The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs

Mississippi's Delta State offers an online RN-to-DNP program for registered nurses with ADN, BSN, or MSN credentials who wish to earn a doctorate. The program takes between 18-54 months to complete, depending on the incoming student's prior education level. Candidates may enroll on either a full- and part-time basis.

The program explores concepts in epidemiology and population health, healthcare policy and economics in clinical practice, advanced statistics for clinical practice, and leadership and role development in advanced nursing practice. Learners must complete 1,020 traditional clinical hours, in addition to 420 clinical hours spent on a scholarly project.

Admission requirements include minimum ADN qualifications, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an unencumbered RN license, and at least one year of clinical nursing experience. Learners typically visit the campus 1-3 times each semester, and must complete clinical requirements in Mississippi or Arkansas. The program does not require GRE scores at this time.

Tennessee-based Union University offers an online RN-to-DNP program with a nurse practitioner track for students interested in healthcare leadership roles. The full-time program is presented in a blended format, meaning learners must visit the Jackson, Germantown, or Hendersonville campuses to complete certain requirements. New students are admitted during the fall semester.

The 73-credit curriculum addresses topics, such as advanced nursing statistics for the health sciences, collaborative strategies in advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy and economics, and organizational leadership and management. Students must also complete at least 1,220 clinical hours. Individuals who already possess a BSN upon enrollment usually graduate in around 36 months.

Program applicants must hold an active and unencumbered RN license, an ADN or BSN accredited degree, and a GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates must also complete a graduate admissions interview and provide a statement detailing past clinical or work activities.

UM-Flint's School of Nursing offers a specialized RN-to-DNP program online for candidates who possess an ADN or diploma alongside a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The program features concentrations in family, acute adult care, adult gerontology, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The degree is presented in a blended format, and learners must visit the UM-Flint campus to fulfill all graduation requirements.

Classes offered include transcultural healthcare, integrated case studies in nursing, transition to professional nursing, and community health nursing. Some classes require students to complete volunteer hours in addition to clinical hour requirements.

Admission requirements include an active and unencumbered RN license, a professional goal statement, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, transcripts from any schools attended, and at least a 3.5 GPA on all coursework taken during the final 60 hours of a previous degree. Learners must also pay a $55 nonrefundable application fee.