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Online BSN to DNP Rankings and Program Listings

Like many ambitious BSN graduates, you may be weighing up whether to pursue an MSN or a DNP. If you’re eyeing a Doctor of Nursing Practice after your bachelor’s degree, we take a close look at what awaits you. Ready to enroll? Skip ahead to our Best Online BSN to DNP Rankings or browse through our state-by-state listings of Online and Campus-Based BSN to DNP programs.

Best Online BSN to DNP Overview

Award for Online BSN to DNP Program RankingsDiscover the 19 Best Online BSN to DNP Programs in the country! Each ranking has details on admissions criteria, NP & leadership specialties, curricula, on-campus requirements, and availability. You can make an informed decision in no time. Here are a few things to bear in mind as you explore your options:

  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: We’ve primarily focused on specialties that are available online. Some schools will offer additional on-campus concentrations, especially in the field of Nurse Anesthesia. If you live near one of these universities, you may have more options!
  • State Authorization: Considering an out-of-state BSN to DNP for the purposes of APRN certification & state licensure? Visit the school’s State Authorization page (we’ve included links); check with your State Board of Nursing (BON); and confirm with the DNP program coordinator that you’re eligible to apply.
  • Campus Visits: All Online BSN to DNP programs in APRN specialties are going to have campus components—they’re necessary for clinical training. To ensure that programs are convenient for working nurses who might live out-of-state, we had a “once per semester” threshold for our rankings. If you were required to visit the campus more often than that, the school & program were relegated to our list of Honorary Mentions.
  • Online Delivery & COVID-19: Online BSN to DNP programs are adapting to the new reality by turning some of their on-campus requirements into virtual ones (e.g. DNP project presentations). Some of these changes may become permanent—visit the program homepage for up-to-date details.

Online BSN to DNP Rankings Methodology

To come up with our list of the Best Online BSN to DNP Programs in the country, we deployed some of the same factors as Best DNP Programs rankings. That means we examined the following benchmarks:

  • DNP completion rates, especially programs that focused on practice & not research.
  • First-time APRN pass rates—any program with 96%+ rate received an added boost.
  • Strong U.S. News & World Report placements for MSN and DNP programs.
  • Employment rate one year after DNP graduation—any program with a 96%+ employment rate got a boost.
  • Average indebtedness of graduates who incurred DNP nursing debt—that means schools with low debt outcomes can sit alongside high-profile & high-cost universities.

2022 Rankings Overview: What Changed

To help you expand your search, we increased our rankings of the Best Online BSN to DNP Programs to 19 schools in 2022.

  •  It’s heartening to note that the top 10 schools continued to hold their ground from 2021 to 2022. Rush, Frontier, UAB, and Johns Hopkins—these are strong names with strong nursing reputations.
  • Rush secured the #1 spot thanks to excellent APRN pass rates and top-of-the-line rankings, but Frontier is a worthy and affordable contender with low debt rates.
  • The real shake-up occurred in the second half of the rankings. There are a number of new arrivals in the 2022 list, including schools like UAH, SHU, Michigan State, Detroit Mercy, UI, OSU, and UWM.
  • Thanks to solid (if not spectacular) benchmarks, University of Cincinnati even managed to crack the top 10! Better yet, it offers a number of online NP specialties with limited campus visits.

Top Schools with Online BSN to DNP Programs

19. University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI

  • Program: Online Post-BS DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | PNP-PC | PMHNP | Adult Gerontology CNS | Population Health | Systems Leadership & Innovation
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online (Population Health & Systems Leadership Specialties); Hybrid (NP & CNS Specialties)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

UWM’s Online Post-BS DNP is available in two flavors. If you’re interested in Population Health or Systems Leadership, you can earn your doctorate completely online—these 58-credit DNP programs takes 3 years/8 semesters to complete on a full-time basis. BSN to DNP tracks in NP & CNS specialties are hybrid. These 68-credit programs are available in a 3-year or 4-year format.

  • Coursework: Didactic coursework is online. But all NP & CNS students are expected to attend on-campus meetings for clinical track courses. Scheduling is designed for adult learners.
  • Clinicals: Clinical placements for NP & CNS students are arranged by the School of Nursing—it’s well-connected to major healthcare systems in Wisconsin. UWM will do its best to honor any requests for clinicals in home communities or particular sites of interest.
Admissions

Online Post-BS DNP Applicants should have an accredited BSN, a current RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least one year of relevant work experience, and a Grade of B or better in a graduate level statistics course. Applicants who have a non-APN master’s degree (e.g. nurse education) are considered Post-BS applicants. Applications open in early September; apply by December 1 for NP tracks and April 1 for CNS and non-clinical tracks.

Learn More About UWM’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

18. Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | CNM | FNP | NNP | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | WHNP | Adult Gerontology CNS
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Visits (FNP | NNP | PMHNP); Hybrid (Remaining NP Specialties & CNS)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

At OSU, you have the option to pursue an Online BSN to DNP in three popular NP specialties via distance learning (e.g. FNP, NNP & PMHNP) or opt for a hybrid format in the remaining NP & CNS specialties. Credits vary by tracks—see the curriculum section for sample plans of study. Choose a 3-year full-time schedule or a 4-year part-time schedule.

  • Coursework: DNP coursework in any distance learning track will be virtual, but OSU notes that online classes have a real-time, synchronous component. All students must visit the campus to defend their final projects. Depending on the specialty, online students may also be required to come to campus up to 3 times through the MSN portion. If you select a hybrid/campus-based track, you’ll be expected to visit the Columbus campus frequently for clinical coursework.
  • Clinicals: As a distance learning student, you’ll be able to complete clinicals near your own community. OSU can help you find preceptors in a wide variety of geographic locations and clinical sites throughout Ohio, as well as other approved states. See each specialty page for details.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP applicants to OSU should have an accredited BSN (e.g. CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA), an active RN license in their home state, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. OSU takes a holistic approach to applications, so it’s willing to consider candidates with lower GPAs. Be prepared to submit a recorded online video interview. Deadline is October 31 for an August start—check out the BSN to DNP Admissions Timeline for more detailed info.

Learn More About OSU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

17. University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | Health Systems/Administration | Dual Certifications Available
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online (Health Systems/Administration); Hybrid (NP Specialties)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

UI’s Online BSN to DNP is available in a virtual or hybrid format. If you select the Health Systems/Administration track, you can tackle the entire DNP online. It’s available in a 3-, 4-, or 5-year plan of study. The remaining NP specialties & dual certification options are a blend of online & on-campus visits. See each NP Specialty section for 3- and 4-year sample plans of study and answers to FAQs.

  • Coursework: Classes in the Health Systems/Administration track will be online—there’s no on-campus requirement. Many online courses are offered in an asynchronous format. NP doctorates are a mix of online and on-campus attendance. For instance, core courses may be online, but didactic NP courses are delivered on the UI campus once per week. You’ll also be required to attend an orientation and enrichment days.
  • Clinicals: UI’s College of Nursing will arrange clinical practicums in your home area (e.g. Iowa for NP specialties). Every effort is made to minimize long distances, but you may be expected to travel up to 100 miles for preceptor experiences.
Admissions

At UI, Online BSN to DNP applicants are expected to have an accredited BSN (CCNE or ACEN), a current RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA (3.5 GPA is required for any dual certification programs), credits from an upper-level statistics course, and—potentially—relevant work experience. Apply by February 1 for a fall semester start. Interviews take place in February and March.

Learn More About UI’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

16. Duke University | Durham, NC

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | Health Informatics | NNP | Nursing & Health Care Leadership | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | WHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online Coursework with On-Campus Intensives
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Duke’s Online BSN to DNP uses a BSN to MSN to DNP model—you’ll earn both an MSN and a DNP by the end of the program. You can choose from a large number of NP and non-clinical concentrations; each concentration requires at least 74 credits. Sub-specialties are also available!

  • Coursework: The majority of coursework is online. However, you will be expected to visit the Duke campus at least once per semester for 2-5 day intensives during the MSN portion. These experiences will include simulations, hands-on activities, and lectures. During the DNP portion, there will be a 2-day campus orientation and four 2-3 day Executive Sessions.
  • Clinicals: Clinical hours for the MSN portion of the program vary by concentration (e.g. 728 clinical hours for the FNP; 616 clinical hours for the NNP). Duke has a Clinical Placement Services (CPS) office to assist with placements—see the MSN Student Handbook for details. The DNP portion involves a DNP project spread across 4 semesters (400-500 hours); you can use your own workplace or another approved site. See the DNP Student Handbook for details.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP applicants are expected to have an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate statistics course, and current RN licensure in the state in which practice will occur. Certain specialties will have additional work experience requirements (e.g. NNP). GRE scores are not required, but you’re welcome to submit them. Apply by December 1 for fall & May 1 for spring.

Learn More About Duke’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

15. University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI

  • Program: Online Post-BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: CNL | FNP | Adult Gerontology CNS | Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online (AGCNS, CNL & Leadership); Hybrid (FNP)
  • Availability: Check Each Specialty Page for State Authorization

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Detroit Mercy’s Online BSN to DNP is available in 3 distance learning concentrations—the 72-credit CNL track, the 65-credit AGCNS track, or the 63-credit Nursing & Healthcare Leadership track. Check with the DNP coordinator to learn more about the cohort-based, 71-credit FNP track. Keep in mind that you’re allowed to opt out with an MSN if you choose not to pursue a doctorate. See each Specialty page for sample schedules.

  • Coursework: Coursework in non-NP specialties looks to be 100% online, with no residency requirements.
  • Clinicals: Detroit Mercy has clinical coordinators who can help you identify clinical sites and qualified preceptors near your home. You may be able to complete hours in your place of employment, as long as it’s not in your unit or as part of your current job.
Admissions

Detroit Mercy is willing to consider Online BSN to DNP applicants from all 50 states. Candidates should have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a current & unencumbered RN license in their home state. CNL and NHL applicants should have at least 2,000 hours of work experience as an RN. AGCNS candidates don’t have to meet a practice requirement. Entry points are available in the fall, winter, or summer—check with the DNP coordinator for deadlines.

Learn More About Detroit Mercy’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum (Listed Under Each Specialty)
  • Tuition & Fees

14. Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGPCNP | FNP | PMHNP | Adult Gerontology CNS
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Orientation (AGCNS); Hybrid (NP Specialties)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

MSU offers one fully Online BSN to DNP track—the 70-credit AGCNS. It’s designed for nurses around the U.S. The 70-credit NP concentrations are hybrid. The BSN to DNP takes three years to complete on a full-time schedule and 4 years on a part-time schedule.

  • Coursework: Almost all CNS coursework is online, but you will be required to visit the campus for an initial orientation before the start of the program. NP students often end up visiting the East Lansing campus 4-5 times per semester for lectures, seminars, simulation labs, group work, and examinations.
  • Clinicals: Clinicals are arranged by a placement coordinator, in collaboration with the concentration program director. You can’t complete practicums in your current unit or department, but you may be able to conduct clinicals in other departments/units within the same agency.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP applicants should have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA on the second half of their baccalaureate nursing program, undergraduate & graduate statistics courses with a grade of B/3.0 or better, and a current & unrestricted RN license in their home state. Any NP candidates who want to apply for the Hybrid BSN to DNP must have a Michigan RN license prior to progression on clinical courses. Early deadline for applications is December 1. Final deadline is April 1.

Learn More About MSU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions (Listed Under Each Specialty)
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum (Listed Under Each Specialty)
  • Tuition & Fees

13. Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ

  • Program: Online Post-BSN DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP/AGPCNP | PNP-PC | PMHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Immersion Experiences
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

SHU’s Online Post-BSN DNP is open to aspiring NPs! You’ll be able to choose from a number of concentrations: the AGNP (AGACNP or AGPCNP tracks are available), PNP-PC, or PMHNP. See the MSN curricula for info on the first portion of the program and the DNP curriculum for the second portion of your program. BSN to DNP programs range from 71-77 credits.

  • Coursework: Although the vast majority of your coursework will be online, the MSN portion of the program may feature on-campus immersion experiences. You’ll take part in an initial orientation, hands-on labs and clinical training, and guest lectures.
  • Clinicals: Practicums can be completed in your home area. Out-of-state students should check with the Director of Graduate Admissions in the College of Nursing to be sure that securing a clinical rotation will not be a problem before applying.
Admissions

Online Post-BSN DNP applicants should have an accredited BSN (ACEN, CCNE or NLNAC), a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (3.2 or above for AGACNP candidates), and a current RN license in the state where they will perform clinicals. All NP applicants must have at least 1 year of professional patient care experience; AGACNP applicants must have 2 years. Apply by August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

Learn More About SHU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

12. Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia, PA

  • Program: Online DNP-Post-Baccalaureate Entry
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | NNP | PNP-PC | WHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online (Check with DNP Program Coordinator)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

In this 69-credit DNP-Post Baccalaureate Entry program, you’ll be able to earn an MSN en route to the DNP. You can choose from a number of NP specialties and opt for a full-time schedule of 4 years or a part-time schedule of 6 years. Full-time study begins in September.

  • Coursework: JCN states that the BSN to DNP program is online, but it doesn’t provide many details about the format of distance learning coursework or the on-campus requirements. Talk to the DNP program coordinator and read through the College of Nursing Handbook before you make a decision.
  • Clinicals: BSN to DNP students must complete 672 clinical hours for the MSN portion of the program and 540 clinical hours for the DNP portion. We recommend you ask the DNP program coordinator about the logistics of arranging sites & preceptors.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP candidates at the Jefferson College of Nursing (JCN) are expected to have an accredited BSN, a current RN license, a minimum 3.2 GPA, and 3 undergraduate prerequisites—statistics, nursing research & health assessment—with a grade of “B” or better. NNP and AGACNP applicants will need a minimum of one year of relevant clinical RN experience. Apply by October 15 for spring entry; February 15 for summer entry; and March 1 (priority) or June 1 (standard) for fall.

Learn More About TJU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

11. Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN

  • Program: Online Master of Science in Nursing-DNP Path
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | PMHNP | Executive Leader | Nurse Educator
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online (Check with DNP Program Coordinator)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Purdue’s Online Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path is available in a number of specialties—curriculum plans can be found in the University Catalog. The MSN portion of an NP specialty takes ~18–24 months of full-time study, but the Executive Leader & Nurse Educator options could be quicker. The DNP portion usually takes less than 1.5 years of full-time study.

  • Coursework: Coursework is online, but there may be mandatory in-person skills intensives for NP specialties. Check with the DNP Program Coordinator to get the full picture on campus requirements.
  • Clinicals: Purdue Global has a team that can help you locate preceptors & clinical sites in your home community. You’ll also be assigned a DNP Faculty Mentor who you can ask for advice.
Admissions

Online Master of Science in Nursing-DNP Path candidates must have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, undergraduate credits in statistics & nursing research (with a grade of “C” or better), and an active, unencumbered RN license in a U.S. state. AGACNP candidates will need 1 year of recent full-time practice (2,000 hours) as an RN in a critical care setting. This DNP program is unavailable in a number of states—check your state on the State Authorization Map for details on exceptions.

Learn More About Purdue’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

10. University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL

  • Program: Online Post-BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: Nursing Administration | AGACNP | FNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with 1 Campus Visit (Nursing Administration); Hybrid (NP Specialties)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

For distance learning, choose the 70-credit Nursing Administration track in UAH’s Online Post-BSN to DNP. The AGACNP and FNP concentrations are blended and designed for Alabama nurses. You can enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

  • Coursework: The Online BSN to DNP in Nursing Administration is almost entirely online, with only 1 required campus visit—a 3-day DNP intensive in the spring semester. Hybrid NP students will have classes on the UAH campus every other week.
  • Clinicals: Practicum hours and the Nursing Leadership internship can be completed in your home state. Since this is a non-clinical doctorate, it shouldn’t too difficult to arrange preceptors.
Admissions

Check the State Authorization Policy and make sure your state is on the list before applying—UAH’s program is not available in some areas. Online Post-BSN to DNP applicants will need to have an accredited BSN (CCNE or CNEA), a current & unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 semester hours of BSN coursework (if your GPA is between 2.5-3.0, you can submit MAT scores). The Nursing Administration program has multiple start dates per year.

Learn More About UAH’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

9. George Washington University | Washington, DC

  • Program: Online Post-BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | PMHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Intensives
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

There are four NP specialties in GWU’s Online Post-BSN to DNP. Programs are 72-74 credits, with a minimum of 1000 direct and indirect clinical hours. All specialties are available in a part-time, 4-year plan of study. This equates to 1-2 courses per semester, including the summer.

  • Coursework: Most of your coursework will be online. However, all NP specialties contain a Campus Learning and Skills Intensive (CLASI) for Health Assessment and an in-person DNP Project Presentation. In most cases, you will also have to visit the campus for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)—a series of simulation-based learning events that are designed to complement specialty courses.
  • Clinicals: If you’re thinking of the FNP, AGPCNP or PMHNP specialty, you’ll be expected to find your own preceptors & sites—GW Nursing can help with information on local options. If you’re aiming for the AGACNP, it’s important to note that clinical placements are arranged by the Program Director and only take place in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington, D.C. You’ll need to live in one of those areas to complete your AGACNP practicums.
Admissions

Specific admissions requirements are outlined on each Post-BSN to DNP specialty page. In general, you will need to have an accredited BSN, an active & unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. However, a 3.3 GPA is preferred for BSN to DNP applicants. In addition, AGACNP candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in a critical care setting. Check under State Authorizations to ensure you’re eligible to apply.

Learn More About GWU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

8. University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | PNP-AC | PMHNP | Nursing Systems Leadership
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Immersions
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

UC’s Online BSN to DNP is available in NP and leadership concentrations. You can opt for a full-time, 3-year program or a part-time, 4-year program. Total hours range from 78-84 credits, depending on the concentration. See the list of specialties for an overview of curricula.

  • Coursework: All BSN to DNP students are expected to visit the UC campus for an initial orientation and a DNP project defense. You also have the option to attend a 1/2 day DNP summer workshop.
  • Clinicals: The BSN to DNP includes several one-on-one precepted clinical experiences. Graduates students are expected to be proactive in finding their own preceptors—see the section on Clinical Planning for more info.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP applicants to UC must have an accredited BSN (ACEN or CCNE), a current & unrestricted RN license in state where clinicals will occur, a recommended 3.25 GPA or above on the BSN, a 2.0 GPA on a statistics course, and a science GPA of 3.0 or above (for NP specialties). For most programs, RNs must have one year of full-time work experience. GRE scores are optional. Apply by April 1 for the priority deadline or June 15 for the final deadline.

Learn More About UC’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

7. University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | FNP | PNP-PC | PMHNP | Dual FNP/AGACNP | Dual FNP/PMHNP | Dual PNP/PMHNP | Executive Health Systems Leadership
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Intensives
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

UA’s Online BSN to DNP comes in a number of NP specialties and Executive Health Systems Leadership. The length of the DNP and the number of credits will vary depending on whether you choose a single NP specialty or a dual option. The EHSL option is 50 credits. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available. See each specialty page for full details. DNP students also have the opportunity to complete a Rural Telehealth Certificate Program (RTCP).

  • Coursework: Didactic coursework for the BSN to DNP is online. EHSL is virtual with online intensives. However, all NP students are expected to attend an annual Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) and complete on-campus clinical skills intensives.
  • Clinicals: Clinical placements & preceptors for NP students are arranged by UA’s Clinical Coordinator and Program Administrator. Priority will be given to clinical placements in your geographical area, but you may be required to travel if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP applicants must have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license in good standing. RNs with 1+ years of full-time clinical experience (1,800 hours) can enroll on the full-time or part-time schedule; RNs with less than 1 year must take courses part-time until their final, full-time clinical year. apply by October 31 for the first cycle or March 8 for the second cycle. This program is not available in a number of states—see the State Authorizations section for details.

Learn More About UA’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

6. Emory University | Atlanta, GA

  • Program: Online Post-BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | Emergency Nurse Practitioner | FNP | NNP | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | WHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants (Check with DNP Program Coordinator)
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Immersions
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Emory’s Online Post-BSN to DNP is available in a smorgasbord of specialties. Programs are typically 73-81 credits, spread out over 7 semesters of full-time study. Students who choose an NP specialty can select one of two curriculum tracks: Health Systems Leadership or Population Health; the Emergency Nurse Practitioner concentration is only available in the Population Health track.

  • Coursework: Coursework for Emory’s Post-BSN to DNP is online, but every DNP specialty will include 5 on-campus sessions in Atlanta each year (2 fall/2 spring/1 summer). These 1-day meetings occur on Saturdays. All specialties require the development of a final DNP project starting midway through the course plan.
  • Clinicals: The DNP Student Handbook contains full details on clinical placements & policies. Emory Nursing has established relationships with local Georgia preceptors (e.g. urban & rural sites for FNP). So you may find it easier to secure placements if you live in Georgia.
Admissions

Requirements are listed on the Post-BSN to DNP page. You must have an accredited BSN or MSN and an unencumbered RN license in the state in which you’ll be completing clinicals. Candidates for the ENP, AGACNP, NNP, or PNP-AC tracks will also need 1-2 years of documented clinical experience. Apply by August 2 or September 15 for Early Decisions I/II. Apply by December 1 or January 25 for Regular Decisions I/II.

Learn More About Emory’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGPCNP | AGPCNP – Oncology Focus | FNP | PNP-PC | PMHNP | Health Care Leadership and Administration
  • Admissions: In-State or Compact State RN License Required
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Immersions (Health Care Leadership and Administration) | Hybrid (NP Specialties)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

At Carolina Nursing, only the Health Care Leadership and Administration concentration can be truly classified as an “online” program. The NP specialties are delivered in a blended format that require significant on-site time. All BSN to DNP students must enroll in a full-time program, which means you’ll finish the 66- to 75-credit curriculum in 3 years. (The precise credit load will depend on the specialty.)

  • Coursework: Online courses in the Health Care Leadership concentration are delivered in asynchronous & synchronous formats; you’ll also be expected to attend on-campus immersions each semester or as scheduled. In the NP specialties, 50-70% of BSN to DNP coursework will be online or hybrid; the remaining coursework will be on-campus.
  • Clinicals: The DNP Handbook has a full rundown of the clinical placement procedure. Whenever possible, Carolina Nursing’s Clinical Site Coordinator will secure you sites in your geographic “home” region. You’re welcome to suggest potential sites & preceptors to Lead Faculty, but you’ll be instructed not to contact preceptors directly.
Admissions

Carolina Nursing wants to see Online BSN to DNP candidates with a BSN from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited program, a miminum 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate course in statistics, at least 1 year of clinical RN experience, and a current unencumbered RN license in North Carolina or a Compact State. Each hybrid NP specialty has specific work experience requirements; Health Care Leadership applicants should have leadership experience within a healthcare setting. Apply by November 22 for fall entry.

Learn More About UNC Chapel Hill’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

4. Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD

  • Program: Online DNP Advanced Practice
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | Adult-Gerontological Critical Care CNS | Adult-Gerontological Health CNS | FNP | Pediatric Critical Care CNS | PNP-PC | Dual PNP-PC & PNP-AC
  • Admissions: In-State or Compact State RN License Required
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Immersions
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

All NP and CNS tracks in JHU’s Online DNP Advanced Practice are delivered in an Online with Immersions format. CNS specialties are 75-credit programs; NP specialties are 78-81 credits (with the exception of the 88-credit PNP dual specialty). For the most part, you’ll be looking at a 4-year calendar for the curriculum. However, the FNP is available in a 3-year format. Enrollees in the FNP or AGPCNP specialties can also add 10 credits, including 112 clinical hours, to earn an HIV Primary Care certificate.

  • Coursework: All of your coursework will be online, but you will be expected to attend at least 7 mandatory on-site immersions. These training experiences include course competency assessments, standardized clinicals, leadership development, and networking opportunities with nursing faculty & fellow students. Each specialty page contains a list of immersion dates.
  • Clinicals: Clinical requirements are outlined on each specialty page. JHU will allow you to complete clinicals in your local geographical region, but a few tracks may contain practicums in the Baltimore region—check with the DNP program coordinator. JHU also has a Specialty Track Coordinator and Clinical Course Coordinator to assist with the process—you can suggest clinical sites & preceptors, but the coordinators will make the final decisions. See the FAQ section for more details.
Admissions

You’ll find detailed admissions info on each Online DNP Advanced Practice specialty page. In general, JHU wants to see an accredited BSN (ACEN or CCNE), a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an RN license from Maryland or a Compact State. 1 year of related RN experience will either be preferred (e.g. FNP) or mandatory (e.g. AGACNP). GRE scores are accepted, but not required. Appy for November 1 or January 15 for fall entry.

Learn More About JHU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL

  • Program: Online Post-BSN to DNP for Nurse Practitioners
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | NNP | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | WHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Intensives
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

You can choose from a number of NP specialties for the Online Post-BSN to DNP—all concentrations are 79-credits and available in a part-time, distance-accessible format. You’ll be enrolled in a 10-semester, 4-year plan. The first 2 years are devoted to didactic coursework; clinical practicums kick off in the third year. The fourth year is only 1 semester.

  • Coursework: Most of the coursework for the Online Post-BSN to DNP is online. However, in the MSN portion of the program, you’ll be expected to participate in 4 on-campus specialty track intensives during the last 4 semesters of the program. In the DNP portion, you will have to attend an annual on-campus DNP intensive and an on-campus orientation.
  • Clinicals: We recommend you talk to the DNP Program Coordinator about the procedure for arranging clinical sites & preceptors in your home community—the Graduate Nursing Handbook doesn’t provide many details on the process.
Admissions

Online Post-BSN to DNP applicants must have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an RN license in the state where they’ll be completing practicums. GRE or MAT scores are required, but they may be waived for NP candidates who have a 3.2 GPA or higher. Overall, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is recommended. See the Application Checklist for full details on work experience requirements. Apply by October 12 for a summer start or February 18 for a fall start.

Learn More About UAB’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

2. Frontier Nursing University | Versailles, KY

  • Program: Online Companion DNP (for FNU Graduates)
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: CNM | FNP | PMHNP | WHNP
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants
  • Delivery: Online with Campus Visits
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Although FNU doesn’t have a dedicated Online BSN to DNP program, we wanted to highlight the Companion DNP option. In this scenario, you’d take the Online MSN in your choice of specialty (57-64 credits, depending on the concentration) and then transition to a 21-credit DNP via a direct admission process. Full- or part-time study options are available for the MSN portion of the program; the Companion DNP will take 4 or 5 terms.

  • Coursework: Coursework for the MSN & Companion DNP will be online. However, the MSN includes at least 2 Campus Immersions (e.g. orientation & clinical skills intensive) and the DNP includes a 3-day campus orientation at the start of the program.
  • Clinicals: You’ll be expected to complete 675 clinical hours for the MSN and 360 hours for the Companion DNP. Info on clinical practicums is available in the sections on Program Structure and Clinical Experience. You’ll work closely with a Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF) member to identify sites & preceptors in your home community.
Admissions

At FNU, you’ll need to apply for an Online MSN before you can transition into the Online Companion DNP. That means you should have an accredited BSN (CCNE or ACEN), a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a current & active RN license in the U.S. Candidates are expected to have at least 1 year of relevant RN experience, but FNU will consider other significant experiences in healthcare (e.g. working as a doula, childbirth educator, and/or lactation consultant). See the Admissions FAQ section for more details.

Learn More About FNU’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

1. Rush University | Chicago, IL

  • Program: Online BSN to DNP
  • Online BSN to DNP Specialties: AGACNP | AGPCNP | FNP | NNP | PNP-AC | PNP-PC | PMHNP | Adult Gerontology Acute-Care CNS | Neonatal CNS | Pediatric CNS | Advanced Public Health Nursing
  • Admissions: Open to Out-of-State Applicants in Some Cases | In-State Applicants for Certain Specialties
  • Delivery: Hybrid with Multiple Campus Visits (NP & CNS Specialties) | Online with Limited Campus Visits (Public Health)
  • Availability: State Authorization Policy

Online BSN to DNP Highlights

Curriculum: Online vs. On-Campus

Rush’s Online BSN to DNP comes in a huge range of concentrations—you can truly have your pick. All BSN to DNP students must complete degree requirements within 5 years; some specialties may have a part-time schedule that switches to full-time (e.g. AGACNP).

  • Coursework: Please check each specialty page for details on in-person requirements—they vary widely! For example, in the PNP-AC, you’ll travel to the campus for a 1-day New Student Orientation (optional), a 3-4 day visit for the Health Assessment course, a 1-week visit for each Acute Care Management Course, and a 2-day visit for the DNP Presentation. In contrast, 25% of course work in the AGPCNP specialization is delivered in a weekly on-campus format.
  • Clinicals: Details on clinicals are listed under each specialty page. In some specialties, you’ll be limited to clinical practice sites to the Chicago area (e.g. Adult Gerontology specialties & FNP)—Rush has excellent connections to the Rush University Medical Center and local healthcare providers. With other concentrations, you’ll be able to consult with your program director to find clinical practicum sites and preceptors in your local area (e.g. Pediatrics).
Admissions

Online BSN to DNP admissions requirements are listed in a separate section under each specialty page. You’ll be expected to have an accredited BSN, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and RN licensure in the United States. Certain specialties will have additional work experience requirements (e.g. PNP-AC, NNP, etc.). The school accepts applications from mid-August to early January for fall enrollment.

Learn More About Rush’s Online BSN to DNP Program

  • Online BSN to DNP Homepage
  • Online BSN to DNP Admissions
  • Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
  • Tuition & Fees

Honorary Hybrid BSN to DNP Mentions

In our comprehensive rankings, we excluded a number of great hybrid BSN to DNP programs that exceeded our “once per semester” requirement. However, if you’re in the local area, you could also consider the following options:

  • Columbia University | New York City, NY
  • University of Washington-Seattle | Seattle, WA
  • Universiy of Illinois at Chicago | Chicago, IL
  • Vanderbilt University
  • University of Maryland-Baltimore | Baltimore, MD
  • Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland, OH
  • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN
  • Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
  • Oregon Health & Science University | Portland, OR
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, TX
  • Washington State University | Pullman, WA
  • Arizona State University | Phoenix, AZ
  • University of South Florida | Tampa, FL
  • University of Miami | Miami, FL
  • University of San Diego | San Diego, CA
  • Augusta University | Augusta, GA
  • Florida International University | Miami, FL
  • University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI
  • Villanova University | Villanova, PA
  • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center | New Orleans, LA
  • Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT
  • Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT
  • New York University | New York City, NY
  • South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD
  • University of Massachusetts-Boston | Boston, MA
  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI
  • Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green, KY
  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | Honolulu, HI
  • Saint John Fisher College | Pittsford, NY
  • University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT
  • University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC

Preparing for a DNP During Your BSN

How to Improve Your Chances of Acceptance

One of the major goals of a DNP program is to prepare nurses to become expert practitioners and nursing leaders within their workplace (see our FAQ section for more info). That means committees are looking for DNP candidates who have cultivated these skills during their undergraduate years. To gain real-world experience in an academic setting, you may wish to:

  • Become an active member of a national nursing organization
  • Pursue beginner nursing certifications
  • Seize opportunities to display your leadership skills (e.g mentoring younger students)
  • Engage in evidence-based practice projects
  • Apply for traineeships/internships

Recommended Undergraduate Courses

  • Statistics (highly recommended)
  • Research skills
  • Health assessment
  • Community nursing
  • Anatomy & physiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
  • Pathophysiology

What You Can Expect in a Post-BSN Program

Typical Admission Requirements

Degree: BSN from a program with nursing accreditation (CCNE or ACEN)

GRE/GMAT: Often optional, but schools may wish to see your test scores as part of the application process. For example, one program requires a score of 5oo or higher on the verbal & quantitative sections (old GRE) and a minimum of 153 in the verbal & 144 in the quantitative (new GRE).

GPA: Usually > 3.0-3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

RN License: Schools may ask for your license to be in the same state as the university. So if you’re from Florida and applying to a Georgia school, you could need an RN license from Georgia. Check with your program if you are in any doubt.

Letters of Recommendation: Schools may request that one of these letters be from an APRN. That’s why working for a few years before entering the program could help with your application.

Experience: Experience requirements vary widely from program to program. Some schools demand you have 2 years or more of full-time RN experience; some don’t have any stipulations. To be eligible for the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia, for example, you must have spent one year in a critical care setting. There are also schools that allow you to obtain your clinical experience at the same time as you’re taking graduate core courses or prerequisites. We cover the experience debate in more depth below.

Typical Program Components

Length: 3-4 full-time years (~75-90 credit hours). For nurses juggling a regular job, childcare, and a part-time degree, this can stretch into a lot of time!

Courses: Depends on the focus of the degree (e.g. Adult Care vs. Midwifery). Classes should cover AACN competencies (e.g. scientific underpinnings for practice, clinical scholarship and analytical methods, healthcare policy, etc.).

Clinical Practice: 1,000 hours for post-BSN programs. This number is not set in stone, but it’s what the AACN recommends. Inexperienced RNs should get as much clinical practice experience as they can to improve employment prospects.

DNP Capstone Project: DNP students must complete an evidence-based capstone project focused on the application and assessment of a healthcare topic in a community or patient practice.

Certification/Licensure Preparation: Just like MSN programs, the DNP prepares APRN candidates to sit for national certification exams and apply for state licensure.

Note: To accommodate busy professionals, some DNP programs offer students an option to exit with a MSN after they complete the first few years of the degree. Although you won’t earn a doctorate, you will still be eligible to take national certification exams.

Do You Need Clinical Experience?

Clinical Experience vs. No Experience

Many nursing students wonder if they need a lot of real-world clinical experience in order to apply to a DNP. The short answer is no – some DNP programs accept BSN graduates with no experience whatsoever. In your program, your classmates may be a mix of case-hardened RNs, fresh-faced BSN graduates, and nurses who have worked in a variety of healthcare roles such as administration or education. Regardless of experience levels, you will all have to pass APRN certification and licensure exams at the end of your DNP.

However, it’s a no-brainer to say you can learn a lot from working as an RN before you pursue a doctorate. For example, a nurse in a rural ER will be exposed to a vast range of healthcare issues that he or she may wish to study in a DNP. What’s more:

  • Because they’re trying to cover a lot of ground, undergraduate programs don’t always prepare you for real-world situations.
  • Some DNP teachers will assume a certain amount of background knowledge. Those without clinical experience may struggle to keep up.
  • The DNP curriculum may be geared towards nurses who can apply their capstone project to their current workplace.

Ask your program to explain how NP candidates with no significant work experience deal with the capstone project and clinical practice requirements. For instance, instead of applying the project to a workplace setting, some students choose to conduct small-scale studies in their local area or school district.

Options for Gaining Clinical Experience

Don’t reject a DNP just because you don’t have clinical experience. There are many creative ways you can combine work and education.

  1. Enroll in a DNP that doesn’t have RN requirements and accrue clinical practice hours during the course of your degree.
  2. Find work and pursue a DNP on a part-time basis. This will add years to your degree, but you will also be earning money to pay for fees and living expenses.
  3. Find part-time work and pursue a DNP on a full-time basis. This is an extremely tough challenge.
  4. Find work, earn enough money to pay for your degree, and then take the full-time DNP.
  5. Find work, enroll in a part-time DNP, and then switch to a full-time degree a few years later. Be aware that you run the risk of alienating your employers if you leave them after a short time period.

How Online BSN to DNP Programs Work

You’ve earned a BSN. You’re eyeing a doctorate. And you’re seriously considering an online BSN to DNP pathway. We’re here to help! Use our advice section to decide if the benefits of distance learning outweigh the downsides. Or skip ahead to the online BSN to DNP program listings to begin comparing schools.

Online BSN to DNP Program Structure

We’ll tell it to you straight—many online BSN to DNP programs are technically hybrid. You will almost always be expected to attend intensives, orientations and/or classes on campus. In addition, DNP students usually defend the results of their capstone work in-person. Overall, online BSN to DNP programs that deal with indirect care (e.g. healthcare administration) tend to have fewer campus requirements than direct care programs (e.g. APRN specialties).

Because of your budget, it may be tempting to choose a degree with the least amount of time on campus. However, it’s worth remembering that in-person visits will give you opportunities to:

  • Practice: You’ll be able to work in high-tech simulation labs & practice situations alongside expert instructors. This kind of experience can pay off in a job interview.
  • Research: At a well-funded university, you can take advantage of research facilities & labs, talk to researchers in other fields, and address thorny capstone project challenges.
  • Network: Many Schools of Nursing are affiliated with big university hospitals. You may be able to arrange clinical hours in school-run clinics or top-notch facilities.

Online BSN to DNP Tuition Prices

Generally speaking, online BSN to DNP programs tend to be cheaper than on-campus alternatives. You’ll often see this if you’re comparing prices for non-clinical specialties (e.g. healthcare administration). But it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. DNP programs in APRN specialties require a fair amount of overhead (e.g. financing simulation labs, hiring experienced clinical instructors, etc.). Once you’ve done the math, the cost for an online BSN to DNP may end up being about the same as an on-campus program.

There are other factors involved as well. A private university with a kick-ass reputation (e.g. Rush University) may be more expensive than a smaller university that specializes in online delivery (e.g. Union). Public universities may charge in-state and out-of-state students different tuition rates, even for online doctorates (e.g. ASU). One way to tackle the challenge is to make a shortlist of 4-5 options in our online BSN to DNP program listings and use a spreadsheet to compare per credit tuition and fees. This means you’re not just focused on price—you’re also considering quality and relevance.

How Long are Online BSN to DNP Programs?

If you study on a full-time basis, you could finish an online BSN to DNP in as little as 2.5-3 years. However, this is a turbo-charged example! DNP programs in APRN disciplines (e.g. FNP, PMHNP, CRNA, etc.) tend to have more credits and clinical hours than non-APRN programs. So you might be looking at 3-4 years. What’s more, online BSN to DNP programs are frequently tailored to working RNs. On a part-time schedule, you could find your studies stretch into 5-8 years.

Admissions Requirements

CCNE- and ACEN-accredited Schools of Nursing have to maintain a certain standard of quality. That means admissions requirements for online BSN to DNP programs are usually no different than requirements for traditional BSN to DNP programs (e.g. 3.0+ GPA, BSN from an accredited school, etc.).

Use the links & descriptions in our online BSN to DNP program listings to get a sense of the baseline requirements. If your GPA is low, talk to the program advisor. You may be able to prove your worth with relevant work experience, a personal essay, and/or exam scores. If you don’t have a lot of experience, you can always use your résumé to highlight work that involved leadership and hands-on training (e.g. volunteering at a clinic, running a project, etc.).

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

You’ll see these terms bandied about in online BSN to DNP descriptions. It’s important to know how much synchronous coursework is required, because you’ll have to watch your calendar carefully.

  • Asynchronous: You can complete the coursework on your own time (e.g. viewing a prerecorded lecture and following it up with reading & assessments).
  • Synchronous: Coursework takes place in real-time and you’ll be expected to log-in on certain days/hours (e.g. interacting with students & professors in a virtual discussion group).

Cohort-Based vs. Choose Your Own Schedule

To keep students focused and on-track, some universities use a cohort-based model for their online BSN to DNP offerings. You enter the program with a group of fellow students and you stick together throughout the whole degree—same schedule, same classes, same progression. This builds a real sense of camaraderie and support. You’ll always have someone to talk to about coursework!

Other universities will allow you to take DNP courses where and when you can. You could choose to take three online courses in one semester, and only one in the next. This online BSN to DNP model often works well for students who want a part-time option that fits their lifestyle (e.g. more classes in summer).

Online BSN to DNP Specialties

What Online BSN to DNP Specialties are Available?

Online BSN to DNP programs are available in traditional advanced nursing specialties (clinical and non-clinical) and budding fields (e.g. informatics, public health, etc.). You could even choose a dual concentration! Each of the following specialty pages contains curriculum details, certification requirements, examples of capstone projects, and program listings.

Nurse Practitioner Specialties

  • BSN to DNP – Family (FNP)
  • BSN to DNP – Gerontological (AGNP)
  • BSN to DNP – Neonatal (NNP)
  • BSN to DNP – Pediatric (PNP)
  • BSN to DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)
  • BSN to DNP – Women’s Health (WHNP)

Online BSN to DNP programs in FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP are the most common specialties in distance learning. You could also consider combos (e.g. FNP/AGNP or FNP/PMHNP) for greater flexibility. If you’re interested in online BSN to DNP programs that deal with acute care (e.g. AC PNP or NNP), check the admissions section. Schools are usually looking for specific work experiences (e.g. NICU experience for the NNP). Whatever specialty you opt for, make sure it includes all the necessary clinical hours required for NP certification.

APRN Specialties

  • BSN to DNP – Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • BSN to DNP – Nurse Midwife (CNM)

These are high-level clinical fields, so universities often offer these specialties in blended/hybrid programs with a fair amount of campus time. Before applying, aspiring CRNAs will need to have critical care experience; some schools may want extra proof of your expertise, including ICU hours, the CCRN, and critical care certifications.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

  • BSN to DNP – Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

They do exist! The vast majority of online BSN to DNP programs in CNS specialties focus on adult health. These are designed to prepare you for AGCNS-BC certification from the ANCC. Thanks to their leadership focus, CNS programs may be predominantly online, with clinical hours completed in your home community. Check the curriculum to see if you’re required to visit campus.

Leadership & Teaching Specialties

  • BSN to DNP – Nurse Educator (CNE)
  • BSN to DNP – Nurse Executive

As we mentioned, these tend to be the most flexible online programs (i.e. minimal time on campus). Online BSN to DNP programs in leadership come in plenty of intriguing flavors (e.g. healthcare systems administration, community systems administration, executive leadership, practice & leadership innovations, etc.). You can really tailor the degree to your job requirements. Online BSN to DNP programs in nursing education are rare. Most universities reserve these DNP programs for MSN graduates.

Online BSN to DNP Curriculum

Didactic Coursework

Online BSN to DNP programs typically start off like MSN programs. You’ll begin by tackling credits in high-level topics (e.g. advanced practice role, leadership, healthcare finance, etc.) and subjects required for certification (e.g. advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, etc.). As you go on, you’ll focus more on courses in your chosen specialty (e.g. pediatrics). Much of this BSN to DNP coursework can be completed online. However, some universities like to bring students to campus for simulations and hands-on training, especially in areas like health assessment.

Clinical Hours & Residencies

The standard for BSN to DNP programs is 1,000+ clinical hours, regardless of the format. If you are pursuing national certification as an APRN, be sure there are enough clinical hours in your chosen specialty to meet certification exam requirements. To make things easy, most schools will allow online BSN to DNP students to complete clinical hours in their own communities. Ask the program advisor if you’ll receive any help in arranging clinical placements.

Capstone Projects

Capstone projects usually involve close collaboration with a faculty member. So you may be taking trips to the School of Nursing for research seminars, check-in meetings, and project presentations. It’s also a good idea to learn how online BSN to DNP students collaborate with their mentors—is it primarily email? video chats? phone calls? Are you going to feel comfortable interacting in this way when you’re working on a large research project?

No GRE BSN to DNP Programs Offered Online

No GRE vs. GRE

If you’re an experienced RN, the thought of an expensive exam may be less than appealing! Fortunately, our online BSN to DNP programs with no GRE requirement page lists dozens of programs that don’t expect you to have GRE scores when you apply. Examples of universities with a “No GRE” policy include:

  • Creighton University
  • Maryville University
  • Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

There are pros & cons to this approach:

  • GRE: If you choose a school that requires the GRE, you’ll know that students in the online DNP are committed to their learning. Everyone is coming into class with a certain academic baseline.
  • No GRE: The GRE isn’t really a good barometer for clinical expertise and hands-on knowledge. That’s why well-regarded schools like UVA have done away with the requirement. Instead, admissions committees want to see strong letters of recommendation, relevant work experience, and great résumés.

Optional GRE

Keep in mind, too, that some schools have an “Optional GRE” policy:

  • If you don’t have a lot of work & life experience, good GRE scores may give you a boost when the admissions committee compares you to applicants with similar qualifications.
  • Some schools will waive the GRE requirement for online BSN to DNP candidates with great GPAs (e.g. 3.5 or above)
  • Students who have low GPAs (e.g. 3.0 or below) may be able to voluntarily submit GRE scores to show their academic potential.

Head over to our No GRE BSN-BSN Programs guide for more advice and a comprehensive list of programs.

How to Choose an Online BSN to DNP Program

Determine Your Focus

An online BSN to DNP is a huge commitment, both in terms of time and money, so it’s worth doing some soul-searching before you apply.

  • Long-Term Goals: In ten years, do you want a career in clinical work, nursing education, or management & administration? If you are thinking about the last two paths, will you have enough clinical experience at the end of the online DNP to feel comfortable applying for a job?
  • Research Interests: What sub-specialties & research topics are you interested in? What do you want to work on for your capstone project? When you know this, you can match your interests to a School of Nursing (e.g. Frontier Nursing University and rural healthcare).
  • Online vs. On-Campus: Would you rather earn an on-campus BSN to DNP from a local state university with an okay reputation in nursing or an online BSN to DNP from a private university with an excellent reputation and higher tuition costs. There’s no right answer here.
  • Creative Career Building: Is there a way you can maximize your investment? Will an online BSN to DNP program allow you to exit with an MSN? Do you want to a pursue a dual degree (e.g. FNP/PMHNP) to improve your employment options?

Check with the State Board of Nursing

This is a standard rule of thumb for any online graduate program in nursing. Because of licensing regulations, some State Boards have restrictions or special requirements when it comes to distance education. If you’re pursuing advanced practice licensure, make sure your online BSN to DNP has been approved by the state.

You should also check with the School of Nursing before you submit your application (and pay the application fee). Some schools simply won’t offer online BSN to DNP programs to students from certain states.

Assess the Online Format

Every hybrid or online BSN to DNP program is going to have a different feel. Some universities put a lot of money into virtual classrooms and online learning tools; others rely on basic frameworks and email. To avoid disappointment, ask the school if you can monitor an online class or view a course demo. Talk to alumni through LinkedIn or nursing messageboards to learn about the pros & cons of the online program.

And think about schedule realities. How much of the coursework is asynchronous or synchronous? Do you have the hours to participate in a lot of video chats and lectures? Are you ready to tackle the lengthy reading requirements? And how often will you be expected to visit campus?

Budget for Online Costs

Universities like to promise that you’ll save big on a distance learning degree, but online BSN to DNP programs come with some hidden costs that we want to highlight:

  • Trips to Campus: As we mentioned, most online BSN to DNP programs require some in-person visits. You’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to pay for car/plane travel, accommodation, food, and living expenses while you’re taking part in these experiences. Ask if the School of Nursing provides subsidized housing.
  • Equipment Expenses: For example, online BSN to DNP students may be expected to have high-speed Internet, a computer capable of handling video downloads, online course software, a printer, webcam, and common programs like MS Office.
  • University Fees: A number of universities charge DNP students a distance learning fee. And even though you’re not on campus, you may be expected to pony up for other fees. Read the fine print in the tuition section. These costs can really add up.
  • Related Expenses: Think of expenses such as student liability insurance, exam fees, CPR certification, and the like. You’ll also have expenses related to clinical hours (e.g. commuting costs).

Finally, to help you avoid the spectre of massive debt, we’ve put together an entire section on Paying for the DNP.

List of All BSN to DNP Programs

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BSN to DNP Programs in Alabama

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner through online programs offered by Jacksonville State University. For each population focus, students will gain skills in advanced clinical practice, informatics, leadership, using evidence to improve practice, and how to improve quality and outcomes. The university has 12-semester and 15-semester plans of study for each of these tracks. Students must complete 69 credit hours and 1,330 practicum hours for either degree. Additional requirements include a DNP project and paper, a professional electronic portfolio, and a comprehensive exam. The School of Health Professions and Wellness does not allow DNP students to transfer any credits to the program. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam required to earn the FNP or AGACNP credential.

Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students in the nurse anesthesia DNP program at Samford University begin the program in May. They attend three days of orientation and on-campus intensives, then take two semesters of online classwork. The format allows students who are entering the program to continue to work for two semesters. Starting in January, they begin full-time, on-campus courses in Birmingham, Alabama, for three semesters. During the final four semesters, students complete their clinical education while taking distance courses and working on a DNP project. Samford arranges clinical practicum in rural and urban settings so that students can work with diverse patients in underserved communities. Graduates are prepared for the certification exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Over the last five years, the university's graduates have amassed a 92% first-time pass rate on the exam. During the same period, the average graduate employment rate within six months exceeds 99%.

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Dual Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can earn an MSN and a DNP through the University of Alabama's Doctor of Nursing Practice program, with both degrees awarded at the end of the program. Students select a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or a dual concentration in both specialties. Students enter the program in the fall and complete their clinical hours at a site of their choice. Students must find their own practicum sites and preceptor, who must be approved by the university. Depending on the concentration, students complete between 1,080 and 1,620 practicum hours. Classes are delivered online, but students attend two on-campus skills days and one DNP intensive in Tuscaloosa during the program. Depending on the concentration, students can complete the degree in four or five years. Nurses who live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, or Mississippi are eligible to apply for the BSN to DNP program.

Troy University

Troy, Alabama
Accreditation: ACEN
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Post Baccalaureate Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Post Baccalaureate Nurse Leader Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Troy University has two BSN to DNP specialization tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (70 to 74 credit hours) and Nurse Leader (62 to 66 credit hours). Both require 1,000 clinical hours. With the exception of a brief orientation visit, students have no campus attendance requirements. All classes are offered online. Faculty mentors work closely with students to ensure they're staying on track as they progress through coursework and final projects. Graduates are ready to tackle nursing roles such as clinical practitioner, program director, educational faculty, and healthcare executive or manager. Applicants need a valid RN license (in Alabama or the state where they'll do practicum). GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, essay, and transcripts are also needed. Students must maintain liability insurance, pass a drug screening, background check, and annual physical exam. This program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP for Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has an online, part-time BSN to DNP program that allows nurses to continue to work while studying for an advanced degree. In addition to taking online classes, students complete clinical practice in their home community and come to campus once a year for intensives. The program takes ten semesters and offers eight specialization track options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology NP (acute care or primary care), Women's Health NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP (acute care or primary care), and Neonatal NP. In the first and second years, students take foundational classes such as leadership, health policy, and diagnostic reasoning. They then transition into courses that focus on their practice specialization and complete practicums and a residency. Starting in the eighth semester, they begin work on the culminating DNP project. UAB has a $10 million endowed fund to support nursing scholarships.

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Nursing Administration[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Alabama in Huntsville has BSN to DNP programs that are fully or partly online, depending upon the specialty. The post-baccalaureate DNP in Nursing Administration uses all online classes, and students must come to the campus in Huntsville, Alabama, for a three-day intensive after they finish the MSN portion of the curriculum. Intensives feature nationally known speakers and DNP project presentations from UAH students. RNs seeking Nurse Practitioner training can select from Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner tracks. Both of those BSN to DNP programs use a hybrid format during the master's degree portion. In the hybrid format, students attend class on campus every other week. Once they advance to DNP classes, coursework is online. UAH awards a Master of Science in Nursing after students finish all the didactic and clinical practice requirements for the MSN.

University of Mobile

Mobile, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses with a BSN enter a Family Nurse Practitioner track when they begin the BSN to DNP program at the University of Mobile. They'll learn to use evidence-based practice to lead health care initiatives at all levels of health care delivery. The program is primarily online, although students must come to the campus in Mobile, Alabama, three times during their studies. The on-campus intensives focus on improving skills through hands-on practice and give students the chance to network with faculty and fellow students. The curriculum requires students to complete 84 credits and 1,100 clinical hours. Full-time students can finish the degree in nine semesters, and they can perform their clinical practice in their home community, working with a preceptor. Graduates are prepared for a range of career moves, including finding employment in primary care facilities, private practices, or public health departments.

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Emergency Nursing (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Dual Role NP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Health[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Executive Nurse Administrator[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing offers 15 specialty certifications in its BSN to DNP program. Nurses can pursue specializations in a variety of nurse practitioner roles, including several dual roles, as well as in areas such as informatics, nursing administration, and Clinical Nurse Specialist. The program also allows nurses to select from five DNP sub-specialties: advanced forensic nursing care, cardiovascular, clinical lipidology, nursing education, and palliative care. Students earn an MSN as they advance through the program. All students complete a major project designed to improve patient outcomes based on evidence, with implementation at a clinical site. Students enter the program in the fall or spring semester. Applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Before they begin clinical courses, all accepted students must have at least two years of nursing experiencing in an area related to the specialty track they have selected.

BSN to DNP Programs in Arizona

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona
Accreditation: CCNE
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Innovation Leadership DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers several 84-credit hour options for BSN to DNP. The Advanced Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner) focuses on primary care, case management, screening, and health for adults within a range of care settings. The Advanced Nursing Practice is geared towards application and integration of research in clinical practice to improve outcomes. ASU's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP focuses on practice giving primary care to individuals of all ages. Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students learn to provide mental health care to patients from all walks of life. The Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP's curriculum focuses on creating family- and culturally-focused nurses who work with infants and children. Women's Health Nurse Practitioner students master skills related to gynecological issues and the maternity cycle. Applicants submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, plus a resume, goal statement, and admission essay.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP in Executive Health Systems Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University of Arizona is a public institution offering a BSN to DNP Pathway for specialties in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Nurse Anesthetist, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Pediatric NP (which focuses on care from newborns up to 21-year-olds). There's also a PhD/DNP dual degree path which takes between five to seven years to complete. Required credit hours vary for each tack, but at least 1,000 clinical immersion hours are needed. Students also complete a scholarly DNP project under the guidance of experienced faculty. Graduates are ready to sit for their applicable national certification exams. The Nurse Anesthetist track, which has 13 graduate students enrolled as of 2019, requires a minimum of one year of critical care nursing in an ICU. The Anesthetist program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia. The other DNP paths are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

BSN to DNP Programs in Arkansas

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, Arkansas
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is part of the region's academic health center with a reputation for scholarly excellence and research. Students in the BSN to DNP program benefit from the school's outreach programs in every Arkansas county and modern simulation center. BSN-prepared students can choose from six specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology NP (acute care or primary care focus), Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Pediatric NP (primary or acute care focus). Once they select a specialty, students cannot change specialties without reapplying to the program. BSN to DNP students begin classes in August, and they can complete the degree in three to four years. Nurses gain skills in leadership, clinical practice, organizational leadership, and economics as they prepare to be innovators and change agents in the health care system. The program is available on campus and in a distance accessible format with lab experiences at UAMS regional centers.

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas
Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Through the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, the University of Arkansas has two flexible 78-credit hour BSN to DNP concentrations: Family NP and Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP. DNP courses topics cover policy, informatics, evaluation methods, translational research, economics, organization management, systems leadership, statistics, and scholarly writing. General coursework includes classes like Scientific Foundations and Role Development. Students have access to the Epley Center for Health Professions, which houses modern simulations labs and rooms such as a health-assessment lab, ICU, labor and delivery room, medical surgery unit, and more. High-fidelity mannequins and the latest equipment are used to allow for realistic training environments. Students must finish all clinical practicum and a final capstone project with their sponsor site. Only one course grade of C or less is allowed. Graduates of U of A's program are ready for applicable American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners exams.

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, Arkansas
Accreditation: AACN
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses with a BSN can prepare to become a Family Nurse Practitioner in the online BSN to DNP program that the University of Central Arkansas presents. Classes for the degree are primarily online. While enrolled in the FNP clinical courses and the advanced health assessments class, students are required to come to campus three or four times per semester. The program is arranged for part-time students, requiring students to complete six to eight credits per semester, with semesters running for about 15 weeks. Students can finish all the requirements in 11 semesters. When taking clinical courses, students have to keep up with coursework and spend another 12 or 13 hours a week fulfilling clinical practice hour requirements. To earn the degree, students must complete 73 credits and 1,125 practice hours. Graduates are prepared to take the certification exam for Family Nurse Practitioner

BSN to DNP Programs in California

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Azusa's DNP curriculum covers a minimum of 39 program units to lay the theoretical and empirical knowledge foundation needed for advanced nursing practice, research, and policy creation. Core courses cover wellness, statistics, ethics, pathogenesis, translational research, spirituality, and organizational leadership. Students participate in intensive campus experiences every semester at Monrovia, California. A residency course is offered for students to develop their clinical and leadership skills. Per AACN guidelines, 1,000 hours of clinical residency is needed. Up to 500 clinical hours may be transferred from prior qualifying programs. A final DNP Project of scholarly clinical inquiry will serve as a capstone experience. APU is a Yellow Ribbon school, meaning it's "military friendly" and works closely with Veterans Affairs to ensure military members, veterans, and qualified family members can maximize their G.I.Bill benefits to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Licensed nurse practitioners can co-enroll in an Oncology NP Certificate, if desired.

Brandman University

Irvine, California
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family/Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Brandman University in Irvine, California, features two BSN to DNP programs for nursing professionals ready to advance their careers. The first is called the Family/Across the Lifespan NP, which is for nurses wanting to specialize in individual and family care issues over the long term within a variety of settings. The second option is the Psychiatric and Mental Health NP, with a focus on teaching proper care methods for people with mental health disorders, as well as psychotherapeutic treatments. Both degrees can be completed within 36 months and graduates are eligible for and ready to take the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination. Admissions requirements include three letters of recommendation, a goal statement, a self-evaluation, resume, personal interview, GRE scores, and a BSN from a CCNE or NLN CNEA accredited school. Applicants should have an RN license (or proof of a scheduled NCLEX date).

National University

La Jolla, California
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
National University has a hybrid program for BSN-prepared nurses who want to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The BSN-DNP program includes a 15-month residency at the Fresno campus, where students take classes and high-fidelity simulation courses. There are also some online classes. After completing the initial coursework, students move to the second phase of their education, taking clinical courses at an affiliate hospital, and gaining hands-on experience. During this phase, students work under the supervision of a CRNA mentor and administer anesthesia to patients undergoing a range of procedures. National University anesthetist DNP graduates have a 100% pass rate on the CRNA certification exam. Moreover, nearly 100% of graduates are employed as an anesthetist within six months of graduation. National University requires applicants to have at least one year of full-time critical care experience and have certification such as CCRN, TNC, ECN, or CFRN.

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctorate of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, has a straightforward 81-credit hour Doctorate of Nursing Practice program for BSN students. There are no specialty tracks offered. Class topics include statistics analysis, healthcare policy leadership, project management, evidence-based practice, special topics, and more. Clinical residency and a final project round out program requirements. Students should maintain at least an overall 3.0 GPA and earn a B- or better on theory and elective classes. Class sizes are no larger than 25 students. Graduates are ready to move into advanced NP roles, nurse management, or administration. Applicants to PLNU's program need a current RN license and at least a year of nursing experience. U.S. News & World Report ranks PLNU No. 173 in Best Nursing Schools for its master's program. As a faith-based institution, Point Loma Nazarene emphasizes work in mission programs, homeless outreach, and other expressions of caring.

Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, California
Accreditation: CCNE
Post Baccalaureate DNP/FNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Samuel Merritt University teaches its 65-unit BSN to DNP curriculum at its Sacramento campus. The program takes nine semesters and trains students for roles as chief nursing officers, director of nursing, administrator, and researchers. Classes include research, ethics and roles, population health, information systems, project design, policy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more. 525 FNP clinical practice hours plus 475 DNP hours will round out requirements. Hands-on practice provides experiential learning by incorporating diagnosing and treatment of a range of conditions and patient types within primary care settings, with learning opportunities at SMU's advanced Health Sciences Simulation Center and the high-tech Motion Analysis Research Center, as well as potential community outreach at health clinics, schools, and churches. Samuel Merritt's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. SMU boasts small faculty-to-student ratios, a 95% NCLEX pass rate for graduates, and a whopping 100% DNP alumni employment rate.

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, California
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of California is a sprawling public university system with campuses throughout the state. The Irvine campus, through the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, offers a full-time DNP degree for Family Nurse Practitioners which takes three years to complete. UCI's inter-professional program incorporates teachings from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, and Program in Public Health. The comprehensive curriculum covers leadership, research, policy, population health, prevention, and plenty of patient care during the 1,020 clinical hours. Students will complete a capstone scholarly project, as well. Applicants to UCI need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA with a completed statistics course, an active California RN license, and 1,800 hours of work experience. GRE scores aren't required, and transfer credits aren't accepted. UCI's key focus areas in nursing education revolve around integrative health, community health, nursing foundations, services and practice, health disparities, and digital technology.

University of San Diego

San Diego, California
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Dual Adult-Gerontology / Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Dual Pediatric / Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nursing Practitioner in Emergency Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can choose from seven DNP nursing specialties at the University of San Diego. Options are health systems leadership, nursing informatics and data science, and Nurse Practitioner specialties including mental health, family, family emergency care, or a dual focus in family/adult-gerontology or family/pediatric. Each specialty prepares graduates for at least one certification exam. Depending upon the specialty, the program requires between 67 and 83 credits. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available. This campus-based program requires students to be in class at least two days a week, and students may be participating in practicum experiences on other days. All applicants should have at least a year of work experience, and the experience should be acute-care RN work for students who plan to pursue the NP. Applicants for the emergency care track should have experience in emergency nursing, disaster management, or military service.

University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can choose from two DNP specialties at the University of San Francisco: Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Students may be able to pursue a concurrent master's degree in nursing or public health. The DNP prepares nurses to take leadership roles by including classes in health care administration, informatics, and business along with advanced practice nursing. Students are exposed to many perspectives and are deeply immersed in theory and research. Students in either track also complete 1,035 clinical hours to learn their advanced nursing roles. Students may be able to use their current place of employment for clinical hours, and clinical faculty can help students find placements. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher on their undergraduate work and a California nursing license, but the Nurse Practitioner tracks don't require students to have experience.

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students in the DNP nurse anesthesia program at the University of Southern California take the first semester of classes in a hybrid format. They come to the campus in Los Angeles for a three-day orientation, then begin interactive online coursework. During that first semester, students also start work on their doctoral capstone project, giving them a head start on one of the crucial requirements of the degree. After the first semester, the vast majority of courses use a face-to-face format, although a few use a hybrid plan. The nurse anesthesia program is a full-time, 36-month program. During clinical rotations, students gain experience in anesthesiology, pain management, and perioperative care. Some of the clinical sites where students may be assigned practicums include USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Medical Center, and Long Beach Veterans Administration Medical Center. Some advanced clinical rotations may be outside Los Angeles.

BSN to DNP Programs in Colorado

Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP - FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Founded in Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1925, Colorado Mesa University is a seasoned leader in higher education. Its Department of Health Sciences offers a 78-semester hour Family Nurse Practitioner DNP requiring 1,000 clinical hours, 80% of which are done at primary care locations. The rest are finished in specialty settings and for the final capstone project. Hours are mainly performed in local communities, with limited requirements to travel to specialized clinics and intensives. All grades must be B or higher. Graduates are ready to work in healthcare with an emphasis on diverse population needs, or in educational settings. Career options include providers, administrators, executives, and more. The DNP curriculum is geared towards learning diagnostic and treatment modalities, informatics and decision_making technology, and information related to biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical sciences. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applicants must hold an unrestricted RN license.

Colorado State University-Pueblo

Pueblo, Colorado
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Colorado State University Pueblo uses a hybrid delivery format for its Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Students take some classes online and are required to participate in some courses in person. Nurses who enter the program with a BSN earn both an MSN and a DNP concurrently. BSN-prepared nurses can choose from three emphasis areas: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner/AGACNP, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates are ready to take the national certification exam in their specialty area. Students can complete the BSN to DNP program in 11 semesters. The number of credits and clinical hours required for the degree varies by specialty. Accepted students must obtain Colorado RN licensure by the end of their first semester. The admission process gives preference to nurses who have at least a year of experience and to residents of Southern Colorado. CSU-Pueblo alumni also get preference in admissions.

Regis University

Denver, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
Post BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Not to be confused with Regis College, Regis University in Denver has two BSN to DNP tracks. One is the 79-semester hour Family Nurse Practitioner; the other is a 74-semester hour Neonatal NP. Taught by the faculty from the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, the program spends two years focused on advanced practice, with classes only meeting one day a week. Students must bring a laptop to class. 625 clinical hours will be completed during this phase, with practicum done at various area healthcare settings. Students completing this point may take applicable certification exams if desired. The next two-to-three years cover the DNP curriculum, during which time students will actually work as NPs and complete clinical hour requirements. Regis University is a rigorous Jesuit institution. Its graduate nursing program has 390 enrolled students, ~90% of which are female. Its DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN to Doctorate of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Colorado-Colorado Springs has a post-BSN to Doctorate of Nursing Practice that prepares nurses to provide primary care to patients of all ages. Through coursework and clinical practicums, students gain experience in treating acute and chronic conditions in patients including adults, children, older adults, and families. Other classes include evidence-based practice, business and entrepreneurship for advanced practice nurses, and health care policy and ethics. Another requirement is completing a quality improvement project, which students disseminate through a paper, poster, and presentation. Students can follow a full-time or part-time plan of study, and they can perform their clinical practicum with a preceptor near their home. Students enter the program at the start of the summer semester. Applicants whose BSN GPA is less than 3.5 must also submit GRE scores.

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Adult-Gerontology[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Health Care Informatics[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
BS to DNP - i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Nurse-Midwifery[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Veteran and Military Health Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University of Colorado Denver has got a whopping ten BSN to DNP specialties for students to choose from: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care or Primary Care NP or Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family NP, i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Care Systems, Nurse-Midwifery, Women's Health NP, Pediatric NP Acute Care or Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Credit and clinical hours vary. Women's Health NP, for example, requires 75 credit hours and 1,170 clinical hours. All DNP students will learn to work within interdisciplinary teams and discover how to strategize care based on the unique needs of a diverse range of patients using modern technologies. Clinical practice uses simulation extensively in order for students to learn practical skills without risk. Students may also have opportunities to work with the school's Office of Research and Scholarship, turning research to usable knowledge that can be immediately applied in one's studies and career.

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, Colorado
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Northern Colorado has two options for nurses with a bachelor's degree who want to earn a DNP. They can prepare as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or a Family Nurse Practitioner. The AGACNP program requires 94 credits and the FNP requires 95 credits. Students can complete either program in five years of part-time study. The DNP program is designed to fit the schedule of practicing RNs. In addition to didactic classwork, students complete at least 1,245 hours in clinical/simulation/lab experiences. Candidates also complete an evidence-based scholarly project. Graduates are qualified to take the certification exam for the Nurse Practitioner role they earn their degree in. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or better for their nursing degree. The university prefers applicants who have at least a year of clinical RN experience. Applicants should have a current Colorado RN license or be eligible for one.

BSN to DNP Programs in Connecticut

Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut
DNP - Nurse Midwifery[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Fairfield University's Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies has several practice-based BSN to DNP degree programs. Conducted in cohort fashion, options are: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan, Nurse Anesthesia (done in partnership with Bridgeport Hospital), and Nurse Midwifery. BSNs going full-time basis can finish in three years, or four years if part-time. Applicants may transfer up to six credits. GRE scores aren't needed for the NP or Anesthesia tracks but can help if a GPA is below 3.0. Graduates will be able to independently give evidence-based care to populations in advanced nursing practice areas and serve at the highest levels of practice and accountability within healthcare systems such as executives at healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, or faculty programs. Fairfield ranks No. 49 in a tie for Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice by U.S. News & World Report.

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Bachelor's DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-Bachelor's DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-Bachelor's DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Quinnipiac University offers three BSN to DNP specialties. The 68-credit hour Adult Gerontology NP or 75-credit hour Family NP tracks can be taken full- or part-time and take three to four years. Both are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and graduates are able to take their national certification exams. There's also an 81-credit hour Nurse Anesthesia track, which is full-time only and has a progressive, six-semester clinical component leading up to full-time, on-call shifts for a total of 2,000 practicum hours. This challenging track requires a substantial undergraduate coursework foundation in anatomy, chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and related areas. It is accredited by the Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Quinnipiac's programs have a low student-to-faculty ratio of 1:12. Students will train on the most modern equipment within sophisticated simulation and skills labs, a patient assessment center, operating rooms, and other healthcare education environments.

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Sacred Heart University uses a hybrid model for the DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner. The program allows nurses with a BSN to earn a practice doctorate and prepare to provide primary health care to patients of all ages. Most coursework is available online, and students generally need to come to campus about six times per semester. The degree requires 69 credits. Full-time students can earn a degree in three years, and part-time students can fulfill the requirements in four years of study. The program uses a cohort model so that students can build close relationships with their classmates. Along with direct patient care, courses cover topics such as patient education, translating scientific evidence into practice, using technology to improve the effectiveness of care, and interprofessional collaboration. Students also complete a scholarly project, and they take required project seminar classes designed to help them develop their topic and their project proposal.

University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut
Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gero Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Connecticut's School of Nursing lists three BSN to DNP options: a 72-credit hour Adult-Gerontology NP in either Acute Care or Primary Care and a 75-credit hour Family NP. Students practice skills on high-fidelity mannequins at the Clinical Learning Simulation Center. The school also hosts a Center for Nursing Scholarship, Center for Accelerating Precision Pain Self-Management, and a new Biobehavioral Research Lab. Students may sit for certification exams after receiving their MS along the path to their DNP. Applications are submitted to UConn's Graduate School and must include official transcripts, a copy of RN license, three letters of reference, a resume, and thorough answers to application essay questions. The School of Nursing has been in the nurse education business for three quarters of a century and celebrated its DNP program's 10th anniversary in 2019. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, Connecticut
Accreditation: CCNE
B.S. to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
B.S. to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN nurses can earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice in four years of part-time study at the University of Saint Joseph. Students select a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health NP track. The program focuses on clinical leadership for population and global health. Students learn to analyze data for implications for individual and population health and study the effects of health policy on patient care and populations. Nurses complete more than 1,000 clinical hours and gain skills in interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and ethical sensitivity to manage patient care. Candidates complete their clinical placements in Connecticut. To apply, individuals should have a BSN from an accredited school with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must submit recommendations from clinical and non-clinical faculty and an employer. The application should include an essay on how the DNP will allow students to meet their professional goals.

BSN to DNP Programs in District of Columbia

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nursing Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
George Washington University is a private research school in the heart of Washington D.C. Its GW Nursing School is home to three convenient and flexible BSN to DNP offerings: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse, or Family NP. All are 81-credit hour degrees and need 1,000 of recorded clinical hours with an approved preceptor. These hours should be a mix of direct care and indirect care at suitable local sites. Working students can take the program part-time. Interested students may apply to GWU's distinguished Phi Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, which supports students, alumni, and fellow nursing leaders. GW Nursing is one of the top nursing schools in the country, ranking in a tie for No. 37 on the Best Nursing Schools: DNP by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. It's accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Georgetown University

Washington, District of Columbia
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Georgetown University has a BSN to DNP program with four Nurse Practitioner specialty tracks. Students can select adult gerontology acute care, family, women's health, or a dual nurse-midwifery/women's health track. Depending on the specialty, students must complete 69 to 74 credits and between 1,000 and 1,200 clinical hours. This program has a focus on ethical leadership and prepares nurses to improve access and quality of care delivered to underserved populations. While most classes are online, students will travel to Washington, D.C., two or three times for on-campus intensives. During the intensives, students develop their clinical and leadership skills and take advantage of simulation labs. The School of Nursing and Health Studies has a clinical placement team that can help students locate clinical sites near their homes for practicum experiences. Full-time students can complete the program in eight semesters, and part-time students can finish in 11 semesters.

BSN to DNP Programs in Florida

Barry University

Miami, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Located in sunny Miami Shores, Florida, Barry University's College of Nursing and Health Sciences features a Post-Baccalaureate Doctorate in Nursing Practice program with two 82-credit hour, practice-focused clinical specialization tracks: Family NP or Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP. These are both part-time programs made for busy working adults, with classes held just one day a week! Barry's programs fully prepare graduates to take their certification exams after four years/12 continuous semesters of continuous study. Admissions criteria include possessing a current RN license, having at least a year of full time clinical experience, and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. There are also several health and regulatory requirements plus a required background check and drug screening. Barry University offers a 30% tuition discount for their Post-Bacc DNP program and is ranked No. 90 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice by U.S. News & World Report.

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at Florida Atlantic University prepares students to provide advanced practice nursing to underserved, culturally diverse, or vulnerable populations. Students can choose a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. The Christine E. Lynne College of Nursing has designed the BSN to DNP program for full-time students, and candidates can complete their degrees in 11 semesters. Students complete about 80 credits and perform more than 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Clinical hours help students to develop new skills and test new models of care. The program uses a variety of modes for course delivery. Online classes may be asynchronous or require students to attend weekly live sessions. Students are also required to come to the campus in Boca Raton, Florida, for intensive weekends. Intensives meet on Saturdays four times per semester.

Florida International University

Miami, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult/Gero Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP - Family Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Florida International University's Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences trains NPs to take on roles which address healthcare access issues around the nation. BSN to DNP tracks include Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family Health NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. Made to be done in ten semesters, the program requires 77 credits/1,170 clinical hours for the Adult, Child and Psychiatric-Mental Health tracks or 81 credits/1,310 clinical hours for the Family track. Coursework guides students to develop into leaders able to pursue scholarly excellence, meet career goals, and manage change through advanced nursing care, patient education, and advocacy. Students have opportunities for learning experiences in a range of suitable specialty locations. From ambulatory or acute care centers to clinics and health centers, FIU students learn from preceptor nurse practitioners and physicians as they prepare to take national certification and state certification exams.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Florida State's growing list of DNP programs features a 79 to 82-credit hour Family Nurse Practitioner, which requires 1,035 clinical hours. The plan of study suggests eight semesters for full-time students to finish and 14 for part-time. Graduates are eligible to sit for the FNP certification exam. There's also a new degree in Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), which requires 76-credit hours and 1,035 clinical hours. Students must earn a B or higher on core courses and maintain a 3.0 GPA to graduate. Students are allowed up to seven years to finish the ACNP program. Additional BSN to DNP programs are being added for Fall 2020. FSU's College of Nursing offers multiple scholarships and has been a leader in nursing education and diversity since 1950, with over 7,000 graduates. It's home to an active Alumni Networking Group of working professionals ready to mentor upcoming DNPs.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, Florida
BSN to DNP - FNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Jacksonville University in sunny northeaster Florida has got two rigorous, full-time BSN to DNP options offered by its Keigwin School of Nursing. The DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Cognate is a 70-credit hour degree. The 59-credit hour DNP - Leadership Cognate is for those pursuing senior management careers. Both require 1,000 clinical and residency hours. 500- and 600-level classes will be taken in tandem. Programs begin during Fall semester and run eight semesters/three years at a minimum (depending on their final project). Applicants to Jacksonville's DNP program should have a minimum 3.3 undergrad GPA and current Florida RN license (or be eligible for endorsement, if out-of-state). FNP track students should have at least one year of nursing experience. All candidates will participate in an interview. Students will also need to do background checks prior to beginning clinical practice. The school's alumni association, DolphiNurse, aids graduates in keeping up professional relationships.

Keiser University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info

Palm Beach Atlantic University

West Palm Beach, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Executive Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Florida's Palm Beach Atlantic University is home to four exciting BSN to DNP opportunities: a 71-credit hour Executive Leadership track, 74-credit hour Adult Gerontology Primary Care or Family NP tracks, or a 75-credit Psychiatric Mental Health Care NP track. Each takes approximately three years to complete and will prepare graduates to work in private practice, hospital administration, education, or leadership roles. PBA's School of Nursing uses a practical, engaging approach to nursing education. A final DNP project will be focused on each students' intended future work goals and should showcase a mastery of covered topics plus learned practice and leadership skills. Applicants need at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. RN experience is not a prerequisite for this program, but a valid active license is. Palm Beach Atlantic University had 112 nursing-related students enrolled for 2019-2020. Its BSN to DNP degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University of Central Florida's three BSN to DNP options are a 76-credit hour Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP, 72-credit hour Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP, and 74-credit hour Family NP. Each track requires between 1,020 and 1,080 clinical hours. The program begins in Fall and can be taken either full-time in nine semesters or part-time in twelve. Students are allowed to continue working but must be mindful of the rigorous nature of the program. Objectives of the curriculum include teaching students how to analyze situations and data, take on leadership responsibilities, develop practice models, demonstrate appropriate high-level communication skills, and create models of care. UCF is ranked No. 72 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: DNP by U.S. News & World Report for 2020. The College of Nursing, established in 1979, offers graduate fellowships and other scholarship opportunities. 100% of the school's graduates have passed their national certification exams.

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The College of Nursing at the University of Florida has five BSN to DNP tracks to select from: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric Acute Care or Primary Care NP, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. All tracks are practice- and leadership-focused and require between 75 and 78 credits to complete over the course of eight semesters if attending full-time. Part-time plans of study are also available. Students will complete ~1,000 clinical hours and must finish a comprehensive DNP final project showcasing scholarship, which should be suitable for presentation or publication. The school is home to the Alpha Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. It also maintains a network of over 300 hospitals and health care site partnerships for students to practice skills in. UF's DNP program is highly-ranking, coming in at No. 24 on U.S. News & World Report's Best Nursing Schools: DNP (tie) for 2020.

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Through advanced simulations and clinical practice, students in the BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia program at the University of Miami become expert clinicians. Students enter the program in January and spend the next nine semesters as full-time students. By the third semester, students are performing hundreds of clinical hours each term, and by the time they graduate, nurse anesthesia students have completed well over 3,000 hours of clinical practice. They have also completed 67 credits in coursework. The program is presented in a lock-step format that requires candidates to move through the program as designed. Students who fail to complete a course may have to wait an entire academic year to take the course again. The University of Miami has more than a dozen clinical partners, including the University of Miami Hospital and Jackson Memorial, where students work rotations in obstetrics and trauma. The program accepts up to 30 students each year.

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthetist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Brooks School of Nursing at the University of North Florida has BSN to DNP tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The FNP program requires eight semesters of full-time study and offers a part-time option. The CRNA track is available only as a full-time program. Students complete the nurse anesthetist program in nine semesters, and 80% of students pass the CRNA certification exam on the first attempt. The CRNA track starts in the spring semester while the FNP program admits in the fall. Clinical sites are in northeast Florida. Applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit GRE scores (MAT scores are also accepted for FNP students). FNP applicants should have at least a year of experience in a clinical setting and CRNA applicants should have at least two years of experience in a critical care setting.

University of South Florida-Main Campus

Tampa, Florida
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Dual Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Dual Oncology/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Southern Florida has six concentrations in the BSN to DNP program: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Health, Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Oncology/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, and Pediatric Health. Program requirements depend upon the area of concentration. The dual occupational health/AG degree, for instance, requires 88 credits and more than 1,000 clinical hours. The Family Health NP requires 82 credits. Students generally follow a part-time plan of study and they must seek permission from the director of their concentration to attend full time. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA for either all undergrad work or all upper-division work. Students must have a Florida nursing license, and AGACNP majors must have at least a year of RN experience in an aggressive adult ICU critical care unit. GRE scores are recommended but not required. BSN to DNP students enter the program in the fall.

BSN to DNP Programs in Georgia

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia
Accreditation: CCNE
Post BSN DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN DNP - Nurse Executive[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Augusta University is home to Georgia's first Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The DNP plan of study gives students a foundation in health care policy, practice, leadership, and systems management, molding them into expert problem solvers. Degree concentrations are: Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP focused on patient-family centered care for acute or chronically ill patients; Family Nurse Practitioner for leadership and clinical roles offering care to children; and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for advanced nurse clinicians also working with children. Admissions requirements include holding a minimum undergraduate 3.0 GPA; BSN; transcripts; three letters of recommendation; a resume; personal interview; essay; proof of RN licensure; and Test of English as a Foreign Language scores from students who don't use English as a first language. A year of nursing experience is recommended. DNP graduates must finish 1000 hours of supervised clinical practice, per American Academy of Colleges of Nursing standards.

Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia
Accreditation: CCNE; COA
Post-BSN DNP - Emergency Nurse - Health Systems Leadership Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who enter the BSN to DNP program offered by Emory University can choose from nine population specialties, including family, adult/gerontology, neonatal, pediatric, and women. They can also select whether to focus on acute or primary care for pediatric or adult populations. Further still, most of the specialties offer a choice of two tracks: population health or health systems leadership. Classes are delivered online, and five times per academic year, students must attend on-campus sessions. There are two on-campus meetings in the fall and spring semesters and one in the summer semester. These all-day sessions are scheduled on Saturdays. Full-time students can complete the BSN to DNP in seven semesters. The number of credits and clinical hours required varies by specialty and track. Emory reports that the average GPA for students admitted into its BSN to DNP program is 3.5.

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, Georgia
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN - DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN - DNP: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN - DNP: Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Georgia Southern University's Waters College of Health Professions offers four unique BSN to DNP degree tracks: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health NP. Students can sit for certification exams after completing sufficient coursework. Applicants must hold a 3.0 or higher GPA and submit three letters of recommendation, proof of American Heart Association CPR certification and RN licensure, and a resume. One year of full-time RN experience is required before the Advanced Health Assessment. MAT and GRE scores aren't needed, but screening interviews may be requested. DNP students must do clinical practicums with a preceptor and within 250 miles of the GSU Statesboro Campus. GSU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students can join the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Student Chapter to promote healthcare improvements, awareness of health professions, and the exchange of information among peers.

Mercer University

Macon, Georgia
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Mercer University uses a blended format for the BSN to DNP offered by its Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. In addition to online classes, students are required to visit the campus and to attend some synchronous online sessions. Nurses with a BSN can select from three concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP. The college awards an MSN when students complete the master's portion of the program, allowing them to take the certification exam for their advanced practice specialty. That enables students to work as Nurse Practitioners while finishing the DNP portion of the program. Full-time students receive their MSN after seven semesters; the DNP takes two more semesters. The DNP requires a scholarly research project. Recent DNP grads have researched topics such as improving medication adherence in liver transplant patients, mentoring minority nurse leaders, and training obstetric nurses to screen for domestic violence.

BSN to DNP Programs in Hawaii

University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, Hawaii
Accreditation: ACEN; CCNE
Post Baccalaureate DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Hawaii at Hilo is a public school located on Hawaii's "Big Island." Its 71- to 73-credit hour BSN to DNP covers subjects such as social aspects of health, information systems, pharmacology, pathophysiology, rural health, program development, system-based leadership, policy, and economics. The curriculum is geared towards care across the lifespan with an emphasis on underserved rural and transcultural populations. UH's program includes lectures and seminars crafted from AACN's Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nurses. Students receive abundant real-world training via site visits and lab simulation practice. To graduate, nursing students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 1,000 practice hours plus a Practice Inquiry Project to be orally defended. Graduates are ready for FNP exams, as applicable. Applicants need a Hawaii RN license and license for the state they'll practice in and must pass a background check and health clearance on acceptance.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Honolulu, Hawaii
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene within the University of Hawaii at Manoa features full-time, 77-credit hour BSN to DNPs for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP and for Family Nurse Practitioner. This program follows a cohort model, with students progressing together throughout the coursework. The curriculum is based on AACN's Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and prepares students for their national certification exams. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours and will have learning opportunities at the advanced UH Translational Health Science Simulation Center. UH also has a strong partnership with the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. A leader in nursing education and training since 1932, the University of Hawaii at Manoa comes in at No. 81 on U.S. News & World Report's Best Nursing Schools: DNP for 2020. The school's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

BSN to DNP Programs in Idaho

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Idaho State University's 78-credit hour BSN to DNP readies students to become clinical leaders able to positively affect patient outcomes using evidence-based practice in an evolving healthcare system. Degree options are Family NN or Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Students conducting clinical hours in Idaho must make arrangements through a College of Nursing Clinical Placement Coordinator or other faculty and staff versus contacting sites directly. Applicant will submit official transcripts showing their BSN, three professional references, a resume or CV, and a 1,500-word (maximum) essay. Students possessing a GPA of less than 3.5 on their undergraduate degree will submit GRE scores. They will also complete a pre-admission interview and need a valid RN license and a minimum grade of C on a descriptive or inferential statistics course. Two years of prior healthcare/nursing experience is preferred. Admission rates depend on the number and qualifications of applicants.

BSN to DNP Programs in Illinois

Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (BSN entry)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Bradley University has been an education innovator since 1897 and has reframed the way students can obtain a doctorate degree! Its 100% online DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (BSN entry) has no campus residency requirements. Students learn all the practical skills needed to offer primary care, help develop and improve care delivery approaches, and work on technology implementation. Graduates are eligible to take their AANP or ANCC certification exam and are ready to take on leadership roles. Made for BSN-credentialed nurses with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a valid nursing license, Bradley's 12-semester program takes four years to finish and requires completion of 1,050 clinical hours. Curriculum is delivered through a 24/7 online learning model and there are collaborative learning opportunities to work with peers and advisors. Instructors are expert clinicians and experienced professionals dedicated to offering personalized attention to students to ensure successful outcomes.

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthetist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DePaul University is a private institution founded in 1898 in Chicago, Illinois. Its School of Nursing has five DNP tracks teaching the leadership, business, and research skills necessary in today's modern healthcare world. Students select from the 60-credit hour Adult-Gerontological NP track or 62-credit hour Family NP. There's also a 62-credit hour Nurse Anesthetist track, done in conjunction with NorthShore Health Systems. Lastly, there are two DNP Completion options for Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Midwife. DePaul has access to over 75 clinical sites and modern facilities. Classes are held at its Lincoln Park campus, and small class sizes allow for more individualized attention. Apart from finishing coursework, students must turn in a DNP project which is a culminating academic product showcasing the student's experiences. Graduates leave with the clinical skills to create and implement treatment plans, improve patient outcomes, and provide safe, quality care.

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
Accreditation: ACEN
Post Baccalaureate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult/Gerontological Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Executive & Innovative Leadership[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The College of Health & Nursing Practice Human Services at Governors State University allows BSN to DNP students a steady path to earning a professional practice doctorate in nursing. It provides the training to work within advanced practice areas related to Community Behavior, Direct Practice, Leadership/Administration, and Practitioner/Educator roles. Students complete 86 to 89 hours of coursework and finish a program of study along the way in one of the following specialties: Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult/Gerontological Health, Nursing Executive & Innovative Leadership, or Family Nurse Practitioner. Governors State focuses on caring for vulnerable populations. Admission to GSU's BSN to DNP program is competitive and requires a minimum of 3.5 GPA, current RN licensure, three professional recommendations, and a personal statement outlining goals while attending the program. The school caters to the needs of working nurses and the average student takes only two courses per term.

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology Specialization[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Oncology Specialization[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner - Emergency Room Specialization[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Substance Use and Addiction Disorders Specialization[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing is part of Loyola University Chicago's Health Sciences Division. Its DNP program teaches the advanced practice skills needed to work in evolving healthcare settings and improve patient outcomes. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, transformational change, and public health for at-risk populations. BSN to DNP tracks offered are: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (72 semester hours, with a specialty in Substance Use and Addiction Disorders), Family NP with Emergency Room specialty (79 hours), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (72 hours), and Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (65 hours). Loyola requires 2,000 hours of clinical experience before starting practicum. Students will work on their scholarly project during their practicum immersions. Applicants will submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores (if GPA is less than 3.0), proof of current RN licensure, a personal statement, and note related to prior experience. An interview will also be needed.

Millikin University

Decatur, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Millikin University has two DNP programs open to nurses with a BSN. One is the Family Nurse Practitioner program, and the other is the nurse anesthesia program. The anesthesia program is only offered in a full-time format that takes three years of study. Core DNP classes use an online format, and students must come to campus for nurse anesthesia classwork. Anesthesia applicants must have one year of work experience in an adult ICU and be a CCRN. The program requires 88 credits and 2,400 hours of clinical experience and residency. Students pursuing the FNP DNP can follow a full-time or part-time plan of study. The degree requires 70 credits and more than 1,200 clinical practice hours. The admission process gives preference to applicants who have at least a year of full-time RN experience. First-year courses are delivered online. After that, students may have to come to campus for class meetings.

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BS - DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at Northern Illinois University prepares nurses for the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. The School of Nursing allows students to follow a full-time or part-time schedule for the degree. Courses are delivered online, and students must attend skills classes and health assessment sessions in person. The 76-credit program covers topics such as scientific underpinnings for practice, leadership, evidence-based practice, using technology to improve health care, and health care policy. All these elements prepare nurses for an advanced practice role where they can focus on enhancing quality. FNP majors chose five skills courses based on their goals. Examples include diagnostic reasoning, primary care for women, and orthopedic skills. Students are required to complete at least 1,000 clinical hours where they gain experience in the FNP role and complete a leadership component required for the DNP. They also produce a scholarly project addressing a practice issue.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

North Chicago, Illinois
Accreditation: COACRNA
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia Entry[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science prepares nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists through a BSN to DNP program. The program uses a hybrid format. Most classes are offered at the North Chicago campus, but some upper-level doctoral coursework uses online delivery. Nurses can complete the degree in 36 months. The curriculum requires 177 quarter hours, and students spend most of the program's third year in clinical residencies. Students start the program in late May, and no more than 36 students are admitted per year. Applicants must have one year of RN experience in a critical care environment, and competitive applicants usually have a minimum of two years of critical care experience. Students are also required to have ACLS, PALS, and BSL certification. RFU's graduates have a 100% pass rate on the CRNA exam and a 100% employment rate after six months.

Rush University

Chicago, Illinois
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN - DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric - Acute Care (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric - Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric - Primary Care (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric - Mental Health (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Rush University is a private institution founded in Chicago in 1972. Through its College of Nursing it offers several BSN to DNP nursing options in Adult-Gerontology (Acute or Primary Care), Anesthesia, Family NP, Neonatal, Pediatric (Acute or Primary Care), Psychiatric-Mental Health, Public Health, and Transformative Leadership (Population Health or Systems). The Adult-Gero Acute Care, Neonatal, and Primary Care Pediatric tracks are offered as either Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner degrees. Most tracks start as part-time, however Anesthesia is full-time only. Rush's curriculum incorporates its core values of Innovation, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Rush's nursing degrees are very highly regarded. The university is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Best Nursing Schools: DNP by U.S. News & World Report. Its NP Psychiatric/Mental Health NP ranks No. 1. With $95 million in medical school funding (2018), Rush dives into numerous projects blending education with practice and scholarly research.

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing

Peoria, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing has four concentration areas for nurses who want to advance from a BSN to a DNP. The options are Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. For all the concentrations, students take classes online with varying requirements for on-campus visits. FNP students must attend two four-day practicums and a proficiency assessment on campus, for instance. AGACNP students must come to the school in Peoria, Illinois, for hands-on skills training during four scheduled practicum classes. For clinical rotations, students can work with a preceptor near their home. Nurses who enter the neonatal program must have at least two years of experience in a Level 3 or Level 4 NICU, and PMHNP students must have at least one year of experience in psychiatric mental health nursing.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, Illinois
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers a Nurse Anesthesia DNP that is open to RNs who have earned a BSN. The degree prepares nurses to provide anesthetic care in surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and pain management procedures. During practicums, nurses gain experience working in a range of settings, from small rural facilities to urban hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The program requires full-time attendance for nine semesters, with classes meeting at the Edwardsville campus. Students enter the 80-credit program in the summer semester and begin clinical experiences in their fourth semester. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville also has BSN to DNP programs that prepare students as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both of those programs use a hybrid format that combines online classes with on-campus immersive experiences.

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Population Health[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Systems Leadership and Informatics[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Midwifery[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Midwifery/Women's Health Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University of Illinois at Chicago features 10 nurse practitioner or midwife BSN to DNP paths: Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care NP, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Nurse-Midwifery, a dual Nurse-Midwifery and Women's Health NP, Pediatric NP for Acute or Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Women's Health NP. It has two degree tracks for systems-focused careers-Advanced Population Health Nursing & Health Systems Leadership or Informatics Nursing. Students holding a BSN finish the program within three to five years. Clinical practicum sites are arranged by the school which will also guide the final DNP project, a scholarly synthesis of knowledge gained from academics and real-world practice. Offered at all six of the university's campuses, UIC's DNP program is ranked in the top ten Best Nursing Schools in the nation, currently in the No. 7 spot on U.S. News & World Report's list. It's accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

BSN to DNP Programs in Indiana

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The School of Nursing at IUPUI refers to its BSN to DNP program as the MSN-DNP Dual Degree. As the name suggests, students earn a Master of Science in Nursing midway through the program, then move on to an accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The curriculum focuses on nursing leadership, with classes such as data analysis, performance improvement, informatics, leadership and organizational behavior, and financial and legal issues. The curriculum also includes leadership intensives where students learn about policy and advocacy or participate in networking and mentoring events. Students complete several nursing leadership practicums, and these immersive experiences form the basis of the required DNP Project. In all, the dual degree program requires 67 credits. The School of Nursing has full-time and part-time plans of study available for the MSN-DNP Dual Degree. Cohorts enter the program in the fall semester.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Indiana Wesleyan University has post-baccalaureate DNP programs in two specialty tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These programs combine interactive online learning with onsite residencies. FNP students must attend three residencies. The first is an orientation, the second is an opportunity to present their DNP scholarly project proposals, and the final event is when students present their DNP project. PMHNP students also have those three residencies, and they must attend an additional residency at the culmination of their clinical experiences. Students can start either track in January or August. Students enter in a cohort and move through the lock-step curriculum in a little over four years. They take two courses per block for most blocks and are also required to complete 1,000 clinical hours. Students who don't complete their DNP Scholarly project in time must maintain enrollment until they have completed and defended the project.

Marian University

Indianapolis, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at Marian University uses a mix of online, hybrid, and in-person courses to prepare nurses as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. The FNP requires 70 credits, and full-time students can complete the degree in seven semesters. The Leighton School of Nursing also accepts part-time students in the FNP track. The CRNA track requires 87 credits, and students complete the degree in 36 months. The program uses a cohort format, and about two dozen students are accepted into the one cohort formed each year. Students have access to a modern simulation center to practice their skills. They also perform practicum experiences arranged by the Leighton School placement staff. Some of the clinical partners FNP and CRNA students may be assigned for clincial rounds include Community Health Network, St. Vincent Health Network, and the Parkview Network. Clinical sites are located throughout Indiana.

Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN-DNP - Primary Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN-DNP - Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN-DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Purdue's BSN to DNP tracks are a 76-credit hour Primary Care Pediatric NP, 78-credit hour Primary Family Care NP, 76-credit hour Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP, or 78-credit hour Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Each track features a comprehensive three-year plan of study, including residency requirements. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Purdue's program trains leaders to address healthcare issues in a multidisciplinary fashion. Through campus partnerships with the College of Pharmacy, Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering, Center on Aging and the Life Course, and other associations, the program teaches a core of graduate nursing and APRN, as well as specialty coursework. 1,000 clinical hours within rural or urban settings are needed. Students have unique chances to work in Purdue's own advanced clinics, as well. The school's DNP program is ranked No. 79 (tie) for Best Nursing Schools for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report.

Saint Mary's College

Notre Dame, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to Doctorate of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1844. It offers a 77 credit-hour DNP program in three tracks: Adult-Gerontology in Acute Care or Primary Care or Family NP. Made with senior nursing students and graduates in mind, as well as working RN's and military nurses, the tracks take 12 semesters (including summers) and require 1,000 supervised clinical hours. A capstone project must be orally defended prior to graduation. Applicants must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA on undergraduate work, a statistics course, and eligibility for RN licensure within their respective states. Prior nursing experience isn't mandatory to enroll but is necessary in the first year for acute care gerontology participants. Graduates are prepared to take American Nurses Credentialing Center exams and are ready to provide direct patient care, lead others in healthcare environments, or teach in the nursing field.

University of Evansville

Evansville, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Evansville has introduced a BSN to DNP program in nurse anesthesia, with students entering the program in January. Classes meet at the UE campus and at the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, a multi-institutional campus where anesthesia students will work as part of an interprofessional team. Applicants interested in this program should have at least one year of ICU experience, and the university prefers to accept students who have two or more years of ICU work. Students are required to begin the program with an Indiana RN license, and they must obtain licensure in Kentucky and Illinois before they start clinical rotations. They also need ACLS and BSL certification. The program is a three-year, full-time degree that requires students to complete 115 credit hours.

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN-DNP in Adult Gero Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Indianapolis can choose to focus on the youngest patients, adults, or clients through the lifespan, thanks to the three specialty tracks: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, or Family Nurse Practitioner. Each specialty requires about 65 credits. The program is for full-time students who earn an advanced degree in eight semesters. Classes use a hybrid format, meeting on campus with additional online components. Applicants to the FNP and AGNP tracks should have at least two years of RN experience, including work in the ICU, step-down units, medical-surgical, or ER. NNP applicants should have two years of full-time experience in a Level 3 or Level 4 NICU. Students must possess or be eligible for an Indiana RN license. Students may work clinical rotations in some of UIndy's partner hospitals, including Indiana University Health and Riley Hospital for Children.

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, Indiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontologic Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
BSN to DNP - Family NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Southern Indiana has a BSN to DNP program that students can complete in four years if they attend full time. Nurses following the part-time plan earn their doctorate in five years. Students can choose from five concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (acute care or primary care), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health NP. The program has a hybrid delivery method, and each semester students must attend a two- or three-day on-campus session that includes class meetings, presentations, work on projects, and meetings with instructors. No matter the concentration, all students take the same core courses early in the program. During their final year, students complete the courses and clinical experiences for their specialty concentration. All candidates must complete a DNP project that is related to their specialty area and results in improved outcomes and benefits patients or the profession.

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana
Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Valparaiso University's BSN to DNP program prepares nurses for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and provides them with the skills they need to manage quality initiatives, lead health care organizations or clinical programs, or to start a career teaching other nurses. The curriculum requires 70 credits and more than 1,100 clinical clock hours. Students enter the program in the fall semester, and full-time students can complete the degree in six regular semesters and one summer. Part-time options are also available. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 or higher GPA, and applicants with a 3.25 or higher GPA can receive an expedited admission decision if they apply by March 1. Other components required in the admissions packet include official transcripts, three recommendations, a reflective essay, and a resume describing current and past clinical practice and any presentations or publications.

BSN to DNP Programs in Iowa

Allen College

Waterloo, Iowa
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Community/Public Health Nursing[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Leadership in Health Care Delivery[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Leadership in Health Information Technology[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses with a BSN can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice in one of eight specialties through Allen College. Those specialties include four Nurse Practitioner tracks: family, psychiatric mental health, pediatric acute care, and adult-gerontological acute care. Other options include nursing education, health care leadership, community/public health nursing, and leadership in health information technology. The number of credits required for the program depends on the track a student selects. Each DNP candidate is required to complete a clinical scholarship project. For their DNP project, students must implement an organizational change at the system level. To earn the degree, students must have at least 1,000 post-bachelor's clinical hours, including 400 hours spent on the clinical scholarship project. Students may enter the BSN to DNP program in the fall or spring. Online students who do not have Iowa licensure must have an RN license from a Nurse Licensure Compact State.

Clarke University

Dubuque, Iowa
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Health Leadership and Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP - FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Clarke University in Iowa features three DNP tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Leadership and Practice, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The degrees require 81 credits and can be completed in three years for full-time students or five years if part-time. There is also an approximately two year bridge program for students with an MSN. The bridge is up to 48 credits (depending on prior courses taken. The focus for Clarke's curriculum is on leadership in nursing, advocacy, policy, economics, informatics, and evidence-based practice. Its DNP programs require 1,000 clinical hours in total, plus a scholarly project. Application requirements include a resume, official transcripts, completion of a bachelor's degree or MSN, GRE scores (if GPA is below 3.0), proof of clinical hours finished, three reference forms, a personal statement, a writing sample, proof of licensure, an interview, and English proficiency scores if English is the second language.

Morningside College

Sioux City, Iowa
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Direct Patient Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Transformative Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses in the BSN to DNP program at Morningside College can stop and restart in the program if life events get in their way. The Nylen School of Nursing has two doctoral nursing options. The direct patient care track is for nurses who want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and the transformative leadership track is for individuals who seek roles in areas such as administration, informatics, or health policy. The program is 100% online with asynchronous class delivery. Students only have to come to the campus in Sioux City, Iowa, once for a one-day residency. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester. The degree requires 77 credits for the FNP track, 76 credits for the AGNP track, and 68 credits for the transformative leadership track. All candidates complete 1,000 practicum hours by the time they earn the DNP.

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Systems - Nursing Administration & Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psych/Mental Health Nurse Pracitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN students have several DNP options at the University of Iowa. Concentrations are offered in Adult/Gerontology Acute or Primary Care NP, Family NP, Health Systems/Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Pediatric Acute or Primary Care NP. Students can combine two tracks for a dual concentration, but only need to complete one final DNP project. The average time for program completion is three-to-four years. There is also a four-to-five-year Nurse Anesthesia option. The college is home to the premiere Center for Nursing Classification and Clinical Effectiveness, the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, and the UI Center for Advancing Multimorbidity Science (funded by the National Institutes of Health). The Pediatric and Adult-Gerontology NP in Acute Care tracks require prior work experience prior to application. UI's Adult-Gerontology NP in Acute Care is ranked as the eighth Best Nursing School DNP program in America by U.S. News & World Report.

BSN to DNP Programs in Kansas

Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who live in Kansas can apply for the BSN to DNP program offered through Fort Hays State University. The program prepares nurses as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program uses a hybrid format, with the majority of coursework available online. Students come to campus for a limited number of visits while enrolled in certain classes. The Department of Nursing publishes the list of on-campus days at least six weeks before classes start, so students have plenty of time to plan for the visits to Hays, Kansas. The program only offers a full-time plan of study that can be completed in four years. The 75-credit curriculum covers nursing care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to adult and geriatric populations. Students are also required to complete at least four preceptorships, and these experiences must take place in Kansas. Candidates are also required to complete a scholarly DNP project.

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner - Education Emphasis[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who complete the BSN to DNP program at Pittsburg State University can add an emphasis in nursing education by taking just one additional class. All BSN to DNP students earn a doctorate in Family Nurse Practitioner by following a 74-credit program. That program includes two electives, so students who use the electives for nursing education courses are two-thirds of the way toward the nine-credit education emphasis. The majority of classes in the BSN to DNP are available online. Students may be required to come to the campus in Pittsburg, Kansas, for intensives. The curriculum includes core classes, research classes, and practicum. Students complete more than 1,050 clinical hours, including 288 hours of practice that are required as part of the DNP scholarly project. DNP students enter the program at the start of the summer semester, and they are required to locate a clinical preceptor.

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
Accreditation: CCNE; COA
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Informatics[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Midwife[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Organizational Leadership[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Public Health Nursing[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Kansas' School of Nursing operates out of the KU Medical Center and offers several post-baccalaureate DNP concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary or Acute Care NP, Family NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Nurse Midwife. There are also three leadership majors: Health Informatics, Organizational Leadership, and Public Health Nursing. Required credit hours vary from 73 to 79. Students also take a short program preparatory course and must complete 1,000 clinical hours. The School of Nursing, created in 1906, is home to the Delta chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Kansas University Student Nurses Association, and the Kansas Association of Nursing Students. To graduate, students must earn at least a C on all designated NURS or NRSG classes. Application requirements include holding a BSN with an overall 3.0 GPA (3.5 preferred), RN licensure, a year of work experience (recommended), and demonstrated leadership, scholastic, and advanced care potential.

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The DNP program at Washburn University has a unique focus on entrepreneurship. In fact, students take some of the same classes that Washburn's MBA students take, including accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. As a result, nurses graduate with strong business skills along with expertise as an advanced practice nurse. Graduates are prepared for positions as an executive of a health care organization or director of a clinical program as well as for work as an APRN. Students select from two specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam for the specialty they majored in. The BSN to DNP program is designed for working nurses. Students complete 70 to 76 credits and at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice while completing the degree. After BSN to DNP students complete their first year of studies, they can apply for the fast-track option.

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Applicants to the Postbaccalaureate DNP program at Wichita State University must request entrance to one of the available specializations when they are admitted. The specialties are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. Ten to 20 students are admitted to each specialization, which all require 74 credits. The DNP has a focus on practice rather than research, and students take part in guided clinical practicums in a variety of settings. The School of Nursing also uses up-to-date simulation labs to help students gain experience. Students enter the program in the fall and spend an average of 4.5 years earning their degree. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Applicants must have BSN with a 3.0 or higher GPA for the last 60 credits taken, all undergraduate nursing courses, and in four science classes: anatomy/physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. A graduate-level statistics course is required.

BSN to DNP Programs in Kentucky

Bellarmine University

Louisville, Kentucky
BSN-DNP in Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Kentucky's Bellarmine University offers world-class education with Southern hospitality. Its Doctor of Nursing Practice can be completed for BSN to DNP students, as well as post-master's students. The BSN-DNP Leadership track is for students ready for advanced practice in organizational leadership within a health care setting. From financial and economic aspects to human and resource management, the 68-credit curriculum is made with flexible access in mind. Students with a current ANCC certification as Nurse Executive-Advanced can waive the 6-credit NURS 841 course. Those with an MSN degree can take one of two tracks: Advanced Nursing Practice or Executive Leadership. Courses cover research and evidence-based practice, patient safety, informatics, statistics, economics, and policies, among other topics. Students are required to complete both practice immersion and obtain residency experience. Admission requires approval from the Graduate Nursing Admission, Progression, and Graduation Committee. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Frontier Nursing University

Hyden, Kentucky
MSN + Companion DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Frontier Nursing University offers an MSN + DNP combination which paves the way for aspiring nurse-midwives, family NPs, women's health care NPs, or psychiatric-mental health NPs. The program is open for full- or part-time attendance and clinical practicum can be done in home communities. Students will finish 1,035 clinical hours in total, with a focus on learning to evaluate and improve practice, develop expertise, and find ways to hone skills independently. Applicants should have a bachelor's in nursing with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, and one year of applicable work experience. Those whose primary language isn't English should submit TOEFL exam scores. Candidates must successfully complete a background check and health assessment prior to new student orientation. FNU sponsors a Diversity Impact Program made to increase diversity and promote inclusive learning and workforce environments. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the program's support services.

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, Kentucky
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Kentucky State University has a BSN to DNP program that prepares nurses to provide primary care to adult and geriatric patients. The program, which qualifies graduates to take the exam to become certified as an Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, is offered online. Lessons use an asynchronous format, and students may occasionally have to take part in face-to-face meetings using technology. Students can also complete the required practicum hours with an approved preceptor at a clinical site near their home. The curriculum requires 72 credits, and students can complete the program in nine semesters. In addition to becoming an expert caregiver, DNP students learn to use scientific evidence to improve care and develop skills in system leadership, including cultural sensitivity, fiscal responsibility, and analysis of nursing care. DNPs also gain skills in working with other health care professions and in setting policy.

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky
Accreditation: COA
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program at Northern Kentucky University is a 106-credit program that nurses with a BSN complete in 36 months. The population focus for this degree is individuals across the lifespan. DNP core courses for this degree are delivered in an online or hybrid format, but all classes in the anesthesia specialty meet at the campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Students must attend this program on a full-time basis, and the university recommends that students not attempt to hold a job while working on the DNP. The program begins in the summer, and students start taking their practicum courses in the fourth semester. The majority of clinical sites are in the greater Cincinnati area, and students may have some clinical placements in Louisville or Lexington, Kentucky. For that reason, students are required to have RN licensure in both Ohio and Kentucky by the time they enter the program.

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University of Kentucky boasts of having the first DNP in America! Students can choose from a 67-credit hour Executive Leadership in Health Care, or 74- to 77-credit hour options in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, Primary Care Family NP, Pediatric Primary or Acute Care NP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP. Full-time students can finish within three years; part-time students can take up to five. ~1,020 clinical hours are completed under the close mentorship of preceptors. Graduates are ready for applicable national exams. Applicants need a 3.3 GPA or better on their BSN, and will submit three references, a resume, goal statement, sample of scholarly work, proof of RN licensure (in whichever state clinical practice will be done), and evidence of nursing experience. Successful applicants are scheduled for interviews and must pass a drug screening and background check. Lastly, they'll need to submit immunization records and CPR certification.

University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Neonatal NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can choose from five specialty Nurse Practitioner tracks while earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Louisville School of Nursing. Options are Family NP, Adult-Gerontology NP (acute or primary care), Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Neonatal NP. The NNP specialty is only offered when the School of Nursing receives enough qualified applicants. Full-time NNP students enter in even-numbered years, and part-time NNP students start in odd-number years. Each specialty requires between 75 and 78 credits, and full-time students can earn a degree in three years. The School of Nursing also allows students to attend on a part-time basis. The program uses a hybrid format, with students coming to the Louisville, Kentucky, campus four to six times a semester. On in-person class days, students have a full day of academic activities. The rest of the coursework is delivered online, mostly in an asynchronous format.

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Nurse Executive[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Western Kentucky University's BSN to DNP program allows nurses to prepare as nurse executives or as Family Nurse Practitioners. The 63-credit nurse executive program includes classes in leadership, such as ethics, nursing administration, and organizational communication, along with clinical practicums. The 76-credit FNP curriculum prepares nurses to deliver primary care to adults, children, and adolescents. Graduates of the FNP track are eligible to take the FNP national certification exam. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available. Full-time students can complete the program in three years. Applicants must have a BSN from an accredited college with a GPA of 3.25. GRE scores aren't required, but the application should include three professional references, a goal statement, a resume, and a current RN license from Kentucky or another compact state. The summer before entering the program, students take a graduate-level statistics class and an orientation to DNP class.

BSN to DNP Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BNS to DNP - Public/Community Health Nursing[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Executive Nurse Leader[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans is part of the LSU system founded in 1929. Today it offers many BSN to DNP paths to train nurses for either advanced practice or aggregate, systems positions. The advanced practice tracks are: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nurse Practitioner (with concentrations in Adult Gerontology Acute or Primary Care, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute or Primary Care, Primary Care Family, and Psychiatric Mental Health). Aggregate, systems tracks are Executive Nurse Leader or Public Health/Community Health. There are also dual concentrations options available, and specialized electives in Emergency, Nephrology, and Oncology Nursing. Total credit hours range from 80 to 138 depending on the chosen track. LSU's School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It has several organizations to participate in such as the Student Nurses Association, Nursing Alumni Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Loyola University-New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Loyola makes online learning simple by putting its curriculum 100% online. Students access content through the Blackboard app and have full access to the school's range of other resources. Made for busy working nurses, the program requires minimal on-campus attendance. Students will come to campus for Spring term conferences and to deliver a live defense of their scholarly project. Applicants to Loyola's online graduate nursing programs will submit transcripts, two references, a statement of purpose, a description of work experience, and proof of RN licensure. Applicants should also have 1,800 hours of previous nursing practice. International students need a paper-based TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer-based; 92 for Internet-based). IELTS score should be at least 6.5. Loyola University-New Orleans is ranked No. 42 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs and No. 17 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, Louisiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who enter the DNP program at Southeastern Louisiana University take a track that prepares them as a Family Nurse Practitioner. While the program is designed as a BSN to DNP pathway, it does allow students to exit the program after they have completed the requirements for a Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner. Once they've completed the MSN requirements, students only have to complete 21 more credits to earn the DNP. Many of the DNP credits involve three semesters of DNP residencies with practicum requirements. Most of the courses for the program are delivered online. Students must come to the campus in Hammond, Louisiana, for an orientation session at the start of the program. They later return to campus to defend their DNP project. Nurses enter the BSN to DNP pathway in the summer semester.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a 70-credit hour BSN to DNP for Family Nurse Practitioner. This terminal degree requires 1,000 hours of clinical practice plus a final project. First year courses include topics on applied statistics, pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, generating evidence, health assessments, diagnostic reasoning, biostatistics, and more. All courses must be graded with at least a B to be accepted. UL Lafayette opened its doors to students in 1901. Today its Department of Nursing, under the College of Nursing & Allied Health Professions, has 42 full-time faculty and ~125 full-time graduate nursing students enrolled (95.7% of which are female). The department's Simulation Program features several modern labs to enhance student learning and hands-on practice. Program outcomes include preparing graduates to take on high-level leadership positions in order to affect change within diverse healthcare systems. UL's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

BSN to DNP Programs in Maryland

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Critical Care CNS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Health CNS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesiology[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Critical Care CNS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want an online Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University face a lot of choices. The university offers eight specialty BSN to DNP concentrations online, including three Clinical Nurse Specialist tracks and five Nurse Practitioner tracks. Students can select a population focus of pediatric, adult-gerontological, or family patients. The program is arranged as an online program with onsite course immersions. That means students complete all coursework online and get their practicum experiences at sites near their home. However, students must come to the campus in Baltimore for seven onsite immersions where they develop leadership skills, take competency assessments, and complete standardized clinicals. Students who would like to complete their clinical experiences at a Johns Hopkins-affilated site may relocate to Baltimore, take classes online, and work with faculty to arrange practicum experiences at partner sites or a Johns Hopkins Health System site.

Salisbury University

Salisbury, Maryland
Post-Bachelor's to DNP (FNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Salisbury University's straightforward, full-time 80-credit hour BSN to DNP trains students to become Family Nurse Practitioners. The program requires 1,000 clinical hours and takes four years to complete, including summers. Class topics cover everything from research, evidence-based practice, and statistics to physiology, health assessment, finance, health promotion, prevention, and more. SU's School of Nursing has a wide network of affiliated hospitals, clinics, and other facilities for clinical assignment. The school is home to the Lambda Eta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Competitive applicants have a GPA of 3.50 or higher and need a minimum score of 3.5/6.0 for GRE Analytical Writing. Enrollment requirements include CPR certification, current RN license, and the ability to pass a health exam and drug screening. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates are ready to sit for national certification exams.

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Bethesda, Maryland
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences differs from other BSN to DNP programs because it accepts only commissioned military officers or civilians from federal health agencies. Through its Graduate School of Nursing, the institution offers concentrations for Family NP and Women's Health NP, Nurse Anesthesia, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Faculty consist of expert military and non-military professors alike. Coursework incorporates field training and non-traditional learning situations to prepare students for advanced roles in their military or federal careers. Clinical practice is conducted at sites within the military's network of treatment facilities. Students complete a comprehensive project focused on a topic selected through collaborative effort, designed to improve patient outcomes. Applicants must be commissioned officers or service-sponsored civilians and will submit copies of all transcripts, a resume/CV, BLS certification, proof of RN licensure, an officer brief, GRE scores, plus three letters of recommendation.

University of Maryland-Baltimore

Baltimore, Maryland
Adult-Geronotology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Family[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The School of Nursing at the University of Maryland-Baltimore features a post-baccalaureate DNP with eight specialty areas: Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Acute or Primary Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Tracks require between 80 and 93 credit hours and prepare graduates for their applicable board certifications as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse anesthetists. Full-time students typically complete the program within three years. On average, students will be immersed in rigorous coursework and/or practicum up to five days a week. Part-time plan of study options are available. School faculty will arrange suitable preceptors to oversee the minimum 1,000 clinical hours necessary to graduate. The school has a vast network of contracted partners within Maryland, D.C., and beyond. If a particular site is desired, students may request it to be considered.

BSN to DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Women's Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Family Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Women's Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want to earn a DNP can enter a doctorate program at Boston College even if they haven't earned a BSN yet. The Connell School of Nursing has both an RN to DNP program and a BSN to DNP program. Students in either group can choose from five nurse practitioner specialties: adult-gerontology primary care, family health, pediatric primary care, psychiatric-mental health, or women's health. The college arranges clinical placements and works with a variety of well-regarded teaching hospitals in metropolitan Boston. Nursing students may perform their clinical rounds in facilities such as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General, Shriners Burn Institute, and Boston Children's Hospital. BSN-prepared nurses who attend full time can complete the program in about three years. RNs without a bachelor's degree must have at least 110 college credits to apply. The college enrolls students in these programs in the spring and fall semesters.

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University has a full-time program leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia. Nurses with a BSN enter the program in May and finish their degree in three years. Students attend the 77-credit program full time. The curriculum includes four core nursing courses, nine DNP courses, eight classroom courses in the nurse anesthesia specialty, and six clinical courses in nurse anesthesia. Graduates are prepared to take the exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. The most recent graduating class had a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam and a 100% employment rate. There was also no attrition during the 36-month program. Northeastern places students in a variety of clinical sites throughout Massachusetts and New England for hands-on experience. Some partner institutions include Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, and Massachusetts General.

Regis College

Weston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatrics (PNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Women's Health (WHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Post-BS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Regis College is a private Catholic university near Boston, Massachusetts. Its Post-BSN DNP tracks are for Nurse Practitioner in Family, Pediatric, Women's Health, Adult-Gerontology, or Psychiatric-Mental Health. Core classes cover topics such as nursing theory, leadership, health promotion, policy and politics, advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and more. Students can study at the Regis Nursing Resource Center and practice skills on high-fidelity manikins in the Clinical Resource and Simulation Center. Those in advance courses are encouraged to seek publication or presentation opportunities for applicable scholarly work, after consulting with faculty. Applicants need an unencumbered RN license, a 3.0 GPA on their undergrad work, a resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. Candidates may be contacted for an interview. Regis' Young School of Nursing is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education and its DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Public Health Nurse Leader[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Massachusetts Amherst began conferring online DNP degrees in 2006. Its award-winning program has zero campus requirements and is offered with four concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Public Health Nurse Leader. Tracks take between four to five years to complete and prepare graduates for national certification exams. Students work with Clinical Placement Coordinators to arrange their own preceptors and practicum sites related to their degree path. Advisors assist students with their customized plan of study, including DNP core and capstone classes. Applicants must possess a 3.0 GPA on their BSN degree and current RN licensure. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Students living in Alabama, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon are not able to enroll in UMass Amherst's online BSN to DNP. Washington State residents may apply to the Family NP option.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Located in Worcester, the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Graduate School of Nursing features four BSN to DNP concentrations: a 75-credit hour Adult-Gerontology Primary or Acute Care NP, 78-credit hour Family NP, and 76-credit hour Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Coursework and student outcomes align with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, as well as standards listed in the Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies. The general full-time plan of study covers eight semesters (including summers). First year classes include topics such as analytical foundations, advanced health assessment, genetics, pharmacogenomics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, health policy, and quality and safety. UMass nursing classes are small, allowing for individualized attention from faculty, many of which are practitioners themselves. Students benefit from hands-on educational opportunities at the school's state-of-the-art Simulation Center. UMass's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduates have a 100% pass rate on their applicable national exams.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Plan - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers two BSN to DNP tracks: a 63-credit hour Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP and a 63-credit hour Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Both require 1,008 practicum hours and prepare graduates for national certification. Students will be able to learn advanced skills and conduct research alongside experienced faculty at the Medical Laboratory Science and other modernized facilities. There are many opportunities for professional growth, such as joining the UMass Dartmouth Student Nurses Association or the award-winning Theta Kappa chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Students can also participate in the Bridging the Atlantic Program or Global Health Collaborative, building partnerships overseas and with at-risk populations. UMass Dartmouth's DNP program is competitive due to limited openings. General minimum requirements include a 3.0 GPA, current Massachusetts RN license (or ability to obtain), and a year of acute care work experience.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
BS to DNP - Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Fast Track - Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Fast Track - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Master's DNP Fast Track[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell has a Fast Track Program for post-BSN students who have matriculated into a Master of Science program at the university. Through this option, taught by the Solomont School of Nursing, students may apply six graduate-level credits to both MS and DNP. The first half of the program requires 42 credit hours and covers foundations of nursing, specialty theory, pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, health assessments, and more. There are 33 credit hours of DNP work. Students must pass the APRN certification exam and get their APRN license in order to meet DNP graduation requirements. Average program completion time is under five years, with some terms having light course loads. Applicants must be accepted into the UMass Lowell's MS Nursing program and hold a 3.5 GPA. They will also submit proof of work experience, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and resume. Finalists will be interviewed.

BSN to DNP Programs in Michigan

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
Post BSN - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Nursing Practice - Adult/Older Adult[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Nursing Practice - Child/Adolescent[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University crafted a DNP curriculum made to facilitate the transformation of our health care system through collaboration, advocacy, patient-centered care, and quality initiatives. Students select an emphasis area in Health Systems Leadership or Advanced Nursing Practice in Child or Adults. The program requires 75 to 77 credit hours plus 1,035 clinic hours. Students will master topics like applied statistics, use of informatics, evidence-based practice, health care system policy, and issues among vulnerable populations. With a combination of clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills, graduates can participate in health care reform as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and educators. Classes are mainly taught at the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in Grand Rapids. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and ranked No. 112 (tie) for U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Best Nursing Schools: DNP.

Madonna University

Livonia, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Dual Adult Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP students at Madonna University can select from four concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, or a dual track in Adult Gerontology Acute Care and Family Nurse Practitioner. All programs use a combination of hybrid, online, and on-campus coursework. The degree requires 70 to 74 credits, depending upon the concentration, and hands-on direct care hours. Madonna University awards an MSN to students after they complete the necessary work for the master's. That allows students to take the certification exam for their specialty before they complete the DNP. The program uses a course-based approach to the required DNP project. To that end, candidates enroll in classes where they develop their clinical inquiry plan, implement it, evaluate the results, and disseminate the project. They also create a plan to sustain the project by using leadership skills to influence health care quality.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Michigan State University offers three Nurse Practitioner concentrations and a nurse anesthesia concentration in its BSN to DNP programs. The NP concentrations are Adult-Gerontological Primary Care, Family NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, which has options in primary or acute care. All of these programs are delivered in a hybrid format that combines online classes with in-person coursework. Typically, NP students must come to the East Lansing campus four or five times each semester. Clinical practicums may be based in the student's home community. The nurse anesthesia DNP prepares graduates to take the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists exam, and the most recent cohort had a 100% pass rate on the exam. Applicants to the nurse anesthesia program must have at least one year of full-time experience in a high acuity ICU, and only 20 students are admitted into the full-time, 36-month program each year.

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Northern Michigan University's has a Doctor of Nursing Practice program for BSN nurses that is considered a low-residency degree. Classes use an online format, although students must make occasional trips to the campus in Marquette, Michigan. The program is designed for part-time students who want to prepare for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner, treating patients of all ages. Nurses enter the program in August and complete 78 credits over five years. At the end of the third year, students in the BSN to DNP track receive a Master of Science in Nursing. Courses cover topics such as foundations for evidence-based practice, leadership for quality improvement, health policy, and informatics. The curriculum also includes 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. Students can complete the clinical hours in their community while working with an approved preceptor.

Oakland University

Rochester Hills, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Oakland University and the Beaumont Health System are partners for the university's Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia program. The university and health system work together to educate nurses so that they qualify as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Nurses with a BSN complete 36 months of full-time study to earn the DNP and prepare for the CRNA exam. Coursework in this program covers advanced practice nursing, the DNP core, and nurse anesthesia specialty courses. In all, students complete 87 credits and more than 2,000 clinical hours. The clinical hours must include at least 600 cases in all specialty areas, as CRNAs must be able to provide anesthesia care across the lifespan at all levels of acuity. Students begin clinical internships at the end of the first year. The primary site for practicums is the Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Students may also work rotations throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Saginaw Valley offers a 79-credit hour BSN to DNP requiring 1,020 clinical hours. Made for nursing with existing patient care experience, the program requires a strong interest in primary care practice and a solid foundational background in chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Core classes include topics such as healthcare policy and funding, leadership and ethics, informatics, quality improvement, pathophysiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and more. Clinical practicum and a final 300-practice hour DNP research project complete requirements. Students have a maximum of seven years to finish and must maintain a B in all classes. Applicants to Saginaw need at least a 3.3 GPA on all undergraduate nursing and prerequisite courses and must also be working in Michigan as an RN by the time they begin the DNP program. Graduates are ready to sit for their FNP national certification exams. SVSU's program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, Michigan
Accreditation: COA
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Clinical Nurse Leader[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nursing and Healthcare Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Detroit Mercy notes that nurses who complete the school's graduate nursing degrees have a 100% employment rate. Graduates of the McAuley School of Nursing have also received a 100% pass rate on certification exams for some advanced practice nurse specialties. Four of the BSN to DNP programs are offered in an all-online option. Those are Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Leader, Health Systems Management, and Nursing Education. In some cases - such as the nursing education and CNL programs - nurses can choose to exit the program when they have completed the work required to receive the Master of Science in Nursing. Other specialties offered by the McAuley School, including the nurse anesthesia program, have some online components but are largely on-campus programs. Most of the DNP specialties have full-time and part-time study options.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwifery[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse-midwifery and Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwifery and Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP students at the University of Michigan can choose from a broad range of advanced practice specialties. Additionally, the university allows nurses to combine midwifery with some specialty programs so that nurses can specialize in nurse-midwifery along with Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner. Other available specialties include Adult-Gerontology NP (acute or primary care), Pediatric NP (acute or primary), and stand-alone nurse-midwifery or FNP. BSN-DNP students can follow a three-year or four-year plan, and web-blended classes provide maximum flexibility for working nurses. The School of Nursing staff also takes care of clinical placements, allowing students to concentrate on their studies rather than locating preceptors. With a network of more than 600 clinical partner sites, the staff can place students in a practicum that matches their interests, from small rural clinics to large health systems. Placements are available in Michigan and around the United States.

University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at the University of Michigan-Flint offers a part-time option that suits the needs of working RNs and new graduates. Students who want to complete the program at a faster pace can follow a full-time course of study. Four Nurse Practitioner concentrations are available: adult-gerontology (acute care or primary care), family, and psychiatric mental health. Requirements vary depending upon the concentration, but all DNP students complete 54 credits in core classes. Core subjects include advanced practice pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment; health care economics; transcultural care; and research classes. All students complete a DNP research project, and UM-Flint students can use the resources of the UM campuses in Dearborn and Ann Arbor if needed. As part of the NP emphasis, students complete practicum experiences supervised by experienced professionals. Applicants should have a 3.2 GPA on their BSN and at least a year of RN experience.

Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (AGNP-AC)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (AGNP-PC)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nurse-Midwife (NMW)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care (PNP-AC)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (PNP-PC)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric and Mental Health - Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia (DNAP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want to focus on providing care to urban populations can gain those skills through the BNS to DNP program at Wayne State University. BSN-qualified nurses can prepare for certification in nurse-midwifery or in one of these Nurse Practitioner specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, AG Primary Care, Family, Neonatal, Pediatric Acute Care, Pediatric Primary Care, or Psychiatric-Mental Health. Each of these specialties requires students to complete 78 credits, which are divided into the DNP core, research and statistics, clinical sequence, and DNP project practicum courses. The DNP core and research classes are the same for students in any specialty. Applicants must have a BSN, but the College of Nursing doesn't specify a target GPA. Applicants must have a valid RN license and obtain a Michigan nursing license by the end of the second semester. GRE scores are optional, and applicants complete an on-site writing sample while at their interview.

BSN to DNP Programs in Minnesota

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Augsburg's Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) track prepares nurses for leadership and integrative primary care of patients from a range of cultures and within a variety of settings. Graduates will be ready to become certified as FNPs through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The curriculum includes 84 semester credit hours (56 didactic credit hours, 4 seminar credits, and 24 clinical credits). Students must complete 1080 practicum hours, including 405 practica hours for DNP and 675 clinical hours. Augsburg's Department of Nursing partners with the Center for Global Education and Experience to conduct immersions in Guatemala, Mexico, Namibia, and England. Admissions requirements include holding a BSN or BAN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or a master's in nursing with a minimum 3.2 GPA; proof of Registered Nurse licensure; up to five years of clinical practice; a background check; and screenings for unsuitable conditions.

Mayo School of Health Sciences

Rochester, Minnesota
Accreditation: CANAEP
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at the Mayo Clinic trains RNs with a BSN for the role of a nurse anesthetist. The program meets at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota, and takes 42 months to complete. Didactic classes cover topics such as evidence-based practice, leadership, ethics, and informatics. Students must complete 86 didactic credits, including a capstone research project. Students also complete 30 clinical credits in a variety of hands-on experiences. In the final year, candidates complete a 10-week clinical rotation in regional and community-based clinics, mostly in sites that are part of the Mayo Clinic Health System. The program subsidizes travel costs and provides housing during these rotations. The program accepts up to 26 students per annual cohort and boasts a 100% pass rate on the certification exam. Additionally, all graduates have jobs within six months, according to data from the college.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, offers an 80-credit hour BSN to DNP path through its College of Nursing and Health Sciences. The program runs nine semesters and is currently full-time only. A minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical practicum is needed. Coursework is built around American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Doctoral Education and associated standards. Students will complete several pre-practicum requirements prior to clinical training placement, will finish a scholarship project, and must earn a B- or greater in all classes. To apply, students submit transcripts (with at least a 3.0 GPA, plus an upper-level statistics course), proof of 2,080 hours of RN work experience gained through one or more positions, two references, a 1,500-word essay, and a copy of the student's unencumbered RN license. Metro State's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, Minnesota
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Minnesota State Mankato was founded in1868 but didn't begin conferring doctorate degrees until 2009. Today its College of Allied Health and Nursing offers an 80-credit hour BSN to DNP that is family-focused and utilizes modern simulation environments to enhance learning. The program requires 1,050 clinical hours and was created using American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Doctoral Education. Didactic and clinical coursework will incorporate applied research experiences with faculty, including hours spent at the Maverick Family Simulation Center. Research and practice will culminate in a 12-credit final project which must be orally defended. Grad students have an opportunity to apply as teaching or research assistants with the school, to gain extra experience, tuition benefits, and a financial stipend. Minnesota State Mankato applicants should possess a 3.0 GPA on their undergraduate studies, as well as a current RN license and a year of applicable work background.

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
St. Catherine University awards both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice to students who complete the BSN to DNP program. The program prepares nurses for an advanced practice role providing primary care to pediatric or adult clients by offering tracks in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontological NP. The program is informed by St. Catherine's mission of social justice and emphasizes providing care to vulnerable populations in rural and urban locations. Classes primarily meet on weekdays, with some online or weekend classes required. Students enter the program in the summer and can complete the 74 credits in three years. After finishing the courses and clinical experiences needed for the MSN, which takes about 18 months, students can take the certification exam in their specialty area. The three-year average pass rate is 100% on the PNP certification exam and 96% on the AGNP exam.

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, Minnesota
BSN to DNP - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Primary Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The College of Saint Scholastica features three BSN to DNP specialties: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, and Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP). Students can elect to take extra "dual track" classes to add an optional gerontology focus. The program is offered at both the Duluth and St. Cloud campuses. Credit hours range from 79 to 83, depending on track. Designed for working students, degree requirements can all be finished in four years, but the program still requires ample study time. Coursework and practicum hours cover topics on organizational leadership, quality improvement, clinical scholarship, information systems and technology, team collaboration, population health, and other related areas. Saint Scholastica's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. PMHNP track applicants require prior related work experience. A year of experience is preferred but not mandatory for other applicants. For full admission, a current RN license is needed.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult Health/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult Health/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Innovation and Leadership[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Integrative Health and Healing[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Midwifery[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nursing Informatics[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
With 12 practice specialties available, the University of Minnesota offers BSN-prepared nurses many DNP options. Students can select from advanced practice specialties including Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, nurse anesthesia, midwifery, integrative health, and informatics. The integrative health and healing DNP program is the first of its kind in the U.S. Some specialty classes - such as health coaching, self-care, and functional nutrition - are offered through the university's Center for Spirituality and Healing. The BSN to DNP is a three-year, full-time program. The curriculum varies by specialty, but all students must complete at least 1,000 clinical hours and a scholarly project. Applicants should have a BSN or an entry-level MSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have an active nursing license. Different concentrations have different experience requirements, but by the time they begin practicums, most students need at least a year of relevant experience.

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP in Nursing Leadership - Nursing and Organizational Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP in Nursing Leadership - Practice and Leadership Innovations[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses can choose from six specialties in the BSN to DNP program at Winona State University. Options are Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP; Adult-Gerontology CNS; Family Nurse Practitioner; nursing leadership with tracks in nursing and organizational leadership or practice and leadership innovation; or Psychiatric-Mental Health NP. The number of credits and clinical hours varies by specialty. For instance, the AGACNP requires 74 credits and 1,260 clinical hours, while the nursing leadership/innovation focus requires 72 credits and 1,020 clinical hours. All students complete a DNP practice project to develop expertise in clinical practice and to gain experience in enhancing the quality of care. BSN to DNP students complete the project in small groups. Applicants must have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, although students with a lower GPA may gain provisional admittance. A year of clinical experience is preferred, and AGACNP applicants should have a year of critical care experience.

BSN to DNP Programs in Mississippi

Delta State University

Cleveland, Mississippi
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Non-FNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing has many routes for potential DNP students: the RN-DNP, for those with an associate's, BSN-DNP, Post-Master's Non-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Post-Master's FNP-DNP. The time to complete the BSN-DNP is 3.5 years (80 credits) and will include 1,020 clinical hours, plus 420 hours for a scholarly project. Applicants will do an interview and must have a prior 3.0 GPA or higher, three reference letters, an unencumbered RN license, a GRE analytic score of 3.0 or more, and a year of clinical nursing experience. Graduates are ready to take their Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam, if needed. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Delta's DNP program features expert faculty within a range of nursing specialties who are dedicated to delivering the best educational simulation experiences in class and real-world clinical practice at local healthcare facilities.

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, Mississippi
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN - DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nursing and Health Care Administrator[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses who want to bypass a master's degree can enter the post-baccalaureate DNP program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The School of Nursing offers five emphasis areas: nursing and health care administration or Nurse Practitioner in one of four populations (adult-gerontology primary care or acute care, family, or psychiatric mental health). BSN to DNP applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of 3.2 or higher, and they must submit GRE scores. Applicants must have an unencumbered nursing license and be eligible for licensure in Mississippi. All students planning to pursue the Nurse Practitioner curriculum must have at least a year of clinical experience as an RN before they start the program. Students who want to enter the AG acute care program must have at least a year of clinical experience in critical care or an ED. Students enter the program in the fall.

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses with a BSN can earn a DNP in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist through the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice. Southern Miss is a research university, and the College of Nursing receives more than $1.9 million annually in external researching funding. Nursing faculty members are involved in more than 60 areas of research, including health disparities, quality improvement, APRN practice, and patient outcomes. The nursing school also awards nearly $800,000 annually in scholarships and other student support. BSN to DNP applicants should have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 overall. GRE scores are required. Applicants must have a Mississippi RN license and at least a year of clinical experience before they can begin clinical courses. Graduates have a 95% or higher pass rate on board exams for their specialty.

BSN to DNP Programs in Missouri

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

Saint Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College has a DNP with a concentration in nurse anesthesia. This 36-month program uses a combination of online and in-person learning. Core DNP classes are delivered online. Science courses and courses in the anesthesia concentration use a face-to-face setting so that students receive hands-on instruction from experts in the field. The Goldfarb School is affiliated with the Washington University Department of Anesthesiology. The program admits up to seven students each year, and since 2013, the college has a 100% first-taime pass rate on the certification exam. The student attrition rate for the past decade is zero, and graduates have a 100% employment rate. Applicants must have Missouri licensure and at least a year of RN experience in a critical care setting. Nurses who have worked in a large hospital ICU receive priority.

Maryville University

Saint Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Post-BSN[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Missouri's Maryville University has expanded greatly since its origins as a private school for women back in 1872. Today it focuses on leveraging technology to make education as fast and accessible as feasible while maintaining high academic standards. Its BSN to DNP teaches a holistic curriculum with zero on-campus visits. 100% online, the degree comes in five different tracks. The Family Nurse Practitioner requires 74 credit hours and 745 clinical hours. The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP requires 580 clinical hours; Acute Care requires 830. The Pediatric (Primary Care) track is 580 clinical hours. The fifth option is Psychiatric Mental Health NP, which can be completed in 48 months. Classes are accessible 24/7. There's no requirement for GMAT or GRE scores. Clinical requirements are conducted in the student's local area. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Maryville's programs are taught by seasoned professionals in their respective specialties.

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
CRNA to Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The 79-credit hour BSN to DNP at Missouri State University - Springfield readies students for jobs as family nurse practitioners with its three-year full-time course of study. Students may attend part-time during the first year only and must be able to complete clinical hours in Missouri. To remain in good standing, students should keep a 3.0 GPA and maintain continuous enrollment after clinical practice starts. They are also evaluated throughout the DNP program for clinical competency, integrity, and professional behavior. Applicants must hold current RN licensure and BLS certification, have health insurance, be current on immunizations, and be able to pass a background check. They should have finished undergrad courses in human pathophysiology, nursing research, health assessment, informatics, and inferential statistics. Missouri State's DNP is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing. Graduate assistantship opportunities exist to help offset tuition and other expenses. Typical work commitment involves 20 hours a week.

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

Saint Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN in Adult/Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN in Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN in Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can choose from four concentrations in the BSN to DNP program offered by the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing at Saint Louis University. The concentrations are Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Coursework for all the programs is primarily online. However, students come to the campus in Saint Louis, Missouri, four times during their studies. The first required visit is a two-day orientation. During the next meeting, students prove their skills in diagnostic reasoning, clinical assessment, and therapeutic communication. The final two visits involve an orientation to doctoral-level coursework and presentation of the DNP project. Students can choose a four-year or five-year plan of study. Depending upon their area of concentration, candidates complete between 67 and 72 credits and up to 1,125 clinical hours.

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP in Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nursing Leadership & Innovations in Healthcare[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Post-Baccalaureate DNP program at the University of Missouri's Sinclair School of Nursing offers five areas of study for BSN to DNP students. Options include Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, nursing leadership and innovations in health care, and three Nurse Practitioner population focus areas: pediatric, family, and psychiatric-mental health. Full-time students can complete the degree in four years, and part-time students can choose a five-year or six-year plan. Depending upon emphasis area, students complete 72 to 74.5 credits and at least 1,000 supervised clinical hours. Students are responsible for acquiring their own preceptors although the school has agreements with some agencies. All candidates must complete a DNP residency project where they apply research principals to a specific practice problem, review scientific literature, design and implement an intervention, and evaluate the results. Students may enter the program in August, January, or June. BSN-prepared applicants should have a GPA of 3.3.

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses in the BSN to DNP program at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City can choose from five emphasis areas. Four of those are Nurse Practitioner tracks: pediatric, women's health, family, or adult-gerontology primary care. The fifth emphasis is Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, which the school offers in affiliation with Truman Medical Center. The CRNA program is a full-time, 36-month program. Students in the other concentrations can select from a fast-track, full-time. or part-time plan of study. The curriculum plans for each Nurse Practitioner DNP program require 74 credits in classes and clinicals, while the CRNA degree requires 73 credits plus clinical courses. BSN to DNP applicants should have a BSN with a GPA of 3.2 or higher in their last 60 credits earned. CRNA students are also required to submit GRE scores and meet prerequisites in chemistry and organic chemistry.

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Leadership in Population Health and Healthcare Systems[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Acute Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate Entry (BSN to DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students in the BSN to DNP program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Nursing can select from seven specialty tracks. They can choose a track in leadership in population health and health care systems or choose from Nurse Practitioner tracks: adult/geriatric primary care, family primary care, pediatric primary or acute care, psychiatric-mental health, or women's health. This program is designed for nurses who want to improve the health care of individuals and families by using clinical research as the basis for practice. To hone those skills, students complete a clinical scholarship project during their final year in the DNP program. Applicants should have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, and the admissions committee also looks at criteria such as essays, resumes, letters of recommendation, and professional activities to gain a holistic view of each applicant. Students may be able to complete clinical hours near their home.

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia DNP students at Webster University have a variety of research opportunities to help them fulfill the research project requirement. For instance, they can work with the doctoral biological sciences faculty on laboratory bench research or partner with a clinical site to develop a research study. Students also have opportunities for professional development, such as joining professional associations and attending professional conferences. The BSN to DNP program is a full-time, 36-month program with a cohort of students starting in May. Classes are delivered in nine-week terms, with five terms each year. For the first year, students attend classes four days a week and participate in clinical simulations. They start clinical rotations in the second year. Webster has more than 20 clinical affiliations, and students are required to work at least one term in a rural location. Graduates have a 100% pass rate on the CRNA exam.

BSN to DNP Programs in Montana

Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
BSN to DNP (Family/Individual)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP (Psych/Mental Health)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Montana State University in Bozeman offers a BSN to DNP taught by faculty from its College of Nursing. The program features two specialty tracks: Family/Individual or Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both tracks take three years to complete for full-time students. There's also a part-time option allowing for a four-year plan of study. Each track requires 1,135 total clinical hours. There is a final DNP scholarly project required, which will be supervised by a faculty member and must be defended orally. Past projects included mental health outreach initiatives and cancer support groups. To graduate, students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA. Graduates are ready to take on advanced nursing roles within primary care settings. Applicants should have an unencumbered RN license and at least a year of applicable work experience. Montana State University's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

BSN to DNP Programs in Nebraska

Bryan College of Health Sciences

Lincoln, Nebraska
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students in the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at the Bryan College of Health Sciences get extensive hands-on training. The program's first year covers mostly didactic coursework, although there is some clinical practice. The second and third years are filled with clinical experience, including several rotations in smaller community hospitals where students get experience with regional anesthetics. Students are assigned to a 'home hospital' in Omaha, Kearney, or Lincoln, Nebraska. They also work rotations at Nebraska Medical Center. The program uses a full-time cohort model. Cohorts enter the program in May. Most classes are delivered in person, although some courses use a hybrid format that combines online learning with face-to-face lessons. Applicants must have a minimum of one year's experience in a critical care unit, such as an ICU. The program prefers that students have at least two years of critical care experience by the time they start classes.

Clarkson College

Omaha, Nebraska
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN-DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses with a bachelor's degree can choose from several DNP options at Clarkson College. Options include BSN to DNP programs in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The DNP in Nurse Anesthesia is also open to candidates who have a BSN. The curriculum for the AGACNP or PMHNP student includes 28 credits in core classes, 39 credits in the specialty core, and at least four credits in electives, for a total requirement of 71 to 79 credits. Students must also complete clinical experiences caring for their chosen population group. Candidates also must complete a scholarly project that uses evidence to improve practice or outcomes. The nurse anesthesia DNP is a 36-month program. Students spend 20 months in the classroom phase, then perform practicum experiences for 16 months. Clinicals take place in urban and rural facilities so that nurses gain a variety of specialized experiences.

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nursing Administration and Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Creighton University's DNP promises the highest level of preparation for clinical practice. BSN to DNP options include Advanced Practice Registered Nurse tracks in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Systems Administration, a Pediatric Dual Track, and Psychiatric Mental Health. New graduates can start core classes while working on the required 2,000 hours of clinical practice. Students will become proficient in communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills to ensure they're ready for roles of increased responsibility within hospitals, schools, companies, governmental agencies, long-term care facilities, community centers, or labs. Creighton also offers options for a Master's Program of Study - DNP and a Post-Master's to DNP Clinical Systems Administration. Its DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The university is lauded by U.S. News & World Reports as the No. 63 Best Value School in America for 2020.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Omaha, Nebraska
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nebraska Methodist College, an affiliate of the Methodist Health System, offers three BSN to DNP options: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP, and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. Each requires 75 credit hours plus 1,080 clinical hours working with an approved preceptor. Full-time students may complete program requirements in three years, while part-time students can take up to five. The rigorous DNP curriculum includes role development, healthcare finance and policy, informatics, leadership, nursing theory, plus residency and an eight-credit capstone taken over a span of four courses. Graduates will be ready to sit for their applicable certification exams. Taught by highly credentialed faculty and instructors, the program emphasizes the diagnosing and treatment of patients over the course of their lifetimes, in a range of healthcare environments. Nebraska Methodist is a private institution founded in Omaha in 1891 and was authorized to confer DNP degrees in 2013.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha, Nebraska
Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Leader/Administrator[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary & Acute Care (Dual) NP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RNs who want to gain clinical expertise or improve their knowledge and skills in areas such as quality improvement, patient safety, and health systems change may be interested in the BSN to DNP program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Students can select from seven Nurse Practitioner specialties or a track in nurse leader/executive. Options for NP preparation include adult-gerontology (primary care or acute care options), family, pediatric primary care (or dual primary and acute pediatric care), women's health, and psychiatric mental health. Bachelor-prepared nurses can complete the program in three or four years, depending upon whether they attend on a full-time or part-time basis. They must complete all requirements for the program within seven years. Applicants must have a BSN with a 3.0 GPA and are only allowed to apply to one program specialty. DNP students may select local options for their clinical work.

BSN to DNP Programs in Nevada

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, Nevada
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Nevada, Reno, has three concentration tracks in the BSN to DNP program: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Classes are primarily online, but students must attend a two-day on-campus orientation at the start. Each semester, students have to come to Reno for one to three days of immersion events, and they are also required to visit campus twice for their scholarly project. The degree requires 72 to 76 credits, depending on the specialty track. Admission requirements vary based on the concentration. Students who want to enter the AGACNP program must have at least three years of medical-surgical experience or two years of critical care experience. Those who wish to join the FNP program should have at least a year of professional clinical experience. There are no experience requirements for the PMHNP program.

BSN to DNP Programs in New Hampshire

Rivier University

Nashua, New Hampshire
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to DNP in Systems Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Rivier University has a BSN to DNP in system leadership that requires applicants to have a BSN and a master's degree in a field outside nursing. Students in the Systems Leadership Bridge Track take 15 required core courses from the university's nursing and business departments. Nursing classes cover topics such as health research methods, evidence-based leadership, and quality improvement. In the business classes, nurses learn about areas such as health care finance and administration, information systems, and crisis management. Students are also required to complete 1,000 clinical hours and to produce a DNP scholarly project where they create an evidence-based plan that results in improved patient safety or outcomes in a complex health care system. The degree requires 61 to 69 credits. Classes are delivered online and students must attend four face-to-face sessions in Nashua, New Hampshire. Full-time students can complete the track in 15 semesters, or five years.

BSN to DNP Programs in New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Madison, New Jersey
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Administrative focus[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Education focus[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Forensic focus[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Nurse Educator[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Nursing Administration[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate MSN-DNP: Nursing Information Systems[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pre-Baccalaureate ABSN-DNP: Gerontology[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
New Jersey's private Fairleigh Dickinson University has a new, accelerated DNP program using the executive educational model to educate nurses for high level clinical expertise. With a focus on Gerontology, the curriculum covers diagnostic and treatment competencies, health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. In total the program is 58 credits and 1065 clinical hours, with a 24-credit DNP core covering research and evidence-based practice methodologies. There are 12 credits worth of specialty coursework including an immersive residency under the mentorship of a doctorally-prepared preceptor, and a capstone with oral defense. At various points, students will obtain liability insurance and undergo a clinical clearance process with physical exam, drug test, and background check. Graduates may work at executives, clinicians, educators, and policy makers within inpatient or outpatient environments, schools, or regulatory institutions. FDU ties at No. 137 for Best Nursing Schools: DNP, per U.S. News & World Report.

Rutgers University

Camden, New Jersey
Accreditation: CCNE
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute/Critical Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Nurse Midwifery[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Baccalaureate DNP -Leadership - Management[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Rutgers University's School of Nursing is a global leader in education, with 11 rigorous BSN to DNP specialties to choose from. Most allow an option to add a six-credit HIV Care certification. The tracks are Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care NP, Family NP (or NP in Emergency Care), Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia, Women's Health NP, Nurse Midwifery, and Dual Women's Health Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwifery. Most tracks require between 62 and 74 credit hours and up to a total of 1,220 clinical/mentored hours (500 devoted to a final project). Most of the programs can be done full- or part-time, and usually take between three and four years to complete. Some specialties, such as Family NP in Emergency Care, Midwifery, and Anesthesia require additional credits and clinical hours. Rutgers is ranked No. 19 for 2020 by U.S. News & World Report for Best Nursing Schools: DNP.

Stockton University

Galloway, New Jersey
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner can prepare for those roles in Stockton University's BSN to DNP program. The FNP requires 77 credits, and the AGPCNP requires 74 credits. Stockton allows students to attend on a part-time or full-time schedule. The part-time plan of study takes 13 semesters, and the full-time program requires 11 semesters. One reason for the length of time is that candidates must complete more than 1,000 clinical hours to meet the certification standards to be an FNP or AGPCNP. Graduates are eligible to take the certification exam. The program uses a hybrid format with online components to make it easier for working nurses to pursue an advanced degree. In their final semesters, students perform a DNP practice immersion and work on their DNP project. Candidates propose a practice-improvement project, implement it, and evaluate it.

BSN to DNP Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, New Mexico
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP in Psychiatric / Mental Health NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses can choose from two specialty tracks in the BSN to DNP program at New Mexico State University. The options are Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam for their specialty. Classes are asynchronous, but instructors may require scheduled virtual chats when students must be online at a set time. While courses are delivered online, students are required to attend a two-day orientation at the Las Cruces, New Mexico, campus during the first week of classes in the fall semester of their first year. BSN-DNP students must return to campus for a weeklong clinical boot camp the summer of their third year to prepare for the NP specialty classes. Students are required to complete more than 1,000 clinical hours in this program, and they are required to locate a preceptor and clinical site where they can complete these hours.

BSN to DNP Programs in New York

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, New York
Accreditation: AACN
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Midwifery[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Columbia's School of Nursing DNP comes in many specialties: Adult-Gerontology Acute or Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Primary Care, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The curriculum helps students gain deep knowledge of biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral and clinical sciences and be able to conduct complex diagnostic and treatment modalities using informatics and decision-making technology. To graduate, students must complete residency and a portfolio, and prove their expertise in comprehensive patient care across multiple conditions. The BSN to DNP program is three years long, with the first five semesters including practice coursework and clinical rotations. Final semesters are in a cohort model and feature a supervised, two-semester residency. Residency may be in the New York metropolitan area, but that is not guaranteed. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses can complete their DNP within two years. Students may be able to work part-time, and residency students are encouraged to apply for pay.

CUNY College of Staten Island

Staten Island, New York
Accreditation: AACN
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want to specialize in treating adult and gerontology patients can choose from two Doctor of Nursing Practice programs offered at the CUNY College of Staten Island. Nurses with a BSN can earn a DNP in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. Graduates are prepared for a leadership role, a direct care role, or for careers in fields such as public health or health care policy. The DNP program uses a cohort format with students attending courses in the evening every semester, including summers. As a culminating activity, all candidates must complete a scholarly inquiry that requires them to analyze a clinical or organizational issue and find solutions. As a final step, they must prepare a manuscript of publishable quality. Students enter this program in September.

CUNY Hunter College

New York, New York
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing at the City University of New York (CUNY) is home to two DNP programs training nurses to serve diverse urban populations using evidence-based advanced services. It's open to nurses with a bachelor's (or master's) in nursing and can be done full- or part-time. The major tracks are Adult/Gerontological (AGNP) and Psychiatric/Mental Health DNP. For BSN to DNP students, both feature a core curriculum of 63 credits in science, economics, policy, translational research, and leadership, plus 27 credits in the specialization. There is a 1,000 supervised clinical hour requirement. Graduates are eligible for New York State NP certification and for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification. AGNP grads are ready for certification by the American Academy of NP Certification Board. Applicants should hold a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a New York State RN license with current registration, among other criteria.

New York University

New York, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Pediatric NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University was founded in 1932 and is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence. BSN to DNP students can select from degree focuses in Adult Gerontology Acute or Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Pediatric NP. Students take advanced practice nursing, DNP, and leadership courses to prepare for placement in clinical settings. There they will work with a team to develop the necessary research and practice skills needed to affect meaningful change in the healthcare system. Classes focus on clinical expertise in areas such as gerontology, disease prevention, global public health, quality improvement, and more. The curriculum is continuously revised by the school's Graduate Workshop to ensure the most up-to-date information is being taught. The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and readies graduates for New York State licensure.

Saint John Fisher College

Rochester, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-Baccalaureate[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Saint John Fisher's Wegmans School of Nursing offers both full-time and part-time opportunities in several BSN to DNP tracks: a 62-credit hour Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist track, a 65-credit hour Primary Care Family NP, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP or Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP tracks, or a 72-credit Psychiatric Mental Health NP track. Each track takes three years if attending full-time students. The 31-credit Scholarship Core includes topics like healthcare policy, law, biostatics, epidemiology, leadership, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more. There're also DNP, Direct Care, and Functional Role core requirements. To graduate, students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA and complete 1,000 total clinical hours and final DNP scholarly project. Applicants must have a New York RN license. Graduates will be eligible for working as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist. Fisher's BSN to DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center

Brooklyn, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Advanced Standing DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Standing DNP - Nurse Midwife[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Advanced Standing DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Nurse Midwife[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University uses a hybrid format for its BSN to DNP program. In addition to online coursework, students attend monthly seminars onsite at the school in Brooklyn, where they develop leadership skills, network with fellow students, and complete competency assessments and enrichment activities. The post-baccalaureate program uses a cohort format where a group of students advances together through the 75-credit, seven-term degree program. RNs can choose from three specialties when they begin their DNP studies: Family Nurse Practitioner, nurse-midwife, or Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. SUNY Downstate's mission is to prepare nurses who can improve patient care and the health of populations while reducing the cost of health care. Students gain skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and using information technology and analytics to improve practice.

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
University at Buffalo has four rigorous BSN to DNPs: the 82-credit hour Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP, 94-credit hour Psychiatric/Mental Health NP, 97-credit hour Family NP, and 124-credit hour Nurse Anesthetist option. With its health assessment lab, Patient Simulation Center, and Center for Nursing Research, the school provides students with ample access to modern training facilities. Applicants need a BSN with a 3.0 GPA or higher, RN license, a year of work experience, and ICU experience for Nurse Anesthesia. They'll also submit transcripts, GRE or MAT scores, a resume, personal statement, three reference letters, and copies of applicable certifications. The average GMAT score for admitted students is 151 for Verbal/150 for Quantitative. Average MAT score is 410. UB is the proud home of several vibrant student nursing organizations, including Gamma Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Multicultural Nursing Student Association, and the Graduate Nurse Organization.

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Clinical Nurse Leader[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctoro of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BS to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (PNP/NNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students earning a DNP at the University of Rochester School of Nursing can build close relationships with professionals throughout the University of Rochester's hospital and physician network. As students, nurses can find mentors among these professionals, and after graduation, that network could help their career. The School of Nursing has a pathway to the DNP for BSN-prepared nurses. BSN to DNP students can choose a specialty track in Clinical Nurse Leader or in one of six Nurse Practitioner specialties. The time to graduation varies depending upon the specialty, and students may enter the program in September, January, or May. Applicants should have at least a year of clinical experience, and applicants who want to pursue the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty should have two years of NICU experience. Applicants with a BSN should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit a writing sample and three letters of reference.

BSN to DNP Programs in North Carolina

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Health Informatics[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nursing and Health Care Leadership[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Nursing Education[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Duke University School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina, is home to two BSN to DNP paths: Nurse practitioner or Nurse anesthesia. Both require a minimum of 74 credits. Students are able to continue working and can conduct their final project where they work. Duke's program employs experienced faculty who are leaders in advanced clinical practice. They're looking for DNP candidates who hold a 3.0 or better GPA, possess strong leadership skills, and have made an impact in nursing practice. Applicants should have a current RN license. The school maintains a global perspective and is devoted to diversity. It's also home to a Center for Nursing Research which focuses on clinical innovation, population health and chronic illness, precision health, and methods and analytics. Duke graduates will be fully prepared to take on high-level roles as nurse leaders in interdisciplinary teams who strive to improve patient care and outcomes.

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina
Accreditation: COA
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP- Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
East Carolina University's DNP faculty place great attention on teaching practice, scholarship, and dedication to service for rural, underserved areas. The 63-semester hour BSN to DNP path for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP requires 720 clinical practice hours. The Family Nurse Practitioner path is 70 semester hours plus 840 clinical practice hours in primary care settings. Both tracks allow for course electives and require a four-semester project which will be closely mentored. ECU students will work with teams in a range of settings and have access to an interprofessional curriculum utilizing the most modern technology and simulation laboratories. The school helps place students with appropriate clinical sites. Applicants must be active registered nurses in North Carolina or a compact state. Clinical rotations are done in-state. ECU's DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and meet licensure/certification requirements in North Carolina. Other states have different requirements.

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, North Carolina
Accreditation: ACEN
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Gardner-Webb University has two BSN to DNP tracks: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family NP. Both programs use a blended format. Most coursework is online, but students must come to the campus in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, for intensives. The FNP is a 79-credit program, and the PMHNP is an 81-credit program. Students can select a full-time or part-time plan of study with either track. Full-time students can complete the degree in eight semesters. Students complete the clinical requirements for the degree near their home, and the Hunt School of Nursing has a clinical site specialist who helps students locate practicum placements. To apply, nurses must have two years of active RN experience within the last three years. PMHNP graduates can find careers in private mental health practice, community-based care settings, and in-patient mental health facilities. FNPs provide primary care in clinics, community-based health centers, and other settings.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care - Oncology[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Care Systems - Administration[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Care Systems - Informatics[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Health Care Systems - Outcomes Management[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-prepared nurses who are willing to commit to three years of full-time study may be eligible for the BSN to DNP program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program requires 66 to 75 credits and at least 1,000 practice hours. Students also complete a scholarly project. Carolina Nursing divides the DNP options into two areas - leadership and advanced practice areas., The Health Care Leadership and Administration program, with the first class entering in 2020, prepares nurses for leadership positions in health care delivery organizations. Students can specialize in informatics, administration, or outcomes management. Students in the advanced practice track can choose to become a Nurse Practitioner in areas including adult-gerontology primary care (or AGPC with an oncology focus), family, pediatric primary care, or psychiatric mental health. Applicants must have at least one year of professional clinical experience, with each track having specific requirements about the setting or responsibilities.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
At the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the BSN to DNP program has a Nurse Anesthesia focus. Graduates have the theoretical knowledge and clinical practice needed to take the national exam to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. This on-campus program requires full-time attendance for nine semesters, starting in the summer semester. The curriculum includes 89 credits and more than 2,000 clinical practice hours. UNC Charlotte partners with the Carolinas Medical Center for the program, with clinical experiences at Atrium Health facilities located around Charlotte. Students gain hands-on experience by working a range of surgical and diagnostic procedures. Additionally, all DNP candidates are required to complete a scholarly project in which they address a practice issue using tools such as informatics, technology, evidence-based practice, and their knowledge of clinical science. During the project, candidates must lead an interdisciplinary team to improve outcomes.

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina
Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro has a focus on preparing nurses to meet the challenges the health care delivery system is facing. That includes using evidence to create excellence in clinical practice. The program has two concentrations: Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or nurse anesthesia. The AGPCNP prepares nurses to work in settings such as primary care offices, health systems, academic teaching, or clinical leadership. The degree requires 73 credits, and students can complete the program in eight semesters. Students enter the program in the fall, and by the second semester, they begin their clinical rotations. The nurse anesthesia concentration is a three-year program that requires 107 credits. Graduates have a 100% pass rate on the nurse anesthetist certification exam. Applicants for either concentration should have a 3.2 or higher GPA on their BSN and must submit GRE or MAT scores.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurses who want to provide primary care or mental health care across the lifespan can qualify for certification in one of those fields after completing the BSN to DNP program at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. The available concentrations are Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Both programs are on-campus degrees that accept full-time and part-time students. Each degree requires 70 credits, and students can earn a DNP in as few as eight semesters. DNP candidates are required to complete a scholarly project, and at UNC Wilmington, students take classes where they focus on developing the project proposal, implementing it, and evaluating their findings. While on campus, students can join in a variety of campus organizations specifically for student nurses, ranging from the Nurses Christian Fellowship and the American Assembly for Men in Nursing to the Association of Self Care for Future Health Professionals.

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Western Carolina University's BSN to DNP program in nurse anesthesia admits a small cohort of about 15 students each year in May. Students complete 86 credits and handle an average of more than