Otterbein Graduate Nursing Programs to Go Nationally, Online
Antioch University Gains Approval to Offer Otterbein Graduate Nursing Programs
The excellence that has distinguished Otterbein’s graduate nursing programs for the last 45 years will soon be available across the nation with more hybrid and online learning options than before thanks to the bold, new work of the Coalition for the Common Good.
Starting in January 2026, graduate nursing programs originally developed and offered by Otterbein University will be housed in and delivered by Antioch University’s new Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions. Coalition co-founding institutions, Otterbein University and Antioch University, learned of the Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions Council’s approval in May 2025. THe Ohio Department of Higher Education approved the change in 2024.
With these big changes, nurses seeking advanced practice degrees will benefit from Otterbein’s respected curriculum and preparation, plus Antioch’s expanded expertise in delivering an exceptional education in online and hybrid learning modalities, alongside its commitment to meeting the needs of adult learners and working professionals.
Combining the strengths of these powerhouse institutions means nurses nationwide have a new option for a remarkable graduate education that specializes in preparing professionals to lead with compassion, equity, and justice. The graduate nursing program transfer to Antioch University is further strengthened since several Otterbein nursing faculty members are transitioning with the program to ensure continuity in education, experience, and excellence. Read more about the announcement.
Nursing Programs Offered
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Advanced Practice
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Executive
This transition ensures that the Otterbein tradition of excellence continues with renewed energy and purpose at Antioch University. Our Graduate School of Nursing Health Profession programs prepare compassionate and skilled health professionals – leaders who are ready to drive the movement for equity and justice in healthcare. The future of healthcare needs more than knowledge; it needs heart. And that’s what we offer.”
Regina Prusinski,
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CPNP-AC
Chair, Department of Nursing, Antioch University
Former Associate Professor of Nursing and FNP Program Director, Otterbein University
By transferring its graduate nursing programs to Antioch University, Otterbein will continue to sharpen its focus on its prestigious undergraduate Bachelor of Science inNursing (BSN) program, which prepares new nursing professionals to serve in healthcare systems throughout Ohio, filling a critical need.
“Otterbein continues to offer the BSN and our program has the highest average NCLEX score (calculated over the past five years) in central Ohio for first-time test takers. Our faculty not only are high-quality nurse educators but also bring up-to-the-minute experience to their classes as practicing registered nurses,” said Otterbein Nursing Department Chair John Chovan, PhD, DNP, APRN, CNP, CNS, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test that nursing graduates must pass to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
“Offering Otterbein’s graduate nursing curricula continues the Otterbein tradition of preparing high quality nurse practitioners. It builds on the national scope of the Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program as it was designed and offered while at Otterbein and catches up the Family Nurse Practitioner program to reach a national audience.”
Pictured: John D. Chovan, PhD, DNP, RN, CNP, CNS, PMHNP/CNS-BC, ACHPN
Professor, Chair, and Chief Nurse Administrator, Department of Nursing
The programs are designed to address the urgent national need for nurse practitioners and healthcare leaders, offering flexible and accessible pathways for working professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact. The newly approved offerings include:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Advanced Practice
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Executive
We are maintaining Otterbein’s excellent PMHNP program at Antioch. Otterbein held a high standard of education for their students, allowing them to provide excellent care to their patients and at Antioch, we will continue to provide excellence in education.”
Deana Batross
DNP, RN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Associate Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program, Antioch University
Former Assistant Professor of Nursing, Otterbein University
Resources for Otterbein’s Graduate Nursing Alumni
Are you a graduate of Otterbein’s Graduate nursing program? As an alumni, you will always be a member of the Otterbein family. You can access resources such as the Graduate Catalog at the link below.
Now Enrolling for the Advanced Practice Science Core
Are you considering an advanced degree in nursing or another healthcare profession?
Are you wondering how you’ll be able to balance graduate courses with your career and your personal life?
Otterbein University is offering a chance for personal growth and expanded professional opportunity.
Get an exceptional science core foundation with meaningful benefits designed to meet the demands of the working professional.
- Smart professional preparation on a schedule you can handle.
- All courses taught by skilled, supportive teachers who are advanced practice nurses who are also working clinically. Real-time expertise.
- Asynchronous paced coursework with a focused weekly topic —
a schedule that sets you up for success.
Your Path to Study the Three P’s of Advanced Practice*
Advanced Pharmacology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
NURS 6820 – Hours: 3 | Offered Fall 2025
Builds on fundamental concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Focuses on essentials of drug action, clinical use, side effects, adverse reactions and rational drug selected for specific drug classes treating select disease processes. Client education, medication administration, interactions with herbal or nutritional remedies and lifestyle modifications across the lifespan or for special populations are included. Note: This course has an additional fee.
Advanced Physical and Health Assessment for
the Advanced Practice Nurse
NURS 6830 – Hours: 3 | Next Offering TBD
Builds on basic physical assessment concepts to include episodic, focused, and comprehensive health assessments for individuals across the lifespan. Integrates concepts of genetics/genomics, culture, and lifestyles in identification of risk factors. Focuses on therapeutic communication in a caring framework with individuals and families to assemble a health assessment data base, including family, psycho-social, diagnostic, and physical findings. Emphasis is on critically analyzing the data in order to determine differential diagnoses and establishing an accurate assessment
of the health status.
Advanced Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
NURS 6810 – Hours: 3 | Next Offering TBD
Builds on knowledge of basic pathophysiology to examine current understanding of cell and tissue mechanisms that cause disease, and how these produce the symptoms and signs that we recognize clinically. The processes of cell adaptation and injury, apoptosis, necrosis, aging, thromboembolism, ischemia, infarction, fluid and chemistry imbalances, neuroendocrine abnormalities, inflammation, infection, immune dysfunction, genetic abnormalities, and malignancy will be studied, illustrated by disease examples and case studies. Additionally, the world burden of disease will be considered, including infection, infestation, malnutrition, and obesity.
*These courses are often required in graduate health profession degrees such as nurse practitioner, physician assistant, pharmacy, and medical science.
Now Accepting Applications for the Science Core in Fall 2025.
For questions or to learn more, contact:
Shelby Edick
Assistant Director of Graduate Admission
Otterbein University | Office of Admission
Call: 614.823.1506 | Text: 614.896.5048