Online RN-to-DNP Programs
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: baona / E+ / Getty ImagesDoctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees prepare the next generation of nurses to meet the demands of a rapidly changing healthcare industry. DNP-holders become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in administration, academia, and research.
Online RN-to-DNP programs, also called bridge programs, allow working nurses who do not have a master’s degree to earn a doctorate in 3-6 years while remaining employed.
Explore online RN-to-DNP programs and learn more how these programs work and the next steps in applying and paying for nursing school.
Popular Online DNP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About Online RN-to-DNP Programs & Schools
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,198
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled30,092
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment91%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled53,372
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,772
- Out-of-state$49,819
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled25,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled71,881
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,880
- Out-of-state$55,880
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled16,172
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,384
- Out-of-state$57,384
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled19,371
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,160
- Out-of-state$54,160
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled28,890
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,615
- Out-of-state$32,599
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled61,369
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$24,740
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled26,782
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online RN-to-DNP Program
We used key metrics to evaluate a list of online RN-to-DNP programs. These data points significantly contribute to program quality, your admission, and the potential for successful graduation. Consider these factors as they relate to your unique needs.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are often consistent across most programs. For example, you need practice experience, an unencumbered and active RN license, and recommendations. Some programs have unique requirements that can affect your eligibility for admission.
Specializations
There are several administrative and clinical specializations that you may choose as a DNP. These include informatics, leadership, pediatrics, mental health, family practice, and midwifery. Ensure the program you choose offers the specialization you want.
Clinical Experience
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) requires at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience in a DNP program. These hours can be split between practicums, residency, and project hours to make up the total. Consider how to best divide these hours.
Accreditation
You need to graduate from an accredited program to receive APRN certification. While an unaccredited RN-to-DNP program may offer a faster or cheaper degree, most employers won’t consider graduates of unaccredited programs.
Program Curriculum
Most programs are between 33 and 43 credit hours that can be completed in two years of full-time work or three to six years part-time while working.
Certification Exam Pass Rate
A DNP can begin clinical practice after passing the national certification examination in their specialty. Most programs post the pass rate for these exams, which gives a candidate an estimate of how well the program prepares the students to take the exam.
School Graduation Rate
Schools often publish the graduation rates of full-time students who graduate on time and an overall graduation rate. This metric indicates how well the school chooses eligible students, how much support is available, and how well the school prepares students for graduation.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
You may complete the coursework entirely online or have an in-person requirement. The learning platform and technology requirements also vary between programs.
Understand how you learn best before enrolling in an online RN-to-DNP program. For example, do you do better with a video lecture-style format or independent reading? Do you anticipate needing tech assistance, and is it available?
Why Is Online RN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and provides students with a quality education. While the DNP is a terminal nursing degree, you must have graduated from an accredited program to practice as an APRN.
The programs in our rankings are accredited and meet the peer review standards. Find more information about how accreditation impacts your program decision as you consider some of the reasons to choose an accredited online RN-to-DNP program:
- Ensures the education meets national standards
- Validates the students’ educational preparation
- Necessary to practice as an APRN: Most states will also not grant licensure to graduates of a nonaccredited program.
- Accreditation is required for the AANPCB and ANCC certification exams.
- May be required to receive federal aid
- Most employers only hire graduates from an accredited program
- Better employment and advancement opportunities
- Credits may not transfer if you seek another non-nursing degree
How Online RN-to-DNP Programs Work
Online RN-to-DNP programs work differently than traditional in-person programs. One advantage of enrolling in an online program is that you can attend a program based anywhere in the U.S.
Online programs also offer greater flexibility. Students enjoy fewer challenges with commuting and the associated costs. However, they may find online learning platforms more challenging than in-person classroom experiences.
Students often must complete their program at one educational institution. While some schools allow students to transfer up to 15 credits from another school, most do not.
The logistics of your clinical experience in an online program vary from program to program. Some schools help you find placement, and others do not. Some programs require in-person labs, and others allow you to complete your skills check-off with your clinical preceptor.
Applying to an Online RN-to-DNP Program
Applications to an online RN-to-DNP program have standard requirements, but the measurements may vary across programs. For instance, they all require a minimum GPA, which can vary.
To increase your chances for admission, begin your preparation for the admissions process early. Consider speaking with an admission counselor from the program to ensure you include the required documentation and meet optional conditions.
Admission Requirements
Online RN-to-DNP programs require an unencumbered and active RN license, at least two years of experience as an RN, and some prerequisite coursework, including science courses and an upper-level statistics course.
Admission Materials
Some programs require your (NCLEX) scores. Most programs require at least two years of experience. With your application, you submit fees, information for a background check, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
GPA Requirement
Most programs require a 3.0 GPA, but some require a 3.5. Talk with the admission counselor if your GPA is lower, as some programs accept a GRE examination or strong work experience if your GPA does not meet the requirement.
Paying for Online RN-to-DNP Programs
Several factors affect the cost of an online RN-to-DNP program. These can include whether the school’s costs for an online program are different for in-state and out-of-state students, the length of the program, and the cost per credit hour.
Each factor affects whether a student can pay out-of-pocket for the program. Students who can work through the program can also help cover their cost of living expenses.
Students have financial aid options that help cover costs. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement, but you should consider what the employer asks in return. Some hospitals require you to work for several years after graduation to help repay the debt.
DNP students may also apply for scholarships, grants, and student loans to help pay for their education. Each of these options has pros and cons that students must evaluate carefully.
Additionally, there are loan forgiveness programs that can reduce your debt. Before accepting the funds, you should understand the program’s eligibility requirements and specifications.
What Can You Do With a Degree from an RN-to-DNP Program?
A DNP degree prepares students for leadership roles in administrative or clinical practice. Graduates are prepared to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. APRNs fill roles in education, patient care, research, and leadership.
According to the AACN, there are currently 426 DNP programs enrolling students, including online RN-to-DNP programs. The number of students enrolled rose by over 1,000 from 2021 to 2022.
While students may earn a BSN, then MSN, before enrolling in a DNP program, an online RN-to-DNP program can take less and be more cost-effective.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Nurse anesthetists need a DNP to practice. These APRNs provide anesthesia-related care to patients before, during, and after surgery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary is $214,200.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): An FNP provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare across all body systems, diseases, ages, and genders. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for nurse practitioners is $128,490.
- Nurse Administrator: These leaders supervise nurses and other healthcare team members. They can be employed anywhere nurses caring for patients. The BLS reports that the average annual salary for medical and health services managers is $134,440.
Explore all the different types of specialty practice areas in our nurse practitioner specialties guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online RN-to-DNP Programs
RN-to-DNP programs can take full-time students 3-6 years to complete. However, this ultimately depends on the student’s educational and professional history and their chosen specialization. Online learners with a master’s or bachelor’s degree can graduate more quickly than those with an associate degree.
The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed April 12, 2024.
Related Online RN-to-DNP Program Resources
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