Online DNP Programs
- Online DNP Programs
- Nurse Featured Online DNP Programs
- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- What to Expect
- DNP Student Testimonials
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: sturti / E+ / Getty ImagesA doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree is the highest degree a nurse can obtain. It advances you to the highest levels of leadership and education in healthcare. It also offers one of the highest salaries for nurses.
In 2023, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties reaffirmed its call to require the DNP for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles by 2025. While state licensing requirements currently require a master of science in nursing (MSN), it is expected that some may soon shift to requiring a DNP.
Earn your DNP today by exploring the 2024 online DNP program guide on career paths, common coursework, application requirements, and financial aid information.
Popular Online DNP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online DNP Programs
Georgetown University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$59,784
- Out-of-state$59,784
- In-State$54,672
- Out-of-state$54,672
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled20,935
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- In-State$58,720
- Out-of-state$58,720
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled32,049
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,018
- Out-of-state$34,101
- In-State$11,560
- Out-of-state$37,512
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled61,677
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate36%
- Students Enrolled70,310
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate30%
- Students Enrolled55,781
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,865
- Out-of-state$54,769
- In-State$24,902
- Out-of-state$50,136
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled50,278
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,019
- Out-of-state$34,882
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled31,641
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,652
- Out-of-state$54,652
- In-State$38,732
- Out-of-state$38,732
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate6%
- Students Enrolled28,038
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,547
- Out-of-state$50,518
- In-State$17,674
- Out-of-state$29,606
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate21%
- Students Enrolled26,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,708
- Out-of-state$58,708
- In-State$38,650
- Out-of-state$38,650
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled8,947
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment16%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to find top nursing programs, making it easier to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that 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 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, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Online DNP Program
When researching nursing schools, consider the key factors differentiating 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 APRN specializations, such as becoming an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) or a certified nurse-midwife. Other programs have non-clinical specializations in management and executive leadership for nurse educators.
Clinical Experience
While online DNP programs occur 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 (CCNE).
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 (on-demand learning) and asynchronous (learning at your own pace) 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 — online DNP programs — receive accreditation after independent accrediting agencies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the CCNE, 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 nurses for expanded professional roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and research. The DNP curriculum, which typically requires 30 credits, follows standards the AACN defines. The program focuses on leadership in evidence-based nursing practice, data analytics, and healthcare business and finance.
Students learn to evaluate evidence to guide clinical decision-making and improve quality care.
Campus-based and online DNP programs offer specializations that align with particular career interests. Popular specialties include:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
Some programs offer concentrations in nurse administrator, nursing informatics, and nurse educator.
Online DNP programs may offer asynchronous (learning on your own) plans of study that provide 24-hour access to course materials, or more structured synchronous (happening simultaneously) 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 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 with an RN license.
GPA Requirement
Admitted DNP students often hold at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit graduate and undergraduate transcripts with their applications to show proof of their grades.
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.
The average cost of completing your online DNP at one of these schools included in our ranking ranges from $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.
DNP students can access financial aid options to cover unexpected college costs, 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 and higher salaries. After earning a DNP, advanced practice nurses can pursue healthcare leadership roles, such as:
- Nurse educator, including professor
- Clinical directors
- Clinical researchers
- CRNAs
- Nurse executives
Generally speaking, CRNA is the highest-paid DNP specialty. CRNAs collaborate with doctors, surgeons, and dentists to care for patients receiving anesthesia. They assess patients before surgery, administer medication during surgery, and help create pain management plans for patients after surgery.
According to the BLS, CRNAs earned an average salary of $214,200 as of 2023.
DNP-prepared nurses can also pursue a chief nursing officer (CNO) position. CNOs lead teams of healthcare clinicians, handle the onboarding of new nurses, and oversee staff to carry out healthcare strategic plans and budgets. CNOs work in:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care facilities
- Physician offices
- Nursing homes
According to Payscale, CNOs earn an average salary of $146,490.
Frequently Asked Questions: Online DNP Programs
Yes. Nurses and advanced practice nurses can complete a DNP program online.
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