The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2021

APU's online low-residency DNP program allows working nurses to study remotely with the exception of periodic on-campus intensives. Licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) can opt to specialize in oncology while earning their DNP.

The DNP curriculum focuses on preparing advanced practice nurses with clinical expertise and leadership skills who can contribute to the improvement of global health. The program's 39-54 credits include coursework in wellness promotion, social ethics, translational research, and organizational leadership. Studies culminate with an evidence-based clinical inquiry project. Clinical residencies total 1,000 hours, and APU may allow qualified advanced practice RNs to transfer up to 500 hours.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Azusa, California
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,062 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; current California RN license; graduate statistics and research courses
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Chatham boasts that its online DNP program offers one of the fastest paths to a degree among DNP programs. Students can finish within 3-5 terms, including a brief residency, and adapt the 27-credit curriculum and 500 practice experience hours to their clinical and research focus areas. The writing-intensive plan of study culminates with an immersive capstone experience. Graduates emerge ready to promote and lead organizational change, resulting in improved patient and system outcomes.

Course topics include developing evidence-based practice, ethics and public policy, and quality improvement in health. For those who need a slower-paced program, Chatham allows part-time study.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,017 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; current RN license; clinical experience
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

The RN-to-DNP program at Drexel prepares graduates to implement nursing science and research in leadership roles. The degree requires 500 clinical hours, which Drexel builds into select practicum courses and project seminars. The 45-credit online curriculum includes topics in health policy and economics; applied epidemiology; quantitative methods in clinical nursing; organization and systems leadership: innovative strategies; and doctoral nursing global perspectives, which features a one-week travel experience in another country.

Special tuition rates may be available to Drexel alumni, military members, and educational partner organization members. Distance learners can apply for financial aid.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,041 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master's in nursing or in a health-related field, or an MBA; current RN license; graduate-level research methods coursework with a "B" or higher
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

The online DNP program at Gardner-Webb focuses on improving healthcare with evidence-based practice from a Christian perspective. The plan of study includes online classes, clinical practicums in students' local communities, on-campus intensives, and an evidence-based project. DNP students can choose one of three concentrations: a 36-credit leadership track; a 79-credit family nurse practitioner (FNP) track; and an 81-credit psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) track.

Course content varies according to concentration area. The FNP and PMHNP tracks also offer a postdoctoral certification. DNP program participants can apply for financial aid, scholarships, and deferred payment plans.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - FNP; PMHNP; leadership
• Campus: Boiling Springs, North Carolina
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Tuition: $795 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing with 3.0 GPA (FNP and PMHNP); master of science in nursing with 3.2 GPA (leadership track); current, unrestricted RN license
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

ISU's DNP degree offers two options -— family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Both 78-credit concentration areas feature separate tracks for post-master's nationally certified FNPs and PMHNPs. The clinical-focused programs deliver coursework online, allow clinical experience hours to be logged in student's local areas, and require on-campus attendance for clinical intensives.

Core courses include advanced human pathophysiology, theoretical foundations for nursing practice, professional issues of the DNP, and research and practice in rural and global communities.

Admitted students can transfer up to 21 credits with departmental approval and apply for financial aid, including nursing program scholarships.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - FNP; PMHNP
• Campus: Pocatello, Idaho
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: Full-time $4,963 per semester; part-time $4,040
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; current and unencumbered RN license
• Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

The DNP programs at Johns Hopkins include an online executive track that allows advanced practice nurses to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to lead teams focused on improving healthcare.

The 40-credit curriculum includes online classes, clinical immersions, and 1,000 project and practicum hours. Johns Hopkins accommodates part-time study. Course topics include translating evidence into practice, analysis and evaluation of individual and population health data, and health information systems and patient care technologies.

Distance learners qualify for School of Nursing merit-based scholarships of $10,000-$30,000. Criteria include strong academic ability, leadership, community service, and accomplishments.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - executive track
• Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $1,825 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing with 552 clinical hours; minimum 3.0 GPA; APRN license; graduate-level biostatistics
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

KSU's online DNP program develops nurse leaders and clinical scholars who can translate scientific evidence into effective clinical interventions. The 34-credit curriculum covers topics in clinical analytics, population health, healthcare finance and economic policy, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement in healthcare delivery.

Graduation requires a "B" grade in all courses, 525 clinical hours, and completion and defense of a publishable scholarly project under the guidance of an assigned committee chair.

Distance learners from outside of Ohio pay only $10 more per credit than Ohio residents. Students can access academic advising, library services, and technical services remotely.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Kent, Ohio
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $536 per credit hour in-state; $546 out-of-state
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from a CCNE-accredited program; minimum 3.0 GPA; active, unrestricted RN license; statistics course with a minimum "C" grade
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

MSU offers two DNP program tracks: a hybrid BSN-to-DNP and a post-master's DNP online. MSU boasts low costs and minimal campus visits.

BSN-to-DNP students focus on family nurse practice. The 79-credit curriculum requires on-campus attendance at least one day per week and onsite for clinical experiences. Courses include advanced physical assessment and clinical reasoning, health policy to improve health disparities, clinical epidemiology, and prescriptive practices.

Post-master's DNP distance learning centers on leadership with 29 credits that cover emerging science and methods of advanced practice, health policy to improve disparities, and transforming practice. Students must come to campus 1-2 times during the program.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice; BSN-to-DNP or post-master's DNP
• Campus: Springfield, Missouri
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $334-339 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: 3.25 GPA; one year of full-time clinical practice experience
  • BSN-to-DNP track: bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited program; RN license
  • Post-master's track: master of science in nursing from an accredited program; APRN license
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Designed for working professionals, NSU offers a fully online, practice-focused DNP program. The 36-credit curriculum teaches advanced competencies and trains graduates to turn complex research into real applications. Courses include biostatistics, epidemiology, and evidence-based practice; students also complete practicum hours and a final project.

Students without a master of science in nursing enroll in a six-credit transition to DNP bridge course prior to taking DNP classes. Those without 500 clinical hours take a project matriculation course until they complete their 500 hours.

NSU's remote learning platform features interactive discussion forums, synchronous classes, taped online lectures, and an electronic library.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $750 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing and a master's in a related field; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

The online DNP program offers two pathways depending on students' previous education: a 72-credit BSN-to-DNP for those with a bachelor of science in nursing degree or a 36-credit post-master's DNP for those with a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. Depending on their specialty area, distance learners may have to travel to campus periodically but otherwise take primarily synchronous online classes either full or part time.

BSN-to-DNP learners can select from three specialties: family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Post-master's students can choose a clinical expert or nurse executive focus areas.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice; BSN-to-DNP or post-master's DNP
• Campus: Columbus, Ohio
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $973 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Active, unencumbered RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA
  • BSN-to-DNP: BSN from an accredited program
  • Post-master's clinical: MSN; national advanced practice certification
  • Post-master's executive: MSN, MBA, or master of public health
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Students can earn their online MSN-to-DNP at Regis to meet the call from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for doctoral education for advanced practice nurses. The program offers four points of entry: MSN-to-DNP for non-nurse practitioners; MSN/NP-to-DNP for nurse practitioners seeking additional specialization; MSN/NP-to-DNP for nurse practitioners who want to pursue a doctoral degree in their existing specialty; and MSN-to-DNP bridge for students with a bachelor of science in nursing, an RN license, and a master's degree in a relevant health field.

Regis offers specialty focus areas in pediatrics, family practice, psychiatrist mental health, women's health, adult-gerontology, and nurse education.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - MSN-to-DNP; MSN/NP-to-DNP; MSN-to-DNP bridge
• Campus: Weston, Massachusetts
• Type: Private
• Accreditation(s): New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Tuition: $875 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: MSN (or BSN/master's in healthcare for bridge program); minimum 3.0 GPA; active unencumbered RN license; APRN credentials, if applicable
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

UArizona's online DNP program accepts certified nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and those with a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and informatics experience. The 35-credit curriculum prepares graduates to become doctoral-level advanced practice nurses in their specializations.

DNP distance learners must participate in at least one resident intensive summer experience for labs, along with meetings with advisors and committee members. Graduation requires preparation and defense of a DNP project. Students take courses that include statistical inference for evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams, population health, and theories of leadership and organizational management.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Tucson, Arizona
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $975 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: MSN; minimum 3.5 GPA; APRN license in good standing
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Designed for nursing master's degree-holders, the online DNP program at UCCS builds on nurse practitioner (NP) and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) training to develop leaders, scholars, and innovators at the highest level of nursing practice.

The program's 33 credits include courses in theoretical foundations of reflective practice; clinical nursing scholarship for evidence-based practice; population-based healthcare for improving the nation's health; and advanced healthcare policy, ethics, and law. To graduate, students complete a quality-improvement project that includes a paper, poster, and presentation.

UCCS accepts applications from candidates who reside in select states in the west, midwest, and south.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice
• Campus: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $749 per credit hour
• Admission Requirements: Master of science in nursing from an accredited program; minimum 3.0 GPA; active RN license; NP or CNS certification
• Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
• On-Campus Requirements: No
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

CU Denver offers two roads to earning a DNP: BS-to-DNP or post-graduate DNP. The hybrid curriculum features online components in all classes with some courses requiring 1-2 days of on-campus intensives. DNP program participants complete 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, some of which may transfer from master's study.

Students can choose from five different tracks: advanced practice registered nurse (DNP-APRN); public health nursing (DNP-PHN); master's in public health (DNP/MPH dual degree); health systems leadership; and veteran and military healthcare (VMHC) leadership.

Distance learners who reside in Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education states may qualify to pay in-state tuition.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - BSN-to-DNP; post-graduate DNP
• Campus: Denver, Colorado
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $711 per credit hour in-state; $1,115 out-of-state
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor of science in nursing; master of science in nursing for DNP-APRN and DNP-PHN tracks; minimum 3.0 GPA; current, unencumbered RN license; specialty certification for DNP-APRN track
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

The online DNP program at UM-Flint offers three degree tracks: RN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, and MSN-to-DNP. Distance learners access online courses with minimal campus visits and complete supervised, onsite clinical hours.

RN-to-DNP (also known as ADN-to-DNP) and BSN-to-DNP students specialize in family nurse practice, adult acute care, adult gerontology, or psychiatric mental health.

MSN-to-DNP program participants already hold certification as nurse practitioners, midwives, anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists and seek doctorate-level research, practice, and leadership skills. The curriculum includes coursework in biostatistics for advanced practice, informatics, advanced transcultural care, and organizational and administrative theory.

• Program(s): Doctor of nursing practice - RN-to-DNP; BSN-to-DNP; MSN-to-DNP
• Campus: Flint, Michigan
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $712 per credit hour in-state; $1,065 out-of-state
• Admission Requirements: Current, unencumbered RN license; minimum one year of RN experience preferred
  • RN-to-DNP: associate degree or diploma in nursing; minimum 3.5 GPA
  • BSN-to-DNP: bachelor of science in nursing; minimum 3.2 GPA
  • MSN-to-DNP: master of science in nursing; minimum 3.2 GPA
• Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid