Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2025
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- RN-to-DNP Programs
- What to Look For
- Applying
- Program Accreditation
- Paying for an Online RN-to-DNP Program
- Career Opportunities
- RN-to-DNP Program FAQ
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 graduates become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in administration, academia, research, and clinical practice.
Online RN-to-DNP programs, also called bridge programs, allow nurses without a master’s degree to earn a doctorate in 3-6 years while working in clinical practice.
Explore online RN-to-DNP programs and learn more about how they work and the next steps in applying to 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
George Washington University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,856
- Out-of-state$60,856
- In-State$33,930
- Out-of-state$33,930
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled25,568
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$61,872
- Out-of-state$61,872
- In-State$56,592
- Out-of-state$56,592
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate13%
- Students Enrolled20,392
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia State University
- Atlanta, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,948
- Out-of-state$27,986
- In-State$7,164
- Out-of-state$22,662
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled34,995
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- In-State$60,480
- Out-of-state$60,480
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled30,363
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,936
- Out-of-state$36,173
- In-State$12,092
- Out-of-state$38,693
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled60,046
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,750
- Out-of-state$35,750
- In-State$21,265
- Out-of-state$21,265
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled5,790
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,210
- Out-of-state$35,628
- In-State$12,348
- Out-of-state$32,290
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled53,187
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,892
- Out-of-state$27,226
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled43,976
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,016
- Out-of-state$30,979
- In-State$10,875
- Out-of-state$29,822
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,042
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,154
- Out-of-state$38,520
- In-State$24,962
- Out-of-state$42,324
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled29,178
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.
What to Look For in an Online RN-to-DNP Program
A DNP degree prepares you for the highest level of clinical practice and leadership. Your education enhances clinical decision-making skills, improves patient outcomes, and supports your participation in system-level change. An online RN-to-DNP program allows registered nurses to earn their DNP degrees while maintaining professional responsibilities.
These programs combine advanced clinical training, leadership development, and evidence-based practice to prepare you for advanced practice roles in healthcare. Online formats offer flexibility, but the program should align with your learning style, career goals, and schedule.
We evaluated online RN-to-DNP programs using key metrics that impact quality, admissions, and graduation outcomes. Consider these factors to find the best fit for your goals.
Admission Requirements
RN-to-DNP programs have similar admission requirements, including practice experience, an unencumbered and active RN license, and recommendations. However, some programs have unique requirements that influence admission eligibility.
Specializations
As a DNP, you can specialize in areas like informatics, leadership, pediatrics, mental health, family practice, or midwifery. Choose a program that offers your desired focus.
Clinical Experience
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours in a DNP program. These can be divided across practicums, residencies, and project work. Plan your hour distribution strategically.
Accreditation
To earn APRN certification, you must graduate from an accredited program. Unaccredited RN-to-DNP programs may be quicker or cheaper, but most employers won’t recognize them.
Program Curriculum
Most RN-to-DNP programs require 33–43 credit hours and take about two years full-time or 3-6 years part-time.
Certification Exam Pass Rate
After passing the national certification exam in your specialty, you can begin clinical practice as a DNP. Most programs share their pass rates, offering insight into how well they prepare their students.
School Graduation Rate
Schools often share their graduation rates, reflecting student support, program quality, and how effectively they prepare candidates for success.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
RN-to-DNP programs may be fully online or include in-person components. Know your learning style — whether you prefer video lectures or self-paced reading — and check if tech support is available before enrolling.
Applying to an Online RN-to-DNP Program
Online RN-to-DNP programs share common admission requirements, like a minimum GPA, although standards typically vary. Start preparing your application early and consult the program’s admissions counselor to ensure you meet all requirements and submit complete documentation.
- Admission Requirements: Most online RN-to-DNP programs require an unencumbered and active RN license, two years of RN experience, and prerequisite coursework, including science courses and an upper-level statistics course.
- Admission Materials: Some programs require NCLEX scores for admission. Applications typically include fees, a background check, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- GPA Requirement: Most programs require a 3.0 GPA, but some expect a 3.5. Talk with the admission counselor if your GPA is lower, as some programs accept a GRE examination or relevant work experience.
Why is Online RN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures the DNP program you choose meets national standards and delivers a quality education. Although the DNP is a terminal nursing degree, graduating from an accredited program is essential to practice as an APRN. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredit RN-to-DNP programs.
Each program in our rankings is accredited and meets peer-reviewed standards. Choosing an accredited nursing program is crucial because of the following benefits:
- Ensures your nursing education meets national standards
- Validates your educational preparation
- Lets you to apply for federal student aid
- Meets APRN licensure requirements; Most states will not grant licensure to graduates of a non-accredited program.
- Fulfills AANPCB and ANCC certification exam eligibility requirements
- Qualifies you to pursue employment and advancement opportunities; Most employers only hire graduates from an accredited program.
- Allows you to transfer credits into another accredited program
How Online RN-to-DNP Programs Work
Online RN-to-DNP programs offer greater flexibility and reduce your commuting costs compared to in-person programs. However, online programs require a higher degree of discipline and independence than in-person programs.
Some programs may accept transfer credits, while others do not. Clinical and skills check-off requirements vary—some schools assist with clinical placement, while others require you to find them independently. Your program may require a skills check-off at an in-person lab or with a clinical preceptor.
Paying for Online RN-to-DNP Programs
Several factors affect the cost of an online RN-to-DNP program, including in-state vs. out-of-state tuition, program length, and cost per credit. Working during your program can help offset your expenses.
Financial aid options can help cover some of the cost. Consider scholarships, grants, loans, and employer tuition reimbursement. However, your employer may require a post-graduation work commitment to cover the cost of your education.
Loan forgiveness programs may reduce debt, but be sure to understand the eligibility requirements and your post-graduation commitment.
What Can You Do With a Degree from an RN-to-DNP Program?
A DNP prepares nurses for roles in advanced clinical practice, administration, education, and research, and equips them to improve patient outcomes and apply evidence-based care. Some example careers you can pursue with a DNP include:
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 $223,210.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
An FNP provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare across all body systems, diseases, ages, and genders. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $129,210.
Nurse Administrator
Administrators supervise nurses and other healthcare team members. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for medical and health services managers is $117,960.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online RN-to-DNP Programs
An RN-to-DNP program typically takes two to six years, depending on your past education and whether you study full or part-time. Using an RN-to-DNP program is shorter than the traditional pathway of getting a BSN, an MSN, and a DNP separately. Program length also varies by specialization, clinical hour requirements, and course load.
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