Online MSN-to-DNP Programs
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- What to Look For
- Program Accreditation
- Best MSN-to-DNP Programs and Schools
- Applying to MSN-to-DNP Programs
- Paying for MSN-to-DNP Programs
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: andresr / E+ / Getty ImagesIf you are working as an advanced practice nurse (APRN) and want to earn your doctor of nursing practice (DNP), an online MSN-to-DNP program can help you maintain a work-study-life balance. A DNP can help you advance your current specialty, teach at a prestigious school, or enter a new specialty, such as nurse anesthesia, the highest-paying nursing specialty.
Learn more about the top online MSN-to-DNP programs, how to apply and pay for your education, and what type of work you can do.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN-to-DNP 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.
Keep reading to learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our list of the best online MSN-to-DNP programs.
Popular DNP Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in an Online MSN-to-DNP Program
Selecting the right MSN-to-DNP program means ensuring how well a program matches your goals and interests. The following are some of the most critical points to consider, all of which contribute to our overall ranking of best programs.
Specializations
Like MSN programs, on-campus and online MSN-to-DNP programs require a specialization. Different schools offer different specializations. Family practice, nursing leadership, nurse education, and nurse anesthesia are just a few of the most popular options.
Program Curriculum
The curriculum varies by program, but generally includes more of an emphasis on research and publishing than MSN programs. However, DNP programs still emphasize nursing practice, while Ph.D. programs emphasize academic applications.
Clinical Experience
Clinical rotations are a key element of every MSN-to-DNP program. Factors, such as the clinical format, the amount of time required for clinicals, the placement process, and whether master’s or post-master’s program hours are accepted can influence whether a specific program is right for you.
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited program ensures that you receive a quality education, as confirmed by an independent review authority. It also ensures that you are eligible for financial aid, can transfer credits if necessary, and meet employer requirements.
Program Length
Before applying to any program, make sure you know how long it will take to complete, whether you can study full or part time, and the number of credits required to graduate.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate for an online MSN-to-DNP program, especially in context of the clinical board pass rates, can show whether students are likely to succeed. A school with high pass rates and graduation rates indicates that accepted students receive the education and support they need.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Online learning formats vary, with some programs offering asynchronous coursework that can be completed on your schedule, and others requiring attendance at scheduled lectures and discussions. Depending on your schedule and level of comfort with online learning, one option may be better for you.
Why Is MSN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?
Selecting an accredited MSN-to-DNP program is critical. Accreditation means an established, nongovernmental authority has evaluated the program to ensure it meets professional education standards and prepares nurses for successful practice.
Accreditation signals to prospective students, employers, the public, and financial aid organizations that the program will set students up for career success.
All of the programs in our rankings are accredited. You can be assured that:
- You will receive a quality education.
- You can transfer credits between programs if you decide to change schools or your degree path.
- You will qualify for federal financial aid.
- You will meet employer qualifications, which typically include a degree from an accredited program.
- You will be eligible to apply to graduate-level programs. Most will not accept applicants with degrees from unaccredited programs.
Learn More About Online MSN-to-DNP Programs & Schools
Georgetown University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,384
- Out-of-state$57,384
- In-State$53,136
- Out-of-state$53,136
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate17%
- Students Enrolled19,371
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled71,881
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Charlottesville, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,772
- Out-of-state$49,819
- In-State$17,076
- Out-of-state$28,604
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled25,628
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Frontier Nursing University
- Versailles, KY
- 4 year
- Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$18,617
- Out-of-state$18,617
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,436
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Michigan State University
- East Lansing, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,555
- Out-of-state$40,384
- In-State$18,858
- Out-of-state$37,056
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled49,695
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
- Peoria, IL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$21,287
- Out-of-state$21,287
- In-State$8,460
- Out-of-state$8,460
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled466
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,551
- Out-of-state$40,551
- In-State$19,370
- Out-of-state$19,370
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled21,922
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Sacred Heart University
- Fairfield, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,080
- Out-of-state$44,080
- In-State$34,806
- Out-of-state$34,806
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,313
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,568
- Out-of-state$24,056
- In-State$7,752
- Out-of-state$21,032
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled27,562
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
The Catholic University of America
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$48,600
- Out-of-state$48,600
- In-State$49,680
- Out-of-state$49,680
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled5,366
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
What to Expect in an Online MSN-to-DNP Program
Depending on the specific online MSN-to-DNP program, classes may be synchronous (all students attend and participate at the same time) or asynchronous (students view recorded lectures and participate in online discussion at a time that works for them). Courses might meet weekly or more often.
If you are new to online nursing school, attending an online MSN-to-DNP program may require some adjustment. You may need to find local clinical placement for yourself, though most programs provide support.
In addition to specialties like family practice, nurse anesthesia, or psychiatric mental health nursing, you can also attend an online MSN-to-DNP program for clinical nurse specialists, nurse leaders, or nurse educators. Because a DNP is the terminal degree for nursing practice, the curriculum prepares you to be a top authority on nursing practice in that specialty. A DNP program typically requires at least 30 credits. Some schools require a research thesis, while others ask for a capstone project.
Applying to an Online MSN-to-DNP Program
Doctoral programs are competitive, and the admission requirements are rigorous. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their academics and career. They can prove this commitment with their practice history, graduate GPA, and other admissions materials.
Although every program has its own standards, and requirements may vary, you can expect some variation of the following:
- Admission Requirements: MSN degrees from an accredited program, a current valid registered nurse (RN) license from the state where the program is located (or a Nurse Licensure Compact state) and a minimum of one year of nursing experience
- Admission Materials: Transcripts, letters of recommendation, required test scores (may include GRE, NCLEX, or school-specific exams), writing sample, personal statement, CV or resume, school-specific forms (such as background check authorizations, and proof of residency)
- GPA Requirement: Most programs require an MSN GPA of 3.0 or higher
Paying for Online MSN-to-DNP Programs
The cost of an online MSN-to-DNP program varies based on whether the school is public or private and, if it is a public school, whether you are eligible for in-state rates. Some online MSN-to-DNP programs charge all students the same rate, which is typically closer to an in-state rate.
You have many options for paying for your degree. During your studies, you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, or loans. If this financial aid does not cover enough of your costs, or you have a heavy loan burden when you graduate, you can look into loan forgiveness programs. You may be eligible for partial or complete loan forgiveness if you work in a medically-underserved area after you graduate.
What Can You Do After a MSN-to-DNP?
A DNP is a terminal degree in nursing. Because it is a practice-based degree (in contrast to a Ph.D., which is a research-based degree), DNPs receive the highest levels of clinical knowledge and expertise.
In addition to positioning nurses for advanced practice nursing, the DNP program’s health policy and leadership focus puts nurses on track for high-paying leadership roles.
Although an MSN is the current requirement for advanced practice nursing certification, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has voted to recommend a DNP as the minimum requirement for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses.
Doctoral-level nurses also play an important role in improving the quality of nursing care through roles in leadership and nursing education.
Check out some of the common DNP roles in responsibilities in different settings.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators train nursing students and support professional development of nursing staff. They commonly work in hospital settings, colleges, and universities. Nurse educators often need a DNP to teach at the master’s level and above, or to pursue tenure as a professor.
Median Salary (Source: BLS)
$86,530
Job Outlook (2021-2031)
+22%
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide care for patients with psychiatric or mental health needs in hospitals, outpatient clinics, psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. They diagnose and prescribe treatment in collaboration with physicians and other providers.
Median Salary (Source: Payscale)
$119,765
Job Outlook (2022-2032)
+38%
Certified Nurse-Midwife
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are healthcare providers who primarily work with pregnant people throughout all stages of pregnancy and childbirth. However, they also provide routine gynecological care to patients throughout their lives, from adolescence through menopause.
Median Salary (Source: BLS)
$131,570
Job Outlook (2022-2032)
+38%
Nurse Anesthetist
Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA) administer anesthesia during surgical procedures. This includes performing physical assessments and monitoring patient condition throughout the procedure. Beginning in 2025, nurse anesthetists will be required to hold a DNP.
Median Salary (Source: BLS)
$214,200
Job Outlook (2022-2032)
+38%
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN-to-DNP Programs
Can you earn a DNP online?
Some programs offer an entirely online option to earn a DNP. However, most also require in-person clinical rotations, campus residency periods, or projects that require in-person work. The amount of online vs. in-person work varies by specialty.
How long does it take to go from MSN to DNP?
Program lengths vary, but the average full-time student can earn a DNP in 1-2 years. Part-time students can earn the degree in about three years.
How hard is it to get a DNP?
Doctoral programs are challenging and can require rigorous study. You should expect to complete evidence-based coursework and a capstone project demonstrating advanced nursing knowledge and expertise. However, experienced nurses committed to furthering their education often find their studies interesting, and there is plenty of support to help them succeed.
Why are nurses encouraged to earn a DNP?
As nursing and medicine become more complex, groups like the American Academy of Colleges of Nursing are advocating for more nurses to become DNPs and for the DNP degree to become a requirement for advanced practice nursing. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has declared that by 2025, all APRN programs should lead to a DNP.
Earning a DNP can also be an investment in your career. If you want to teach or lead a team or a department, having a DNP can be a major differentiator between you and a candidate with an MSN. It can also make you an authority in your specialty and negotiate a higher salary or promotion.
Related MSN-to-DNP Resources
Page last reviewed on April 9, 2024. The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.