Online BSN-to-DNP Programs
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Janie Airey / DigitalVision / Getty ImagesAre you a nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree and interested in advanced roles, such as a nurse anesthetist? If so, consider an online BSN-to-DNP bridge program. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, student enrollment in doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs has grown steadily over the past two decades.
Online BSN-to-DNP programs are ideal for registered nurses (RNs) with a BSN degree who want a flexible, more affordable way to move into an advanced practice role. By graduation, DNP nurses will have obtained the highest degree a nurse can achieve.
In this guide, we’ve ranked the best online BSN-to-DNP programs and outlined how to apply to and pay for this degree, along with potential jobs after graduation.
Popular Online DNP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a BSN-to-DNP Program
When exploring BSN-to-DNP options, looking at specific metrics will help you evaluate individual programs on their own merits and compare them. The following data points can be useful to you as you compare different schools to find the best match for your goals.
Admission Requirements
While there is some overlap in admission requirements among programs (all require a BSN and a nursing license), every program has specific criteria for admission. For example, there are variations in GPA requirements, work experience, and test scores, for instance, so knowing what each program requires for admission ensures you only apply to the best match.
Specializations
When you enroll in a BSN-to-DNP program, you’ll choose a specialty rack that determines your curriculum. A DNP is not a generalist degree, so students must select a track based on their career goals.
You may specialize in a specific area of clinical care or pursue a nursing leadership track. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your goals.
Clinical Experience
DNP programs require extensive clinical hours, and clinical placements help you build a professional network of nurses. Check out if the program places students in settings where you would like to work. If you are pursuing your BSN-to-DNP program online, ask if the school has placed students in your community.
Accreditation
Accreditation is critical because it ensures your program meets independent quality standards. Employers prefer candidates with degrees from accredited programs. The school must be accredited for students to qualify for federal financial aid and, in most cases, to transfer credits between programs.
Program Length
A BSN-to-DNP is a time investment, and knowing exactly how long it will take to complete your degree is important. Most BSN-to-DNP programs take 3-4 years to finish, depending on whether you study full- or part-time.
Board Certification Rate
Board certification is vital for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). When a program has a high rate of successful board certification, it shows that the curriculum and coursework adequately prepare students for board exams. It also indicates the program has support resources to help ensure student success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Programs may require students to participate in online courses at specific times or when convenient. You may be required to complete some courses in person, such as labs or residency requirements. Lastly, select a program format that meets your scheduling and lifestyle needs.
Why Is BSN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation means an independent agency has evaluated a program based on specific criteria. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two main accrediting bodies for nursing programs in the United States.
The process involves a detailed review of every aspect of the program, such as curriculum plans, course descriptions, instructor background, and student services.
All the programs in our rankings are accredited since accreditation is critical in selecting a school for the following reasons:
- Accreditation and certification examination pass rates are the best objective measures of a program’s quality.
- Employers prefer graduates of accredited programs. Many employers will only consider graduates of accredited programs.
- School accreditation ensures you’ll receive a high-quality education that will prepare you for nursing practice.
- Accredited schools attract high-quality teachers and often have strong alumni networks.
- Many state licensing authorities do not accept degrees from unaccredited programs.
Attending an unaccredited program risks losing money, resources and effort invested into your BSN-to-DNP program.
Learn More About BSN-to-DNP Programs and Schools
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$37,750
- Out-of-state$37,750
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled5,291
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,808
- Out-of-state$29,808
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate49%
- Students Enrolled3,162
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$22,000
- Out-of-state$22,000
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled4,447
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Baylor University
- Waco, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,544
- Out-of-state$44,544
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled19,297
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Bellarmine University
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$41,520
- Out-of-state$41,520
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled3,293
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,716
- Out-of-state$19,290
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled8,427
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled10,986
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Gardner-Webb University
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,220
- Out-of-state$31,220
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled3,536
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment74%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Southern University
- Statesboro, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,371
- Out-of-state$15,425
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled26,949
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
Kent State University at Kent
- Kent, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,810
- Out-of-state$19,686
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled26,822
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Applying to a BSN-to-DNP Program
BSN-to-DNP programs are designed for RNs with bachelor’s degrees and nursing experience. Applicants select a specialty that matches their career goals.
Prospective students must state their reasons for seeking an advanced degree in a personal statement. Specific requirements vary by program, but most have common similarities, including:
- Admission Requirements: BSN or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, valid RN license, minimum 1-3 years of clinical experience, successful background check
- Admission Materials: Application, resume, transcripts, professional recommendations, personal statement, personal interview
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Paying for BSN-to-DNP Programs
Tuition, books, supplies, and program length all factor into the total cost of your BSN-to-DNP degree. Understanding possible on-campus requirements and how many hours you can work while completing your courses can make transitioning into a program easier.
In addition to the school’s financial aid program, you can research loans, grants, or scholarships from various financial aid sources for nurses to pay for your degree.
To attract prospective DNP students, government programs will pay their full program costs or offer loan forgiveness in exchange for working in underserved areas once they graduate.
You can also get scholarships and grants from private foundations, associations, corporations, or other organizations. Your current employer may also help pay for your BSN-to-DNP in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a certain period once you graduate.
Most financial aid applies to both online and on-campus BSN-to-DNP programs.
What Can You Do With a Degree From a BSN-to-DNP Program?
A DNP is the highest clinical practice degree in nursing. It prepares nurses for licensure as advanced practice nurses. DNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, teach at various nursing programs, and hold nursing leadership positions.
Other career opportunities for DNP nurses include:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Nurse educators
- Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)
- Entrepreneurship
The curriculum in BSN-to-DNP programs focuses on building leadership skills, evidence-based clinical practice, and strategies for improving patient outcomes. Through research and evidence-based practice, this advanced degree equips DNP students to provide the highest-quality patient care.
DNPs have increased earning potential compared to other nursing professionals like RNs and APRNs. According to Payscale, the average base salary for a DNP is $112,000 as of October 2023. With a DNP degree, nurses can pursue many career advancement opportunities. DNPs can teach at the university level and have more negotiating power for higher salaries with an advanced degree.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures. They work closely with patients and physicians to ensure safety before, during, and after the medication is given to the patient. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $212,650 for CRNAs.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
FNPs provide primary care for patients, including infants and older populations. FNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients while educating patients on preventative care and wellness. FNPs may practice independently in some states. The BLS reports an annual wage of $126,260.
Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS)
CNSs are APRNs who provide care in specialty areas. They work closely with healthcare teams, educating and caring for different patient populations. According to Payscale, the average salary is $100,392 as of June 2024.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are vital to nursing education. They instruct student nurses in patient care in both classroom and clinical environments. According to BLS, the average salary for nurse educators is $84,060.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
CNMs are APRNs who care for and educate patients before and during pregnancy and during and after childbirth, among other potential clinical responsibilities. Nurse-midwives work in hospitals, birthing centers, and community centers.
There is a push for the need for more CNMs, especially midwives of color, to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal healthcare. There is growing evidence that representation in nursing improves healthcare outcomes. According to the BLS, the average salary for CNMs is $129,650.
Frequently Asked Questions About BSN-to-DNP Programs
DNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients. They can also teach at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, hold leadership positions, and become nurse entrepreneurs.
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