Online Master of Science in Nursing

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I have or am working toward my BSN.

What Is the Online Master of Science in Nursing?

The online Master of Science in Nursing at Ohio University boasts a robust MSN curriculum that combines advanced nursing theory with evidence-based, hands-on practice. Our online MSN is designed for actively practicing RNs — with online courses offering theoretical expertise that students can immediately apply in the field through required clinical experiences.

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Relevant
Learn ways to improve health care as you further address the unique challenges of advanced nursing practice in the care of families.

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In-Depth
Examine the role of the family nurse practitioner and its impact on the provision of health care.

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Convenient
Learn through online coursework and complete the clinicals in sites near you.

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Robust
Follow a comprehensive curriculum from a leader in distance education.

Learn how you can specialize your studies for the path you want to pursue.

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Why Choose the Ohio University MSN Program?

The online MSN at Ohio University is designed for working nurses, with 100% online courses and only a handful of on-campus experiences required. Students can even complete clinical requirements in their own communities, at their current places of employment.

Our online Master of Science in Nursing features four tracks, allowing students to choose the MSN curriculum that best fits their interests.

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Students in the online Family Nurse Practitioner track of Ohio University’s MSN participate in three intensive on-campus experiences that prepare them to provide comprehensive health care for patients across all ages and genders. The first is a general orientation, the second an advanced clinical skills assessment, and the third an integrated assessment on clinical management alongside additional certification preparation.

Nurse Educator Track

Those who choose the Nurse Educator track for their online MSN participate in two on-campus intensive experiences that give them the skills to educate the next generation of nurses. Each intensive focuses on a specific nurse educator MSN curriculum that prepares them for the certifications needed to become a nurse educator.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track of our online Master of Science in Nursing prepares students for certification in the field of geriatric health. The four on-campus intensives move students through preclinical, mid-clinical, and final clinical experiences so they can become multifaceted geriatric nurse practitioners.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Ohio University MSN students interested in the mental health side of medicine can enroll in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track. This MSN curriculum prepares nurses to advance their careers into psychiatric nursing, and the two on-campus intensives further equip them for success in the field.

Master of Science in Nursing Rankings and Accreditation

#1 IconOhio University ranks first in Ohio for nationally competitive awards won by its students.

The master’s degree program in nursing at Ohio University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

Higher Learning Commission logoOhio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Trophy iconU.S. News & World Report ranks the online MSN at Ohio University as a “Best Online Program.”

Are you ready to grow in you nursing career? Prepare to excel with an online MSN from OHIO.

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Industry Growth and Online MSN Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of nurse practitioners to grow 52% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations (8%). 

Now more than ever, new health care challenges call for highly trained nurse practitioners — training you can get only through an MSN curriculum.

Employment for nurse practitioners is expected to grow 31 percent from 2012 to 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Growth is expected because of an increase in demand for health care services. Several factors, including health care legislation, a larger population of insured patients, an increased emphasis on preventive care, and the large, aging baby boomer population will contribute to this demand.

 

Health care practitioners’ employment by educational requirement

Employment
(in thousands)

2012
543.2
2022
690.5
27.1%
Projected Increase

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Are you ready to grow in your career? Prepare to excel with Ohio University’s MSN.

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MSN Curriculum

Ohio University’s MSN gives practicing nursing professionals the opportunity to enhance their overall expertise while concentrating on a specific area of nursing through our four concentration tracks. Regardless of the track a student chooses, our online Master of Science in Nursing provides a theory-backed and applied education that will give graduates the opportunity to advance their careers.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration Courses

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to address the unique challenges of patient care for the adult population.

The AGACNP specialty will give you the opportunity to:

  • Understand how to deliver patient care to the adult population
  • Study family assessment, intervention, and the management of common adult health problems
  • Develop advanced clinical diagnostic and decision-making skills to improve the quality of health care for adults and those in underserved populations

Further examine the role of acute care nurse practitioners and their impact on progressing health services

NRSE 6023 Assessment and Intervention in Critical Care 3 Credits
NRSE 6826 AG-ACNP Management of Common Adult Health Problems I (100 Clinical Hours) 6 Credits
NRSE 6827 AG-ACNP Management of Common Adult Health Problems II (200 Clinical Hours) 7 Credits
NRSE 6828 AG-ACNP In Practice (200 Clinical Hours) 6 Credits
NRSE 6933 Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners 1 Credit

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to address the unique challenges of patient care for the adult population.

The AGACNP specialty will give you the opportunity to:

  • Understand how to deliver patient care to the adult population
  • Study family assessment, intervention, and the management of common adult health problems
  • Develop advanced clinical diagnostic and decision-making skills to improve the quality of health care for adults and those in underserved populations

Further examine the role of acute care nurse practitioners and their impact on progressing health services

NRSE 6021 Assessment and Intervention for Families 3 Credits
NRSE 6832 Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum I (100 clinical hours) 7 Credits
NRSE 6833 Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum II (200 clinical hours) 6 Credits
NRSE 6834 Psychiatric Mental Health NP Practicum III (200 clinical hours) 6 Credits
NRSE 6933 Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners 1 Credit

Nurse Educator Concentration Courses

The Nurse Educator concentration focuses on evidence-based instructional strategies and teaching techniques, as well as role development of the nurse educator.

The NE specialty will give you the opportunity to:

  • Acquire advanced knowledge of nursing theory and practice
  • Understand the design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of nurse education programs in a variety of settings
  • Focus on evidence-based methods to solve real health care challenges through nursing education

Position yourself to sit for the NLN CNE exam upon graduation

NRSE 6211 Advanced Patho/Pharm for Nurse Educators 3 Credits
NRSE 6220 Advanced Health Appraisal 3 Credits
NRSE 6011 Foundations for Nurse Educators 2 Credits
NRSE 6621 Instructional and Teaching Strategies 2 Credits
NRSE 6622 Educational Design, Assessment and Evaluation 2 Credits
NRSE 6928 Teaching Experience (200 Practicum Hours) 4 Credits
NRSE 6934 Capstone Experience for Nurse Educators 2 Credits

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration Courses

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty aims to prepare RNs to serve diverse communities with unique needs. It particularly addresses the challenges of patient care for the family unit.

The FNP specialty will give you the opportunity to:

  • Study family assessment, intervention, and education
  • Focus on nursing care for children and adults across their lifespan
  • Position yourself to improve the quality of health care in underserved communities and for patients with health disparities

Further examine the role of the family nurse practitioner and its impact on increasingly complex public health services

NRSE 6021 Assessment and Intervention for Families 3 Credits
NRSE 6830 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum I (250 clinical hours) 9 Credits
NRSE 6831 Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum II (250 clinical hours) 9 Credits
NRSE 6933 Capstone Experience for Nurse Practitioners 1 Credit

Core Courses

The Ohio University online master’s in nursing program features a robust core curriculum that integrates advanced nursing theory and evidence-based nursing practice through case-driven studies. Students complete 100% online coursework, plus clinical requirements.

NRSE 6010 Theoretical Basis of Practice 3 Credits
NRSE 6210 Advanced Pathophysiology in Nursing Practice 3 Credits
NRSE 6230 Advanced Pharmacology 3 Credits
NRSE 6805 Analyzing Evidence-based Practice for APN 3 Credits
NRSE 6221 Health Appraisal for Nurse Practitioners (OCI) 3 Credits

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an online Master of Science in Nursing?

Earning an online MSN gives you the opportunity to take on more responsibilities as a nurse practitioner, particularly expanding your clinical abilities. Ohio University’s four MSN tracks allow you to advance your career in a specific direction, depending on your interests.

What is the typical salary for online Master of Science in Nursing graduates?

Professionals with a Master of Science in Nursing earned an average annual salary of $97,000 as of October 2021, according to PayScale.

Is the online MSN program accredited?

Ohio University’s MSN is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.