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Fastest Online BSN to DNP Programs

Discover the shortest online BSN to DNP programs in the country! All of the doctorates featured in this guide are 3 years or under for full-time students. Explore plans of study, learn about program availability, and find out how much time you’ll need to budget for clinicals & campus visits. Willing to consider commuting? Check out the list of hybrid/blended BSN to DNP offerings. Wondering how it all works? Skim through the overview of how accelerated BSN to DNP programs are structured.

Shortest Online BSN to DNP Programs

Award for the Fastest Online DNP Programs

Concordia University Wisconsin

Online Post-BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 70
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGPCNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Visits
  • State Availability: Check with DNP Program Coordinator
If you’re willing to commit to 3 courses per semester, CUW’s Online Post-BSN to DNP can be done & dusted in 8 semesters. The program starts in the fall or spring. Most courses are offered in an 8-week format; a few will take 16 weeks. Have a look at the Progression Plans to get a sense of clinical residencies & DNP immersions. Campus visits are required for certain courses.

Georgetown University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 69-74
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | NM/WHNP | WHNP
  • Online Format: Online with 2-3 Intensives
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization
The full-time version of Georgetown’s Online BSN to DNP is made up of eight 15-week terms—that means you’ll be able to finish your doctorate in 33 months. Coursework is online, but all BSN to DNP students must take part in 2-3 Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs) in the DC Metro area. Sample plans of study are available in the Course Catalog section. In addition to OCIs and clinical practicums, you must complete a DNP Immersion in the final term.

Liberty University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 72-78
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Intensives
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization
At Liberty, you have a choice of an Online BSN to DNP in an FNP or PMHNP specialty. Both degrees involve online coursework and limited residential intensives on the Lynchburg, Virginia campus (e.g. 2 intensives for PMHNP students). If you’re willing to go all-in and commit to a full-time plan of study, you can finish in 9 semesters. Liberty is a Christian university, so you should expect the curriculum to have a faith-based focus.

Loyola University New Orleans

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 78
  • Specializations Offered: FNP
  • Online Format: Online
  • State Availability: Check with DNP Program Coordinator
LOYNO’s accelerated Online BSN to DNP for aspiring FNPs is available in a 3-year schedule. You’ll find a link to sample plans of study in the Graduate Bulletin. The full-time version will involve 2-4 courses per semester; most semesters have 3 courses. FNP clinical practicums start to rev up in second & third years. There will also be a DNP project practicum in the final semester. Check with LOYNO about campus visits—the website doesn’t specify which courses may require in-person assessment or testing.

Messiah University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 86
  • Specializations Offered: FNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Summer Sessions
  • State Availability: Check with DNP Program Coordinator
Looking for an FNP program that is taught from a Christian faith perspective? Check out Messiah’s speedy Online BSN to DNP. It can be finished in 9 semesters on a full-time plan of study. Although most of the coursework is online, you’ll need to budget for 2 on-campus summer sessions (3 days each) and 1,215 clinical hours. Practicums can be completed in your local community.

Nebraska Methodist College

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 75
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGPNCP | AGCNS
  • Online Format: Online (Synchronous & Asynchronous) with Summer Campus Visits
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization
At NMC, you’ll have a choice of 3 tracks for the Online BSN to DNP—the FNP, AGPCNP, or AGCNS. On a full-time basis, any of these specialties can be finished in 9 semesters. Most of the coursework is asynchronous, but some classes will involve real-time/synchronous components in the late afternoon & evening hours. You’ll also be required to visit the campus 3 times on summer weekends. Each program page has a sample plan of study—take a look at the BSN to DNP-FNP section for an example.

Ohio State University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 78-87
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | NNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online (Some Synchronous Classes) with Campus Visits
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization
On a full-time schedule, OSU’s Online BSN to DNP can be completed in 9 semesters. The first year combines DNP & MSN coursework; the final two years will involve DNP immersions and the DNP project. You’ll need to schedule time for some synchronous/real-time online coursework (e.g. Wednesday or Thursday classes) and a few on-campus visits. For example, NNP students have 3 in-person visits during the last 4 semesters. Keep in mind that the distance version of the BSN to DNP is only available in FNP, NNP, and PMHNP tracks.

Pennsylvania State University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8-9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 61-68
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | AGPCNP | Leadership
  • Online Format: Online with 2-3 Campus Intensives
  • State Availability: US RN License for Leadership; PA License for NP Specialties
Penn State’s Online BSN to DNP can be tackled in 3 years on a full-time schedule—8 semesters for the Leadership specialty and 9 semesters for any NP specialty. In addition, NP candidates must have a Pennsylvania RN license. Most of the coursework is asynchronous, although there will be occasional group assignments. You’ll also need to make time for in-person intensive sessions on the Penn State campus. There are 2 intensives for Leadership students (4 days each) and 3 for NP students (5 days each).

Shenandoah University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 74-75
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online (Some Synchronous Classes) with Campus Immersions
  • State Availability: Check with DNP Program Coordinator
Both the FNP and PMHNP tracks in Shenandoah’s Online BSN to DNP are available in a 9-semester plan of study, including summers. Cohorts are established in August. You can study for this DNP online, but be prepared for weekly synchronous/real-time class meetings with core & NP general courses. You’ll also be expected to visit the campus for immersion days.

Southeastern Louisiana University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 70-76
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP | Nurse Executive Leadership
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Visits
  • State Availability: LA
Southeastern’s Online BSN to DNP for Louisiana RNs is designed to be completed in 9 semesters on a full-time schedule; part-time study is also available. You’ll find sample plans of study and more details about clinical practicums & DNP residency hours in the University General Catalog. Courses are online, but you’ll need to be on campus for your DNP orientation and defense of the DNP project. The course in Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advanced Practice also contains 60 lab hours.

Texas Christian University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 64-67
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | PMHNP | Pediatric or Adult Gerontology CNS
  • Online Format: Online with On-Campus Intensives (OCIs)
  • State Availability: TX & NM
TCU’s Online BSN to DNP is only open to RNs residing in Texas or New Mexico. If you opt for a full-time schedule, the doctorate takes 9 semesters. The program begins in the spring or fall. You’ll be able to complete most of your work online, but you should budget for a 2-day campus orientation and On-Campus Intensives (OCIs). There will be 2-3 intensives for NP students and 1 intensive for CNS students.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 78
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Visits
  • State Availability: TX or Compact License
TTUHSC’s Online BSN to DNP is available in a standard 4-year degree plan OR an accelerated full-time option that takes 9 semesters starting in the summer. See the individual FNP and PMHNP sections and School of Nursing Course Catalog for more info on admissions and curricula. All BSN to DNP students are required to visit the campus for an initial orientation, OSCEs (clinical exams), selected DNP sessions, and a final project presentation.

University of Florida

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 75-93
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | AC PNP | PC PNP | Dual PNP (10 Semesters) | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Visits & FL Clinical Practicums
  • State Availability: FL or Multi-State RN License
UF’s Online BSN to DNP is best-suited to Florida RNs. All students are required to visit the UF campus at certain key points (e.g. initial orientation, Health Assessment coursework, DNP project presentation, etc.) and complete their clinical practicums in the state of Florida. Each specialty page has a sample plan of study. Almost all of the NP options can be completed in 8 semesters. The one exception is the Dual PNP program, which takes 10 semesters.

University of Massachusetts – UMass Global

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 73
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online (Asynchronous & Synchronous) with 3-4 Immersions
  • State Availability: Check with University Enrollment Coach
Although it bills its doctoral program as “hybrid,” we’re going to classify UMass Global’s innovative offering as an Online BSN to DNP. Almost all of the coursework is online and there are only 3-4 campus immersions in Irvine, California (3-4 days per session). The entire program is 3 years/36 months. In the first 2 years, you can opt for part-time study (e.g. 1 course per 8-week session); the final year will be full-time (e.g. 2 courses per 8 week session).

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 70
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | PMHNP
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Skills Labs
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization
UNC Wilmington’s Online BSN to DNP can be dusted off in 8 semesters on a full-time schedule, including summer sessions. Almost all of the coursework is online, but you’ll still be required to visit the campus for skills labs. The FNP and PMHNP sections contain detailed info on plans of study & admissions requirements. You might also want to browse through the FAQs: Doctor of Nursing Practice to learn more about program expectations.

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/8 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 67-76
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | NNP | PMHNP | AG CNS | Neonatal CNS | Executive Leadership
  • Online Format: 100% Online for Executive Leadership; Hybrid for NP & CNS Specialties
  • State Availability: US RN License for Executive Leadership; OK License for NP & CNS Specialties
OUHSC’s speedy Online BSN to DNP takes full-time students 8 semesters to complete. The BSN to DNP in Executive Leadership is 100% online and open to residents of any NC-SARA state. In contrast, NP or CNS candidates will need to have an Oklahoma RN license and be willing to commit to limited in-person visits—on-campus time varies by course. Each specialty page has a plan of study and more details on clinicals & practicums.

Ursuline College

Online BSN to DNP

  • Fastest Program Length: 3 Years/9 Semesters
  • Credits Required: 73-81
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | AGPCNP | AG CNS | PMHNP | Leadership
  • Online Format: Online with Campus Visits
  • State Availability: OH
Ursuline’s Christian-focused Online BSN to DNP is open to applicants with a current & unencumbered Ohio RN license—you must meet this MSN requirement before you can proceed to the DNP. Take a look at the BSN-DNP Curriculum Guides to see how the 9-semester schedule would play out. Each specialty has a slightly different approach to clinical practicums & DNP residencies. Some courses are available in a face-to-face or online format. Campus visits may be required for the MSN portion of the program.

Honorable Mentions: Online BSN to DNP Programs Under 4 Years

In our research, we unearthed a few Online BSN to DNP programs that just missed our threshold of 3 years. If you’re willing to stretch your schedule to 3+ years, you might also want to consider the following schools.

Abilene Christian University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Program Length: 3 Years + 2 Months/38 Months
  • Credits Required: 57
  • Specializations Offered: Executive Leadership
  • Online Format: 100% Online
  • State Availability: US RN License

Bay Path University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Program Length: 3 Years + 1 Semester
  • Credits Required: 70
  • Specializations Offered: FNP
  • Online Format: Online
  • State Availability: Check with DNP Program Coordinator

Marymount University

Online BSN to DNP-FNP

  • Program Length: 3 Years + 4 Months/40 Months
  • Credits Required: 70
  • Specializations Offered: FNP
  • Online Format: Online with 2 Campus Residencies
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization

Maryville University

Online BSN to DNP

  • Program Length: 3 Years + 4 Months/40 Months
  • Credits Required: 68-77
  • Specializations Offered: FNP | AGACNP | AGPCNP | PMHNP | PNP PC
  • Online Format: Online
  • State Availability: Check State Authorization

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Online BSN to DNP

  • Program Length: 3 Years + 4 Months/40 Months
  • Credits Required: 64
  • Specializations Offered: Nurse Executive
  • Online Format: Online with Optional Campus Immersions
  • State Availability: US RN License; Check State Approvals

Accelerated Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs

Are you willing to consider regular trips to campus? In our research, we unearthed a number of accelerated Hybrid BSN to DNP programs that are 3 years or less. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve classified any program with “per semester” visits (or more) as hybrid/blended.

  • Delta State University (Florida): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • East Tennessee State University (Tennessee): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • Jacksonville University (Florida): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • Johns Hopkins University (Maryland): Hybrid BSN to DNP (Advanced Practice Program)
  • Missouri State University (Missouri): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • Murray State University (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • Purdue University (Indiana): Hybrid Post-BSN DNP
  • Sacred Heart University (Connecticut): Hybrid BSN to DNP – FNP
  • University at Buffalo (New York): Hybrid Post-BS to DNP
  • University of California Irvine (California): Hybrid DNP-FNP
  • University of Delaware (Delaware): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of Indianapolis (Indiana): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of Kentucky (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN-DNP
  • University of Louisville (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of Michigan (Michigan): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (North Carolina): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro (North Carolina): Hybrid Post-BSN DNP
  • University of St. Thomas Houston (Texas): Hybrid BSN to DNP
  • University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (Wisconsin): Hybrid DNP (Post-Baccalaureate)
  • Upstate Medical University (New York): Hybrid BS-DNP
  • Weber University (Utah): Hybrid Post BSN to DNP – FNP
  • Winston-Salem State University (North Carolina): Hybrid BSN-DNP

If you can make time for classes, it’s worth considering accelerated hybrid BSN to DNP programs in your home area. Full-time study can be challenging when you’re on your own. A blended program will give you opportunities to hone your skills, make valuable career connections, and receive in-person support on your DNP project.


How Long Are Online BSN to DNP Programs?

Standard Online BSN to DNP Programs

Universities will often offer Online BSN to DNP programs in two kinds of formats:

  • Part-Time: Approximately 4-8 years. Usually 3-6 credits/1-2 courses per semester.
  • Full-Time: Approximately 3-4 years. Typically 9+ credits/3+ courses per semester.

Part-time Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are standard in the world of distance learning. Many RNs want to continue working during their studies and can’t handle a heavy course load. So you’ll see a lot of Schools of Nursing offering online doctorates that can be spaced out over 4+ years.

Accelerated Online BSN to DNP Programs

“Accelerated” is a broad term for any full-time Online BSN to DNP that takes ~3 years or less to finish. Schools like to throw this term around, so we recommend you check the plan of study or the University Catalog to learn more about what’s required. Generally speaking, accelerated BSN to DNP programs that appear in our Fastest Online BSN to DNP rankings fall into two broad categories:

  • 9 Semester Programs: Many NP programs take 9 semesters—including summers—to complete. In addition to coursework, Schools of Nursing will pack a lot of clinical practicums and DNP residencies into those semesters.
  • 8 Semester Programs: But you’ll also find Online BSN to DNP programs in our rankings that are 8 semesters in length. These are the fastest options in the country. In some cases, you might be taking up to 4 courses per semester.

Accelerated BSN to DNP programs are challenging! If 2-4 courses per semester sounds like too much, remember that almost all of the Schools in our listings will also offer longer programs with part-time schedules (e.g. 1-2 courses per semester; 4+ years).

Where is the Fastest Online BSN to DNP Program?

The fastest Online BSN to DNP programs in our rankings are listed as 3 Years/8 Semesters. This will work out to ~33 months of coursework. Schools that fall into this category include:

  • Concordia University Wisconsin
  • Georgetown University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Florida
  • University of North Carolina Wilmington
  • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Some of these programs are designed for in-state RNs, so check the fine print before applying.

Accelerated Online BSN-DNP Program Requirements

Accelerated BSN to DNP programs are just like any other BSN to DNP program—they all have the same baseline requirements (e.g. current & unencumbered RN license, accredited BSN, RN work experience, etc.). If you need a rundown on these elements, have a look at our section on What is a DNP Degree? Here are a few extra points worth mentioning:

  • BSN to DNP Specialties: The most common specialties in our Fastest Online BSN to DNP rankings are the FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and leadership tracks. You’ll occasionally run into a School of Nursing that offers more variety (e.g. NNP, CNS, etc.), but these options may be limited to in-state RNs. Leadership and CNS specialties will have the fewest credits.
  • 1,000+ Clinical Hours: Post-BSN students are required to complete 1,000+ hours of clinical practice to earn an accredited DNP. Those hours will include clinical practicums in your chosen specialty (e.g. FNP) and DNP residency hours/immersions. Schools will often go over the 1,000 hour limit—LOYNO has 1,260 hours—but they’ll never go under. If you’re an online student, you’ll usually be allowed to complete these hours in your local community.
  • Online Format: Unless you opt for a BSN to DNP in Leadership or Executive Leadership, it’s rare to find a 100% Online BSN to DNP program. Almost all programs will require a few campus visits for orientations, clinical training, DNP project planning & defense, and the like. So you don’t get blindsided by these commitments, we’ve noted them in our shortest rankings.
  • State Availability: Considering an accelerated Online BSN to DNP that’s not in your state? Talk to the DNP Program Coordinator and check with your State Board of Nursing before you make any decisions. Because of distance learning regulations, you may not be eligible to apply. You also want to make sure that your Doctor of Nursing Practice will be accepted when you pursue national APRN certification & state licensure.

Example of an Accelerated 3-Year Online BSN to DNP Program

Every doctorate in our fastest rankings has a unique structure—check the plan of study or sample calendar to learn how Schools of Nursing have chosen to organize coursework & clinicals. Having said that, most accelerated BSN to DNP programs follow a similar pattern. Here is a hypothetical 3-year schedule for a full-time online student who wants to become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 8 semesters.

Year 1 | Semesters 1-3

  • 3 courses per semester
  • On-campus or virtual orientation
  • MSN-level coursework
  • Credits in the “3 Ps”: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical/Health Assessment
  • Campus visit for health assessment skills lab
  • Initial clinical practicum in your local community

Year 2 | Semesters 4-6

  • 3-4 courses per semester
  • Advanced FNP & primary care coursework
  • Clinical practicums in your local community
  • Campus visit for DNP proposal
  • Initial DNP project work

Year 3 | Semesters 7-8

  • 2-3 courses per semester
  • DNP project work
  • DNP immersion
  • Clinical practicum in your local community
  • Campus visit for DNP project defense

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