Best Online DNP Programs

Overview

Located in Boston, MA, the MGH School of Health Professions is a private, graduate university of health sciences. The school was founded by the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1977 and offers academic programs in several medical professions. The MGH Institute is home to a prestigious School of Nursing whose DNP program ranks at #50 nationally.

Program Features

The MGH Institute’s School of Nursing offers a post-master’s DNP program with an innovative, integrated, case-study based curriculum. Students receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty who are authorities in areas such as innovation, design and improvement science, leadership, population health, and informatics. Courses include:

• Translating Evidence into Practice
• Analyzing the Context of Health Systems Transformation
• Discovering the Theory and Science of Doctoral Nursing Practice

Notables

The MGH Institute’s 34-credit, post-master’s DNP program is taught online and designed to be manageable for working nurses. Students work in cohorts to complete one, fully integrated 9- credit course for each of the four semesters. You’ll also have the option to attend weekend-long intensives once per semester at the Boston campus. And all students receive one-on-one mentoring from a dedicated advisor to help develop and refine your concentration focus.

Overview

One of the country’s largest and most comprehensive universities, Ohio State University is a public research institution that ranks among the best national universities in the U.S. The school is known for excellence in both teaching and research (a highly sought after combination) and their College of Nursing is one of the top 5 in the nation (U.S. News and World Report).

Program Features

Ohio State’s College of Nursing offers an online DNP program with two possible pathways and many areas of specialization. The curriculum offers customized learning opportunities that will hone your skills in evidence-based practice or healthcare administration. Whatever your career goals, Ohio State’s online DNP program will help you balance the rigors of study with the rest of your life commitments. The two possible pathways are:

• Post-Master’s DNP (Clinical Expert or Nurse Executive tracks)
• BSN to DNP (with three online specialties)

Notables

Students in Ohio State’s MSN to DNP program can complete the program in two years of full-time or three years of part-time study. For those in the BSN to DNP track, you can expect four years of full-time or five years of part-time study. The specialties that are currently available online are Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Overview

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Rush University is a Health Sciences-focused private research university. The school is one of the most frequently ranked nursing schools on this list, having seven specialty programs at the graduate level ranked in the top ten by U.S. News and World Report. Rush University currently ranks in the top one percent for its Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Program Features

The College of Nursing at Rush University offers a DNP program which promises to prepare new and practicing nurses to be leaders in the nursing profession. Students will benefit from college faculty who are nationally and internationally known for their expertise across departments, encompassing the full spectrum of nursing. The College’s national reputation for clinical excellence helps make their graduates highly sought after by top healthcare employers. The College of Nursing offers several DNP specialties, including:

• Seven Nurse Practitioner focus areas
• Transformative Leadership: Population Health
• Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist

Notables

Rush University’s College of Nursing offers two start dates per year for most specialties, and students have the option to study either part-time or full-time (with the exception of the Neonatal and Pediatric options which are part-time, online programs). Most specialties are offered in a hybrid of online courses combined with campus visits and clinicals.

Overview

If you’ve ever wanted a reason to visit New York, this might be it. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, Stony Brook University is a public research university and a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The school ranks among the top 100 national institutions and offers some of the best graduate nursing programs in the country—both online and on campus.

Program Features

Stony Brook’s School of Nursing offers an affordable, online DNP program for nurses at both the post-baccalaureate and post-master’s level. The program prepares diverse clinical leaders who can influence healthcare outcomes, critically appraise evidence and facilitate the transition of best evidence to best practices. The DNP program offers specializations in six population areas, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
• Family-Primary Care
• Women’s Health

Notables

Stony Brook’s DNP program is offered through Distance Education with on-site requirements. Students who enter at the post-BSN level will complete 87 credits of coursework and 1000 hours of clinical practice. Current APRNs who enter at the post-master’s level will have to complete a minimum of 42 credits and 500 hours of clinical practice.

Overview

One of the first public universities established in the 19th-century southwestern frontier, the University of Alabama consistently ranks among the top 100 public universities in the nation. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, the school is home to the Capstone College of Nursing which provides innovative programs for stimulating careers in nursing. Their DNP program ranks in the top 50 nationally (US News and World Report).

Program Features

The College of Nursing at the University of Alabama offers an online DNP program. The program focuses on providing care to populations and communities with an emphasis on improving quality and access to underserved and diverse populations. As a graduate, you will be ready to advocate for reasonable, rational and data-driven health regulations, standards, and practices. The program offers two pathways:

• BSN-DNP (with single or dual NP specializations in Psychiatric-Mental Health or Family)
• MSN-DNP (for certified APRNs)

Notables

All DNP students at the University of Alabama complete a scholarly project that serves as the capstone experience of the program. Credit requirements vary widely depending on your chosen pathway and specialty. However, the BSN-DNP takes four to five years to complete, while the BSN-DNP can be completed in two years. The post-BSN DNP is currently only available to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi residents.

Overview

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a nationally ranked, public research university and part of the University of Alabama system. Also known as UAB, the school is home to a nationally recognized School of Nursing that ranks as one of the best graduate schools for nursing—both on campus and online (U.S. News and World Report).

Program Features

The School of Nursing at UAB offers an online DNP program with both post-BSN and post-MSN options. All three programs offer a practice-focused terminal degree to prepare graduates to practice at the highest level in specialty practice or to assume leadership positions in healthcare or nursing education. Available pathways include:

• Post-BSN for Nurse Practitioners
• Post-BSN for Nurse Anesthesia (partly distance accessible)
• Post-MSN for APRNs (43 credits)

Notables

UAB’s DNP program requirements vary widely depending on the chosen pathway. The program is distance accessible which means that all core courses are offered in an online format. Students will be required to come to campus six times during the program, including a multi-day orientation to the DNP and one multi-day DNP intensive held in the spring semester.

Overview

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona is a public research university that is a hub for medical and nursing education in the region. The school operates two medical schools and two academic medical centers. Their top-ranked College of Nursing offers some of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation (U.S. News and World Report).

Program Features

The College of Nursing at the University of Arizona offers an online DNP program with multiple options for post-BSN and post-master’s students. All students will be practice-ready and trained at the highest level in nursing theories and evidence-based practice. Students who are not already APRNs can choose from four NP specialties or the Nurse Anesthesia specialty. The three possible DNP pathways are:

• BSN to DNP with Specialty
• MS to DNP with Specialty
• MS to DNP

Notables

The BSN-DNP curriculum and the MS to DNP with specialty are both 64-85 credits depending upon the practice specialty selected. The MS-DNP curriculum for those who are already NPs or CRNAs is a 35 credit program. Part-time and full-time options are available, though nurse anesthetist students must attend full-time.

Overview

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a large, nationally ranked public research university and a member of the University System of Ohio. The school has an international reputation for high-quality education and innovative research. The College of Nursing is no exception – their online graduate nursing programs rank at #5 nationally (U.S. News and World Report).

Program Features

The University of Cincinnati offers an online, post-MSN DNP program designed to prepare nurses to use evidence-based practice in patient care delivery. The primary areas of emphasis in this program are the advanced practice of nursing, utilizing best evidence in the delivery of nursing practice, and leadership in complex healthcare systems. Core courses include:

• Essentials of Research Methods for Evidence Based Practice
• Informatics for DNP Practice
• Epidemiologic Methods in Healthcare

Notables

UC’s online DNP program is comprised of 42 credits which includes a practicum and a DNP capstone. For admission, you must have an MSN degree with a specialty certification in one of the following areas: NP or CNS, Community/Public/Occupational Health, Nurse Administration, Nurse Anesthesia, or Nurse Midwifery. Students can complete the program on either a full-time or part-time basis.

Overview

Founded in 1945, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is a nationally ranked public university and a campus of the University of Colorado system. The school boasts small class sizes and opportunities to interact with professors – as well as a highly diverse student body. UCCS’s online graduate nursing programs rank in the top ten nationally (US News and World Report).

Program Features

UCCS’s Beth-El College of Nursing offers a post-master’s DNP program that is available 100% online with no required campus visits. The program builds upon master’s level preparation in Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialty programs to prepare leaders for the highest levels of nursing practice. Core courses include:

• Advanced Healthcare Police, Ethics, and Law
• Theoretical Foundations of Reflective Practice
• Organizational System Leadership & Quality Improvement

Notables

Unlike many distance education DNP programs, UCCS’s online DNP has no on-site requirements. Coursework is completed online, and the 33 credits are comprised of core courses, clinical residencies, and a DNP project. NP/CNS National Certification and an RN license are required for admission to the program.

Overview

Located a couple miles from downtown Gainesville, the University of Florida is a prominent public research university and a member of both the State University of Florida and the prestigious Association of American Universities. The school is home to a highly ranked College of Nursing whose DNP program ranks among the top 50 nationally (U.S. News and World Report).

Program Features

UF’s College of Nursing offers an online DNP program for both BSN and MSN prepared students. The program focuses on innovative and evidence-based practice that prepares nurses with knowledge and skills for a complex healthcare environment. The MSN-DNP pathway is for current APRNs, while the BSN to DNP pathway offers five nurse practitioner specialties, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Notables

UF’s online MSN to DNP program is comprised of 35 credits and is designed to be manageable for working professionals. Students can complete the program in five semesters. Core courses in the BSN to DNP program are offered online, though the program requires supervised experiences with clinical preceptors in a variety of practice settings in the state of Florida.

Overview

Located in the college town of Amherst, Massachusetts, The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public research university and the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system. The largest public university in New England, UMass ranks among the top 100 national universities and is home to one of the top online graduate nursing programs in the country (US News and World Report 2018).

Program Features

UMass Amherst’s College of Nursing offers an online DNP program with two pathways for entry. Students will benefit from a wealth of experience, expertise, and high student satisfaction levels. The Nursing faculty includes renowned professors whose widely published research puts them at the forefront of their fields and enriches the quality of their teaching. DNP options include:

• Post- Baccalaureate Role (with four population areas for specialization)
• Post- MSN DNP option (for current APRNs)

Notables

Whichever pathway you choose, UMass Amherst’s DNP program is completely online. All students will gain experiential learning through clinical internships to be arranged in your area. Degree requirements vary widely depending on the chosen specialty, though most post-BSN specialties take 4-5 years to complete. The post-MSN program is 36 credits and completed on an individualized study plan.

Overview

The University of Missouri Kansas City (known as UMKC) is a nationally ranked, public research university and a member of the University of Missouri system. The school’s healthcare faculties are known for their pioneering collaboration with local and state government—and the prestigious School of Nursing has an online graduate nursing program that ranks at #21 nationally.

Program Features

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at UMKC offers a multi-pathway, online DNP program. The program equips students to improve overall healthcare by anticipating, adapting, and evolving to the challenges in healthcare environments. Students will become active partners in improving health outcomes in complex healthcare fields. Four pathways are available:

• Post-BSN
• Post-MSN, APRN
• Post-MSN, APRN (returning for new or second role)
• Post-MSN, Non-APRN

Notables

Credit requirements for UMKC’s DNP program vary widely depending on your chosen pathway. For students adding an APRN role, online/hybrid tracks are available in six nurse practitioner population areas. The DNP program requires a mandatory summer residency every year at the Kansas City campus and all pathways include clinical residencies (in your own geographical area).

Overview

Founded in 1787, shortly after the end of the revolutionary war, the University of Pittsburgh is a historic public research university with a reputation as one of the best public universities in the country. Home to the renowned Pitt School of Nursing, the school is recognized for world-class faculty and a top-tier educational experience—both on campus and online.

Program Features

The Pitt School of Nursing offers multiple DNP options for aspiring Advanced Practice Nurses. Students in their program will have the skills and knowledge to evaluate the evidence base—the most up-to-date research—and to determine how to use outcomes in daily practice, implement new methods of treatment and health care delivery, and improve patient health. Specialties offered include six NP concentrations, as well as:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Health Systems Executive Leadership
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Nurse Midwife

Notables

Nurses who are looking to earn a DNP from the Pitt School of Nursing will have a variety of options for graduation. These include part-time and full-time study schedules as well as an option to study online for Pennsylvania students. This degree requires clinical experiences, a capstone project, as well as participation in the required courses.

Overview

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina is a public research university and the flagship of the University of South Carolina’s eight-campus system. The nationally ranked school offers over 350 programs of study, including top-ranking online graduate nursing programs.

Program Features

The College of Nursing at USC offers an online DNP designed to prepare nurses as clinical practitioners and scholars to assume advanced practice clinical and leadership roles. The program will equip you to evaluate and apply research to improve patient care and participate in a nursing leadership program. Three pathways are available:

• Post-MSN DNP with no concentration (for APRNs only)
• Post-MSN DNP Nurse Executive Leadership
• Post-BSN (with three NP concentrations)

Notables

USC’s online post-master’s DNP program is a 33 credit program. Students holding an APRN certificate may choose the APRN concentration, and all students may choose the Nurse Executive concentration. Students entering the program with a BSN can expect to complete 60-75 credits depending on your chosen concentration. All students complete a graduate residency and a DNP final project.

Overview

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Walden University is a regionally accredited (HLC), for-profit university which has been providing higher education for working students since 1970. Today the school enrolls over 51,000 students in all 50 states and over 114 countries…….

Program Features

Walden University offers a CCNE-accredited, online DNP program that will help you make a difference in your patients’ lives. The curriculum is designed to strengthen advanced nursing practice, augment healthcare delivery, and improve patient outcomes. Designed for RNs who have already completed an MSN program in an area of advanced practice nursing, core courses include:

• Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
• Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through Technology
• Best Practices in Nursing Specialities

Notables

Walden’s online DNP degree program is built around eleven core courses and incorporates fieldwork to allow you to apply your learning in a real-world environment. Walden also has a generous transfer policy which allows you to bring up to 23 credits of relevant graduate credit into the program. Most students take over two years to complete their doctoral study or DNP project.