Here is a list if you are interested in accredited doctor-of-nursing practice schools.
In today’s world, especially in the United States, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is quite a demanding profession.
The DNP program is the highest level of training in terms of education a nurse can receive. As a nurse who wishes to earn a good living from her career by rising through the ranks, we recommend enrolling in DNP programs.
COMPARE: NP Degree vs. DNP Degree
Doctorate Degree in Nursing Programs
Do you know that a Doctor of Nursing Practice has professional leadership roles in nursing? Not just this alone; your DNP degree will undoubtedly impact your community positively.
Since the DNP program is the highest level of education in the nursing field, nurses who wish to advance in their careers are advised to enroll in DNP programs.
This guide will give you detailed requirements, prerequisites, the duration of DNP programs, how much it will cost a nurse to enroll in a DNP program, etc.
Earning a DNP Degree
DNP degree programs present comprehensive coursework with over 40 credit units and about 500 hours of clinical practice.
This amounts to 3 or 4 years of study for a BSN-DNP program and 2 or 3 years for an MSN-DNP program. There is also a Post-master’s DNP available to professionals who are administrators.
These different program options all have varying costs depending on the study institution’s duration.
However, according to this article, the MSN-DNP program option will likely cost about $30,000, whereas the BSN-DNP program will cost about $58,000.
Introductory courses in such programs include scientific underpinning, policy for advocacy in health care, and organizational and systems leadership.
There are also online programs to help students get a work-life balance.
DNP Colleges: Requirements and Prerequisites
The requirements for every nurse who intends to enroll in DNP program are listed below. However, some institution requirements may vary based on their institution’s standards.
Former Degree in the Nursing Field
- Applicant must graduate from an accredited institution (college or university) with a master’s degree in nursing. It would help if you documented this degree with an official transcript. Students from non-English countries are mandated to translate their transcripts into English. A certified translator should do this, and the translation should also evaluate. International students who are not citizens of the United States should submit their completed degrees for validation before their admission may be considered.
- Other applicants who acquired Master’s degrees and BSN in other health-related fields will be evaluated case-by-case.
- Applicants with a master’s transcript should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.5 (this varies with institutions). Moreover, there is a remedy for applicants with lower GPAs. Depending on the institution you’re enrolling for your DNP program, you can submit a petition through the institution’s email address, proving your knowledge and capacity in your completed degree. Note: Ensure you offer this petition to the correct email address, as the school will not review it until an interviewer goes through it.
English Proficiency (TOEFL)
If you’re a non-native English speaker, the school will verify your English proficiency by using the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Applicants must have a minimum total score of about 92 from their TOEFL test and a minimum score of 24. These grades should be from the writing sections of TOEFL and the speaking sections. Applicants should report their various scores to their institutions of application.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – DNP program applicants should have a minimum score of 7, and the test result should mail it to their institution’s admission processing email.
Depending on the institution you wish to enroll in the DNP program, your mailed IELTS score may take weeks before it will be processed.
Training Experience
Some institutions demand that applicants have an average of 200 practice or training hours during their master’s or post-master coursework.
This training experience should tally with the details in your submitted transcript.
Admission Criteria for BSN to DNP
Some of the information detailed below may alter depending on the institution you enroll for your DNP program.
- Applicants should possess a Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States or other places where students will complete clinical requirements.
- You must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA in BSN from accredited programs: ACEN, NLN, ACICS, or CCNE.
- GRE – you should have an average minimum score of 3.0. This GRE measures your verbal and quantitative score and your analytical writing.
- Also, it would help if you had an average B or more grade in your prerequisite statistics course.
Admission Criteria for MSN to DNP
Below are the criteria for enrolling in the DNP program in the area of MSN to DNP:
- Applicants should have a current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States or other places where students will complete clinical requirements.
- Also, a minimum of a 3.0 GPA is required in MSN and must be from an accredited program. In the above section, other requirements are the same as No. 3 & 4 of the admission criteria for BSN to DNP.
How Long Do DNP Programs Take?
To help you understand the duration of DNP programs, let’s look at the processes involved in the DNP program.
As a full-time student, you will spend at least four (4) years to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), at least another one (1) year for training experience as a Registered Nurse (RN), another two (2) years or less to obtain the DNP program degree.
Meanwhile, as nursing is a professional course, many nurses choose to enroll in the DNP program as part-time students. This will surely elongate the duration of obtaining a DNP program degree.
When enrolling in DNP programs, applicants should know that several factors will determine how long their DNP program will last.
For instance, your career in this field and if you intend to enroll for a full-time or part-time study.
The Cost of Enrolling in A DNP Program
Our research noticed that an in-state DNP program’s average total cost of a three-year BSN to DNP ranges from $32,000 while out-state is about $43,000.
Meanwhile, as this is an estimated average, some institutions will charge higher while others will offer this program to their students at a reduced cost.
For online post-DNP programs, the average cost is about $10,000. This includes tuition and application fees.
Work Expectations for DNP Degree Holders
A DNP degree would mean receiving qualifications to work in sophisticated and highly technical roles.
It allows professionals to familiarize themselves with complex aspects of their practice and explore new knowledge through in-depth research and learning.
Again, it gives degree holders the responsibility of supervising clinical activities performed by less-skilled nurses.
DNP degree holders are set to receive handsome pay for their services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is in the same category as Nurse Practitioners but also relevantly higher.
Top Nursing DNP Programs in the US
Although this is just an average cost, you’ll find cheaper institutions that offer high-quality knowledge than you can ever expect if you shop around.
In as much as the cost of the DNP program is costly, nurses should have an insight into what they will earn with their degree once acquired.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) To Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Bridge Programs
Anyone who holds a DNP has a lot to say about themselves.
Obtaining this certification elevates you to the ranks of expert nurses, indicating that you possess the knowledge, analytical abilities, and hands-on clinical experience necessary to excel in any setting, from the clinic floor to the highest levels of hospital administration.
NP To DNP Programs
The DNP core is the advanced practical, systems-thinking, decision-making, translational, and leadership-oriented subjects. This training lifts graduates to a whole new nursing practice level.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to get to that level, and it doesn’t make sense to compromise on an investment like this.
COMPARE: NP vs. DNP Degree
You must believe you have what it takes to get a degree like this from the best school possible.
Below are the best NP to DNP programs in the country
Best NP To DNP Programs
Below are the top institutions that offer DNP programs in the United States:
1. University of Portland – Portland
If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the next logical step is to pursue an MSN degree. You can obtain a DNP at the University of Portland without completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
After completing the program, graduates of the BSN to DNP program will pursue certification as a Family Nurse practitioner. On-campus immersions occur mainly on weekends, making this course ideal for working nurses.
The 76-credit program consists of core and specialized courses that teach you how to identify and treat acute and chronic health disorders in people of all ages.
You’ll need to put in 960 hours of practical training to get any real-world experience.
You can sit for the FNP certification exam after finishing this program. The school NCLEX-RN passing rate is 87.00%.
2. Delta State University
Two bridge programs (RN-DNP and BSN-DNP) are available to individuals interested in pursuing the DNP at Delta State University.
The BSN to DNP online degree includes a focus on Family Nurse Practitioners.
This program is designed with working registered nurses in mind, offering full- and part-time options for completing the courses online.
After receiving this degree, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue careers as a certified FNP in various healthcare settings, thanks to the intense focus on clinical experience.
For this program, you must have a BSN degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a Mississippi or Arkansas nursing license in good standing to fulfill your clinical requirements.
To improve your chances of acceptance, you must get a “C” or above in an introductory statistics course. It will take seven semesters to complete the program’s required 80 credits.
Additionally, students must perform 1,020 hours of direct patient care. A research project is also required for this degree, in which you’ll synthesize your knowledge and apply it to a real-world problem.
The tuition per credit is $455.
3. Duke University
Duke University is a household name that hardly needs an introduction to higher education.
It has been at the cutting edge of improving healthcare by offering high-quality education and conducting global research.
This BSN to DNP program will help you become an expert in developing community health initiatives, especially for the marginalized population. In addition, you will be trained in evidence-based nursing so that you may lead global healthcare projects.
Duke’s online BSN to DNP program is a clever method to acquire both an MSN and a DNP in a shorter period and for a lower cost.
To be considered for an APRN position, you must select one of two specializations: nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesia.
To graduate, you must finish at least 74 credits, while the exact amount will vary depending on your chosen specialty.
Becoming certified in your field after completing the required education is possible. Duke University tuition is $23,241 per semester.
The school NCLEX pass rate is 99%.
4. Florida Atlantic University
The BSN to DNP program at Florida Atlantic University is perfect for RNs looking to advance their professions via distance learning.
Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner are the two specialties in this program.
Among the vulnerable populations targeted by the program are those from low-income families and those from ethnic and racial minorities.
You’ll need to ace all its prerequisites to get into this college. Once accepted into the program, you must complete the 81-credit evidence-based advanced nursing practice curriculum.
You must also complete 1005 hours of clinical work as part of your training. Working nurses must be prepared to balance their job responsibilities with online classes because the program is only available full-time.
The NCLEX pass rate is 95.9%.
5. Emory University
Students specialize in nursing in the online BSN to DNP program at Emory University, including family nurse practitioners, emergency nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse practitioners, and women’s health acute nurse practitioners.
Health Systems Leadership and Population Health are available for every specialty except emergency nurse practitioner.
To become an emergency nurse practitioner, you must choose the population health track. Most classes are offered online, except for five on-campus visits every year.
Part-time or full-time study options are available so that you may fit this program around your other commitments.
You must have a 3.50 GPA to be eligible for this program. As the last criterion, you must additionally take the GRE if your BSN GPA exceeds 3.50 or you have a master’s degree from an authorized university.
You must complete 75 to 82 credits and 700 clinical hours to receive your degree, regardless of your specialty. The tuition (per credit hour) is $1,957. The NCLEX pass rate is 98.04%.
6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
After completing a BSN to DNP degree program, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center nursing students can get a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP).
It is possible to specialize in either family nurse practitioner or mental health nursing.
The FNP track requires one year of work experience as a registered nurse. However, applying for the mental health nurse practitioner requires no nursing experience.
This program is exclusively available full-time and can be completed in three years.
You must complete 74 to 76 credits of coursework and roughly 1000 clock hours of clinical practice to get your DNP in your chosen specialization.
Students are responsible for finding clinical preceptors to complete the clinical component with the faculty.
The program aims to give you the skills to lead a team of nurses and provide patients with high-quality, evidence-based care. This program requires much time and effort; full-time employment is not suggested.
The tuition is $261 per credit (in-state) and $670 per credit. The school NCLEX pass rate is 96%.
7. University of Florida
DNP students at the University of Florida can choose from several specializations when they apply for the degree. As students use the internet, the need for campus trips is minimized.
Innovation and evidence-based nursing practice are two of the college’s primary educational goals.
As a nurse, you will develop the ability to critically examine and critique current nursing practice to develop innovative approaches to patient care.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, the required GRE score, and a valid Florida nursing license.
A total of 75 to 78 credits are needed to complete the program. An orientation, three days of health assessment training, and two days of nursing project thesis training are all part of the campus experience.
It’s also possible that you’ll be required to travel within the state to complete 1000 hours of on-site clinical training.
8. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
If you’re a BSN grad looking to advance your nursing profession, UTHSC’s DNP offers many NP concentrations from which to choose.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/FNP and Psychiatric Mental Health/FNP are two more dual-concentration programs that prepare you for certification tests in both concentrations.
Part-time and full-time alternatives may be available, depending on your chosen concentration.
59 to 61 credits are required to complete the program, with 30 credits coming from the program’s core and the rest from elective courses within the student’s chosen concentration.
You must take an additional 43 credits of specialist courses to achieve a dual concentration.
Students must spend roughly 1000 hours in clinical practice during their studies, with nearly 500 hours paid in actual patient care settings.
9. John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University’s online BSN to DNP degree prepares you for a leadership role in the clinical and healthcare arenas.
The college offers a wide variety of specializations for this advanced nursing degree. Full-time students can choose between three- and four-year options for the degree.
This curriculum requires much time and effort; thus, working while pursuing it is not recommended. While the four-year plan allows some scheduling flexibility in the first year, it does not allow full-time employment.
In your DNP courses, you will learn how to create treatment models based on scientific data. This program’s core curriculum requirements include biological, psychological, behavioral, and clinical sciences.
The institution suggests you take anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and physical assessment courses to prepare for this course—nearly 800 hours of clinical work and the 78 credits required to get this degree.
Those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree can transfer some credits to this program. The tuition is $56,340. The school NCLEX pass rate is 97%.
10. Virginia Commonwealth University
To obtain a BS to DNP in Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science at VCU, you can choose between a 66-credit Hybrid BS to DNP in three NP specializations (Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, or Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner).
These hybrid programs mix online and in-person learning. All tracks take three years or four years to finish on a full-time schedule.
An outstanding Hybrid DNAP Entry to Practice program is also available at VCU, which has repeatedly been ranked first by US News & World Report.
The first two semesters of the 93-credit, nine-semester Ph.D. include a hybrid curriculum.
Clinical training and on-campus classes are the focus of the following semesters. You can find the complete list of clinical affiliations on the program website.
TCU offers a hybrid BSN to DNP program for Texas and New Mexico nurses. Depending on the specialty, you’ll finish 64-67 credits and at least 1,000 clinical hours.
There will be 2-3 on-campus intensives for skill development and practical experiences in your state, despite most of the coursework being completed online. There is a 3-year, full-time option or a 4-year, part-time option.
The tuition is $16,824 per year (in-state) and $34,608 per year (out-of-state). The school NCLEX pass rate is 95%.
11. Texas Christian University
Aspiring nurse anesthetists can enroll in the COA-accredited Hybrid DNAP, a three-year full-time curriculum divided into two separate phases:
Phase 1 begins in January and includes a mix of online and on-campus coursework and laboratories. You’ll complete 52 credits throughout these two years.
A 16-month second phase begins in August.
In addition to clinical practicums (see the list of clinical sites), you’ll attend weekly classroom sessions (such as clinical conferences) and complete some coursework online as part of your program requirements.
You may be able to work for the first eight months of the 87-credit program, but after that, the time commitment becomes too great for anything besides DNAP. The tuition is $46,119.
12. Washington State University
The DNP program at WSU’s College of Nursing is an excellent option. APRN certification pass rates are high at this NLN Center of Excellence.
Environmental health, sustainability, and addiction research are just a few areas where it has received NIH support.
Multiple clinical sites can be reached via this system, as well. In recent years, WSU has faced fiscal difficulties. Before you decide, chat with recent alums, talk to teachers, and check for College of Nursing scholarships.
The DNP program’s admission requirements are detailed on its website.
There must be a minimum 3.0 GPA, current Washington State RN licensure, and an accredited degree for all DNP candidates (e.g., BSN or MSN).
One year of full-time nursing experience is preferred over a GRE score.
The School of Nursing supports this university’s DNP program.
The Health Sciences Learning Facility (HSLC), Wisconsin’s only academic health center, is home to the school, which enjoys tight relationships with regional hospitals (e.g., UW Health University Hospital).
Several research institutes and community health collaborations have been established due to this. APRN certification pass rates and employment rates for nursing graduates are high.
For DNP students, there is also financial assistance.
The tuition is $8,873 per semester ($887 per credit for part-time). The school NCLEX pass rate is 87%.
13. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Depending on your chosen course, the structure of your cohort-based Post-BS DNP at UW-Madison will differ.
A 68-credit Hybrid Post-BS DNP option exists for clinical specializations (such as NP and CNS). All clinical track courses involve on-campus sessions, and the frequency varies depending on where you are in the program.
You can choose a 3-year full-time program or a 4-year part-time program.
It takes three years to complete a 58-credit Online Post-BS DNP program in non-clinical disciplines like Population Health and Systems Leadership & Innovation.
You’ll work on a DNP Scholarly Project and participate in appropriate practice, but you won’t be ready to sit for any certification exams.
The tuition per credit unit is $1,150. The school NCLEX pass rate is 100%.
14. University of Kansas
A DNP program at the University of Kansas in Kansas City incorporates both BSN and MSN paths. Students can narrow their concentration by selecting one of seven specializations.
Students will learn the skills necessary to hold leadership positions in the healthcare and education sectors. It costs $3,927 in-state and $10,234 out-of-state.
15. South Dakota State University
Students with a BSN or an MSN can benefit significantly from the exceptional DNP program at South Dakota State University.
Students must have a current RN license and at least 1500 hours of work experience, which an employer must document. Students have the option of pursuing one of four distinct fields of study.
The majority of classes are face-to-face. However, some are hybrid. In-state students pay $7,155 in tuition fees, while those from out-of-state must pay $10,386.
The NCLEX pass rate is 89%.
16. University of Missouri
There are five concentrations to choose from in the University of Missouri’s online DNP program. The in-state tuition rate applies to online students no matter where they reside in the United States.
It can take two to six years to complete the online DNP program, depending on your prior education and whether or not you’re studying full or part-time.
The cost of the course is $11,008. The school NCLEX pass is 83.7%.
17. Nebraska Methodist College
Online BSN to DNP programs, APRN to DNP, and MS to DNP are available at Nebraska Methodist College. In 5-week increments, students can complete courses online.
Rural, educational, and community health planning are all options for electives. It costs $13,632 to attend this school. The school NCLEX pass rate is 93.8%.
18. University of South Florida
New Mexico State University students can enter their DNP program in one of two ways and then choose from two specialties within that program.
If you’re interested in the BSN to DNP program but can’t fit it into your schedule, you’ll have to apply for the MSN program instead.
Tuition costs $7,122 for in-state students and $22,701 for out-of-state students.
19. University of Oklahoma
To help RNs develop their careers, the University of Oklahoma has a DNP program for those interested. There is a 3.0 GPA requirement for those who have completed an MS in Nursing and an RN licensure.
To fit their schedules, students can either study part-time or full-time.
They use an advanced curriculum focused on clinical research to train everyone enrolled in this DNP program in their institution. Their DNP program serves as an extension of MS in the Nursing program.
The primary goal of their DNP program is to develop students in leadership skills and research carrying.
Their curriculum exposes nurses to what they will gain after advancing their knowledge in the nursing field by obtaining a DNP program degree.
This insight exposes students and motivates them regardless of the cost of the degree.
- Program duration: more than three years of full-time study and taking about 90 credits.
- Tuition: $294 per credit (in-state) and $948 per credit (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
It costs $11,538 for in-state tuition and $26,919 for out-of-state.
20. University of Kentucky
The DNP program at the University of Kentucky was the first in the United States. Known for their work in specializations, they offer both a BSN to DNP program and an MSN to DNP.
Full-time students can finish the degree in three years if they take online and in-person classes.
Out-of-state tuition is $27,856, while in-state tuition is $11,772.
OTHER NURSING SCHOOLS OFFERING DNP PROGRAMS
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program is designed for nurses who wish to obtain professional training in the highest level of their field.
The University of North Carolina offers BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs. Their BSN to DNP program is based on five different areas of specialization for full-time students.
- Program duration: 3 years for full-time study. It also requires 66 to 75 credit hours.
- Tuition: $9,667
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
Northeastern University
The Northeastern University’s Bouve College of Health Science/School of Nursing issues a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program that is prepared for nurses who wish to further their knowledge in the nursing field.
Graduates of this fantastic program are clinical experts who can manage complex healthcare systems.
Both full-time and part-time students must complete 30 credit units in this program before graduating. The coursework for every student offering a DNP program varies in the field they specialize in.
- Program duration: 36 months of full-time study
- Tuition: $4,061 (in addition to education)
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Arizona State University
The Arizona State University’s Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation offers eight (8) different specialty concentrations for their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program.
Most of their specialties focused on women’s health, gerontology, innovation leadership, pediatric care, etc.
Arizona State University’s DNP programs received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Program duration: 30 months of full-time study
- Tuition: $11,720 per year (in-state) and $23,544 per year (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
Case Western Reserve University
The Case Western Reserve University’s Bolton School of Nursing issues a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for their students in two different DNP elective pathways.
The first is the Educational Leadership pathway, while the second is the Practice Leadership pathway.
Case Western Reserve University is one of the leading innovators in the DNP program in the United States.
Their coursework for anyone who enrolls in the DNP program allows students to get involved in some jobs while acquiring their DNP degree.
- Program duration: 5 years of full-time study
- Tuition: $2,263 per credit hour
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%
The University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Denver Anschutz is a great institution that offers a Doctor of Nursing Program (DNP) to nurses who wish to obtain a higher degree.
Like other institutions, they have two different pathways of which. The first is the BS to DNP track designed for nurses with Bachelor’s degrees in the Doctoral program.
The second pathway is designed for Masters Holders in the DNP program. This means that people with current Master’s degrees in nursing can enroll in the program.
This makes the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz one of the best institutions that offer BSN to DNP program degrees.
- Program duration: 2 years of full-time study
- Tuition: $1,148
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.6%
Oregon Health & Science University
The Oregon Health & Science University offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program, giving students options to pursue up to six (6) different concentrations in their program of study.
This makes their students become experts in any field they decide to specialize in.
Some of these concentrations are Psych mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner for Adult-Gerontology, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, etc.
- Program duration: 3 years of full-time coursework
- Tuition: $637 per credit (in-state) and $825 per credit (out-of-state) for full-time students
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 93.4%
Marquette University
Marquette University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in different formats. This allows students to study conveniently. For instance, you can enroll in this program online.
Nurses who wish to enroll in this program can start with their MS in Nursing, or they can as well enroll when they have completed their BSN.
These unique options for nurses make Marquette University one of the best institutions that offer DNP programs.
- Program duration: 18 months
- Tuition: 12 or more credit hours, $22,485 (per semester), $44,970 (per year)
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 99.6%
University of Michigan
The University Of Michigan School Of Nursing issues two (2) separate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program pathways. The first is the DNP Leadership pathway, while the second is the DNP Clinical pathway.
This institution allows its DNP program students to choose from six (6) available specialties. Their goal is to prepare the students to become leaders in health care.
- Program duration: 2 to 3 years. Students can earn their post-masters through web-blended coursework or full-time or part-time courses.
- Tuition: $1,351 per credit for in-state (full-time) and $2,773 for out-of-state (full-time).
- Acceptance Rate: 129 Applied; 91 Accepted; 53 Enrolled; 71%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%
University of Virginia
The University Of Virginia School Of Nursing issues two (2) different Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program pathways. The first is the Post BSN to DNP program, while the second is MSN to DNP program.
The University of Virginia is one of the most recognized institutions that offer DNP programs in Virginia and the US.
- Program duration: Full-time students in post-B.S takes three years, while part-time takes four years. Also, the post-master DNP full-time program takes two years, while the part-time takes three years.
- Tuition: $19,168 for Virginia residents and $31,298 for non-Virginia residents.
- Acceptance Rate: 183 Applied; 124 Accepted; 98 Enrolled; 68%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%
University of Washington
The University Of Washington School Of Nursing issues a well-enhanced nursing degree, especially for their DNP program students.
You must be a full-time student to enroll in this institution’s three (3) years DNP degree program.
- Program duration: Traditional DNP program takes about one year and six months to 2 years for full-time students. And two years and six months for part-time students.
- Tuition: $29,122 per year for in-state (full-time), $41,521 per year for out-of-state (full-time), $24,813 per year for in-state (part-time), and $35,442 per year for out-of-state (part-time).
- Acceptance Rate: 1204 Applied; 116 Accepted; 57%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%
Columbia University
The Columbia University School of Nursing issues the post-baccalaureate to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program, which lasts about three (3) years. The Columbia University BSN to DNP programs are highly esteemed in New York State and the US.
These institutions allow students to enroll in diverse specialties such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Practitioner, Gerontology Care, etc.
- Program duration: Post-BS DNP takes three (3) years for full-time students.
- Tuition: Total estimated cost for full-time students is $113,927.
- Acceptance Rate: 1,683 Applied; 518 Accepted; 256 Enrolled; 31%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
Rutgers University
The Rutgers University School of Nursing issues assorted areas of concentration in their DNP programs. This ranges from BSN and others.
Some of these concentrations are Leadership, Women’s Health, Primary Care Gerontology, Acute Care Gerontology, Emergency Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, etc.
- Program duration: Three (3) years for full-time students and five (5) years for part-time students.
- Tuition: $943 per credit for in-state (full-time); $1,367 for out-of-state (full-time).
- Acceptance Rate: 555 Applied; 311 Accepted; 224 Enrolled; 56%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%
Fairfield University
The Fairfield University Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies issues a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the Family Nurse Practitioner degree program.
This program is carried out inside their campus.
Moreover, students must complete specific credit units and practical work hours before being certified with this degree.
Program duration: It takes three (3) years for full-time students and four (4) years for part-time students.
Tuition: $1,030 for all their DNP programs.
Acceptance Rate: 162 Applied; 74 Accepted; 66 Enrolled; 46%
NCLEX Pass Rate: 89.38%
University at Buffalo
The Buffalo School of Nursing University issues two DNP degree programs: BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP.
With their BSN to DNP program, students can choose from four (4) specialties: gerontology primary care, Nurse Anesthetist, Family Nurse Practitioner, and psychiatric Mental Health.
- Program duration: Depending on the specialty you enroll in, it will take about 3 to 7 years to finish the DNP program.
- Tuition: This is fixed at $42,880 for all their DNP programs.
- Acceptance Rate: 182 Applied; 71 Accepted; 50 Enrolled; 39%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%
George Mason University
The George Mason University School of Nursing issues MSN to DNP and BSN to DNP programs.
Moreover, applicants in the area of BSN to DNP need to complete 72 credit units in any four (4) areas of concentration.
The same applies to MSN to DNP, but they only need to complete 30 credit units.
- Program duration: N/A
- Tuition: (For Master’s): $600 per credit for in-state (full-time) and $1,488 per credit for out-of-state (full-time).
- Acceptance Rate: 135 Applied; 111 Accepted; 58 Enrolled; 82%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 95%
University of Maryland – Baltimore
The University of Maryland offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice for nurses who intend to be professionals in their field. They also have assorted areas of concentration from which any interested can choose.
These specialties include Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, etc.
Their diverse areas of concentration make them outstanding among several other institutions that offer DNP programs in the US.
- Program duration: It takes only three years to complete this program
- Tuition: $824 per credit for in-state (Full-time) and $824 per credit for the out state (Full-time)
- Acceptance Rate: 964 Applied; 523 Accepted 347; Enrolled; 54%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%
New York University
New York University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and they are not just popular but are esteemed as one of the best institutions that offer DNP programs in the city of New York.
They also have a specialty in diver areas, including Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, etc.
Applicants are allowed to enroll with their Master’s degree.
- Program duration: It takes three years to complete this program, and students must complete at least 78 to 87 credits.
- Tuition: For Master’s: $36,514 per year (full-time) and $24,640 per year (part-time).
- Acceptance Rate: 431 Applied; 255 Accepted; 166 Enrolled; 59%
- NCLEX Pass Rate: 99%
Conclusion
Doctor of Nursing Practitioners holds one of the two highest certifications achievable in nursing.
This is the Doctor of Nursing degree. The other highest certification is the Ph.D. in Nursing. While the Ph.D. degree focuses on research work to advance healthcare, the DNP degree is extensively concerned with clinical practice.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree, like a Ph.D., offers more advanced knowledge and training than all the other nursing certifications.
It, therefore, serves as a terminal degree and allows holders to reach the top roles in their area of specialization.
All institutions have been ranked according to their expected tuition costs. The totals are derived from estimating the required number of credit hours and each school’s cost per credit hour.
Tuition has been reported without the expense of room and board, which does not apply to many students. Out-of-state tuition fees have been used to track down public institutions.
Please note that these are only estimates, and you should speak with individual schools for the most up-to-date information on costs and financial aid.
