Department of Nursing
Dr. Patricia Keane, Chairperson and Director of Graduate Studies
Department Office: Schear-McFadden Science Hall
Mission Statement
Academic Advising
Academic Standing Requirements
Grade Policy
Time Limit for Program Completion
Leave of Absence
Readmission
Change of Major
Additional Requirements: MSN and Post Masters Program
Disability Services
Health Problems Policy
Special Needs Policy
Registered Nurse Licensure
Department of Nursing Handbook
Master of Science in Nursing
Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator
Post Masters Certificates - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Anesthesia (NAP)
Post Masters Nurse Anesthesia Certificate Program Curriculum
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Mission Statement
The Department of Nursing is committed to quality nursing education which fosters critical thinking within the context of a caring framework. Our mission encourages the personal and professional development of faculty, staff and students. An appreciation for diverse perspectives and humane values is central to this mission. Building on a liberal arts education and a strong science foundation, the goal of the Nursing Program is to prepare lifelong learners who are committed to the profession, the community and to meeting the changing health care needs of society.
Academic Advising
Please refer to the Academic Support section of this catalog.
Academic Standing Requirements
Academic standing policies apply to all degree and non-degree students. For graduate level courses, please refer to the Academic and Enrollment Standards section of this catalog. For undergraduate level courses, please refer to the Academic Standards section in the undergraduate catalog.
Grade Policy
The following program policies are in addition to the University’s academic standing policies. For a description of the University policy, please refer to the Academic and Enrollment Standards section of the catalog.
Master of Science in Nursing Program
A minimum grade of B- (80%) is required in all graduate course work. If a grade lower than B- is earned, this course must be repeated and the minimum grade of at least B- be achieved. Students must repeat the failed course before enrolling in subsequent nursing courses that require that course as a prerequisite. Students may enroll in nursing courses that do not require the failed course as a prerequisite; however, they should consult with their advisor if they intend to do this, as it may put them at a disadvantage in maintaining the required minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) to receive the Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Any student receiving two (2) grades of C+ or lower in the original attempt of all required graduate course work, will no longer be able to continue in the MSN program.
A student may attempt only one graduate course twice in the MSN program. Receiving a grade of C+ or lower or a W (Withdrawal) in the original attempt of any graduate course will constitute an attempt.
Post Masters Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia and Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program
A minimum grade of B- (80%) is required in all Post Master’s course work. If a grade lower than B- is earned, the course must be repeated and the minimum grade of at least B- be achieved. Students may enroll in nursing courses that do not require the failed course as a prerequisite; however, they should consult with their advisor if they intend to do this, as it may put them at a disadvantage in maintaining the required minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) to complete a Post-Master’s Program.
Any student receiving two (2) grades of C+ or lower in the required Post Master’s course work, will no longer be able to continue in the Post Master’s program.
A student may attempt only one nursing course twice in the Post Master’s program. Receiving a grade of C+ or lower or a W (Withdrawal) in the original attempt of any graduate course will constitute an attempt.
Time Limit for Program Completion
Please refer to the Academic and Enrollment Standards section of this catalog.
Leave of Absence
Please refer to the Academic and Enrollment Standards section of this catalog.
Readmission
Students are expected to enroll in their first graduate level course upon acceptance into the Graduate Nursing Program in accordance with the identified major and site location. If a student does NOT enroll in their designated first class the student’s admission to the Graduate Nursing Program will be withdrawn and the admission process will have to be restarted. Admission to the Nursing Graduate Programs will be based on a space availability and meeting current admission criteria.
If a student is not enrolled in their academic program for more than three (3) consecutive semesters (12 calendar months) the student must submit a new application as an indication of reenrollment into the Graduate Nursing Program. A new application must be submitted for consideration of acceptance by the Department of Nursing’s Professional Review Committee and should include an updated resume and an updated transcript if additional courses have been taken at another institution of higher learning.
Change of Major
Students who wish to change their declared major should talk with their faculty advisor to explore what this change will mean in relation to required course work. After making the decision to change majors, students should contact the Graduate School office at 614-823-3210 to request the appropriate form for making the change. Decisions related to change of major requests will be considered by the Department of Nursing’s Professional Review Committee.
Additional Requirements: MSN and Post Masters Programs
CPR
Students are required to complete the American Heart Association CPR Basic Life Support Course for Health Care Providers (BLS-C) before beginning a clinical course. Certification from the American Heart Association is valid for two years. Before expiration, a recertification course must be completed. Proof of certification must be filed in the Department of Nursing prior to entry to a clinical course.
***American Red Cross CPR classes are NOT accepted for this requirement.
Health Requirements
A medical history and physical examination are required prior to enrolling in the first clinical course. Students must provide proof of up-to-date immunizations as specified by the Student Health Center. This includes current written documentation of two annual successive TB skin tests; if not available, a two-step Mantoux TB skin test is required (or chest x-ray if recommended by the health care provider). The Hepatitis B vaccine series or a waiver (available from the Nursing Department) is also required. Students are NOT allowed to participate in clinical experiences until all health requirements are met and on file at the Nursing Department office and Student Health Center.
Liability Insurance
Graduate students are strongly encouraged to carry their own personal coverage for professional liability.
Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) Clearance
Students who have lived in the state of Ohio during the past 5 years must complete a BCI clearance prior to enrolling in the first clinical nursing course. Students who have lived outside of the state of Ohio during the past 5 years must complete both a BCI and an FBI clearance prior to enrolling in the first clinical nursing course. Prior clearance through an employer is NOT accepted. Distant students may request application materials from the Nursing Office to use with their local police department by calling 614-823-1614. Local students may wish to go to Secure Check, a company in the Columbus area. They can be contacted for hours and location by calling 614-252-7300. Students are responsible for associated fees. Caution: Mail-in applications (done by the police department) take 6-8 weeks; computerized screening (such as at Secure Check), usually take 1 week. The Nursing Department MUST receive the official report of clearance prior to your initial enrollment in a nursing course. Unsuccessful BCI clearance may result in an inability to successfully progress in the nursing program, all such cases will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Health Insurance
Adequate health insurance coverage is strongly recommended. Students are financially responsible for any testing or treatment needed following a course-related injury or illness.
Essential Performance Requirements
In order to accomplish the objectives of the nursing program safely, students must possess the ability and fitness to perform in a manner that will not jeopardize safety and well-being of their patients or themselves. The Nursing Department may require nursing students who pose a threat to the safety of others or to themselves in the health care environment to withdraw from the nursing program pursuant to the policy in the Otterbein University Course Catalog/Graduate Course Catalog on withdrawal and subject to the Grade Policy in the Department of Nursing Undergraduate/Graduate Student Handbook. All students admitted to the nursing program must be able to meet the essential performance requirements with or without accommodations. Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis.
These essential performance requirements include but are not limited to the following five areas of ability:
- Observation: Must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences. Must be able to observe a patient accurately to identify cyanosis or absence of respiratory movement and when a patient is in imminent danger; perform equipment calibrations; read small print on medication containers, physician’s orders and equipment monitors; and perform physical assessments.
- Communication: Must be able to speak, hear and observe patients in order to elicit information, describe changes in the patient, and perceive nonverbal communications. Must be able to hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, patients’ calls for help, call bells from patients, stethoscope sounds originating from a patient’s blood vessels, heart, lungs, and abdomen, etc. Must have verbal and language capabilities to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients regarding their nursing plan of care. Must have reading and writing skills sufficient for patient communication, record keeping and professional health care team interactions.
- Motor: Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, quickly move about and transport patients during emergencies, carry infants, maneuver quickly in confined spaces, etc. Other motor requirements include carrying equipment, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, bending, and climbing stairs. Must be able to lift, push and pull with assistance (mechanical or co-worker) the weight of the average patient specific to the clinical area working in. Other motor skills include eye-hand-foot coordination, repetitive arm and hand movements and finger dexterity, using sterile techniques, inserting catheters, preparing and administering medication (oral, intramuscular, intravenous), and numerous other invasive procedures.
- Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, a critical skill for nurses, requires all of these intellectual abilities. Must be able to collect data pertinent to a patient’s health, analyze the assessment data, identify outcomes for an individualized plan of care for the patient, develop a plan of care that prescribes strategies to attain the expected outcomes, and evaluate the achievement of the expected patient care outcomes. The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and the professional literature in formulating diagnoses and care plans is essential.
- Behavioral, Social and Ethical Attributes: Emotional stability and the ability to accept responsibility and accountability is essential. Must be capable of developing mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients from diverse social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Must have awareness of ethical actions related to the well being of others and as part of the direct patient service role required of registered nurses. Must be able to tolerate physically and mentally taxing workloads and function effectively under stress.
- Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License or access to transportation to local/regional clinical and observational sites.
The Nursing Department may require nursing students with special needs who pose a threat to the safety of others or to themselves in the health care environment to withdraw from the program. Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Disability Services
Disability Services (DS) at Otterbein University is charged with ensuring that all qualified students with disabilities have equal access to an education and to campus life. This access is provided to students through the provision of legally mandated (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act) services, accommodations, and advocacy. Accommodations might include extra time for exams, distraction reduced test space, note taking assistance and priority registration. DS provides services to students with obvious physical disabilities such as visual impairments, hearing impairments and mobility impairments as well as to students diagnosed with learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and psychiatric disorders.
Reasonable accommodation in course work or clinical experiences will be made for students with special needs on an individualized basis. In order to receive accommodations, students must provide DS with appropriate documentation of their disability. After reviewing the documentation of a student’s disability, DS staff will determine appropriate academic services and accommodations, depending on the disability. When students are enrolled in nursing courses, they have the responsibility to discuss their special needs with course faculty so that reasonable accommodations can be made in a timely manner. Nursing faculty and DS work together to determine appropriate accommodations that allow students to succeed in the program without jeopardizing the essential requirements of the program.
Health Problems Policy
Students are responsible for informing faculty about health alterations which may affect safety and competency in the clinical setting. Students are required to submit a faculty specified doctor’s/health professional’s statement on appropriate letterhead regarding status of this health condition before participating in clinical experiences to her/his instructor. Students are also responsible to inform clinical instructors about any conditions (e.g., pregnancy, skin not intact, immunocompromised condition) which may affect their clinical assignment to clients with serious communicable diseases.
Special Needs Policy
Reasonable accommodation in course work or clinical experiences will be made for students with special needs on an individualized basis. Requests for such services must be made through the Academic Support Center 614-823-1362. When students are enrolled in courses that require clinical experiences, they also have the responsibility to discuss their special needs with course faculty so that reasonable accommodations can be made in a timely manner. Special needs include, but are not limited to, physical, emotional or learning disabilities. For students with English as a second language, please refer to the Nursing Department policy for Extra Time on Examinations.
Registered Nurse Licensure
Distance students who plan clinical experiences outside Ohio must be licensed as a registered nurse in both Ohio and the state of the clinical site.
Department of Nursing Handbook
Each student has the obligation to become familiar with the contents of the Department of Nursing Graduate Handbook. This handbook, containing guidelines and policies specifically related to graduate study in nursing, can be accessed on the intranet at www.otterbein.edu by selecting Nursing under Department Intranet Sites.
Master of Science in Nursing
Admission
Admission Standards (Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Service Administration)
(Admission to the ADN to MSN program, please see section specific to the program)
Admission to the Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN) is open to graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs from institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agencies and either NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Applicants must hold a current unencumbered registered nurse license(Nurse anesthesia applicants may hold an unencumbered registered nurse license from another state) and give evidence of the intellectual, academic and personal ability to succeed in graduate studies. Admission shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, marital or veteran status.
Applications for admission will be reviewed once per year by the Nursing Professional Review Committee. The most qualified applicants will be selected on a space-available basis. It may be necessary for some students to take undergraduate courses to meet prerequisites of selected graduate courses.
Candidates that do not meet all the admission criteria, but who wish to be considered for admission must submit a petition requesting special consideration along with their application materials. For example, the inclusion of GRE scores may strengthen the candidate’s position, if the application does not meet the criteria of a minimum grade point average.
Admission Criteria (Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Service Administration)
- Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.
- Baccalaureate degree from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited undergraduate nursing program.
- Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.
- Evidence of capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 for all undergraduate course work is required. (Completion of a statistics course with a grade of C or higher)
- Congruence of the applicant’s goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein University Nursing Department.
- One year full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years is required for the NSA and CNL majors. Two years full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years is required for the NP majors.
- Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay.
Admission Procedure (Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Service Administration)
Materials required for admission to the MSN Programs must be submitted to the Graduate School at the address listed below. All contents of the admission file become the legal property of the University and are not returnable or transferable.
- Complete the graduate Application for Admission.
- Request separate official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended be sent to the Graduate School. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- Submit a professional resume.
- Give an Otterbein University Graduate Nursing Recommendation Form to two individuals that can support your application to pursue graduate studies (one reference from an RN is preferred). At least one should be from an employer. If the applicant has been in school during the last five years, the other recommendation should be from a nursing professor. Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact a recommender to acknowledge receipt of a recommendation.
- Submit a 2-4 page essay (typewritten, double-spaced). The essay should: Summarize professional background. Discuss professional goals and how these goals can be achieved in the MSN Program. Describe past experiences and reflections that have influenced these goals. Describe personal contributions that can be made to the nursing profession and wider community. This essay should be carefully prepared and edited since it is considered an important component of the admission application.
- Provide a current Ohio RN license number on the Application for Admission form. The Graduate School will verify current Ohio RN licensure on the Ohio Board of Nursing website and a copy of the license verification will be added to the student file.
- Optional but strongly encouraged: Schedule an appointment with the Nursing Admissions Advisor in the Graduate School for program information.
All admission materials including transcripts must be submitted to:
Otterbein University
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Admission Process
Applicants should complete the graduate application first and then send all other materials to the Graduate School. Please allow sufficient time for arrival of official transcripts. While many schools offer online ordering, some still require hard paper copy requests or only send out transcripts once or twice per week. It can take up to 10 days or 2 weeks for transcript orders to be processed by your alma maters. In order to ensure admission consideration, these materials must be submitted by the application deadline. Please contact the Graduate School at 614-823-3210 for specific application deadlines. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.
The completed application materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is accepted into the MSN program. Letters of acceptance or denial are sent to the applicant’s home address from the School of Nursing. Questions regarding the application process or admission status should be directed to the Graduate School at 614-823-3210.
Admission Criteria (Nurse Anesthesia)
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and/or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education(CCNE).
- Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse.
- Capacity for graduate study as demonstrated by
- A blended cumulative GPA average of 3.0 or higher
- A blended undergraduate science course GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A grade of C or higher in an undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum of one (1) year full time experience as a registered nurse in a critical care unit within the last 5 years. (Experience in interpretation of invasive monitors, titration of vasoactive infusions, management of ventilated patients, and care of acutely ill patients. Operating room, emergency room and telemetry unit experience are not accepted as critical care experience).
- Current ACLS recognition.
- CCRN is required.
- Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay and interview.
- Ability to articulate a clear understanding of the nurse anesthetist’s role.
- Submission of the Verification of Observation Form (applicants are required to spend a minimum of one day observing a practicing CRNA or anesthesiologist in the Operating Room).
- Submission of the Practice Evaluation Form (to document critical care work experience).
Admission Procedure (Nurse Anesthesia)
Materials required for admission to the MSN program must be submitted to the Graduate School at the address listed below. All contents of the admission file become the legal property of the University and are not returnable or transferable.
- Complete the Graduate Nursing Application for Admission.
- Request separate official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended be sent to the Graduate School. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.(cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, science course GPA of 3.0 or higher, completion of Statistics course with a grade of C or higher)
- Submit a professional resume.
- Give an Otterbein University Graduate Nursing Recommendation Form to two individuals that can support your application to pursue graduate studies (one reference from an RN is preferred). At least one should be from an employer. If the applicant has been in school during the last five years, the other recommendation should be from a nursing professor. Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact a recommender to acknowledge receipt of a recommendation.
- Submit a 2-4 page essay (typewritten, double-spaced). The essay should: Describe your professional goals and how these goals will be achieved in the MSN program. Indicate how your past experiences and reflections have influenced these goals. Describe your understanding of the nurse anesthetist’s role. Identify personal contributions that can be made to nursing and the greater community.
- Submit completed Verification of Observation form.
- Submit completed Practice Survey form.
- Submit proof of ACLS recognition.
- Provide a current RN license number on the application for admission form. (The Graduate School will verify current RN licensure and add proof to your file).
- Provide proof of CCRN
All admission materials including transcripts must be submitted to:
Otterbein University
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Admission Process (Nurse Anesthesia)
Applicants should complete the graduate application first and then send all other materials to the Graduate School. Please allow sufficient time for the arrival of official transcripts. While many schools offer online ordering, some still require hard paper copy requests or only send out transcripts once or twice per week. It can take up to 10 days or 2 weeks for transcript orders to be processed by your Alma Maters. In order to ensure admission consideration, all materials must be submitted by the application deadline. Please contact the Graduate School at 614-823-3210 for specific application deadlines. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline. The Nurse Anesthesia Program receives many more applications from qualified individuals than can be accepted. After reviewing the completed application packets, the Nurse Anesthesia Program Admission’s Committee invites approximately four applicants to interview for each available seat in the program. Applicants selected for an interview are notified 4-6 weeks after the application deadline and are scheduled for an interview within the following month.
The completed application materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is accepted into the MSN program. Letters of admission or denial are sent to the applicants home address from the Department of Nursing. Questions about the admission process or admission status should be directed towards the Graduate School at 614-823-3210.
International/Non-Citizen Applicant Admission
Some, or all of the following information may be required in order to complete the application process. Once the Graduate School has received an admission application, the applicant will be notified what additional materials will be required.
The materials may include:
- Supplemental Application for Admission.
- Official TOEFL report if the applicant’s first language is not English or the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. college or university. A score of at least 550 on the paper-based test, a 213 on the computer-based test, or a 79 on the Internet-based test (IBT) is required. Departments may set separate minimum scores.
- Proof of financial support is required for applicants seeking a student visa. Please contact the Graduate School for a complete description of documentation required to process an I-20.
- If academic credentials are from an institution outside of the United States, a World Education Services, Inc. (WES) course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials.
- Applicants who hold a visa, are a U.S. resident alien, or are a permanent resident (with a green card) must submit a copy of the visa/green card along with the Supplemental Application.
All international applicants should contact the Graduate School for additional information. In order to process admission and immigration documents in a timely manner, international/non-citizen applicants are asked to submit all admission materials, including the WES evaluation and proof of financial support, no later than two months prior to the application deadline.
Non-Degree Applicant Admission
Qualified applicants with baccalaureate degrees in nursing who do not plan to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree at Otterbein University may enroll in selected graduate nursing courses on a space available basis for one semester. Requests for enrollment beyond one semester must be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies in Nursing. Non-degree students must pay the same fees as degree seeking students. Prior to beginning the admission process, applicants must contact the Otterbein University Nursing Department Professional Review Committee Chair.
In order to be admitted, non-degree applicants must submit the following to the Graduate School:
- Graduate Application for Admission.
- Official transcripts showing completion of a BSN degree from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited nursing program. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- Current RN license number.
- The Graduate School will verify current RN licensure and a copy of the license verification will be added to the student file. Contact the Graduate School at 614-823-3210 for application deadline.
Transfer Credit
Master of Science in Nursing Program transfer credit for graduate level course work will be considered if:
- The course work is evaluated by the Director of Graduate Studies in Nursing and course faculty.
- The transcript and syllabus reflect graduate level course work from an institution that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and whose graduate nursing program is accredited by NLNAC and/or CCNE.
- The content of the transfer course is equivalent to the course offered in the Otterbein University Master of Science in Nursing Program.
- The course has been taken within the previous 5 years.
- The course was completed with a grade of B or higher. The actual grade is not transferred and thus will not be included in the Otterbein grade point average.
- No more than 6 hours of graduate semester credit will be accepted as transfer credit.
- Proficiency exams are not offered in the MSN program.
- Credit for life/professional experiences is not granted for graduate courses.
- Courses eligible for transfer credit are: NURS 5210, 5220, 5230, 5310, 5320 and 5330.
To request transfer credit, the student must submit the following information to the Director of Graduate Studies in Nursing after admission to the program:
- A letter describing what transfer credit is being sought.
- Syllabus of the graduate course for which transfer credit is being sought.
Transient Credit
Students admitted to the nursing graduate program may petition to take appropriate course work in other institutions for credit at Otterbein University.
The conditions for approval of course work taken as a transient student in other institutions for graduate credit are as follows:
- The application for credit earned as a transient student must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with course faculty.
- The transcript and syllabus reflect graduate level course work from an institution that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and whose graduate nursing program is accredited by NLNAC and/or CCNE.
- Course work for which credit is requested must be described in the catalog or other official publication of the offering institution.
- The content of the course is equivalent to a course offered in the Otterbein University Master of Science in Nursing Program.
- No more than 3 semester hours of credit earned as a transient student will be approved.
- The 3 credits earned as a transient student plus any transfer credits approved when the student is admitted to the MSN program cannot exceed 6 semester hours.
- Courses eligible for transient credit are: NURS 5210, 5220, 5230, 5310, 5320 and 5330.
- Credit will not be recorded until an official transcript or report has been received from the offering institution. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- The course must be completed with a grade of B or higher. The actual grade is not transferred and thus will not be included in the Otterbein grade point average.
To request transfer credit, the student must submit the following information to the Director of Graduate Studies in Nursing after admission to the program:
- A letter describing what transient credit is being sought.
- Syllabus of the graduate course for which transient credit is being sought.
Residence Requirement
A student is considered to be in residence when registered for graduate course work offered by Otterbein University. To meet the residence requirement for the Master of Science in Nursing degree, student must complete all required graduate course work at Otterbein University with the exception of a maximum of 15 hours of graduate credit transferred from an accredited graduate nursing program with permission from the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Nursing.
Program Completion
Students must submit a Request for Degree Application to the Registrar’s Office two semesters prior to the completion of all graduate work. This form may be obtained at the Office of Registrar or from the Registrar’s web page at www.otterbein.edu, under the intranet link. All financial obligations must be met before students may participate in graduation, receive their transcripts, or receive their diploma.
MSN Program Curriculum
The Master of Science in Nursing Program (MSN Program) at Otterbein University provides the baccalaureate nurse an opportunity to synthesize knowledge and develop skills for advanced nursing practice, teaching, management, and research. Students may major in Nursing Service Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia. Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia Certificate Programs are available for students who already have an MSN degree and want to practice as an advanced practice nurse. (For additional details, see section on Post Masters NP programs in this catalog.) MSN students may also complete a certificate in advanced nursing education consisting of all online courses focusing on the role of the Advanced Practice Nurse Educator. This advanced practice nurse educator certificate is also offered as a Post Masters program. (For additional details, see section on Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator program in this catalog.) An ADN to MSN program is also available (See ADN to MSN). Graduate courses are offered on-line, in-class and via interactive television to four distance sites: Central Ohio Technical College, Hocking College, Marion Technical College, and Southern State Community College (not available to Nurse Anesthesia majors).
ADN to MSN Program
The ADN to MSN Program allows a student with an ADN degree to receive a Master of Science in Nursing degree in one of three majors available in the MSN Program: Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) or Nursing Service Administration (NSA) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The ADN to MSN Program is aimed at select students who have demonstrated high academic achievement and proven success in the clinical setting.
The ADN to MSN student must complete all prerequisites prior to admission to the program (see admission requirement ADN to MSN Program). Once admitted the student is required to take transitions courses: NURS 3000; NURS 3510; INST 2201-2205 (one course from Reflection and Responsibility) before beginning MSN clinical courses in their selected major. Please see the Otterbein University Undergraduate Course Catalog for descriptions of courses.
Curriculum Objectives
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Nursing Program, the graduate will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing and relevant fields of study as a basis for an advanced nursing role.
- Use the nursing process to perform the independent, collaborative and multifaceted functions of an advanced nursing role to optimize health care outcomes.
- Demonstrate critical thinking when making decisions regarding the delivery of quality, cost effective, culturally relevant health care to individuals or populations including the vulnerable or underserved.
- Analyze the legal, political, ethical, financial and professional functions of advanced nursing roles.
- Examine health issues, health care delivery systems, including informatics and the implications for nursing.
- Provide nursing leadership through advocacy and change management within the health care delivery system in advanced nursing roles.
- Integrate caring behaviors and patterns into advanced nursing roles.
- Apply the body of nursing knowledge through systematic inquiry, professional standards of care and evidence-based practice.
Curriculum Objectives (Nurse Anesthesia)
The overall objective of the nurse anesthesia major is to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies in perianesthetic management, patient safety, critical thinking, and communication to fulfill their professional responsibilities as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
In addition to meeting the objectives of the Master of Science in Nursing Program (see Graduate Studies in Nursing Handbook), graduates of the nurse anesthesia program will be able to:
- Protect patients from harm during all phases of anesthesia management.
- Design, administer, and manage patient-specific anesthesia care for individuals of all ages and physical conditions undergoing a variety of elective and non-elective surgical and diagnostic procedures.
- Demonstrate competency in utilizing a variety of anesthesia techniques, agents, adjunctive drugs, and equipment while providing anesthesia services.
- Use critical thinking to anticipate and solve problems, make decisions and apply knowledge from the arts and sciences to practice.
- Use effective written, verbal, and nonverbal skills to communicate with patients, families and other healthcare providers in the delivery of anesthesia services.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for professional actions and interact with integrity in the delivery of patient care.
- Analyze information from a variety of sources and apply evidence to nurse anesthesia practice based on sound principles.
The Master of Science in Nursing program is accredited by:
NLNAC Statement
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), located at 51 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, is an informational resource for the nursing program (eg. tuition, fees and length of programs). The telephone number is 1-800-669-9656.
CCNE Statement
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is located at One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036-1120. The telephone number is 202-887-6791.
COA Statement
- The Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Educational programs, 222 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL., 60068-4001. The telephone number is 847-692-7050.
Post Masters Advanced Nurse Educator Program
Admission Standards
Admission to the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program is open to graduates of baccalaureate and masters nursing programs from institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agencies and either NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Applicants must hold a current Ohio registered nurse license. Admission shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, marital or veteran status.
Applications for admission will be reviewed annually by the Nursing Professional Review Committee. The most qualified applicants will be selected on a space-available basis. Candidates that do not meet all the admission criteria, but who wish to be considered for admission must submit a petition requesting special consideration along with their application materials. For example, the inclusion of GRE scores may strengthen the candidate’s position, if the application does not meet the criteria of a minimum grade point average.
Admission Criteria
- Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.
- Baccalaureate degree from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited undergraduate nursing program.
- Masters degree in nursing from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited graduate nursing program.
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.
- Evidence of capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate and graduate studies is required.
- Congruence of the applicant’s goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein University Nursing Department.
- One year full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years.
- Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay.
Admission Procedure
Materials required for admission to the Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program must be submitted to the Graduate School at the address listed below. All contents of the admission file become the legal property of the University and are not returnable or transferable.
- Complete the graduate Application for Admission.
- Submit official transcript of MSN degree.
- Give an Otterbein University Graduate Nursing recommendation form to two individuals that can support your application to pursue graduate studies (one reference from an RN is preferred). At least one should be from an employer. If the applicant has been in school during the last five years, the other recommendation should be from a nursing professor. Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact a recommender to acknowledge receipt of a recommendation.
All admission materials including transcripts must be submitted to:
Otterbein University
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Admission Process
To be considered for full admission in the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator program, all admission materials must be submitted to the Graduate School according to the published deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.
The completed application materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is accepted into the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator program and may enroll in graduate course work. Questions regarding the application process or admission status should be directed to the Graduate School at 614-823-3210.
Residence Requirement
A student is considered to be in residence when registered for graduate course work offered by Otterbein University. To meet the residence requirement, students in the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program must take both required courses (NURS 6400 and NURS 6430).
Program Completion
A candidate for the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator certificate of program completion must complete 6 semester hours of required graduate course work in the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator program. If a student completes the Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program while a graduate student, the certificate of completion for the Advance Practice Nurse Educator Program will be given at the time of graduation from the MSN Program.
Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program Curriculum
The Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program at Otterbein University provides the nurse an opportunity for advanced practice as an educator in nursing education, staff development and/or patient education programs. A certificate of completion is awarded when program requirements are met.
Curriculum Objectives
Upon completion of the Post Masters Advanced Practice Nurse Educator Program, the graduate will:
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing education and relevant fields of study as a basis for nursing education and professional development.
- Use the nursing process to perform the independent, collaborative and multifaceted functions of the nurse educator.
- Demonstrate critical thinking when making decisions regarding the delivery of quality, cost-effective educational programs.
- Analyze the legal, political, ethical, social, cultural, financial and professional functions of the nurse educator role.
- Examine health issues and health care delivery systems and their implications for nursing education, professional development, and/or client education programs.
- Provide nursing leadership within health care and nursing education systems in the advanced nurse educator role.
- Integrate caring behaviors and patterns into the advanced nurse educator role.
- Extend the body of nursing knowledge through systematic inquiry.
Post Masters Certificates - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Anesthesia (NAP)
Admission
Admission to the Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthesia programs are open to graduates of masters nursing programs from institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agencies and either NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Applicants must hold a current Ohio registered nurse license. (Nurse Anesthesia applicants may hold an unencumbered current registered nurse license from states other than Ohio). Admission shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, marital or veteran status.
Applications for admission will be reviewed once per year by the Nursing Professional Review Committee. The most qualified applicants will be selected on a space-available basis.
Admission Criteria (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.
- Baccalaureate degree from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited undergraduate nursing program.
- Masters degree in nursing from a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited graduate nursing program.
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in Ohio.
- Evidence of capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate studies is required.
- Congruence of the applicant’s goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein University Nursing Department.
- Two years full-time or part-time equivalent nursing work experience within the last five years.
- Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay.
Admission Procedure (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Materials required for admission to the Post Masters Program must be submitted to the Graduate School at the address listed below. All contents of the admission file become the legal property of the University and are not returnable or transferable.
- Complete the graduate Application for Admission.
- Request official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended be sent to the Graduate School. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Graduate School. If hand-delivered, transcripts must be in an unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- Submit a professional resume.
- Give an Otterbein University Graduate Nursing Recommendation Form to two individuals that can support your application to pursue graduate studies (one reference from an RN is preferred). At least one should be from an employer. If the applicant has been in school during the last five years, the other recommendation should be from a nursing professor. Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact the recommender to acknowledge receipt of a recommendation.
- Submit a 2-4 page essay (typewritten, double-spaced). The essay should: Summarize professional background. Discuss professional goals and how these goals can be achieved in the Post Masters NP Program. Describe past experiences and reflections that have influenced these goals. Describe personal contributions that can be made to the nursing program and wider community. This essay should be carefully prepared and edited since it is considered an important component of the admission application.
- Provide a current Ohio RN license number on the Application for Admission form. The Graduate School will verify current Ohio RN licensure on the Ohio Board of Nursing website and a copy of the license verification will be added to the student file.
- Optional but strongly encouraged: Schedule an appointment with the Nursing Admissions Advisor in the Graduate School for program information.
All admission materials including transcripts must be submitted to:
Otterbein University
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
1 South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Admission Process (Family Nurse Practitioner)
To be considered for full admission in the Post Masters NP program, all admission materials must be submitted to the Graduate School according to the published deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline. Check with the Graduate School at 614-823-3210 or the website for admission deadlines.
The completed application materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is accepted into one of the Post Masters NP programs and may enroll in graduate course work. Admission and denial letters will be mailed by the Nursing Department to the applicants home address. Questions regarding the application process or admission status should be directed to the Graduate School at 614-823-3210.
Admission Criteria (Nurse Anesthesia)
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing and Master’s degree in nursing from institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission(NLNAC) and/or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse.
- Evidence for capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate and graduate studies is required. (A grade of C or higher in statistics. Blended science course work GPA of 3.0 or higher.)
- Minimum of one year of full time nursing work experience within the last 5 years in a critical care area. (Experience in interpretation of invasive monitors, titration of vasoactive infusions, management of ventilated patients, and care of acutely ill patients. Operating Room and telemetry unit experience are not accepted as critical care experience).
- Current ACLS recognition. (CCRN is preferred but not required).
- Ability to articulate a clear understanding of the nurse anesthetist’s role.
- Submission of the Verification of Observation Form (applicants are required to spend a minimum of one day observing a practicing CRNA or anesthesiologist in the Operating Room).
- Submission of the Practice Evaluation Form (to document critical care work experience).
- Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay and interview.
Admission Procedure (Nurse Anesthesia)
Materials required for admission to the Post Master’s program must be submitted to the Graduate School at the address listed below. All contents of the admission file become the legal property of the University and are not returnable or transferable.
- Complete the Graduate Nursing Application for Admission.
- Request separate official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended to be sent to the Graduate School. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes from the issuing institutions.
- Submit a professional resume.
- Give an Otterbein University Graduate Nursing Recommendation Form to two individuals that can support your application to pursue graduate study (one recommendation from an RN is preferred). At least one should be from an employer. If the applicant has been in school during the last five years, the other recommendation form should be from a nursing professor. Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to contact a recommender to acknowledge receipt of a recommendation.
- Submit a 2-4 page essay (typewritten, double-spaced). The essay should describe your professional goals and how these goals will be achieved in the MSN program. Indicate how your past experiences and reflections have influenced these goals. Describe your understanding of the nurse anesthetist’s role. Identify personal contributions that can be made to nursing and the greater community.
- Submit completed Verification of Observation form.
- Submit completed Practice survey form.
- Submit proof of ACLS recognition.
- Provide a current RN license number on the application for admission form. (The Graduate School will verify the license with the board of nursing).
- Provide proof of CCRN (preferred, not required)
Send all admission materials to:
Otterbein University
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
One South Grove Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Admission Process (Nurse Anesthesia)
To be considered for admission in the Post Masters NA program, all admission materials must be submitted to the Graduate School according to the published deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline. The Nurse Anesthesia Program receives more applications from qualified applicants than can be accepted. After reviewing the completed application packets, the Nurse Anesthesia Program Admission’s Committee invites approximately four applicants to interview for each available seat in the program. Applicants selected for an interview are notified 4-6 weeks after the application deadline and are scheduled for an interview within the following month.
The completed materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is admitted into the NA program. Applicants are notified of admission or denial by a letter sent to the home address. Questions about the admission process or admission status should be directed towards the Graduate School at 614-823-3210.
Transfer Credit and Credit for Prior Learning
Post Masters Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia Programs transfer credit for graduate level course work will be considered if:
- The course work is evaluated by the Program Director of the Post-Masters Program and course faculty.
- The transcript and syllabus reflect graduate level course work from an institution that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and whose graduate nursing program is accredited by NLNAC and/or CCNE.
- The content of the transfer course is equivalent to the course offered in the Otterbein University Post-Masters Program.
- The course has been taken within the previous five years.
- The course was completed with a grade of B or higher. The actual grade is not transferred and thus will not be included in the Otterbein grade point average.
- No more than 6 hours of graduate semester credit will be accepted as transfer credit.
- Proficiency exams are not offered in the Post Masters programs.
- Credit for life/professional experiences is not granted for Post Masters Programs. .
- Courses eligible for transfer credit are: NURS 5310, 5320 and 5330.
To request transfer credit, the student must submit the following information to the Program Director of the Post-Masters Program after admission to the program:
- A letter describing what transfer credit is being sought.
- Syllabus of graduate course for which transfer credit is being sought.
The Post Masters Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia Programs offer students the opportunity to obtain proficiency credit for NURS 5320.
- The proficiency exam consists of a written exam on assessment content and the demonstration of a history and physical.
- The written exam must be passed before the candidate is eligible to perform the history and physical.
- The candidate must achieve a minimum of 80% on both components of the exam.
- The candidate may take the proficiency exam only once.
- The student must make an appointment with the course coordinator for any component of the exam, at least two weeks prior to the exam date.
- The candidate must pre-register in the Nursing Office using the “Proficiency Exam Registration Form”, two weeks before the exam date.
- A non-refundable fee for the proficiency exam must be paid in the nursing office at the time of pre-registration.
Residence Requirement
To meet the residency requirement, students in the Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Nurse Anesthesia Programs must take all clinical courses.
Program Completion
A candidate for the Post Masters NP certificate must complete the following:
Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Program
28 semester hours of required graduate course work or its equivalent in the Post Masters FNP program.
Post Masters Nurse Anesthesia Program
63 semester hours of required graduate course work or its equivalent in the Post Masters NA program.
Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Curriculum
The Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program at Otterbein University provides the nurse an opportunity for advanced nursing practice in family primary care. The coursework prepares students to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Certification Exam for Family Nurse Practitioner.
Curriculum Objectives
Upon completion of the Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, the graduate will:
- Synthesize theories and research from the physical and behavioral sciences relevant to primary care advanced nursing practice.
- Incorporate a caring framework in applying the nursing process with healthy families and those with acute or chronic problems.
- Perform comprehensive health assessments utilizing a research-based practice, principles of problem-oriented data collection, concepts of epidemiology, therapeutic communication, history-taking skills, techniques of assessment and pertinent diagnostic data.
- Interpret data to identify excesses, norms and deficits of individuals in a variety of health care settings.
- Perform holistic, continuous, comprehensive and individualized primary health care to clients and families that includes anticipatory guidance appropriate for age/developmental status through the health/illness continuum.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills in clinical decision making with attention to safety, cost, invasiveness, simplicity, acceptability and efficacy.
- Implement primary care management strategies with acute and chronic needs and problems.
- Evaluate one’s own performance in the independent, collaborative and multifaceted aspects of the advanced practice nursing role in primary care.
- Examine the legal, political, ethical, financial and professional aspects of the nurse practitioner role.
Post Masters Nurse Anesthesia Certificate Program Curriculum
Curriculum Objectives
In addition to meeting the objectives of the Master of Science in Nursing Program (see Graduate Studies in Nursing Handbook), graduates of the nurse anesthesia program will be able to:
- Protect patients from harm during all phases of anesthesia management.
- Design, administer, and manage patient-specific anesthesia care for individuals of all ages and physical conditions undergoing a variety of elective and non-elective surgical and diagnostic procedures.
- Demonstrate competency in utilizing a variety of anesthesia techniques, agents, adjunctive drugs, and equipment while providing anesthesia services.
- Use critical thinking to anticipate and solve problems, make decisions and apply knowledge from the arts and sciences to practice.
- Use effective written, verbal, and nonverbal skills to communicate with patients, families and other healthcare providers in the delivery of anesthesia services.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for professional actions and interact with integrity in the delivery of patient care.
- Analyze information from a variety of sources and apply evidence to nurse anesthesia practice based on sound principles.
Transfer Credit
The Post-Masters Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Anesthesia Program transfer credit for graduate level course work will be considered if:
- The course work is evaluated by the Program Director of the Post-Masters Program and course faculty.
- The transcript and syllabus reflect graduate level course work from an institution that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and whose graduate nursing program is accredited by NLNAC and/or CCNE.
- The content of the transfer course is equivalent to the course offered in the Otterbein University Post-Masters Program.
- The course has been taken within the previous five years.
- The course was completed with a grade of B or higher. The actual grade is not transferred and thus will not be included in the Otterbein grade point average.
- No more than 6 hours of graduate semester credit will be accepted as transfer credit.
- Proficiency exams are not offered in the Post Masters programs.
- Credit for life/professional experiences is not granted for Post Masters Programs. .
- Courses eligible for transfer credit are: NURS 5310, 5320 and 5330.
To request transfer credit, the student must submit the following information to the Program Director of the Post-Masters Program after admission to the program:
- A letter describing what transfer credit is being sought.
- Syllabus of graduate course for which transfer credit is being sought.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP Program)
Admission Standards: DNP Program
Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) is open to graduates of institutions of higher education that are fully accredited by appropriate regional accrediting agencies, and NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) and/or CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) accredited baccalaureate and masters nursing programs. Applicants must give evidence of the intellectual, academic and personal ability to succeed in graduate studies. Admission shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, age, sex, color, disability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, marital or veteran status. Applications for admission will be reviewed by the Department of Nursing Professional Review Committee. The most qualified applicants will be selected on a space-available basis. It may be necessary for some students to take undergraduate or graduate courses to meet prerequisites of selected graduate courses. Candidates who do not meet all of the admission criteria, but who wish to be considered for admission must submit a petition requesting special consideration along with their application materials.
Admission Criteria: Post-Master’s DNP Program
1. Masters degree in nursing with role preparation in Advanced Nursing Practice from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency.
2. Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse in the state where practice project will be conducted.
3. Evidence of capacity for graduate study. A blended cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate course work.
4. Ability to articulate one’s professional goals and express one’s self clearly as evidenced by the admission essay. Congruence of the applicant’s goals with the objectives and resources of the Otterbein University Nursing Department.
5. MSN with advanced practice role: One year full-time, or part-time equivalent, nursing work experience within the last five years.
6. Resume with all professional experiences documented.
7. Three recommendations from individuals who can support the applicant’s potential for functioning in the DNP role.
8. Evidence of national certification as an APN.
9. Graduate level nursing research course
Admission Procedure: DNP Program
1. Complete a DNP Application for Admission form.
2. Request that official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended to be sent to the Graduate School. (All schools, regardless of number of courses taken.)
3. Submit three recommendation forms from individuals who can support the applicant’s potential for functioning in the DNP role. At least one should be from a nursing professor. (A recommendation from a current Otterbein graduate student will not be considered). Otterbein University reserves the right to contact persons providing recommendations and to acknowledge receipt of recommendations.
4. Submit a resume with all professional experience documented.
5. Submit a 3-4 page typewritten essay. The essay should:
• summarize professional background
• discuss professional goals and how these goals can be achieved in the DNP Program
• describe past experiences and reflections that have influenced these goals
• describe personal contributions that can be made to the nursing program and wider community. This essay should be carefully prepared and edited since it is considered an important component of the admission application.
6. Provide a current RN license number Attach a copy of the national specialty certificate. The Graduate School will verify current RN licensure and a copy of the license and COA verification will be added to the student file.
7. Select candidates will be invited to an interview with nursing faculty.
* All admission materials including transcripts must be submitted to:
The Graduate School
Roush Hall, Room 208
1 South Grove Street
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH 43081
Full admission to the Graduate School is required before students take any graduate courses. Applicants must submit transcripts showing completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing for the post-baccalaureate DNP or a Master’s degree in Nursing for the Post-Master’s DNP from an institution of higher education that is fully accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency, and a NLNAC and/or CCNE accredited program in nursing; DNP Application for Admission form; and a current unencumbered RN license number. Admissions
decisions are made once per year. Students should contact the Graduate School to obtain application deadlines. In order to be considered for admission to the DNP program, all admission materials must be submitted to the Graduate School four weeks prior to the application deadlines. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted by the appropriate deadline.
The completed application materials are reviewed by the Nursing Professional Review Committee to determine whether the applicant is accepted into the program. Questions regarding the application process or admission status should be directed to the Graduate School at (614) 823-3210.
International/Non-Citizen Applicant Admission
Some or all of the following information may be required in order to complete the application process. Once the Graduate School has received an admission application, the applicant will be notified what additional materials will be required.
The materials may include:
1. Supplemental Application for Admission.
