The Best Online DNP Programs
Registered nurses (RNs) provide advanced nursing care to patients in a variety of settings and are irreplaceable members of the healthcare team. Many RNs choose to further their education by pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP degree is one of the highest degrees a nurse can obtain in the nursing profession, and having one can open many career doors.
What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that signifies advanced clinical competency and a commitment to translating current research into nursing practice. Registered nurses who earn their DNP serve in a variety of important roles, including leadership, education, or direct patient care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)-prepared nurses could complete a DNP in as little as one year, depending on their chosen specialty. However, it typically takes between 2-3 years of full-time study to complete a DNP. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses can expect to spend around 3-4 years on their studies when pursuing a DNP.
A key component of all DNP programs is the capstone project. Capstone projects must focus on a current issue within nursing practice, and they usually include a substantial essay and a presentation, both of which are presented at the end of the program. Students do not conduct their own original research for the capstone project. Instead, they utilize existing research to support their proposals. Capstone projects provide an opportunity for students to relate what they’ve learned throughout their DNP program to address a current issue within today’s healthcare setting and propose potential solutions.
DNP Specialty Options
When enrolling in a DNP program, you usually have a choice between an APRN or non-APRN concentration. The track you choose for your DNP degree is critical, as it can drastically affect your career path going forward. Here are some common examples of APRN tracks:
However, there are non-APRN specializations available if you do not wish to go the clinical route. These may include:
You will be required to take an additional licensure examination after graduation if you choose an APRN track for your DNP and are not already licensed as an APRN. If you choose a non-APRN track, you do not have to take any additional exams in order to work in that specialty.
Can I Complete a DNP Program Entirely Online?
Usually, no, but there are a few exceptions. Unlike a PhD in Nursing, which is primarily research-based, a DNP is practice-based. Practice-based degrees require students to complete a certain number of in-person clinical hours in order to satisfy degree requirements. Although the amount of hours required varies by specialty, APRN tracks usually require far more clinical hours compared to non-APRN tracks.
Most DNP programs are offered in a hybrid format. Classwork is typically completed entirely online, while hands-on clinical experiences must be completed in person, either on campus or in a healthcare facility. The specific types of hands-on experiences vary by school, program, and specialty. Some non-APRN tracks do not require any in-person clinical hours and thus can be completed entirely online.
The following five online MSN-to-DNP programs are considered some of the best in the country for students who are looking for a quality hybrid doctoral education:
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (6 specializations), Nurse Anesthesia, Certified Nurse Specialist, Executive
Accredited? Yes
The DNP program at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing prepares students for an advanced nursing career in approximately three years of full-time study. The program is open to students who hold either a BSN or MSN degree. All DNP tracks feature online coursework with required on-site immersion experiences. APRN tracks also require clinical hours to be completed in person at a healthcare facility.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia program is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Location: New York, New York
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (5 specializations), Nurse Midwifery, Nurse Anesthesia
Accredited? Yes
Columbia University offers DNP tracks for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. The DNP program usually takes between 2-3 years of full-time study to complete. All DNP tracks offer online coursework, but in-person clinical hours are required either on campus or at a healthcare facility.
Columbia University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Midwifery program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). The Nurse Anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Location: Durham, North Carolina
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Anesthesia, Advanced Nursing Practice
Accredited? Yes
Duke University School of Nursing offers two paths to obtaining a DNP: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP. Both programs feature distance-based online learning with on-campus intensives. In-person clinical hours are also necessary to fulfill degree requirements. The DNP program usually takes approximately 2-3 years to complete.
Duke University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia program is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Practitioner (8 specializations)
Accredited? Yes
The DNP program at Emory University is available to nurses with either a BSN or MSN degree. The program offers online coursework and takes around 2-3 years of full-time study to complete. Students are required to complete a certain number of in-person clinical hours to meet degree requirements.
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The Nurse Anesthesia program is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (3 specializations), Advanced Clinical Practice, Advanced Systems Practice, Executive Leadership
Accredited? Yes
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offers several DNP concentrations to nurses who hold either a BSN or MSN degree. The DNP program features online coursework with on-campus intensive sessions and in-person clinical experiences. Each track takes approximately 2-3 years of full-time study to complete.
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
