Otterbein University’s graduate nursing programs being transferred to Antioch University

Otterbein University is transferring its graduate nursing programs to Antioch University. Antioch University was approved to offer graduate nursing degrees effective May 12, 2025, as per the Higher Learning Commission’s Institutional Actions Council. Otterbein University and Antioch University are collaborators and co-founders of the Coalition for the Common Good, which is, according to a webpage for the coalition, “the first national higher education system of affiliated universities organized around a shared mission of educating students not only to advance their careers, but to promote our pluralistic democracy, social, racial, economic, and environmental justice, and the common good.” In addition to the graduate nursing programs transferring to Antioch University, several nursing faculty members from Otterbein University will transfer to Antioch to continue teaching those programs.

According to an article on Otterbein University’s website, Regina Prusinski, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNP-AC, who is a former Otterbein University nursing faculty member who is now the chair of nursing at Antioch University, was quoted as saying of the transition, “The launch of these expanded Graduate Nursing and Health Professions programs at Antioch University reflects Otterbein’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. This is more than a transition; it’s a transformation that honors our legacy while preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. This transition ensures that the Otterbein tradition of excellence continues with renewed energy and purpose at Antioch University. Antioch’s Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions 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.”

Antioch University has been approved to provide the following programs: 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, and Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Executive.

With the graduate programs moving to Antioch University, Otterbein University will focus its efforts and attention on its undergraduate bachelor of science in nursing program to prepare nurses to work in the state of Ohio, and Antioch University will, through its online offerings, prepare nurses outside of Otterbein University’s service area.

Otterbein Nursing Department Chair John Chovan, PhD, DNP, APRN, CNP, CNS, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, said, “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.”

Antioch University will begin enrolling in the graduate nursing programs in January 2026.

For more information about Otterbein University, visit the school’s website.