Post-Master's DNP Curriculum

The DNP course of study requires a minimum of 36 credit hours at the post-master’s level. Courses can be categorized into four major components:

  1. DNP core courses
  2. Supporting electives
  3. Clinical immersion experiences
  4. Final scholarly project
Full-Time Plan of Study
Year 1
Autumn
  • Innovation and Leadership (2 credits)
  • Science of Practice (2 credits)
  • Ethics in Healthcare (2 credits)
  • Methods and Measurements (2 credits)
  • Specialty Coursework (0-1 credit)
  • Professional Seminar (1 credit)
Spring
  • Specialty Coursework (2 credits)
  • Nursing Policy (2 credits)
  • Informatics (2 credits)
  • Evidence-based Practice (2 credits)
  • Systems Application I (3 credits)
Summer
  • Quality Improvement (2 credits)
  • Systems Application II (3 credits)
Year 2
Autumn
  • Immersion (5 credits)
  • Final Project (1 credit)
Spring
  • Immersion (5 credits)
  • Final Project (1 credit)
Part-Time Plan of Study
Year 1
Autumn
  • Nursing Policy (2 credits)
  • Evidence-based Practice (2 credits)
Spring
  • Innovation and Leadership (2 credits)
  • Science of Practice (2 credits)
  • Professional Seminar (1 credit)
Summer
  • Quality Improvement (2 credits)
  • Systems Application I (3 credits)
Year 2
Autumn
  • Methods and Measurements (2 credits)
  • Ethics in Healthcare (2 credits)
  • Specialty Coursework (0-1 credit)
Spring
  • Specialty Coursework (2 credits)
  • Informatics (2 credits)
Summer
  • Systems Application II (3 credits)
Year 3
Autumn
  • Immersion (5 credits)
  • Final Project (1 credit)
Spring
  • Immersion (5 credits)
  • Final Project (1 credit)
DNP professional examination

As a student in a professional doctoral program, The Ohio State University requires you to take a written examination prior to beginning your immersion experiences. This examination will evaluate your knowledge of the content included in the DNP core courses. The professional examination occurs in the year prior to your final year of study.

DNP clinical hours

As a post-master’s DNP student, you will complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours over the course of the DNP program. Clinical hour requirements toward the DNP degree can be completed at your place of employment, with approval from your advisor and employer.

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Dynasty Stokes
Dynasty Stokes, graduate

“The DNP program provides me with the knowledge and skills to become an effective leader who can identify problems and use evidence-based practice to make meaningful change.”