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Toledo, OH 43614
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doctor of nursing practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) at the University of Toledo School of Nursing prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, leadership, and innovation in healthcare. Designed for busy professionals, our D.N.P. pathways equip graduates with the skills to translate evidence into practice, lead quality improvement initiatives, and influence healthcare systems to improve outcomes for patients and communities.
Our D.N.P. curriculum is fully aligned with the latest national standards and prepares students to lead change in complex healthcare environments.
Program Options
We offer flexible pathways to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to meet the goals of nurses at different points in their careers:
Post‑Baccalaureate (B.S.N.‑to‑D.N.P.)
This pathway is designed for nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and want to advance to the highest level of clinical practice. was the first public institution in Ohio to offer a B.S.N.‑to‑D.N.P. program.
Students may choose track options such as:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nurse Executive Leadership
Post‑Master’s (M.S.N.‑to‑D.N.P.)
This pathway builds on your master’s education and prepares experienced nurses for advanced practice, leadership, and evidence‑based clinical roles. Tracks include:
- Nurse Practitioner (FNP, PMHNP)
Our D.N.P. Nurse Practitioner APRN tracks combine flexible online coursework with required in-person clinical experiences and highly recommended on-campus skills immersion days designed to enhance hands-on clinical competency and advanced practice preparation. - Nurse Executive Leadership
- Clinical Practice Leadership
Nurse Executive Leadership and Clinical Practice Leadership pathways are delivered 100% online with curriculum focused on real‑world application and practice leadership.
What You’ll Learn
The D.N.P. curriculum emphasizes advanced competencies in:
- Translating research into evidence‑based healthcare solutions that improve outcomes and quality of care.
- Leading teams, organizations, and systems through complex healthcare challenges.
- Quality management, performance improvement, and policy implementation.
Students apply knowledge through a doctoral scholarly project that addresses a real practice problem and demonstrates mastery in evidence‑based practice and leadership.
Program Highlights
- Flexible, online delivery designed for working professionals.
- Emphasis on leadership, systems thinking, and quality improvement.
- Clinical experiences tailored to students’ career goals.
- Mentorship from experienced faculty committed to student success.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Career Pathways and Impact
Graduates of the D.N.P. program are prepared to advance into high‑impact roles across the healthcare spectrum, including:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (NP roles such as FNP or PMHNP)
- Healthcare Executive or Clinical Leader
- Quality and Safety Director
- Health Systems Innovator
- Policy Advocate and Consultant
Next Steps and Support
Admissions: Prospective students should review application requirements, deadlines, and the graduate
admissions process.
Funding: Support options are available for D.N.P. students, including funding guidance and
resources.
Accreditation: The D.N.P. is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE).
Meet Uhunoma “Noma” Aguebor
'25, Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Family Nurse Practitioner track
“Returning to The University of Toledo for my DNP was an intentional step in my journey as a nurse leader. Seeing professors and mentors with terminal degrees inspired me to aim higher and expand my impact in patient care. The program strengthened my ability to translate evidence into practice and prepared me to lead with confidence, compassion, and a deeper understanding of healthcare systems.”
Questions?

Kathleen Mitchell, D.N.P., APRN-CNS
Associate Dean of Student Services
Assistant Professor
kathleen.mitchell@utoledo.edu