A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program prepares graduates to acquire the highest level of nursing skill. Individuals pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice can receive an education that puts them at the top of the medical field. Graduates of a DNP degree program can expect to be placed in clinical and/or executive positions of employment. As the year 2020 has shown the world, the essential assistance of nurses and doctors in bringing individuals back to health is a way of life that affects whole communities. With the uncertainty surrounding the attendance of colleges and universities in person, beginning an online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in 2021 is one of the best years in which to do so.
To enter a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program an applicant usually must already possess either a Bachelors or Masters of Nursing Science degree. Since many students are also working full time, most online degree options include an accelerated or part-time class option. Any one of these twenty outstanding colleges and universities will give graduates the skills, knowledge, education, and prestige to assume high-paying jobs that require strong leadership and responsibility in collaboration with many different members of a healthcare team.
OnlineSchoolsCenter.com is here to help you locate the best online doctor of nursing practice that meets all of your specifications!
quick links
- Top 20 Online Schools for Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Programs
- AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT
- NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
- MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
- EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
- TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
- MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
- DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
- THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Frequently Asked Questions
Also, see: 8 Best Online Schools for Doctor in Nursing Education Degree Programs
Top 3 Online Schools for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
8 Best Online Schools for Doctor in Nursing Education Degree Programs
Top 20 Online Schools for Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: In the composition of this ranking, the researcher/writers of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com utilized the following criteria:
- An online or hybrid format Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program,
- Notability among the most popular and well-recognized academic and journalistic resources,
- Offer Financial Aid Assistance,
- Retention rates (a signifier of student satisfaction) no lower than 70%,
- Faculty members with leadership experience in advanced practice nursing,
- Coursework that prepares students for positions of leadership at the executive nursing level,
- And accreditation from legitimate nursing consortiums.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
DNP ONLINE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Augusta University provides the first Doctor of Nursing Practice in the state of Georgia, which has been carefully perfected and refined throughout the years to maintain its prestige and a setter of standards. There are six concentration options available, and the core coursework is designed to give students enhanced training in evidence-based practice, systems management, health care policy, and leadership. The curriculum is kept updated consistently to reflect all of the changes in the industry and provides classes in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The faculty is made up of seasoned expert nurse practitioners who bring excellent information to the virtual classroom. Coursework can be taken on part-time or full-time schedules.
Campus Location: Augusta, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- Family NP
- Pediatric NP
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP
- Nurse Executive Program
- Nurse Anesthesia
Acceptance Rate: 74.6%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 28.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY’S DNP ONLINE PROGRAM
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE ONLINE
Program Standouts:
Arkansas State University’s online DNP degree program is only offered to professional nurses with an Advanced Practice Nursing License. The curriculum sharpens the skills of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and Nurse Anesthetists, in preparation for the highest clinical level of nursing practice possible. These graduates are some of the most highly respected Doctors of Nursing in the field. A hybrid online program, students are expected to attend an on-campus immersion experience prior to the start of each semester of online coursework. It requires students to create more of a bond with one another and the instructors and also offers more opportunities for networking with other healthcare professionals.
Campus Location: Jonesboro, AR
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
Concentration Options:
- General DNP Track
- Nurse Anesthesia Track
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 40.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE ONLINE
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE distance learning degree
Program Standouts:
There are excellent concentration options at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas online Doctor of Nursing Practice, as well as both BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s pathways. The curriculum prepares students for leadership positions in administration, clinical research, clinical practice, and clinical education. While the BSN to DNP programs is currently on hold, in the near future, students will be able to earn their degree in the following tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Those with a master’s degree can earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice in either an Advanced Practice Track or a Nurse Executive Track. The exciting array of coursework in either concentration gives students knowledge, skill, and understanding of nursing policy, ethics, and executive-level evaluation of healthcare systems.
Campus Location: Las Vegas, NV
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- Strategies for Management of Healthcare Systems and Performance Improvement
- Business Management for Nurse Practitioners
- Health and Public Policy for Advanced Practice of Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 81.1%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 39.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS’ DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
At the University of Michigan-Flint, there are four concentration options available within the online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. Each specialization dives deeply into the subject matter with outstanding coursework and high-quality levels of instruction. The program emphasizes the responsibilities of the nurse practitioner in their various roles and all the necessities of being a primary care provider. The DNP can be completed either full time or part-time, courses are entirely online, and there are very few on-campus visits. There are roughly fifteen students enrolled in each concentration, making class sizes small.
Campus Location: Flint, MI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Concentration Options:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 65.1%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 51.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE PROGRAM
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Program Standouts:
New Mexico State University offers online students an excellent online DNP program that keeps up with a rapidly advancing field. There are two concentration options available in this doctoral nursing program online, and students can start at either a bachelor’s or a master’s level with NMSU. The Family Nurse Practitioner option is for professionals who are seeking advanced practice in working with patients of all ages and includes many specialty courses in areas such as advanced pathophysiology and health assessment. The Psychiatric/Mental Health track, however, is entirely focused on mental health issues throughout an individual patient’s life and provides coursework in topics such as neurophysiology and diagnosis of mental disorders. Despite a student’s choice of specialty, each curriculum provides strong training and education in leadership, communication, and responsibility of entire healthcare facilities.
Campus Location: Las Cruces
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Concentration Options:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 63.8%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 41.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
DNP ONLINE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of South Alabama provides the most concentration options of any online Doctor of Nursing Practice on this ranking, which can be found below. There are also three distinctive pathways through which students can earn their degree, including Post-Master’s and BSN to DNP programs. One of which is a specialized bridge program for clinical nurse leaders to become executives in nursing administration. The fifteen concentrations provide entry and advancement in a wide range of nursing fields, and students can either delve into new areas or enhance specialized knowledge to take on positions of greater administrative leadership. The coursework is designed to give students access to local, national, and global healthcare communities and resources.
Campus Location: Mobile, AL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Dual Role (Family NP/Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP) Specialty
- Dual Role (Family NP/Emergency NP)
- Clinical Nurse Specialist – Adult Health
- Executive Nurse Administrator
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Informatics
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 82.1%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 34.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA’S DNP ONLINE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
DNP ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
At the University of Missouri – Kansas City, students engage in dynamic, complex, and demanding real-world projects that enhance their understanding of the nursing practice. The curriculum sharpens current skills and develops those in leadership and advanced knowledge. Doctor of Nursing online students can expect topics in collaboration and teamwork, as well as clinical evaluation and innovation. Face-to-face sessions are scheduled throughout the terms and students to have constant access to professors. Depending on their area of specialty, graduates go on to do magnificent things in healthcare, having developed stronger competencies and the highest level of status and knowledge available. Some career paths taken on by UMKC include collaborative clinical practice, specialty practice, community clinics, clinical research, migrant clinics, and much more!
Campus Location: Kansas City, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Missouri State Board of Nursing
Concentration Options:
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 64.1%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 56.3%
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY’S DNP ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DNP PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online school has Post-Master’s and BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Each degree prepares students for the applicable national nursing certification examinations, and Missouri State University maintains a 100% pass rate. The master’s to DNP program has a stronger focus on leadership roles in nursing and healthcare environments. There is also a unique spin on the curriculum with an additional emphasis on the disparities in healthcare for rural and vulnerable populations. MSU’s doctor of nursing practice is one of the most affordable on this ranking, with tuition rates of $218 per credit hour for residents and $495 per credit hour for non-residents. The program has been hailed as one of the very best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, as well as other reputable resources.
Campus Location: Springfield, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- Emerging Science and Methods of Advanced Practice
- Technology for Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Systems
- DNP Leadership I: Concepts for Evidence-Based Practice
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 51.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DNP PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
DNP ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The coursework at the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program has a strong focus on organizational, administrative, and leadership competencies. Students learn how to evaluate and redesign current healthcare systems to suit modern demands while occupying executive and management roles. This program is writing intensive, which enhances abilities in research and analysis. Many students go on to have their work peer-reviewed and published by impressive journals of medicine. UAH offers the DNP at an accelerated rate, and students can finish the program in as little as two years. It is also widely known among academic resources as one of the most affordable Doctoral of Nursing Practice degrees, with a tuition rate of $426 per credit hour. Graduates go on to fill numerous leadership roles in their current place of work or new healthcare environments.
Campus Location: Huntsville, AL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- Philosophical, Theoretical, and Conceptual Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Health Policy and Politics: Implications in Health Care
- Interdisciplinary Leadership and Role Development for Practice Excellence
Acceptance Rate: 81.2%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 47.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE’S DNP ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Program Standouts:
East Carolina University provides five exciting specialty opportunities, which is many more than most online DNP colleges and universities. The curriculum is instructed by highly reputable nurses who have decades of professional experience in both clinical and research settings. Students gain invaluable skills in leadership, advanced clinical practice, and safety. The ECU doctor of nursing program online also connects students with a personalized faculty mentor and advisor who helps guide individuals through their degree and more firmly establish their interests and applicable skills. Despite a student’s concentration of choice, the general curriculum provides all of the education necessary for professional board licensure or certification in any state in America. Graduates have gone on to work as nurse-midwives in the neonatal and pediatric environments, and as nurse leaders.
Campus Location: Greenville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Options:
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Leadership
- Post-Master’s DNP
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 61.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Program Standouts:
Texas Tech University provides opportunities to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice through either a Post-Master’s or a BSN to DNP. The latter includes two concentration options—Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The regular Doctor of Nursing Practice enhances practice expertise and scientific knowledge for the highest level of care in complex medical environments. This program was designed following the standards set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It is a hybrid program wherein students are required to attend “executive sessions” on campus. However, all of the coursework is available online. Depending on the student’s level of education upon entering the online DNP program, they will go on to fill various roles in nursing, which could include advanced nursing practice or executive nursing.
Campus Location: Lubbock, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- DNP Role Transition I and II
- Health Care Innovation in Chronic Illness
- Population Health at the Organizational and Public Policy Level
Acceptance Rate: 69.2%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 59.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Program Standouts:
At Maryville University, students can major in either a general online Doctor of Nursing Practice or in a concentration available for future Nurse Practitioners as well. The DNP-NP includes five additional specializations for various nursing professionals: Family Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. The general program is intended for advanced practice nurses, and the breadth of the curriculum provides opportunities for nursing in administrative positions of leadership. There is a strong focus on the “scientific underpinnings in nursing, health care policy, and organizational leadership.” Classes are completed 100% online with zero required campus visits, and students engage in their clinical experiences locally.
Campus Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 91.9%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 33%
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARYVILLE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE ONLINE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona is one of the most well-accredited degree programs on this ranking, all of which credentials can be found listed below. This curriculum can be completed in as few as two-and-a-half years, and graduates go on to provide expert-level advanced practice nursing to their communities. This is a hybrid program that includes a mixture of online coursework, on-campus intensive classes, and practicum and clinical placements. There are both clinical and non-clinical specializations available at the University of Arizona. The Non-Clinical concentrations include the first three listed below: Executive Health Systems, Informatics, and the MS-DNP program. The remaining six require a clinical placement in your community.
Campus Location: Tucson, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Arizona State Board of Nursing
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Western Institute of Nursing
Concentration Options:
- Executive Health Systems Leadership
- Informatics
- MS-DNP
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Ph.D./DNP Dual Degree
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 83.6%
Retention Rate: 86.5%
Graduation Rate: 60.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA’S DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE ONLINE DEGREE
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
DNP DEGREE ONLINE
Program Standouts:
Students at this online university get to take advantage of sensational online DNP resources. DePaul University recently spent $40,000,000 to renovate the health sciences programs, which includes a brand new nursing simulation lab! The foundational coursework focuses on the enhancement of leadership, research, and business skills to work with administrators, researchers, and advanced care providers, and there are five concentration options, as well. Graduates are capable of working in any one of these positions and have been trained by industry leaders in advanced practice nursing and administration. Upon exiting the program, DePaul graduates become part of a vast network of nursing alumni all over the country, with over 2,000 nurses working in the Chicago area alone. DePaul maintains an excellent job placement rate of over 98% within the first six months of graduating.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Concentration Options:
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetist
- DNP Completion – Nurse Anesthetist
- DNP Completion – Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Midwife
Acceptance Rate: 71.7%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 72.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY’S DNP DEGREE ONLINE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
ONLINE DNP PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
One of the features that make the University of Missouri’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree stand out are the five exciting areas of study provided within the major. Upon completion of one of these specializations, graduates have the skill and knowledge to gain certification and work in positions of leadership. There are options available for students who have finished either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, as well as a pathway provided for individuals with a Master’s in Nursing but who are not currently practicing in advanced nursing. The program is offered through the Sinclair School of Nursing, which also provides numerous scholarships for nursing students only. Some positions now occupied by the UM Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates include chief nurse executive, academic leader/researcher, health policy expert, and more.
Campus Location: Columbia, MO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Missouri State Board of Nursing
Concentration Options:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care
Acceptance Rate: 78.1%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 68.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI’S ONLINE DNP PROGRAM
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
ONLINE DNP degree program
Program Standouts:
This online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is designed for Post-Master’s applicants. The curriculum is based on the principles and foundations set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. There are two pathways through which to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice: Direct Care for Advanced Practice RN’s of Organizational Leadership for Nurse Administrators. Coursework is provided in a hybrid format with both on-campus and online classes. The University of Utah’s online DNP is well-decorated, with such accolades as the first recipient of the AACN’s New Era for Academic Nursing Award. The program can be completed in three years, and graduates are capable of developing initiatives the improve the quality of medical care across an entire institution of health.
Campus Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Concentration Options:
- Adult/Gerontology
- Family
- Pediatric
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Neonatal
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Women’s Health
Acceptance Rate: 66.2%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 61.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH’S ONLINE DNP
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE distance learning DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Drexel University is one of the finest online institutions of higher education in America. It has been recognized on numerous lists of the best programs, including for the online Doctor of Nursing Practice. The main objective of this degree is to prepare students to work as nursing executives and leading administrators. Students complete complex research projects and implement such knowledge in their future roles of leadership. Some areas of concentration within the main body of coursework include principles in business and finance, advanced communication methods, research translation, and evaluation of health care delivery programs. Students at Drexel take part in the Global Engagement project in which they identify worldwide issues and create real-world solutions. This project sends students to a partner university in another country for a one-week global engagement experience!
Campus Location: Philadelphia, PA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Quantitative Methods in Clinical Nursing
- Health Information Technology and Information Systems
- Leadership in Organizations and Systems
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 68.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT DREXEL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE DEGREE PROGRAM
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
At Creighton University, students have five concentration options in their online hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The general coursework is designed to help students work in advanced health promotion, diagnostics, medication, and therapeutic areas. This DNP program was the first of its kind in the state of Nebraska, and, while there are some on-campus visits required, the majority of the curriculum is completed online. Graduates of this program go on to make a real difference on an administrative and policy level within their health care environments. There are numerous exciting nursing student organizations available for online students who are looking for more opportunities, and wherein lie even greater possibilities within the profession.
Campus Location: Omaha, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 78.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
Program Standouts:
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the most prestigious online schools in the country and pioneered one of the first online Doctor of Nursing Programs in America. Students at this academic institution can take advantage of first-rate, world-class resources in nursing practice, and research. The four specialization areas listed below are designed for students entering the DNP program at a post-baccalaureate level, whereas the Post-Master’s degree is a completion program. The latter requires applicants to be Advanced Practice Nurses with the proper certification in their area of expertise. Clinical experiences are arranged and implemented in student’s home locations, and coursework is completed 100% online with no campus visits.
Campus Location: Amherst, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Coursework Sample:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Public Health Nurse Leader
Acceptance Rate: 57.6%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 77%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE
DUKE UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE ONLINE
Program Standouts:
According to top academic resources, Duke University provides the #2 Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in the United States, which can also be earned online. There are three pathways available for various professionals: post-baccalaureate to DNP, Post-Master’s to DNP, and Ph.D. to DNP degrees. The program is designed to prepare professional nurses for advanced practice nursing and clinical scholar roles, and graduates go on to gain leadership in national standards and policy advocacy. Duke University is one of the most excellent schools in the country, and not only do alumni have prestige in the nursing community, but they also have access to a vast network of top professionals in nursing. The program includes four executive sessions on-campus, which are two or three days in length each. Otherwise, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program is offered entirely online!
Campus Location: Durham, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Concentration Options:
- Executive Leadership Speciality
- Nurse Anesthesia-DNP
- General DNP
Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 96.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT DUKE UNIVERSITY’S DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE ONLINE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I pursue a DNP degree?
To obtain an advanced nursing position, you must look towards earning your online Doctor of Nursing degree. Of course, this is a big decision, but well worth it! What are the benefits? Well, there are many to consider.
The increase in patient care dictates the demand for knowledgeable nursing staff; therefore, those who decide to pursue an advanced career in nursing will find that there are a plethora of jobs to fill, all requiring the DNP degree. Senior positions are filled to provide the quality care that patients now desire through their healthcare provider.
Can you expect a fatter paycheck? Of course, without a doubt. Typically, a nurse practitioner with a DNP degree will earn approximately $9,000 more annually than those who have only acquired their MSN degree in nursing. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for DNP degree holders in May 2018 was $113,930. This impressive pay includes Nurse Practitioners, Midwives, and Anesthetist. With experience, the highest ten percent earned upwards of $182,750 annually.
Are you interested in a specialty? With a Doctoral Nursing Practice Degree, you may choose to practice in a specialized field; therefore, concentrating on your genuine interest.
What can I do with a Doctoral Nursing Practice (DNP) degree?
The DNP degree is ideal for those who would like to obtain advanced positions as a Nurse Practitioner or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). With your high degree of competency, you will be prepared to take your nursing career to the next level, either as a generalist or a specialist.
As an APRN, you can pursue a career as a Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Anesthetist, or of course, as a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
How long will it take to earn a DNP and what kind of coursework can I expect?
Depending on your time and effort, a DNP program can take as little as three to four years to complete; however, some will allow you to take six to seven years for completion if needed.
Today, many excellent schools offer DNP programs through a 100% online format or a hybrid program, which combines online learning with some on-campus attendance. You can expect classes or lectures asynchronously, anytime you want to access them. However, some may require synchronous classwork in which you will view at a specific time. Depending on your busy lifestyle, you should choose the format that works best for you.
Your online Doctoral of Nursing Practice degree program will include coursework, such as Health Informatics, Evidence-Based Practices for Nursing, Epidemiology and Population Health, Clinical Leadership, Financial Analysis, and Management Practices, to name a few. You will also learn about Healthcare Policy, Advocacy, and Quality Health Improvement in great detail.
“To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.”
– Rawsi Williams
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Schools Previously Included on this Index:
- University of Pittsburgh
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Loyola University of New Orleans
- Duquesne University
- Graceland University
- University of Colorado Denver
- Johns Hopkins University
- George Washington University
- Gonzaga University
- University of Kansas
- Purdue University Global