MSN to DNP Online
Kent State's MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can be completed 100% online in less than two years.
There is a growing demand for nurses with advanced leadership and technology skills which enable them to navigate the increasingly complex healthcare environment. There is also an increasing need for nurses who possess advanced knowledge that enables them to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.
The DNP is the terminal degree for nurses who want to advance their knowledge of nursing practice and gain exceptional leadership and technology skills.
Why Kent State? Our program offers you:
- A cohort structure: You'll learn and collaborate with a group of peers and faculty throughout the entire program.
- An innovative curriculum completed 100% online in only five semesters.
- An experienced faculty advisor who will work with you to develop and conduct a Scholarly Project that will contribute to nursing practice and positively impact patient outcomes.
- Mentorship and guidance from our doctorally prepared faculty, which include nationally certified advanced practice nurses, active researchers, and experienced nurse leaders who understand the challenges of today's healthcare environment.
Our DNP program will prepare you to assume a leadership role in healthcare, make an impact on healthcare policy, apply current research and evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes, and practice with interdisciplinary teams, information systems, and quality improvement.
Admissions Criteria
We invite you to apply to the DNP program if you meet the following requirements:
- A BSN degree1 or an MSN degree in advanced practice nursing that is accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
- MSN degree students must submit proof of current, national certification as an APRN within their first semester or prior to beginning their practicum hours, whichever comes first.
- A minimum overall 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale.
- Completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course with a minimum C grade.
- Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which the student's practica will be completed.
- GRE scores, no more than five years old (Effective spring 2019, GRE scores will only be required for post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants).
DNP Curriculum
The DNP program is 34 total credits, 525 practicum hours, and can be completed in 5 semesters.
Below you will find a sample curriculum plan for 2-year students.
DNP or Ph.D.?
Are you unsure of which nursing doctorate is the best choice?
Compare and contrast the Ph.D. and DNP programs
Meet the Faculty
Learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice faculty members:

Lisa Onesko
DNP, APRN-BC
Program Director & Associate Professor

Kimberly Cleveland
JD, MSN, RN, C-MBC
Lecturer

Lynn Gaddis
DNP, APRN, CNP-BC
Assistant Professor

Louise H. Knox
DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Assistant Professor

Marilyn S. Nibling
DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, PNP-BC
Assistant Professor
Begin Your Transformation
Discover why Kent State's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is right for you. Enrollment advisors can be reached at 330-672-7911.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio. States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.