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DNP Programs in Pennsylvania

Get the facts on Pennsylvania doctorates! Our practical directory contains rankings of the best and most affordable DNP programs in Pennsylvania, details on online & hybrid PA doctorates, and advice on BSN to DNP options. Interested in a particular school? Skip ahead to our listings.

Top Pennsylvania DNP Programs

This list of the best DNP programs in Pennsylvania is based on a large number of quality factors, including independent rankings (e.g. U.S. News & World Report), student reviews, research opportunities, and clinical connections. In addition to Pitt, Villanova, and Drexel, future CRNAs should add UPenn to their shortlist. It’s well-reviewed and highly ranked for Nurse Anesthesia.

1. University of Pittsburgh

Pitt is our undisputed #1 for Pennsylvania. The versatile DNP program comes with an outstanding national ranking (e.g. top 10), superb APRN certification pass rates (e.g. 100%), and all kinds of BSN to DNP tracks. Many of these specialties have top 10 rankings in their own right. The School of Nursing is large enough to support four academic departments, 85+ full-time faculty (100% doctorally-prepared), and a number of international partnerships. It operates Research HUBS in four key areas (e.g. eHealth, genomics of patient outcomes, cancer, and sleep & circadian rhythms) and maintains active grants in all kinds of areas. Motivated students should find plenty of opportunities for research & faculty collaboration.

Another benefit? Location. The School’s Victoria Hall is on the Oakland campus, in the heart of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) district and adjacent to a Level I Trauma Center. According to Pitt’s clinical placement policy, the School coordinates placements for students—arrangements are made by the Clinical Placement Coordinator or primary teacher of the clinical course. (One reviewer noted that rotations tend to be at UPMC sites). Pitt is a public research university, so tuition prices at the School can be high. However, out-of-state students are often eligible for the in-state rate on the DNP—with the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia program—and there are scholarship opportunities for graduate students.

2. Drexel University (Tied)

One for aspiring CRNAs or nurse leaders! Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) usually attains a respectable national ranking for the DNP program (e.g. top 100) and even better placements for its online nursing graduate programs and hybrid Nurse Anesthesia degree (e.g. top 45). The College is a big place, with 200 full-time faculty, so it’s packed with opportunities for research & clinical networking. We’re talking about research centers & initiatives like the Center for Family Intervention Science and AgeWell Collaboratory, civic engagement projects, and CNHP-led practices like the 11th Street Family Health Services Center.

Drexel is a strong pick for anyone interested in healthcare technology. The College has offered fully online programs since 1999, and it’s known for its distance learning innovations. It runs a Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare project, facilitates the BAYADA Awards for Technological Innovation in Health Care Education and Practice, and gets rave reviews from alumni on the use of technology in learning. Independent reviewers say that the online graduate programs are well-organized, challenging, convenient, and far superior to other institutions. We also like the fact that the post-master’s leadership DNP includes a one-week global engagement experience.

2. Villanova University (Tied)

Villanova’s DNP program has similar tracks to Drexel (and a better national ranking for the DNP), so you may want to compare them side-by-side. You’ll find it in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, an NLN Center of Excellence with 150 clinical affiliations, 13 global health sites, and a well-reviewed CRNA program. Nurse Anesthesia pass rates & clinical data are posted on the program website—we’re particularly pleased to see that students receive a lot of advanced clinical training. Just bear in mind that Villanova is a private Catholic research university with high tuition prices. You may wish to ask about scholarships.

Considering the online MSN to DNP? Villanova might be a good choice if you’re interested in “whole patient” research or Philadelphia healthcare issues. Villanova was founded on Augustinian values, and it puts a great deal of emphasis on service learning & thoughtful care. The College operates an NP-led practice called the Unity Clinic in South Philadelphia. It’s involved in the Together for West Philadelphia project. And it runs the Center for Global and Public Health and the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education (COPE). View examples of previous DNP projects.

Most Affordable DNP Programs in Pennsylvania

This ranking of the cheapest DNP programs in PA comes with a caveat—Pennsylvania is one of the most expensive states in the country for the DNP. Even at public universities, you may see tuition rates between $700-$1,100 per credit for Pennsylvania residents. And out-of-state rates can be even higher.

1. Millersville University

DNP Tuition & Fees

Millersville is a public university, so we added together the DNP tuition rate + all mandatory fees to determine the final cost. The in-state rate on the post-master’s DNP is fairly reasonable (for Pennsylvania); the out-of-state rate is equivalent to big private schools.

2. University of Scranton

DNP Tuition & Fees

Scranton is a private Jesuit university, which means the DNP tuition rate is the same for all students, regardless of residency. There is a separate—and much higher—per credit rate for the Nurse Anesthesia program.

3. Misercordia University

DNP Tuition & Fees

Our ranking of Misercordia is based on the part-time, BSN to DNP tuition rate. It’s the only university in this affordability list that offers post-baccalaureate options in NP specialties.

Online DNP Programs in Pennsylvania

There are a dizzying number of online & hybrid DNP programs in our Pennsylvania listings, especially when you hit the post-master’s level. We’ve flagged the distance doctorates with their own marker (you’ll notice that Pitt and RMU have a mixture of online & on-campus options). Here are a few more things to watch out for when you’re making your decision.

  • Online BSN to DNP Programs in PA: Almost every online BSN to DNP pathway is going to have at least one campus component (e.g. Chatham’s 2-day “scholarly poster” residency for the Executive track or Penn State’s intensive sessions for the Nurse Administrator track). Tracks that focus on APRN specialties usually have additional clinical training sessions and labs for certain courses. Ask the DNP program coordinator for precise details.
  • Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in PA: If you’re willing to commute, you can expand your search to Temple and a number of private universities. These programs may be relatively low-residency (e.g. Carlow) or more involved (e.g. Temple’s one day a week coursework). Universities often try to schedule classes at night or on the weekends to cater to working nurses (e.g. Alvernia’s weekend residencies).

Choices increase tenfold once you start looking at online MSN to DNP pathways. These programs are usually targeted at current APRNs who have already cleared the certification hurdle. So universities are free to focus on leadership & administrative subjects—perfect for online learning.

  • 100% Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in PA: Wilkes and Pitt state that their MSN to DNP programs are 100% online, with no on-site participation or travel. You may also want to check up on options from Gannon, RMU, RJU, and Clarion—the language wasn’t clear.
  • Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in PA: Other schools with online DNPs may have brief face-to-face components. These can take the form of an orientation (e.g. Duquesne), weekend residency (e.g. DeSales), annual immersion (e.g. LaSalle), final executive session (e.g. Gwynedd Mercy), or capstone presentation (e.g. Bloomsburg). Drexel even has a one-week global engagement experience. When in doubt, ask the DNP program coordinator for a sample calendar.
  • Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in PA: We also want to give a shout-out to hybrid or blended programs, since many of them keep campus components to a minimum. For example, Waynesburg’s DNP is set up in such a way that classes meet one weekend every other month. Don’t discount the smaller private options—you may not have to spend a great deal of time at the university.

Finally, before you fork out for the application fee, check with your State Board of Nursing and the DNP program coordinator about distance learning restrictions. Many Pennsylvania schools have limitations on admissions for online DNPs (e.g. Holy Family). In fact, they’ll often have an entire section devoted to the issue (e.g. Clarion State Authorization, Bloomsburg State Authorization, Gannon State Authorization, etc.).

Note: Interested in DNPs across the nation? See our directory of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.

BSN to DNP Programs in Pennsylvania

To simplify your search, we’ve listed individual BSN to DNP tracks under each university in our Pennsylvania listings. These tend to fall into four broad general categories. For instance:

  • Multiple APRN Specialties: Pitt and TJU are the leaders in choice. In addition to the usual suspects (e.g. FNP), they are willing to offer tracks in rarer areas such as the NNP, acute care, midwifery, women’s health, and informatics. If you’re interested in the PMHNP, you can also throw RMU into the mix.
  • FNP & Adult Care Specialties: These are the favored specialties of private universities in Pennyslvania. A number of schools offer the AGPCNP; Cedar Crest has an AGACNP; and Widener even has an AGCNS track.
  • Leadership: Schools like Chatham, Penn State, and Carlow have programs with an administrative or leadership bent.
  • Nurse Anesthesia: As of 2020, there were 13 COA-accredited programs in Pennsylvania. They come from top-ranked schools (e.g. Pitt and UPenn), universities with unique partnerships (e.g. La Roche University and the Allegheny School of Anesthesia), and more. Some were transitioning from the MSN into the DNP—check the program page & COA website for current accreditation status.

Note: Wondering what’s available in neighboring states? Consult our listings of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs.

Pennsylvania Nursing Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
  • Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP)
  • Pennsylvania Higher Education Nursing Schools Association (PHENSA)
  • Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)
  • Pennsylvania League for Nursing (PLN)
  • Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL)

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

Full list of Pennsylvania DNP Programs

28 schools

Alvernia University

Reading, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
There's no need for DNP enrollees at Alvernia to quit their nursing jobs. The program sticks with online evening courses and weekend residencies. Applicants will nonetheless want to be within commuting distance of Reading or Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where practicums are held. Alvernia's post-baccalaureate DNP produces nurse practitioners via two specialty tracks: Adult Gerontology and Family. Both tracks incorporate clinical leadership courses and practicums. These complement a full slate of specialty practicums covering different patient populations. Students also complete a three-part scholarly inquiry project. The post-master's DNP completion program, meanwhile, strips the specialty courses from the curriculum but keeps the three-part scholarly project and leadership practicums. Students opt for the Clinical Leadership or Health Systems Leadership track. Post-master's students take most courses online and come to Reading for a few weekend intensives.

Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-Master's DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Bloomsburg offers a post-masters online DNP. Applicants must already have advanced practice certification and be interested in clinical practice leadership roles. The course plan calls for students to attend year-round, including a winter semester. Students take one to two courses per term for two years. Across the program, they spend 500 hours in practicums. Most of those hours come from the evidence-based clinical project. However, the curriculum also builds practice hours into courses on leadership, healthcare policy and economics, and biomedical ethics.

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Accelerated BSN-MSN-DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Carlow University's DNP program has both CCNE and AACN accreditations and delivered in a hybrid format. The program has a low residency requirement (an average of only two Saturdays per term on the Oakland campus), with a majority of classes available online. The curriculum includes coursework in Nursing Inquiry and Leadership, Research Methods and Applied Statistics, and Population Health Promotion. Designed to be completed within 20 months, the 30-credit DNP program allows students to choose from a set of elective courses that support their interests and professional goals. Applicants are required to have already earned their BSN and MSN degrees and to hold a current RN license to be considered for the program.

Cedar Crest College

Allentown, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN-DNP in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Cedar Crest is a women's college, but men are welcome to pursue its graduate programs. Its BSN to DNP programs are all online, though Nurse Anesthesia program enrollees must make frequent trips to Cedar Crest's simulation lab. The three-year program begins with didactic instruction before adding simulation and clinical practicums in the second year. Students take on a DNP project alongside practicums and simulations during their final year. By the end, they'll have completed over 2,000 clinical hours. BSN-educated nurses can also apply to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner programs. These use part-time course plans that allow RNs to chip away at an advanced degree.

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Executive Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Chatham University has CCNE accreditation, is offered online, and can be completed in three to five semesters and 500 clinical hours. Students accepted to the program can choose a full-time or part-time schedule, and only one residency is required. The curriculum offers courses in important emerging areas in the nursing field including Communication and Collaboration for Health Care Leadership, Ethics and Public Policy in Healthcare Delivery, and Quality Improvement in Health Care. Students are required to complete a Capstone Experience in order to graduate. This culminating experience gives students the chance to implement and evaluate an evidence-based practice change project in a nursing field that reflects and supports their area of professional expertise.

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Clarion, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Clarion's online DNP is jointly offered with Edinboro University. The part-time, five-semester program uses a cohort system, with new groups starting each May. Applicants need an MSN, MBA, MHSc, or related health degree to get in. The program accepts nurses trained in both direct-care and indirect-care roles. Once enrolled, cohorts take a small DNP core covering leadership, information management, evidence-based practice, population health, and advanced individual and family care. Collectively, these core courses include 96 practice hours. Students spend an additional 400+ clinical hours during two internships and a DNP project.

DeSales University

Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice Executive Leadership with an MBA Option[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership with an MBA Option[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The De Sales DNP program is offered in three tracks: General DNP, DNP in Clinical Leadership, and DNP Executive Leadership with an MBA option. The program is offered only on a full-time basis with seven sessions of sequential work. The MBA option however, requires an additional five semesters of study. Classes are offered in an online or hybrid format. Students who choose the online option still need to be on campus for four days in August at the beginning of their cohort program for orientation and an introduction to their first two courses. The hybrid program requires students to be present for the orientation and introduction session, as well as for an additional three days each in August, January and April.

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive Track[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Practitioner Track[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students accepted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Drexel University can choose either the Practitioner Track or the Executive Track. The Practitioner Track is designed for students who want to remain in clinical practice after completing the program. Students interested in careers in executive nursing and health care management should consider the Executive Track program. In order to be considered for the program, applicants must have current U.S. licensure as a registered nurse, a Master's degree, and previous experience as a nurse manager/executive or as an advanced practice nurse. Drexel University's DNP program is offered online and requires only one summer of on-campus residency. Students have to develop and implement a DNP project in order to graduate.

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP - Forensic Nursing[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP - Transcultural Nursing[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Duquesne University offers its Doctor of Nursing Practice program online. However, students are required to come to campus for an initial short residency at the beginning of the program for orientation, and again at the end of the program to present their culminating capstone project. The university's DNP program is cohort-based and only offered on a full-time basis. The program offers 3 Concentrations: Transcultural Nursing, Forensic Nursing or Nursing Education. Their curriculum also covers a wide range of topics including: Epidemiology and Bio-statistics, Social Justice and Vulnerable Populations, Health Care Policy and Finance, and Ethical Leadership in Complex Organizations. Students are required to complete a practice immersion experience as well as a Doctoral Practice Thesis in order to graduate. A 30% tuition discount is available to RNs who who work full-time or part-time at one of Duquesne University's partner institutions or active and reserve military. Admission to the program requires applicants to have both a BSN and an MSN degree.

Gannon University

Erie, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Gannon University is offered in an online format. Advanced practice registered nurses who already have their MSN and are certified as a Nurse Practitioner or a Nurse Anesthetist are eligible to apply to the DNP program. Applicants with current Clinical Nurse Specialist certification may also be considered. Accepted candidates have the option of pursing the program on a part-time (four to six semesters) or full time (three semesters) basis. Students must complete the program in three years. Students are also required to complete an evidence-based practice project in the clinical arena in order to graduate from the program.

Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Gwynedd Mercy College is delivered mostly online, with students only required to attend an executive session on the first night of each class. If pursued full time, students can earn their DNP degree in just one year. It can take up to two years to complete the program if pursued on a part-time basis. Applicants are required to have a master's degree in advanced practice nursing and current RN licensure. The curriculum includes coursework in Organizational Behavior and Social Policy, Statistical Analysis for Evidence Based Practice, and Healthcare Ethics for the APN. The completion of a DNP Scholarly Project addressing an area of advanced nursing practice is required in order to graduate from the program.

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP Leadership for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP Leadership Track[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students who live in Delaware, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania can apply to Holy Family's online MSN to DNP program. That program has two tracks: Leadership and Leadership for the APRN. The primary difference is length, with advanced practice nurses able to finish in three semesters instead of four to five. Holy Family's blended DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is open to applicants from all states. The BSN-DNP pathway takes four years, while the MSN-DNP pathway can be completed in under three. The school offers tuition discounts for students who complete the program in a cohort.

La Roche University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: ACEN
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice at La Roche is a post-master's degree for CRNAs. Although the degree is online, students are required to take three residencies (one a week long) at the university's Pittsburgh campus. If enrolled full-time, students can power through the curriculum in three semesters. Each 15-week term balances two didactic classes with a capstone course. The taught courses are: Medical Statistics, Systematic Leadership I and II, Health Policy and Health Care Economics, Teaching Strategies in Classroom and Clinical Settings, and Evaluation and Decision Making for Health Services Programs.

La Salle University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN to DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program at La Salle University is designed according to the AACN Position Statement on Doctoral Education and The DNP Essentials. The program is also CCNE-accredited, delivered online and includes three immersion experiences. Students may enroll on a full-time (six credits per semester) or part-time (three credits per semester) basis. The curriculum covers subjects such as: Clinical Issues in Genetics and Genomics, Advanced Therapeutics, Patient Safety and Health-Care Outcomes, and Public Policy Initiatives: Local to Global. The culminating experience of the program is a capstone project. A student's capstone project is an opportunity to address a significant practice concern that is relevant to nursing and/or healthcare systems and processes.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: ACEN
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Millersville advertises its post-master's DNP to RNs looking for a flexible schedule. The school's part-time program is mostly online, and students are only required to come to campus for two days each term. Even while proceeding at a part-time pace, Millersville DNP students can graduate within two years alongside classmates in their cohort. Admitted applicants must have an MSN, MPH, or related health degree. However, advanced practice certification isn't required. The school wants enrollees to expand on their existing education and work experience. They'll get a chance to do so while completing 330 clinical hours and a scholarly project. Required units include courses in leadership theory, evidence-based practice, health promotion, and complex health systems.

Misericordia University

Dallas, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP[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
MSN to DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Nursing Education[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Misericordia University's DNP program is offered online and has two tracks -BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP. The BSN to DNP track is designed to be completed over nine semesters (including summers). Students take on-campus classes while working towards their MSN degree. The track's DNP courses are delivered online. RNs with post-master's certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner may be considered for the BSN to DNP program. The MSN to DNP track can be completed over six semesters. Licensed APRNs with national certification (including registered nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) are considered for the program. The MSN to DNP program offers an optional nine-credit specialization in nursing education for APRNs who want to become college-level educators.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
BSN to DNP for Nurse Administrators[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Penn State admits two types of students. Its BSN-DNP is for aspiring nurse administrators. Its MSN-DNP is for advanced practice nurses who want to take on leadership roles. Both programs are online, with students asked to commit to three intensives at the University Park or Hershey campuses. All enrollees take a DNP core that includes leadership coursework. They also take a smattering of other required courses in ethics, population health, informatics, and policy - as well as multiple electives and a culminating project. Post-BSN students add to that. Their curriculum includes an advanced practice clinical so they can meet their 1,000-hour requirement. They also take a master's core and nurse administrator specialty courses.

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - BSN to DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner - BSN to DNP[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Robert Morris University offers a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) program and a DNP Completion program. The BSN to DNP option has three areas of concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family (Individual across Lifespan), and Psychiatric Mental Health. The AGNP and FNP programs are delivered on-campus only, while the PMHNP program is delivered in a hybrid format. The university's post-master's DNP program is designed for advanced practice nurses who already have a master's degree and is offered completely online. DNP core courses include Evidence Based Practice for APRNs, Principles of Epidemiology, and Applied Evidence Based Practice Health Care. The university's DNP program is accredited by CCNE until June 2025.

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: COA
Post-BSN Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP)[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Saint Vincent in Latrobe offers a secular Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program within its Benedictine walls. Applicants need a BSN and a year of experience in a critical care setting. Admitted students ease into the three-year program by taking exclusively didactic coursework during their first year. They take the first of five clinical practicums at the beginning of their second. During their final year, they tackle a DNP project, which is divided into three parts. Attendees move through the program as part of a cohort, splitting off to work at clinical sites. There are more than 20 available to give students a range of experiences - from small clinics to big hospitals. Students must perform at least 600 cases by the time they graduate.

Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN DNP[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Clinical Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN DNP Family-Individual Across the Lifespan Clinical Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-MSN DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Temple University's CCNE-accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers two options: post-BSN and post-MSN. Students can choose to focus on one of two areas of concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care or Family-Individual across the Lifespan. The post-BSN option is only offered as a full-time program of study, while the post-MSN program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. The post-MSN program is designed for certified APRNs including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Full-time post-BSN students can apply for the HRSA DNP Traineeships, which allots funds for tuition, fees, and books. Post-BSN DNP students who are in their last 12 months of study may also apply for this scholarship.

The University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: COA
DNP in Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The University of Scranton's Jesuit values shine through in its DNP program, which emphasizes serving vulnerable populations. Scranton's post-master's DNP welcomes Pennsylvanian advanced practice nurses. The program is meant to be taken on a full-time basis across 21 months - with two courses per term - but part-time study is a possibility. Students begin working on their scholarly project during the fall of their second year. Scranton's other terminal nursing degree is a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia. Enrollees come to the program as part of a cohort and take courses full-time over a three-year period. Year one involves didactic coursework, with students getting practice in the simulation lab and at clinical sites in their second year. They start and finish a scholarly project in their final year. Both DNP degrees must be completed on-campus.

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
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Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Community System Administration Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Informatics Track[online][BSN to DNP option]
Cost Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Women's Health Gender Related Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
For applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a traditional track and an accelerated track. Both tracks offer three areas of concentration: Community Systems Administration, Nursing Informatics, and Family/Individual across the Lifespan. The university also offers a post-master's DNP program which offers two-, three- or four-year study plans. Courses for BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs are available online and students have the option of completing the programs on a full-time or part-time basis. In order to graduate from the program, students are required to complete three practicum sessions that comprise the doctoral project. Thomas Jefferson's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until 2021.

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult Gerontology[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Clinical Nurse Specialist - Adult-Gerontology[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Family (individual Across the Lifespan)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Health Systems Executive Leadership[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Neonatal[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Pediatric Primary Care[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
MSN to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Administration[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Health Systems Executive Leadership[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse-Midwife[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The BSN to DNP program at the University of Pittsburgh is delivered on-site and offers the following areas of specialization: Clinical Nurse Specialist (Adult-Gerontology), Nurse Administration, and Nurse Practitioner. Students who choose to specialize as nurse practitioners can further concentrate on the following areas: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family (Individual Across the Lifespan), Neonatal, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric Mental Health. Students who enter the DNP program through the post-master's pathway have the option of completing their degree on-site or online. The MSN to DNP program offers the same areas of specializations as the BSN to DNP program and includes a Nurse Anesthesia specialization as well. The university's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until December 2024.

Villanova University

Villanova, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: COA
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Villanova University is designed for practicing post-master's nurse administrators and APRNs (Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse-Midwives). Following a full-time plan of study, students can expect to earn their DNP degree in five consecutive semesters. A part-time plan of study will take eight consecutive semesters to complete. Online synchronous classes are available two nights a week and students are required to come to campus one weekend each semester and for one week during the summer. The program culminates with a DNP Project, which is a scholarly, deliverable product in the form of a publishable manuscript that clearly demonstrates the application of research and classroom learning to clinical practice.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
West Chester University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program follows a cohort model and can be completed with nine consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment. All coursework can be taken online with the exception of the first course (Transition to Doctoral Studies), which needs to be completed on-site over one weekend. Applicants must have an MSN in an advanced nursing specialty. This can be in direct care (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist) or in indirect care (nursing administration or nursing informatics). DNP students can apply for the Independence Blue Cross Foundation Grants for tuition assistance. Applicants must be full-time students and meet residency requirements to be considered.

Widener University

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate RN-to-DNP Adult-Gerontology CNS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate RN-to-DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Widener University follows a hybrid delivery format. Students who pursue the program on a full-time basis can expect to earn their DNP degree after 18 months. Following a part-time plan of study can take up to three years. The DNP core curriculum covers topics such as informatics, complex health care systems, organizational change, health policy, evidence-based practice, and ethics and genetics in advanced practice. Students are required to design, implement and evaluate an evidence-based practice improvement DNP project in order to graduate from the program. Widener University's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until June 2027.

Wilkes University

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Wilkes University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program that follows an online delivery format. The program is designed for APRNs (nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists) with MSN degrees who are nationally certified in their APN specialty. The program is also open to nurse executives with MSN degrees. Students have the option of pursuing the program on a full-time or part-time basis. The curriculum is based on the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Wilkes University's DNP program has CCNE accreditation until the end of 2029.

York College Pennsylvania

York, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: CCNE
Nurse Anesthetist Doctor of Nursing Practice[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students accepted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the York College of Pennsylvania can expect to earn their DNP degree after six consecutive semesters of full-time enrollment. The program follows an executive format of delivery. Each course consists of one week-long session and a weekday class that meets five or six times each semester. Required courses cover topics such as health policy for the APRN, evidence-based practice, theories and practice of organizational behavior and systems change, and population-based health outcomes management. The culminating experience of the program is the DNP project, which gives students the opportunity to develop, implement, and evaluate a practice change initiative within a clinical setting.

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