Program Overview

University of Cincinnati College of Nursing Programs

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing offers a range of programs for nursing professionals, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Master's Certificate, and PhD in Nursing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

The DNP programs at UC College of Nursing prepare nurses to lead at the highest level of practice, improving patient outcomes and delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. Graduates learn to translate research into practice, drive quality improvement, and lead healthcare systems, preparing for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, administrators, and faculty.

• Enrollment Services Advisor to help with application and ensure UC is the right fit
• Student Success Coordinator to prepare for classes and registration
• Clinical Site Coordinator to guide through clinical and practicum experiences

BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Specialties

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Occupational Health Nursing
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Public Health Nursing
• Systems Leadership

Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Post-MSN DNP program is designed for nurses who have already completed a Master of Science in Nursing degree and are seeking to advance their education and career.

DNP Program Core Curriculum

The DNP program expands on MSN-level specialty training with core courses in improvement methods, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, informatics, healthcare policy, public health, and leadership.

Admission Requirements

• A current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licensure with no disciplinary action
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- (formerly NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited nursing institution
• Post-MSN DNP applicants only: a Master of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing institution
• Minimum overall BSN GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale (recommended)
• Minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (not required for Systems Leadership and Nursing Education MSN program applicants)
• Minimum undergraduate Statistics GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A minimum of one year of RN experience in the United States at the time of application

Application Deadlines

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program (except the nurse anesthesia specialty) admits students for fall semester start. The DNP Nurse Anesthesia program admits students for spring semester start.

• BSN to DNP: Fall 2026, application deadline July 1, 2026, class start August 24, 2026
• Post-Master's DNP: Spring 2026, application deadline November 15, 2025, class start January 12, 2026
• Post-Master's DNP: Fall 2026, application deadline July 1, 2026, class start August 24, 2026
• Nurse Anesthesia DNP: Spring 2027, application deadline November 1, 2025 (Priority), December 1, 2025 (Final), class start January 11, 2027

Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees | Table A

Applies to all DNP programs, except Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia.

• Part Time (9 credits or fewer): $836 per credit (Ohio Resident), $851 per credit (Non-Resident), $57 per credit (Online Learning Fee)
• Full Time (10 credits or more): $8,359 per semester (Ohio Resident), $8,509 per semester (Non-Resident), $563 per semester (Online Learning Fee)

Tuition & Fees | Table B

Applies to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia DNP.

• Part Time (9 credits or fewer): $836 per credit (Ohio Resident), $861 per credit (Metro Resident), $1,423 per credit (Non-Resident), $34 per credit (Program Fee)
• Full Time (10 credits or more): $8,359 per semester (Ohio Resident), $8,609 per semester (Metro Resident), $14,228 per semester (Non-Resident), $338 per semester (Program Fee)

Application Process

All information required to apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs should be submitted through NursingCAS.

• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all schools previously attended, including community colleges and two- and four-year colleges and universities, should be sent directly to NursingCAS.
• Resume: Provide CV or resume in PDF format, including relevant work history and contributions beyond normal job expectations.
• References: Three letters of reference from individuals who can attest to academic and professional skills.
• Goal Statement: A statement demonstrating a clear understanding of the specialty area, explaining interest in the specialty, highlighting preparedness and reasons for pursuing the program, and describing goals after graduation.

State Restrictions and State-Specific Requirements for Online Programs

• State Restrictions: The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing cannot accept applications for online programs from students who live in certain states, including Arizona, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Tennessee.
• State-Specific Requirements: Additional information and requirements may apply for students from certain states, including Kansas and Washington.

International Student Restrictions

International students are admissible to online programs, providing they meet the prerequisites and commit to doing their clinical requirements in the United States. International students must already have a visa that gives them legal status to work within the United States or must be able to obtain the legal status that will allow them to come to the U.S. and engage in clinical activities.

Clinical Restrictions

The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing cannot admit residents of U.S. Territories or in a country outside of the U.S. Only persons serving in the military who reside on a military base and can complete clinical requirements on the military base should apply to online programs. Students cannot complete clinicals at a U.S. Embassy.

Federal Regulations and State Authorization

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state's educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation. To learn whether a University program meets a given state's educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.