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DNP Programs in Minnesota

Shorten your search for a high quality DNP in Minnesota! This practical guide & directory contains rankings of the best and most affordable DNP programs in Minnesota, notes on online & hybrid MN doctorates, and tips on comparing BSN to DNP options. Already have a school or two in mind? Skip ahead to our listings.

Top Minnesota DNP Programs

To locate the best DNP programs in Minnesota, we evaluated independent rankings for nursing graduate degrees, prioritizing any MN school with a high DNP placement in U.S. News & World Report (e.g. UMN). However, we also considered factors such as certification pass rates, clinical connections, and research opportunities.

1. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

UMN’s DNP program stands head & shoulders above other Minnesota offerings—it’s regarded by U.S. News as one of the top 20 of DNPs nationwide. The School of Nursing has excellent NP certification pass rates (e.g. 100% for the PMHNP) and it’s nationally ranked in specialty areas like Nursing Informatics (e.g. top 3), Nurse Midwifery (e.g. top 5), and Nursing Anesthesia (e.g. top 30). At UMN, you’ll have access to expert faculty, state-of-the-art clinical training facilities, two School-run Nurse Practitioner Clinics, opportunities in global health, and an Office of Student and Career Advancement Services. These are just some of the reasons UMN has a long list of awards for the School & its faculty.

One of UMN’s key strengths is nursing research, especially in the areas of vulnerable populations, chronic health conditions, symptom management, and informatics. The School has a dizzying number of active projects and centers, and students in each NP track are exposed to interprofessional learning (e.g. AGNP students can get involved with the Center for Aging Science and Care Innovation and the Minnesota Center on Aging). But the thing that impresses us most? The quality of reviews on independent sites & messageboards. Graduate students love the School. They say nursing professors are caring & supportive, coursework is rigorous & innovative, and clinical opportunities are superb. Their sole quibble is cost—UMN is expensive. Be sure to check the section on DNP Cost & Financial Support, which has info on relevant scholarships (e.g. Bentson Scholarship). You can also contact DNP alumni for their unvarnished opinions.

2. St. Catherine University

St. Kate’s DNP program deserves its place here. To start with, the Department of Nursing has a history of achieving excellent NP certification pass rates and employment rates for DNP graduates. It offers intriguing dual-degree options. And it structures the DNP in a flexible format that might work well for busy nurses (the Graduate College is open to all genders). The Department is located in the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health (HSSH). Here you’ll find nursing faculty who are involved in all kinds of faculty research & scholarship projects. HSSH also runs the Women’s Health Integrative Research Center (WHIR) and hosts an interprofessional Annual Summit for Health.

Another bonus? Clinical opportunities. The HSSH is connected to thousands of state-wide and national clinical sites. It has affiliation agreements with major health systems in the Twin Cities area (e.g. Allina, Fairview, HealthEast, HealthPartners North Memorial, Park Nicollet, Benedictine Health Systems, etc.). And it works with the Twin Cities Somali community and Powderhorn/Phillips Cultural Wellness Center to honor its commitment to promote health among underserved and immigrant communities. Like UMN, St. Kate’s is not cheap. However, graduate scholarships are available for DNP students.

3. Winona State University

WSU’s DNP program hit the #3 spot on the strengths of its affordable tuition, solid independent reviews, and sturdy NCLEX & NP certification exam pass rates (e.g. 100% for the FNP). The Department of Nursing is fairly well-known in Minnesota, although it often goes unranked by U.S. News & World Report. Nursing faculty are active in the field—check out their faculty publications and grants & projects—and engaged. One graduate reviewer noted that professors were easy to get in touch with, helpful, and passionate about their careers.

WSU is also committed to making your life easier. In the graduate nursing section, WSU states that practicum and clinical placement is arranged for all students admitted to the programs. For example, common leadership practicum sites include the Mayo Clinic, Winona Health, Gundersen Health System, Winona Public Health, Mayo Clinic Health System – Austin, and healthcare organizations in the Twin Cities area. WSU also has a dedicated coordinator on the WSU-Rochester campus who can help with locating clinical settings. You can get a sense of WSU’s doctoral pathway by looking at examples of past DNP projects. We also recommend you check out the School of Nursing’s Resources section, which has ideas for funding opportunities.

Most Affordable DNP Programs in Minnesota

To come up with this list of the cheapest DNP programs in Minnesota, we ranked each school by the per credit tuition rate. For public universities (e.g. Winona State), we also factored in mandatory fees.

1. Winona State University

DNP Tuition & Fees

The DNP tuition rate at this Minnesota public university is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Having said that, certain nursing courses are charged at a much higher Advanced Practice Nursing Differential Rate (especially in NP specialties). Ask the DNP program coordinator for a sample budget.

2. Capella University

DNP Tuition & Fees

Capella is a for-profit, private university, which means the tuition rate for its online post-master’s DNP is the same for all students. It appears to be 100% online, but you may wish to check if you’ll need to visit the campus for a residency (some Capella doctoral programs have them).

3. Walden University

DNP Tuition & Fees

Walden charges students by the “per quarter hour,” not by the usual “per credit.” The per quarter hour tuition rate for the 100% online post-master’s DNP is reasonable for a private school, but we should point out that there are a large number of quarter hours in the program. There will also be a per quarter technology fee.

Online DNP Programs in Minnesota

Distance learning is alive & well and Minnesota—you’ll find plenty of online or blended DNP programs in our Minnesota listings. When we were assessing each option, we noticed that Minnesota universities tend to favor a hybrid format for BSN to DNP programs. For instance:

  • Online BSN to DNP Programs in MN: Bethel is the one school in Minnesota that promises an online experience for bachelor’s degree holders, but its dual-degree tracks (DNP/MBA or DNP/MA in Strategic Leadership) are not intended to lead to APRN certification. Online programs include one week of mandatory intensives in St. Paul.
  • Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in MN: If you’re interested in APRN tracks, you’ll need to allow for some time on the campus. For example, Augsburg has classes at least 1-2 times per month; MSUM has face-to-face meetings once per month in Edina; and WSU has a blend of on-campus, hybrid, and fully online courses. This is just a sample—have a look at the listings for more from other universities.

Things get a little easier at the post-master’s level, where certification isn’t as much of an issue. When you’re looking at MSN to DNP programs, you’ll discover a few more choices in the “online” category.

  • Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in MN: For 100% online programs, try Walden and Capella. Walden states up-front that there are no residencies; you’ll have to double-check on Capella. Other programs such as Bethel (e.g. one week of intensives) and CSS (e.g. on-campus presentation of clinical project proposal & final project) may have a short campus component.
  • Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in MN: Top-ranked schools with established DNP programs still lean towards a hybrid format, even at the MSN to DNP level. For example, St. Kate’s post-master’s DNP includes two sessions per semester on the St. Paul campus. And Augsburg’s courses are taught in an immersion format for two days a month. You’ll find more options in the listings.

Coming from out-of-state? Check with the DNP program coordinator to make sure that you’re eligible to apply. Because of state authorization & distance learning restrictions, schools are sometimes unable to accept certain DNP candidates.

Note: Want to compare online degrees in neighboring areas? Check the directory of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.

BSN to DNP Programs in Minnesota

Looking for a particular APRN specialty? You’ll find them laid out under each school in the listings. Here are a few general facts to keep in mind when you’re putting together a shortlist.

  • Multiple APRN & Leadership Specialties: UMN is going to give you the most options, especially in rarer tracks such as Nurse Midwifery and Nursing Informatics. If you’re interested in adult care, WSU and CSS have a number of possibilities, including PMHNP tracks. (Like UMN, WSU is also willing to offer the AGCNS.) If you favor primary care, St. Kate’s has tracks in pediatrics and adult gerontology.
  • FNP Only: Schools that specialize in the FNP for the BSN to DNP range from Metropolitan State University and MSUM, which are public, to Augsburg University, which is a private Lutheran university. Despite this, tuition rates at all three programs are in the same ballpark.
  • Nurse Anesthesia: UMN and the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences have established DNAP programs that are ready & willing to accept candidates. As of 2020, the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota were in the process of converting their MSN programs to DNP programs. Pending COA approval, these will be available in 2021.
  • Dual Degrees: Minnesota universities specialize in unusual dual degrees. We’re talking about Bethel’s DNP/MA in Strategic Leadership and DNP/MBA, and St. Kate’s DNP combos with the MBA in Healthcare, Master of Health Informatics, MA in Organizational Leadership, or MA in Holistic Health Studies.

Note: We also have a nationwide directory of online and campus-based BSN to DNP Programs.

Minnesota Nursing Organizations

  • Minnesota Board of Nursing
  • Minnesota APRN Coalition
  • Minnesota Nurse Practitioners (MNNP)
  • Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MNANA)
  • Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN)

Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in Minnesota.

Full list of Minnesota DNP Programs

10 schools

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
DNP - Transcultural Nursing Leadership[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students accepted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Augsburg College can choose from two tracks of study- the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track or the Transcultural Nursing Leadership (TCN) Track. The TCN Track is a post-master's doctoral program that focuses on transcultural nursing practice and leadership. The FNP Track is a post-BSN program that focuses on the primary care of families. Graduates of the DNP-FNP program can apply for certification as Family Nurse Practitioners through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Scholarships are available to American Indian students as well as students who are members of the Minnesota Nurses Association.

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Capella University can be pursued entirely online and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program also incorporates the guidelines established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The university offers a 12-credit DNP Preparatory program for applicants with a non-nursing master's degree. The program offers the following courses: Advanced Leadership for Contemporary Nursing, Principles of Advanced Nursing Practice, and Nursing Technology and Evidence-Based Practice. There is also a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP program. Students accepted to the university's DNP program can apply for the Doctoral Nursing and Health Care Scholarship ($5,000).

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 Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus is an onsite program. Students take classes and complete clinicals at the renowned institution and complete a 10-week off-campus rotation - usually at small, rural facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Iowa. Students enter in the summer, and by fall begin planning their final scholarly project, which they'll ultimately disseminate in the fourth and final year of the full-time program. Admission to the program is capped at 26 students per cohort. Applicants must have a Minnesota RN license, a BSN, and at least one year (preferably two) of work experience in an ICU. Current Mayo Clinic nurse anesthetists of graduates of its master's program can apply to the postgraduate degree, a hybrid program that can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Entry Level Master's to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the Metropolitan State University accepts post-baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) and post-master's (MSN to DNP) applicants. A third entry option, post-ELMSN (Entry Level MSN) to DNP is also available. The post-ELMSN to DNP option is designed for graduates of the university's ELMSN program, which prepares individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree for a career in nursing. The university's DNP curriculum is based on AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice and accredited by the CCNE. All students are required to complete an evidence-based clinical capstone project in order to graduate from the program.

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, Minnesota
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post Masters DNP[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-trained nurses looking to become primary care family nurse practitioners may apply to Minnesota State Mankato's DNP program. Its nine-semester curriculum spreads the DNP project across the last two years. In the third year, students also take a diverse set of clinicals - women's health, pediatric health, and primary care - to round out their required 1,050 practice hours. Enrollees take the bulk of coursework online, with monthly visits to the Edina campus on the outskirts of Minneapolis. The MSN-DNP is designed to be completed in two years, with most of the second year dedicated to a clinical DNP project. Only certified advanced practice nurses can apply to the post-master's program.

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
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Dual DNP and Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies[MSN required]
Cost Info
Dual DNP and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership[MSN required]
Cost Info
Dual DNP and Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Track[MSN required]
Cost Info
Dual DNP and Master of Health Informatics[MSN required]
Cost Info
The DNP program at Saint Catherine University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The curriculum is based on AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice. Online instruction is combined with face-to-face learning, with classes meeting on campus only one weekend each month. Saint Catherine's DNP program is a post-master's program and designed to be completed within 24 to 27 months of continuous enrolment. Students working for one of the university's corporate partners may be entitled to a 10 percent tuition fee reduction. Some of these corporate partners include: Fairview Health Services, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Hennepin County Medical Center, North Memorial Hospital, and Regions Hospital. Students have to complete a Systems Change Project in order to graduate.

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
Post-Master's DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The CCNE-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the College of Saint Scholastica offers both bachelor's to DNP and post-master's DNP options. The DNP curriculum is based on The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice as developed by the AACN. The BS to DNP option is delivered in a hybrid format with online course offerings supplemented by a few scheduled on-campus meetings. There are three tracks available: Primary Care Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Family Program. The post-master's DNP option is designed for working APRNs and offered completely online. Students are only required to come to campus for the defense of their clinical project proposal and final project.

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
Post-Master's DNP[MSN required]
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
There are two pathways to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Minnesota. The post-baccalaureate DNP program can be completed with three years of full-time study. Application to one of the 13 DNP specialties is required. Full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) plans of study are available for the post-master's DNP program. Both DNP tracks are offered in a hybrid format with students required to be on campus for only one week each semester. The DNP curriculum includes courses such as: Health Innovations and Leadership, Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, and Inter-professional Health Care informatics. Students are required to complete a DNP project in order to graduate. The university's DNP program is accredited by the CCNE.

Walden University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Walden University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program that is designed for RNs with an MSN and certification in an area of advanced nursing practice. The program is offered online. The DNP curriculum covers several topics including advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and advocacy, organizational and systems leadership, and quality improvement. Students are required to complete a DNP project in order to graduate from the program. Full-time DNP students may be eligible for tuition assistance of up to $5,000, in addition to getting their first course at no cost. Walden University's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until the end of December 2020.

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
Post-Master's DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Nursing Leadership: Nursing and Organizational Leadership[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Nursing Leadership: Practice and Leadership Innovations[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The CCNE-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Winona State University offers the following areas of specialization: Adult-Gerontology (Acute Care and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner), Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Leadership (Nursing and Organizational Leadership or Practice and Leadership Innovations). The university's DNP program is open to both post-baccalaureate and post-master's applicants. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available for both options. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats - online, one day per week on campus, or in a hybrid format. Clinical experience can be arranged with the university's affiliate institutions, which include (among others) the Mayo Clinic Health System, Mercy Medical Center, Allina Health, and the Gunderson Lutheran Health Systems.

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