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Online DNP Programs of 2024

Nalea Ko, MFA
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Updated February 12, 2024
Edited by
Reviewed by
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Explore the top online DNP programs. Learn about on-campus requirements, accreditation, cost, and program length while choosing your next career step.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

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A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) can help you advance to the highest levels of leadership in various healthcare settings. This practice-based, terminal degree has become the preferred credential for administrative and educational positions and increasingly serves as the entry-level educational requirement for nurse practitioner roles.

This guide explores online DNP programs offered in 2024. DNP graduates have strong employment opportunities and high earning potential.

Explore career paths, common coursework in online DNP programs, application requirements, and financial aid information.

“Earning my DNP was one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences of my life.”

Melissa Plummer, DNP, MHI, RN

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Online DNP Programs

Online DNP Programs of 2024

Georgetown University

  • Location-markerWashington, DC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$59,784
  • Out-of-state$59,784
  • Retention Rate98%
  • Acceptance Rate12%
  • Students Enrolled20,935
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

Johns Hopkins University

  • Location-markerBaltimore, MD
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$58,720
  • Out-of-state$58,720
  • Retention Rate96%
  • Acceptance Rate8%
  • Students Enrolled32,049
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment80%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

Ohio State University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerColumbus, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$11,018
  • Out-of-state$34,101
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled61,677
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Central Florida

  • Location-markerOrlando, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$4,478
  • Out-of-state$19,810
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate36%
  • Students Enrolled70,310
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment9%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Florida

  • Location-markerGainesville, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$4,477
  • Out-of-state$25,694
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate30%
  • Students Enrolled55,781
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

  • Location-markerAnn Arbor, MI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$16,865
  • Out-of-state$54,769
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate20%
  • Students Enrolled50,278
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Location-markerChapel Hill, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$7,019
  • Out-of-state$34,882
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate20%
  • Students Enrolled31,641
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Pennsylvania

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$54,652
  • Out-of-state$54,652
  • Retention Rate98%
  • Acceptance Rate6%
  • Students Enrolled28,038
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment20%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

University of Virginia-Main Campus

  • Location-markerCharlottesville, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$16,547
  • Out-of-state$50,518
  • Retention Rate97%
  • Acceptance Rate21%
  • Students Enrolled26,005
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment24%
  • AccreditationYes
Online DNP Programs of 2024

Wake Forest University

  • Location-markerWinston-Salem, NC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$58,708
  • Out-of-state$58,708
  • Retention Rate94%
  • Acceptance Rate25%
  • Students Enrolled8,947
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment16%
  • AccreditationYes

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online DNP programs, making it easier 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.


Nurse Featured Online DNP Programs

NurseJournal asked Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW to review each of 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.

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.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke arrow-narrow-right


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.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke arrow-narrow-right


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.”

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Meet Clarke arrow-narrow-right


Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our data-driven ranking of the best online DNP programs.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Online DNP Program

When researching nursing schools, consider the key factors that differentiate 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 advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializations, such as adult gerontology or nurse midwifery. Other programs have non-clinical specializations in management and executive leadership for nurse educators.


Clinical Experience

While online DNP programs take place 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.


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 and asynchronous 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 — such as online DNP programs — receive accreditation after independent accrediting agencies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 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 registered nurses for expanded professional roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and research. The DNP curriculum, which typically requires 30 credits, follows standards defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing that focus on leadership in evidence-based nursing practice. Students learn how to evaluate evidence to guide clinical decision-making and improve quality care.

Both campus-based and online DNP programs offer specializations that align with particular career interests. Popular specialties include family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and certified registered nurse anesthetist. Some programs offer nurse administrator, nursing informatics, and nurse educator concentrations.

Online DNP programs may offer asynchronous plans of study that provide 24-hour access to course materials, or more structured synchronous 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 their 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.

  • checkAdmission 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.
  • checkAdmission 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 and hold a current RN license.
  • checkGPA Requirement: Admitted DNP students often hold at least a 3.0 GPA. To show proof of their grades, applicants must submit graduate and undergraduate transcripts with their applications.

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 to complete. The average cost of completing your online DNP at one of these schools included in our ranking ranges $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.

To cover unexpected college costs, DNP students can access financial aid options, 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. After earning a DNP, nurses become certified registered nurse anesthetists, chief nursing officers, and nurse practitioners, or they can pursue other healthcare leadership roles. They can work in academia as professors, clinical directors, and clinical researchers.

DNP courses focus on quality improvement and patient safety, health policy, health sciences statistics, organizational and systems management, and scholarly writing. DNP students also complete 500-1,000 clinical hours.

Some DNP careers include:

  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs collaborate with doctors, surgeons, and dentists to monitor patients under anesthesia and other medications before, during, and after surgery. They conduct patient assessments before surgery, administer medication during surgery, and help create pain management plans for patients recovering from an operation. According to the BLS, CRNAs earned an average salary of $205,770 in 2022.
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP): NPs specialize in areas of nursing in graduate school and later take certifications in family nursing, adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, and women’s health. According to the BLS, CRNAs earned an average salary of $124,680 in 2022.
  • Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): In hospitals, outpatient care facilities, physician offices, and nursing homes, CNOs lead teams of healthcare clinicians. CNOs handle the onboarding of new nurses and oversee staff to carry out the healthcare strategic plans. According to Payscale, CNOs earn an average salary of $141,750 as of November 2023.

In 2023, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties reaffirmed the decision to make a DNP the minimum requirement for APRN roles by 2025 to improve healthcare outcomes and elevate nursing practice as a whole. While state licensing requirements currently require an MSN, it is expected that some may begin to make the shift to requiring a DNP in the near future.


Frequently Asked Questions About Online DNP Programs

Full-time DNP students with an MSN can graduate within 1-2 years. Students with a BSN can earn a DNP degree in 3-4 years. Part-time students often take twice as long to complete online DNP programs.


Related DNP Resources


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by NurseJournal. Page last reviewed August 8, 2023. The nurse featured programs were reviewed by Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW, on February 5, 2024.