The Best Online BSN-to-DNP Programs
What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?
A doctorate in nursing, also known as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), is a terminal degree that demonstrates advanced clinical expertise and a commitment to translating research into practice. Registered nurses who earn their DNP often serve in leadership, education, or direct patient care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
DNP programs usually take between three to four years to complete for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Nurses who possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) could complete a DNP in as little as one year, depending on the selected specialty.
All DNP programs require students to complete a capstone project as part of the course requirements. These capstone projects focus on current nursing practice and usually include an extensive essay and a research-based presentation which are presented at the end of the program. Students are not expected to conduct original research for their capstone project, instead relying on existing research to support their ideas. Capstone projects give students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned throughout their DNP program to address a current issue within today’s healthcare environment.
DNP Specialty Options
DNP programs will offer either an APRN or non-APRN concentration. The concentration you choose for your DNP is very important, as it can significantly impact your career opportunities going forward. Common examples of APRN tracks include:
However, if you do not wish to go the clinical route, there are DNP concentrations available in non-APRN specialties. These may include:
If you chose an APRN track for your DNP and are not already licensed as an APRN, you will be required to take an additional licensure examination after graduation. If you obtain a DNP with a non-APRN track, you are not required to take any additional exams in order to work within that specialty.
Can I Complete a BSN-to-DNP Program Entirely Online?
Unfortunately, you cannot. Unlike the PhD in Nursing, which is primarily research-based, a DNP is practice-based. This means you will be required to complete a certain number of in-person clinical or practicum hours in order to satisfy your degree requirements. The amount of hours needed varies by specialty, with APRN tracks typically requiring far more clinical hours compared to non-APRN tracks.
When researching DNP programs, it is important to determine whether the program requires a minimum of a BSN or MSN for enrollment. Some DNP programs will only accept students who already have an MSN, while others have BSN-to-DNP bridge programs specifically designed for the bachelor’s-prepared nurse. BSN-to-DNP programs will take longer to complete compared to MSN-to-DNP programs.
Most BSN-to-DNP programs are offered in a hybrid format. Classwork is typically completed entirely online, while hands-on experiences must be completed in person.
The following five online BSN-to-DNP programs are considered some of the best in the country for students who are looking for both flexibility and a quality doctoral education:
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (6 specializations), Nurse
Anesthesia, Certified Nurse Specialist, Executive
Accredited? Yes
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing offers nine different DNP concentrations to choose from. The DNP programs focus on advancing clinical judgment through intensive immersive clinical experiences with faculty oversight.
Johns Hopkins’s DNP programs take most students 3-4 years to complete. The Nurse Practitioner and Executive tracks offer online coursework with required “immersion” experiences on campus. Students must also complete dedicated clinical hours at healthcare facilities for all APRN tracks.
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Waco, Texas
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (5 specializations), Nurse-Midwifery, Executive Nurse Leadership
Accredited? Yes
Baylor University offers seven different DNP concentrations for nurses who are seeking the highest-degree preparation for practice. Baylor also offers clinical placement assistance to all of its DNP students. Coursework is offered entirely online, but in-person clinical practicum hours are required for APRN tracks. The minimum time commitment for obtaining a DNP from Baylor is between three to four years.
The Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nursing Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia
Accredited? Yes
Bellarmine University offers two different BSN-to-DNP concentrations to students. The Nursing Leadership track can be completed entirely online, while the Nurse Anesthesia track requires in-person clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. Each track takes roughly three years to complete.
The Lansing School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences at Bellarmine is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Statesboro and Armstrong, Georgia
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (4 specializations)
Accredited? Yes
Georgia Southern University offers four different nurse practitioner tracks for
BSN-prepared students who wish to pursue a DNP. Georgia Southern’s DNP programs take approximately three years of full-time study to complete. Coursework is completed online, but clinical hours must be completed in person at a healthcare facility.
The Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Gainesville, Florida
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (6 specializations)
Accredited? Yes
The University of Florida offers six different DNP nurse practitioner tracks, each of which takes approximately 3 years to complete. Classes are web-based and campus visits are kept to a minimum. However, students are still required to complete in-person clinical hours to fulfill degree requirements, as well as an on-campus orientation and project thesis presentation.
The University of Florida College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
