University’s online nursing programs share a foundational core curriculum designed to meet nursing accreditation standards and state approval guidelines. All MSN students complete a set of core courses that provide essential knowledge and skills for advanced nursing practice. Core courses include evidence-based research for nursing practice; family and community primary care assessment; pharmacology for advanced practice nursing; pathophysiology for advanced nursing practice; physical assessment for advanced nursing practice; integrative concepts for advanced nursing practice roles; the business of advanced nursing practice; and advocacy for healthcare public policy for advanced practice.

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): In addition to the 22-credit core courses, the FNP concentration requires courses totaling 47 credits, including primary care approaches for children and women, advanced family nursing practicum courses, and management of acute and chronic illnesses.
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Educator (AGCNS): The AGCNS track requires a total of 47 credits, adding courses focused on contemporary issues in nursing care of older adults, instructional methods, curricular design, educator internships, and role socialization and transition practicums.
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NCNS): This 50-credit concentration includes courses on developmental neonatal physiology, advanced neonatal care, pharmacology, and two clinical nurse specialist practicum courses focused on role socialization and transition.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): In addition to core courses, the NNP program totals 49 credits, covering advanced neonatal care, practicum experiences, and seminars on managing complex pediatric clinical problems.
• Nurse-Midwifery (NM): This joint program with Shenandoah University includes 22 credits of ODU core courses plus 26 credits of nurse-midwifery courses at Shenandoah, encompassing primary care of women, comprehensive antepartum and perinatal care, midwifery practicums, and evidence-based practice projects.
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (PCNS): The 48-credit PCNS concentration includes courses like primary care approaches for children, management of acute and critical pediatric conditions, clinical nurse specialist practicums, and child growth and development.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): The PNP track requires 47 credits, including advanced pediatric nursing practicums, seminars on managing complex pediatric conditions, and core courses addressing pediatric primary care.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This 40-credit concentration covers psychotherapeutic approaches, psychopharmacology, managing psychiatric disorders across the lifespan, and two PMHNP practicum courses.

All concentrations require successful completion of clinical practicum hours at approved sites, with some courses involving on-campus training or assessments at the Virginia Beach campus.

DNP PMHNP Curriculum: The DNP PMHNP program requires a total of 53 credits, combining advanced psychiatric mental health specialty courses with core DNP coursework. Specialty coursework includes psychotherapeutic approaches & treatment modalities; psychopharmacology and neurobiology; managing psychiatric disorders across the lifespan; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicum I; and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practicum II.

Core DNP courses include integrative concepts for advanced nursing practice roles; roles and responsibilities for transforming practice; the business of advanced nursing practice; leadership and interprofessional practice in healthcare; application of practice-based research methods; proposal development and database management; informatics and healthcare technology; advocacy for healthcare public policy for advanced practice; DNP clinical practicum I, II, III, and IV; and DNP nursing capstone project.

Clinical placements for the DNP program are coordinated between faculty and students to fit local community settings.

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 may require campus visits, usually once per semester. These visits involve hands-on training, simulation exercises with standardized patients, or comprehensive exams designed to enhance clinical skills. Online student services include admissions counseling, academic advising, career counseling, faculty office hours, technical support, and tutoring services.

On-Site Requirements: Students enrolled in Old Dominion University’s online nursing programs should expect to travel to the Virginia Beach campus occasionally, typically once per semester. These visits involve hands-on training, simulation exercises with standardized patients, or comprehensive exams designed to enhance clinical skills. While most coursework is online, these brief on-site experiences are essential for practical learning and successful program completion. Students are also welcome to visit the campus and participate in the campus graduation.

Paying for Old Dominion University 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.

Sara Navratil

Writer

Sara 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.