Best Online DNP Programs

A doctorate in nursing can position graduates for some of the most advanced roles in the nursing field. Professionals who want to pursue a doctorate can choose between the research-based Ph.D. and the more clinical-focused doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Both degrees give graduates access to similar career opportunities. However, the clinical emphasis in DNP programs has made these pathways popular with nurses who wish to continue working with patients. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 350 DNP programs currently enroll students nationwide. An additional 106 programs are in the planning stages.

Here, we describe online DNP programs and what students can expect during and after their studies.

The terminal degree for practice-focused nurses, a DNP may qualify graduates for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions and leadership roles. In fact, in 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties suggested replacing the MSN degree with the DNP as the minimum educational requirement for entry-level nurse practitioners by 2025.

In addition to providing students with more practical training, DNP programs also usually differ from Ph.D. programs in length. DNP programs can take 1-4 years to complete compared to 3-5 years for a Ph.D.

Online learners may have access to accelerated options and be able to save money on travel and additional fees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate school during the 2018-2019 academic year was $19,314.

An MSN degree qualifies nurses for specialized APRN positions, but a DNP equips them to take on leadership and senior-level roles as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 45% growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners between 2020 and 2030 — much faster than the 8% average growth projected across all occupations. As of May 2020, these professionals earned an average median salary of $117,670.

Compared to DNPs, MSN degrees are often more affordable and graduates enjoy access to many APRN careers. However, DNP graduates often have better career prospects and higher earning potential. The top 10% of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners earn over $190,900 annually.

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

A BSN-DNP provides master’s- and doctoral-level training in one program. Students often finish these degrees in 3-5 years, earning between 60-100 credits. Learners can also choose an APRN specialty, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.

In addition to research and classroom study, these programs typically require significant clinical experience, often exceeding 1,000 hours in total. Prospective students should already possess a BSN degree, along with valid RN licensure in most cases. Some programs may require applicants to have prior professional experience. Students pursuing certain specialties will also need to accrue postgraduate experience for certification and licensure.

DNP program concentrations typically fall into two categories: direct and indirect care. Direct care concentrations cover specialties in which nurses work with patients in clinical settings; in these settings they may diagnose and treat illnesses. Indirect concentrations emphasize more administrative and system-focused roles. Below are some examples of these two types of concentrations.

An MSN-DNP program provides students with administration, leadership, policy, and advanced practice training. Learners usually complete 30-45 credits in 1-3 years of full-time study and over 500 hours of clinical experience (in most cases). While not as research-heavy as Ph.D. programs, learners may be assigned research and scholarly projects.

Some programs offer tracks for various specialties, along with clinical practice, leadership, and advanced systems specializations. For admission, prospective students need an MSN. They may also need valid APRN licensure, depending on their program. Some programs may require professional experience, and postgraduate experience may be required for certification and licensure.

RN-DNP programs provide a pathway for nurses to earn a doctorate via undergraduate- and graduate-level study. Depending on a student’s previous academic experience these programs can take 5-8 years to complete. Students must often earn more than 110 credits and 1,000 hours of clinical experience to graduate. Many of these programs offer concentration options in areas such as executive leadership, administration, and APRN specialities.

For admission, prospective students need valid RN licensure and a diploma or associate degree in nursing.

To qualify for accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, online DNP programs must cover eight essentials. DNP programs must also teach students about appropriate content and provide experiential components for the specializations they offer. The next section describes each of these program essentials.

The training must provide students with a solid academic and theoretical foundation for nursing practice. The program should teach students to apply nursing science and science-based concepts to their work to improve care delivery and outcomes.

Training should prepare graduates to develop and evaluate processes, systems, and strategies based on nursing science, the needs of their patients, and the quality standards of the profession.

Graduates must gain the skills needed to analyze research, literature, and evidence to implement improved practices and processes. They should also be able to disseminate information and develop and evaluate patient-centered care approaches based on their findings.

Graduates should be taught to use technology to monitor and evaluate health outcomes and health information sources. They must also learn to oversee healthcare information systems and handle any potential legal and ethical concerns that may come up.

The training must equip graduates to analyze healthcare policies and work toward improving them for the benefit of the profession. This may include offering education, leadership, and advocacy on the topic.

Graduates need to be equipped with leadership skills to establish and oversee interprofessional teams that can improve care systems and processes. They require the communication and teamwork skills needed to create positive team-based outcomes.

The training must prepare graduates to analyze scientific data on population health in order to improve health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Students also need to learn how to critique, evaluate, and improve current models and programs.

Programs need to equip students with the skills necessary to improve patient outcomes and interventions by using nursing science, clinical judgement, and evidence-based care. Learners should also be able to lead and educate other nurses and healthcare professionals through various situations.

An online DNP degree can lead to many different careers. Though some employers and organizations prefer this level of training, a DNP degree is not an employment requirement for most nursing positions. However, it can lead to higher wages and more career opportunities in the field. Additionally, academic settings may prefer candidates with a Ph.D., but applicants with DNPs can still qualify for employment at some institutions.

Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialized care to patients, assessing their condition and offering treatment strategies to improve their health. Depending on their state, they may prescribe medications. These professionals typically need an MSN at minimum, along with state licensure and certification from an approved national organization.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $111,680

Clinical nurse researchers conduct and study healthcare and nursing research to improve healthcare outcomes, processes, and policies. They perform clinical trials and publish or present their findings for translational practice purposes. Depending on their employers and workplace settings, these researchers may need a DNP or Ph.D.

Average Annual Salary (September 2021): $72,450

Nurse midwives work with people who give birth — typically before, during, and after pregnancies. They provide information, examinations, and planning strategies, along with assistance during the birthing or cesarean section procedures. A nurse midwife needs an MSN at minimum, along with the nurse-midwife credential and appropriate state licensure.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $111,130

Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and pain management services during medical procedures. They also offer information about the process and monitor the patient’s progress after receiving the anesthesia. A nurse anesthetist needs at least an MSN, plus the certified registered nurse anesthetists credential and state licensure.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $183,580

Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with patients managing mental health concerns. They can give diagnoses, provide medical treatments, and prescribe medications in most states. They often provide more generalized services than psychiatrists. Psychiatric nurse practitioners usually must have an MSN at minimum to practice.

Average Annual Salary (September 2021): $111,570

While teaching and research careers do not usually require licensure or certification, clinical nursing professionals typically need both. Certification comes from national third-party organizations and verifies that the credential-holder meets the industry’s professional standards. Licensure comes from the state’s nursing board and verifies the candidate meets the state’s requirements.

MSN and DNP degree-holders often pursue various APRN certifications, which require them to pass corresponding certification exams. Exam eligibility typically includes a graduate nursing degree, RN licensure, and professional experience. For example, the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists and the American Midwifery Certification Board offer certifications for nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.

Nurse practitioners have more certification options available to them. Many national organizations offer certification in a variety of specialties. NPs may pursue credentials to practice as acute care nurse practitioners, cardiac nurse practitioners, or family nurse practitioners. While state licensure is mandatory for nurse practitioners, certification for specialties are not. However, they may improve employment opportunities.