Online DNP Programs of 2024

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Updated February 12, 2024

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Explore the top online DNP programs. Learn about on-campus requirements, accreditation, cost, and program length while choosing your next career step.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Caucasian surgeon reading book Credit: Blend Images/ John Fedele / Getty Images

A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can help you advance to the highest levels of leadership in various healthcare settings. This practice-based, terminal degree has become the preferred credential for administrative and educational positions and increasingly serves as the entry-level educational requirement for nurse practitioner roles.

This guide explores online DNP programs offered in 2024. DNP graduates have strong employment opportunities and high earning potential.

Explore career paths, common coursework in online DNP programs, application requirements, and financial aid information.

“Earning my DNP was one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life.”

Melissa Plummer, DNP, MHI, RN

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online DNP Programs

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Georgetown University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The Georgetown University distance-based, online DNP program is a nationally recognized nursing program committed to advancing equity and improving health around the world. Candidates can enter with a BSN to complete an MSN and a DNP simultaneously while also pursuing an APRN certification. They may also enter with an MSN from an accredited university.

The post-master's DNP program builds on students' clinical experiences while integrating nursing science with organizational leadership and ethics. This program focuses on leadership and administration, without clinical preparation. The college of nursing offers additional certifications in four APRN specializations.

  • Program(s): DNP - adult-gerontology NP, family NP, dual midwifery/women's health NP, and women's health NP
  • Campus: Washington, D.C.
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $2,441 per credit hour
  • Admission Requirements: A current unencumbered RN license; a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited university; a three-credit course in statistics with a grade of C or better
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 33 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020-2021): 100%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $102,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$59,784
Out-of-state
$59,784
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$54,672
Out-of-state
$54,672
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
12%
Students Enrolled
20,935
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Johns Hopkins University's DNP program offers students the ability to work with world-renowned faculty and network with emerging nursing leaders. DNP students are equipped with knowledge and skills in an innovative environment, where faculty challenge students to improve clinical judgment and systems thinking. 

The program is offered as a three- or four-year, full-time option. The curriculum includes on-campus course immersion in the spring and summer semesters.

  • Program(s): DNP - adult-gerontological acute care NP, adult-gerontological primary care NP, family NP, pediatric primary care NP, pediatric dual primary/acute care NP, psychiatric mental health NP, and nurse anesthesia
  • Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $52,704 per year
  • Admission Requirements: BSN or master's degree from an accredited institution; GPA of 3.0 or higher; evidence of current nursing license; one year of experience preferred; three letters of recommendation; official transcripts; resume; goal statement; interview with faculty
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2022): 85.71%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $90,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,720
Out-of-state
$58,720
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$58,720
Out-of-state
$58,720
Retention Rate
96%
Acceptance Rate
8%
Students Enrolled
32,049
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Ohio State University-Main Campus

  • Columbus, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The Ohio State University online DNP program includes a BSN-to-DNP track or a post-master's DNP track taught by world-recognized nursing leaders. Most online coursework takes place in a synchronous format. Students must visit the campus for orientation and to defend their final project.

The program offers students ways to stay engaged with their colleagues while using an online coursework format. Courses include leadership development, quality improvement, executive leadership, and health policy.

  • Program(s): DNP - executive and clinical expert tracks
  • Campus: Columbus, Ohio
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $6,083-$9,559 per semester for in-state students; $6,283-$9,759 per semester for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: MSN from an accredited program; active and unencumbered RN license; active APRN certification for clinical students; 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes 
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 83.13%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $59,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,018
Out-of-state
$34,101
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,560
Out-of-state
$37,512
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
61,677
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
77% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Central Florida DNP program prepares learners to the highest level of nursing practice to analyze complex situations, assume leadership roles, develop practice models, and expand comprehensive care models for populations. 

Students can participate in experiential and leadership projects, research, and clinical hours to meet national certification requirements. Enrollees can choose from six tracks, including executive, family nurse practitioner, adult and gerontology acute care, ARNP post-masters, adult-gerontology primary care, and advanced practice DNP.

  • Program(s): DNP - executive, family NP, adult-gerontology acute care NP, ARNP post-master's adult-gerontology primary care NP, advanced practice DNP
  • Campus: Orlando, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $370 per credit hour for in-state students; $1,194 per credit hour for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: Minimum university requirements include BSN from an accredited institution; cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher; an undergraduate statistics course
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019): 96.64%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $55,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
36%
Students Enrolled
70,310
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Florida DNP program offers students the option of a BSN-to-DNP program or a dual option of doctor of nursing practice and nurse educator certificate. This can help broaden a student's options or quickly move DNP candidates into teaching faculty roles. The application deadline is February 1 of the academic year and is a two-part process.

Clinical placements are tailored to the student's location to maximize progress and minimize disruptions. The program offers flexible online learning with periodic campus requirements and clinical placements in Florida.

  • Program(s): DNP - adult-gerontology NP, family NP, pediatric acute care NP, pediatric primary care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, and dual pediatric acute and primary care NP
  • Campus: Gainesville, Florida
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $12,740 per year for in-state students; $30,134 per year for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: MSN from an accredited program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; an unencumbered RN license; national NP certification
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 93%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,477
Out-of-state
$25,694
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,770
Out-of-state
$27,335
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
30%
Students Enrolled
55,781
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Ann Arbor, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Michigan's DNP program takes students 2-3 years to complete. Learners can choose from a DNP in leadership and administration, which does not require a clinical rotation, or in midwifery. Classes include biostatistics, quality and safety, and research.

Students are not required to take the GRE for admission. Candidates are mentored by nationally recognized leaders in their field while learning to translate research results into practice.

  • Program: DNP - leadership and administration, midwifery
  • Campus: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME)
  • Tuition: $1,908 per credit for in-state students; $3,488 per credit for out-of-state learners
  • Admission Requirements: Must have at least a BSN from an accredited institution; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; English proficiency requirements; an interview 
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24-36 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 96.5%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $80,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,865
Out-of-state
$54,769
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,902
Out-of-state
$50,136
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Students Enrolled
50,278
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The online DNP program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is for nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university, whether in nursing or another field. Transcripts determine which one of five study plans best suit the student.

Admission requirements include a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, one year of paid clinical work experience, and successfully completing an undergraduate statistics course.

  • Program(s): DNP - adult-gerontology, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and healthcare leadership and administration
  • Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $9,667 per semester for in-state students; $18,530 per semester for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: BSN with one year experience or an MSN or master's in another field; varies for MSN-to-DNP and BSN-to-DNP tracks
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months 
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 98% 
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $68,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,882
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,844
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Students Enrolled
31,641
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Pennsylvania's post-master's doctor of nursing practice program in the school of nursing is internationally known and recognized as a leader in education. Graduates are prepared to become nursing executives and leaders.

The program provides students with connections in a variety of nursing fields, including evidence-based practice and clinical policies and procedures. The leadership program centers the students on how they can improve nurses' work experiences. Admission requirements include an RN and an APRN license and a grade of B or higher from a graduate-level research methods course.

  • Program(s): DNP
  • Campus: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $6,658 per course unit
  • Admission Requirements: BSN or MSN from an accredited institution (bachelor's degree may be in another related field); those with an MSN must have an APRN speciality
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 21 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: No
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2022): 89.06%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $113,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,652
Out-of-state
$54,652
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,732
Out-of-state
$38,732
Retention Rate
98%
Acceptance Rate
6%
Students Enrolled
28,038
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Virginia-Main Campus

  • Charlottesville, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of Virginia offers two DNP tracts: a BSN-to-DNP and a post-MSN tract. Nursing alumni receive guaranteed admission into the full- or part-time program. The DNP option requires 39 credit hours past the MSN degree. While many classes are available online, there are some that require in-class participation. 

The school offers an accelerated three-year plan for full-time BSN-to-DNP students who meet with the approval of the program director. Graduates are eligible for national certification examinations.

  • Program(s): DNP - adult-gerontology acute care NP, family NP, neonatal NP, pediatric acute care and primary care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP
  • Campus: Charlottesville, Virginia
  • Type: Public
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Tuition: $20,682 per year for in-state students; $33,774 per year for out-of-state students
  • Admission Requirements: MSN degree from a nationally accredited institution; minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; an unencumbered RN license in state where the student plans to do clinical practice; and a valid NP certification if applicable; pay application fee; resume/CV; transcripts
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 33 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 94.19%
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $81,000
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,547
Out-of-state
$50,518
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,674
Out-of-state
$29,606
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
21%
Students Enrolled
26,005
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
24% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Wake Forest University

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Wake Forest University's DNP program prepares students to examine current healthcare issues, develop health policy skills, and learn to navigate political, legal, and financial issues. The DNP program is within the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and collaborates with the school of law and school of business to provide an interactive program that prepares candidates for leadership, management, education, or business.

The two-year online curriculum prepares RNs to assume leadership and clinical roles to improve patient outcomes and models of healthcare delivery. 

  • Program(s): DNP
  • Campus: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • Type: Private
  • Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Tuition: $25,146 first-year tuition
  • Admission Requirements: A cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher; proof of a current and unencumbered RN license; MSN from an accredited program and current certification as an APRN, if applicable
  • Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
  • On-Campus Requirements: Yes
  • Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $82,000 
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,708
Out-of-state
$58,708
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,650
Out-of-state
$38,650
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
8,947
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

How We Rank Schools

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online DNP programs, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.


Nurse Featured Online DNP Programs

NurseJournal asked Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW to review each of the online DNP programs below. In their review, they considered factors that influence nursing student experiences, including reputation, faculty, program quality, and value.

The following are the featured programs selected by Elizabeth Clarke.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“UNC-Chapel Hill is a great option for both BSN RNs or MSN APRNs who are looking to advance their education with a DNP. The program is offered in both hybrid and online formats and can be completed in two or three years.

“There are programs for a BSN-DNP or MSN-DNP. There are also several options for specialty tracks, including adult-gerontology (primary care), adult-gerontology (oncology focus), family, pediatric primary, and psychiatric mental health. The BSN-DNP is hybrid, meaning both online and in-person, while the MSN-DNP is online completely. The program appears to be very versatile.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


2. University of Florida

“The University of Florida offers a robust list of specialty tracks for their DNP. Tracks include pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, adult-gerontology acute care, family, psychiatric mental health, and pediatric/adult acute care combined track.

“UF does not require the GRE for admission and provides clinical placement assignments for students residing in Florida. The majority of online programs typically do not assist with or assign clinical placement. Having a program help with clinicals can remove a great deal of stress for the student, as finding a preceptor and site that allows students can be challenging.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


3. University of Pennsylvania

“The University of Pennsylvania's post-MSN DNP program can be completed in 21 months. This is relatively quick in comparison to other MSN-DNP programs, which are typically 2-3 years depending on part-time or full-time enrollment. The university encourages students to continue working; this shows they support their students and their careers.

“The program is small, with about 20-30 students per cohort, which allows for more individualized attention. An online DNP program provides students with a great deal of flexibility, especially those who may be working or out-of-state. aStudents who are employed at one of UPenn's health partners can receive a discount on tuition of up to 25%. Tuition reimbursement for employees is a fantastic way to allow the employee to further their education and career while continuing to work and obtain their DNP.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke


Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our data-driven ranking of the best online DNP programs.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Online DNP Program

When researching nursing schools, consider the key factors that differentiate online DNP programs, such as admission requirements, specializations, and curricula.

Specializations

DNP specializations can help students achieve their career goals. A nursing program may only offer advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializations, such as adult gerontology or nurse midwifery. Other programs have non-clinical specializations in management and executive leadership for nurse educators.


Clinical Experience

While online DNP programs take place remotely, students complete clinical hours in person to earn a degree. Find out if the program offers local clinical placements, which can limit your commute time. Clinical requirements vary by school, but most programs require at least 1,000 hours.


Accreditation

Only graduates from accredited DNP programs are eligible for licensure and certification. Accreditation is a voluntary process that reviews a DNP program's curriculum, student outcomes, and faculty to ensure it meets educational standards. DNP programs receive programmatic accreditation from organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.


Online Learning Format and Requirements

Online DNP programs feature convenient learning formats but can vary in detail. The program may offer an equal blend of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, only asynchronous assignments, or primarily online courses that require students to log into a learning platform at set times.

Why Is Online DNP Program Accreditation Important?

Online DNP accreditation is a voluntary process that offers transparency about nursing schools and ensures that curriculum and practicum hours meet industry standards. Beyond contributing to a school's reputation, accreditation ensures that nurses get a standardized quality education.

Colleges and programs — such as online DNP programs — receive accreditation after independent accrediting agencies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, review the program's curriculum, instructional practices, and student resources. Other important factors of DNP accreditation include the following.

  • Accreditation ensures students complete practicum hours needed for certification and employment.
  • Credits from unaccredited online DNP programs may not transfer.
  • Employers may not hire graduates from non-accredited online DNP programs.
  • Accreditation encourages DNP programs to improve the curriculum, which leads to better patient outcomes.

What to Expect from an Online DNP Program

Online DNP programs prepare registered nurses for expanded professional roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and research. The DNP curriculum, which typically requires 30 credits, follows standards defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing that focus on leadership in evidence-based nursing practice. Students learn how to evaluate evidence to guide clinical decision-making and improve quality care.

Both campus-based and online DNP programs offer specializations that align with particular career interests. Popular specialties include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and certified registered nurse anesthetist. Some programs offer nurse administrator, nursing informatics, and nurse educator concentrations.

Online DNP programs may offer asynchronous plans of study that provide 24-hour access to course materials, or more structured synchronous formats, requiring students to log in at specific times. Some programs combine both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Hybrid programs, which require students to take some classes on campus, are also available.

All DNP degrees require a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Online DNP programs may allow distance learners to complete their clinical hours at approved clinical sites near their homes.

Applying to an Online DNP Program

An online DNP program provides students with the highest clinical education in nursing. Incoming DNP students have years of nursing experience and education. Application materials differ by school. Online DNP programs may only accept applicants with an MSN degree or open admissions to BSN degree holders.

  • Admission Requirements: Most online DNP programs require applicants to hold an MSN from an accredited nursing school, but some dual degree programs open admissions to nurses with a BSN. Admissions may also require applicants to have 1-2 years of nursing experience.
  • Admission Materials: Incoming students may need to have completed a statistics course with a minimum C grade. They must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and hold a current RN license.
  • GPA Requirement: Admitted DNP students often hold at least a 3.0 GPA. To show proof of their grades, applicants must submit graduate and undergraduate transcripts with their applications.

Paying for Online DNP Programs

The cost of getting an online DNP depends on the type of school and the program you choose. For example, public universities usually charge lower tuition than private schools. A BSN-to-DNP, which takes longer than a post-master's DNP, costs more to complete. The average cost of completing your online DNP at one of these schools included in our ranking ranges $700-$2,300 per credit hour.

Working nurses often want to attend online DNP programs that allow them to continue working, and pay out-of-pocket for some or all of their tuition. Many hospitals also offer tuition reimbursement to employees.

Some online DNP programs may charge out-of-state residents more tuition, or a program may take longer to complete.

To cover unexpected college costs, DNP students can access financial aid options, including awards like grants and nursing scholarships that do not require repayment if students maintain good academic standing. Accredited online DNP programs offer federal loans and grants to help nurses pay for their nursing degrees.

Online DNP Student Testimonials

On Choosing the Best Online DNP Program

"I was looking for a program that fit my needs as a working nurse, where I would get individualized attention at a respected university."

Melissa Plummer, DNP, MHI, RN

Challenges and Benefits

"The benefit of earning this degree online is that it was fast because of the competency-based and flexible model where I can work at my own pace. I was able to work on my coursework before and after work and on the weekends."

Melissa Plummer, DNP, MHI, RN

Is an Online DNP Program Worth It?

"Achieving my DNP online was 100% worth all my time and effort!"

Melissa Plummer, DNP, MHI, RN

What Can You Do With a Degree from an Online DNP Program?

Online DNP degree holders have the advanced expertise to pursue APRN roles that offer greater independence. After earning a DNP, nurses become certified registered nurse anesthetists, chief nursing officers, and nurse practitioners, or they can pursue other healthcare leadership roles. They can work in academia as professors, clinical directors, and clinical researchers.

DNP courses focus on quality improvement and patient safety, health policy, health sciences statistics, organizational and systems management, and scholarly writing. DNP students also complete 500-1,000 clinical hours.

Some DNP careers include:

In 2023, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties reaffirmed the decision to make a DNP the minimum requirement for APRN roles by 2025 to improve healthcare outcomes and elevate nursing practice as a whole. While state licensing requirements currently require an MSN, it is expected that some may begin to make the shift to requiring a DNP in the near future.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online DNP Programs

How long does it take to complete an online DNP program?

Full-time DNP students with an MSN can graduate within 1-2 years. Students with a BSN can earn a DNP degree in 3-4 years. Part-time students often take twice as long to complete online DNP programs.

Do nurse practitioners with a DNP get paid more than those with a master's degree?

Generally, nurses with a DNP make more than nurses with an MSN degree. According to Payscale, DNP degree-holders make an average of $111,000, and MSN nurses earn an average of $102,000 as of July 2023. However, specialty nursing areas requiring only an MSN can earn competitive salaries.

What is the difference between a DNP and a nursing Ph.D.?

The difference between a DNP and a Ph.D. is that a DNP prepares graduates for clinical roles as APRNs or executive administrator positions and jobs in colleges and universities. A Ph.D. in nursing primarily trains graduates to work in academic and clinical research.

Is a DNP required to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist?

Yes. As of January 2022, a DNP is the minimum degree requirement to become a CRNA.


Related DNP Resources


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed August 8, 2023. The nurse featured programs were reviewed by Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW, on February 5, 2024.

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