Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees prepare the next generation of nurses to meet the demands of a rapidly changing healthcare industry. DNP-holders become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in administration, academia, and research.
Also called bridge programs, online RN-to-DNP programs allow working nurses who do not have a master's degree to earn a doctorate in 3-6 years while remaining employed.
We use a data-driven methodology to list available RN-to-DNP bridge programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Featured Online Nursing Doctorate Programs
Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in an Online RN-to-DNP Program
We used key metrics to evaluate a list of online RN-to-DNP programs. These data points significantly contribute to program quality, your admission, and the potential for successful graduation. Consider these factors as they relate to your unique needs.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are often consistent across most programs. For example, you need practice experience, an unencumbered and active RN license, and recommendations. Some programs have unique requirements that might affect your eligibility for admission.
Specializations
There are several administrative and clinical specializations that you may choose as a DNP. These include informatics, leadership, pediatrics, mental health, family practice, and midwifery. Ensure the program you choose offers the specialization you want.
Clinical Experience
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) requires at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience in a DNP program. These hours can be split between practicums, residency, and project hours to make up the total. Consider how to best divide these hours.
Accreditation
You need to graduate from an accredited program to receive APRN certification. While an unaccredited RN-to-DNP program may offer a faster or cheaper degree, most employers won't consider graduates of unaccredited programs.
Program Curriculum
Most programs are between 33 and 43 credit hours that can be completed in two years of full-time work or three to six years part-time while working.
Certification Exam Pass Rate
A DNP can begin clinical practice after passing the national certification examination in their specialty. Most programs post the pass rate for these exams, which gives a candidate an estimate of how well the program prepares the students to take the exam.
School Graduation Rate
Schools often publish the graduation rates of full-time students who graduate on time and an overall graduation rate. This metric indicates how well the school chooses eligible students, how much support is available for those students, and how well the school prepares students for graduation.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
The program may be completed only online or have an in-person requirement. The learning platform and technology requirements also vary between programs.
Know how you learn best before enrolling in an online RN-to-DNP program. For example, do you do better with a video lecture-style format or independent reading? Do you anticipate needing technological help and is it available?
Why Is Online RN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and provides the student with a quality education. While the DNP is the terminal nursing degree, you must have graduated from an accredited program to practice as an APRN.
The programs listed in our rankings are all accredited and meet the peer review standards. Find more information about how accreditation impacts your program decision as you consider some of the reasons to choose an accredited online RN-to-DNP program:
- Ensures the education meets national standards
- Validates the students' educational preparation
- Necessary to practice as an APRN
- May be required to receive federal aid
- Most employers only hire graduates from an accredited program
- Better employment and advancement opportunities
- Credits may not transfer if you seek another non-nursing degree
Learn More About the Online RN-to-DNP Programs & Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UNC-Chapel Hill offers an RN-to-DNP program that emphasizes healthcare leadership and administration. The program features convenient asynchronous and synchronous coursework.
This full-time DNP program requires 66-75 credits. Courses cover evidence-based practice and research, critical appraisal of evidence, and applied data analysis. Graduates can apply for positions as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives.
You may need to attend 1-5 day campus immersion sessions each semester. Additionally, you must complete 420 hours of clinical rotations in administration, leadership, quality improvement, human resource management, and integrative residency.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $29,001 per year for North Carolina residents; $55,590 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited nursing program; 3.0 GPA; RN license; one year of paid clinical nursing experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019-2021): 95% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
University of Florida
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UF's nursing school offers a 75-78 credit online RN-to-DNP program that prepares you to work in adult gerontology, acute care, family nursing, pediatric acute care, pediatric primary care, or psychiatric-mental health.
Students take courses online, but must visit campus for the student orientation, health assessment, and simulation clinical experiences. With part-time and full-time options, the program covers advanced health assessments and diagnostic reasoning, health systems leadership, and physiology and pathophysiology.
Interested students must submit UF and nursing school applications.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Gainesville, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $448 per credit for Florida residents; $690 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited school; Minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license in Florida or compact state
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019): 95.93% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $92,885 for doctorate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1901, UVA's online RN-to-DNP program lets you choose a four-year, part-time plan or a three-year accelerated path to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Nursing students can concentrate their studies on adult-gerontology in acute care, family nursing, neonatal nursing, pediatric acute care or primary care, or psychiatric mental health.
Specific coursework depends on the track, but all students take advanced health assessments, pathophysiology, research and biostatistics processes, advanced pharmacology, and applied statistics. DNP graduates also must complete 1,000 clinical hours to satisfy practicum requirements.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Charlottesville, Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $506 per credit for Virginia residents; $1,032 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing or master's degree in nursing degree; Minimum 3.0 GPA; Complete undergraduate statistics course; RN license in Virginia; Two years of nursing experience; Three letters of recommendation; Resume; Official transcripts; Interview, if needed.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 33 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 93.1% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $117,572.00 for doctorate, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UCF's online RN to BSN program prepares graduates to become nurse practitioners who treat acute and critically ill patients. The hybrid program offers concentrations in adult gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, or family nursing.
Courses mostly operate online, but you will be expected to attend onsite intensives, labs, and clinical simulations. Examination reviews also require commuting to campus. You need to complete 76 credits and 1,080 clinical hours to earn a DNP. Topics explored in advanced practice core courses include advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, pathophysiological bases, health promotion, and pharmacology.
New cohorts begin every fall and you can study part time or full time.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Orlando, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $370 per credit for Florida residents; $1,194 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in nursing; RN license in Florida; Completed undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 32 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 96.64% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Duke University
- Durham, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Duke's online RN-to-DNP program trains graduates to become nurse practitioners, healthcare leaders or health informaticists in 3.5 years.
It takes 74 credits, more than 560 clinical hours, and eight DNP courses to complete this program. The online format lets you continue to work, although you must visit Duke once a semester for intensives and complete clinical experiences in person, albeit in your local area.
Courses explore quantitative methods, appraising and synthesizing for an evidence-based practice, quality improvement in organization settings, and data driven healthcare improvement. Each semester culminates with a DNP project.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Durham, North Carolina
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,984 per credit for North Carolina residents and for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree from an accredited school; Minimum 3.0 GPA; Resume; RN license; Completed undergraduate statistics course; Official transcripts; Three letters of recommendation; Personal statement; Virtual or phone interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 42 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019-2021): 95% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $116,541 for doctorate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Georgetown offers one of the top online RN-to-DNP programs with a focus on ethical leadership.
This program requires 69-74 credits and 2-3 clinical placements that students can complete in under three years. Students can find a clinical placement in their chosen specialty: adult gerontology in acute care, family nurse practitioner, dual nurse-midwifery and women's health, or women's health.
Courses cover organizational theory, health policy and advocacy, health care quality and safety, biostatistics and epidemiology, scholarly writing, and evidence-based practice. While full-time students graduate in eight 15-week terms, part-time students complete the program in 11 terms.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Washington, D.C.
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $2,358 per credit for Washington D.C. residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; RN license; Minimum 3.0 GPA; Minimum C grade in undergraduate statistics; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; One year of nursing experience.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 33 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019-2020): 96.88% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
John Hopkins offers an online RN-to-DNP program that lets registered nurses gain career mobility to become nurse practitioners in specialities areas. You can concentrate your studies on acute care or primary care adult gerontology, family nursing, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health.
The degree takes 3-4 years to complete, with only a full-time format available. Courses are offered online and in person. Students gain expertise in biostatistics, health finance, advanced pathophysiology and physiology, and clinical pharmacology. This program includes four project courses and practicums in settings of your chosen specialty.
To earn a DNP, you need to complete 78 credits, 784 acute care clinical hours, and 224 hours of practicum.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Baltimore, Maryland
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $51,669 per year for Maryland residents and out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor of nursing degree; Minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; One year of nursing experience; Three letters of recommendation; Official transcripts; Resume; Goal statement; Interview with faculty; Completed undergraduate statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021-2022): 85.71% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
With four specialty tracks, FIU's online RN-to-DNP program takes 10 semesters to train students to become advanced registered nurse practitioners. Nursing students choose from specialties in adult-gerontology primary care, family nursing, pediatric primary care, or psychiatric-mental health.
Depending on the nursing specialty, you need to complete 77-81 credits. The core coursework focuses on knowledge and hands-on experience in pharmacological concepts, research methods, pathophysiological concepts, patient safety and quality improvement in healthcare, health policy, and advanced health assessment.
FIU accepts applications from December through March.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Miami, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $48,394-$50,908 per year for Florida residents; $87,208-$91,738 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree; Minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license in Florida; 500-word personal statement; Resume; Three letters of recommendation; Official transcripts; Professional interview
- Minimum Time Commitment: 33 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2019): 92.74% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $108,649.00 for doctorate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
When you enroll in Ohio State's online RN-to-DNP program you gain specialized skills to work as a nurse practitioner. Specialty areas of study include adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family nursing, nurse midwifery, and neonatal, and psychiatric mental health, and pediatric acute care or primary care, and women's health.
This program requires 72 credits, but many specialties require additional credits. You must complete 500 hours in your specialty area and another 500 toward your DNP. How long it takes to graduate ranges from 3-4 years. Part-time options are available if you want to continue working throughout the program. However, you can expect to meet at set times during the week in the day or evening.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Columbus, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $73,220 in total for Ohio residents; $74,820 in total for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's in nursing degree or master's in nursing degree; RN license; Minimum 3.0 GPA; Complete undergraduate statistics with a minimum B- grade.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 93.31% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $104,749.00 for doctorate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
The Best Online RN-to-DNP Programs 2023
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stony Brook's online RN-to-DNP program educates nurse practitioners and midwives. The 87-credit DNP program offers tracks in adult-gerontology primary care, family nursing, pediatric-primary care, psychiatric-mental health, women's health, neonatal, and nurse midwifery.
The program only accepts advanced-standing students who are nurse practitioners or certified nurse midwives and hold a master's in nursing degree. MSN degree holders need to complete 42 credits, including 500 clinical hours. The program provides training in advanced knowledge of managing and analyzing data, biostatistics, genomics, and health policy and social justice.
- Program: Doctorate in nursing
- Campus: Stony Brook, New York
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,047 per credit for New York residents; $1,340 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Master's in nursing degree; RN license; BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Three letters of recommendation; Resume; Written statement; Interview, on request
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 95.5% first-time pass rate
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
How Online RN-to-DNP Programs Work
Online RN-to-DNP programs work differently than traditional in-person programs. One advantage of enrolling in an online program is that you can attend a program based anywhere in the U.S.
Online programs also offer greater flexibility. Students enjoy fewer challenges with commuting and the associated costs. However, they may find online learning platforms more challenging than in-person classroom experiences.
Students often must complete their program at one educational institution. While some schools allow students to transfer up to 15 credits from another school, most do not.
The logistics of your clinical experience in an online program vary from program to program. Some schools help you find placement and others do not. Some programs require in-person labs and others allow you to complete your skills check-off with your clinical preceptor.
Applying to an Online RN-to-DNP Program
Applications to an online RN-to-DNP program have standard requirements but the measurements may vary across programs. For instance, they all require a minimum GPA, but that minimum can vary.
To increase your chances for admission, begin your preparation for the admissions process early. Consider speaking with an admission counselor from the program to ensure you include not only the required documentation, but also that you meet optional conditions.
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Admission Requirements
Online RN-to-DNP programs require you have an unencumbered and active RN license, at least two years of experience as an RN, and some prerequisite coursework, including science courses and an upper-level statistics course.
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Admission Materials
Some programs require your National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores. All programs require you to have at least two years of experience, some programs require more. With your application, you submit fees, information for a background check, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
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GPA Requirement
Most programs require a 3.0 GPA but some require a 3.5. Talk with the admission counselor if your GPA is lower as some programs accept a GRE examination or strong work experience if your GPA does not meet the requirement.
Paying for Online RN-to-DNP Programs
Several factors affect the cost of an online RN-to-DNP program. These can include whether the school's costs for an online program are different for in-state and out-of-state students, the length of the program, and the cost per credit hour.
Each of these factors affects whether a student can pay out-of-pocket for the program. Students who can work through the program can also help cover their cost of living expenses.
Students have financial aid options that help cover costs. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement but you should consider what the employer asks in return. Some hospitals require you work for several years after graduation to help repay the debt.
DNP students may also apply for scholarships, grants, and student loans to help pay for their education. Each of these options has pros and cons that students must evaluate carefully.
Additionally, there are forgiveness programs that can reduce your debt. There are eligibility requirements for these programs and specifications you should understand before accepting the funds.
What Can You Do With a Degree from an RN-to-DNP Program?
A DNP degree prepares the graduate for a leadership role in administrative and clinical practice. Graduates are prepared to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice. APRNs fill roles in education, patient care, research, and leadership.
According to AACN, there are currently 407 DNP programs enrolling students, including online RN-to-DNP programs. The number of students enrolled rose by over 1,000 from 2020 to 2021.
While students may earn a BSN, then MSN, before enrolling in a DNP program, an online RN-to-DNP program can take less and be more cost-effective.
- 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, the average annual salary is $202,470.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): An FNP provides continuing and comprehensive healthcare across all body systems, diseases, ages, and genders. According to the AANP, the average annual salary is $107,000.
- Nurse Administrator: These leaders supervise nurses and other members of the healthcare team. They can be employed anywhere nurses caring for patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary is $119,840.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online RN-to-DNP Programs
How long does it take to complete an RN-to-DNP program?
RN-to-DNP programs can take full-time students 3-6 years to complete. However, this ultimately depends on the student's educational and professional history, and their chosen specialization. Online learners who hold a master's degree or bachelor's degree can graduate more quickly than those with an associate degree.
Are RN-to-DNP bridge programs hard?
RN-to-DNP bridge programs challenge prospective students with a competitive admissions process. Before entering the program, DNP students must complete prerequisite courses and, sometimes, volunteer hours. While online programs allow students to work while they study, the rigorous coursework poses a challenge. Additionally, online learners must complete about 1,000 clinical hours to graduate.
What are the advantages to earning a DNP online?
An online DNP allows you to consider programs outside your community, with no need to relocate or commute. Some programs offer asynchronous lectures students can watch at any time.
Is it worth getting a DNP?
Most nurses find getting a DNP a very valuable investment that is well worth the time and money. DNP-holders have higher salaries, more professional autonomy, and excellent job prospects.
Page last reviewed November 2, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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