The Best Online MSN-to-DNP Programs
What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?
For those looking to advance their career in nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an excellent choice. This terminal degree is the highest level of educational training a nurse can receive in the nursing profession. While a DNP degree is a doctoral degree, nurse practitioners (NPs) are not considered physicians or other types of medical doctors. However, obtaining a DNP showcases advanced clinical competency and a commitment to translating research into practice. Registered nurses (RNs) who earn their DNP are well-equipped to serve in direct patient care, education, research, and leadership roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
If you have already received your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you could feasibly complete a DNP in as little as one year, depending on the specialty you choose to pursue. Realistically, though, it generally takes between two to three years of full-time study to complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
As part of the requirements for completion, all DNP programs mandate students to undertake a capstone project. The goal of the project is to introduce the methods you will use to deliver care, educate others in your chosen specialty, and demonstrate your ability to practice and lead others at the highest level of clinical nursing practice. Capstone projects vary from school to school but generally include an extensive essay and a comprehensive presentation that is given at the end of the program. Capstone projects are beneficial as they allow students to present the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the DNP program and apply them to real-life problems and issues in healthcare.
DNP Specialty Options
When researching DNP programs, it is important to consider whether you want to focus on an APRN or non-APRN concentration. The track you choose will have a significant impact on your career trajectory. Common APRN tracks include:
If clinical work does not appeal to you, there are non-APRN specializations to consider. These include:
There is one thing to keep in mind. If you choose an APRN track for your DNP and you are not yet licensed as an APRN, you will be required to take an additional licensure exam after graduation. However, if you choose a non-APRN track, no additional exams are required to work in that specialty.
Can I Complete an MSN-to-DNP Program Entirely Online?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to complete an MSN-to-DNP program entirely online as a DNP is practice-based. This means that students are required to complete a specific number of in-person clinical hours to meet the degree’s requirements. The number of hours varies on the chosen specialty, with APRN tracks generally requiring more clinical hours compared to non-APRN tracks.
Typically, MSN-to-DNP programs are offered in a hybrid format, with classwork completed entirely online and hands-on clinical experiences completed in person at a healthcare facility or on campus. The specific requirements will vary by program, school, and specialty.
If you are looking for a flexible, top-quality doctoral education, these five online MSN-DNP programs are considered among the best in the United States:
Location: Chicago, Illinois
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (7 specializations), Nurse Anesthesia, Public Health, Transformative Leadership: Population Health, Transformative Leadership: Systems
Accredited? Yes
Rush University’s College of Nursing offers an impressive 11 different DNP concentrations to choose from. The tracks take between 2-4 years to complete for master’s-prepared RNs, depending on the specialty and whether you pursue full- or part-time study.
APRN concentrations are offered via a hybrid model, with online coursework and required in-person clinical experiences. The public health and leadership tracks can be completed entirely online.
Rush University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Washington, D.C.
DNP Concentrations Offered: Leadership: Systems
Accredited? Yes
The Post-Master’s DNP program at Georgetown University is specifically designed for APRNs who want to focus on leadership at the systems level.
The curriculum is offered in a part-time program of study and can be completed in approximately twenty months. Coursework is completed online, but students are required to attend on-campus “executive sessions” and complete a certain number of clinical hours.
Georgetown University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Seattle, Washington
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (6 specializations), Nurse-Midwifery, Clinical Nurse Specialist (2 specializations), Population Health & Systems Leadership
Accredited? Yes
The University of Washington School of Nursing offers 10 different DNP tracks to choose from, all of which are conducted in a hybrid learning format.
All curriculums are offered through full-time study only and can be completed in approximately two to three years. The curriculum includes both distance-based learning and required in-person attendance either on campus or at various clinical sites.
The University of Washington School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nursing Practice
Accredited? Yes
The Belmont University School of Nursing offers a Post-Master’s DNP program designed to prepare students for the next level of leadership, advocacy, and scholarship.
The program is offered in a hybrid format with online coursework and in-person classes held four weekends each semester. Students are also guaranteed DNP project placement sites at local healthcare facilities. The program can be completed in approximately two years.
The Inman College of Nursing at Belmont University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Orlando, Florida
DNP Concentrations Offered: Nurse Practitioner (3 specializations), Advanced Practice, Executive
Accredited? Yes
The online DNP program at the University of Central Florida provides preparation to post-master’s students for clinical leadership roles. The college offers three different nurse practitioner tracks, a general advanced practice track for students who are already APRNs, and an executive leadership track.
Coursework is offered online, but in-person campus and clinical time may be needed in order to fulfill degree requirements. The University of Central Florida College of Nursing offers either part-time or full-time enrollment for all of its DNP programs.
The University of Central Florida College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
