Best Online DNP Programs
If you already have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, you may be ready to take the next step in your career and start an online DNP program.
With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, you can work as a nurse practitioner (NP). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for NPs to grow by an astounding 40% from 2023-2033.
NPs typically work with a high degree of independence to provide primary and specialty care to patients. They receive compensation commensurate with their expertise and experience, earning a median annual salary of $129,480 as of May 2023.
The Best Online Doctorate in Nurse Practitioner Programs
Bradley University
Peoria, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Bradley University offers a top-ranked online DNP program. The private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research support.
The online nursing program requires at least 39 credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the highest degree in nursing, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities and the admissions process.
Bradley University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,836
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,380
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
- In-State$34,200
- Out-of-state$34,200
- In-State$16,380
- Out-of-state$16,380
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled5,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Brandman University offers a top-ranked online post-master's-to-DNP program. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
During the online DNP program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. A doctorate in nursing trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Reach out to the DNP program to learn more about admission requirements.
Brandman University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,772
Online Master's Programs: 13
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,880
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- In-State$11,880
- Out-of-state$11,880
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled10,231
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Clemson University
- Clemson, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The doctor of nursing practice program at Clemson University uses an online learning format. At the public university, degree-seekers participate in virtual classrooms to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
During the online DNP program, learners complete advanced coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. Graduates with a nursing practice doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the DNP program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Clemson University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,423
Online Master's Programs: 18
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,600
- In-State$14,118
- Out-of-state$37,110
- In-State$10,600
- Out-of-state$22,050
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled25,822
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The DNP in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner program at George Washington University uses an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research support.
In the online nursing program, graduate learners take advanced courses. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. A doctorate in nursing trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the DNP program for more information about doctoral admissions.
George Washington University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 6,254
Online Master's Programs: 50
Online Doctoral Programs: 11
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $31,770
- In-State$54,453
- Out-of-state$54,453
- In-State$31,770
- Out-of-state$31,770
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled27,814
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The DNP program at Gonzaga University offers an online option for doctoral students. The private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible format. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
In the online nursing program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. A doctorate in nursing prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the DNP program to learn more about financial aid opportunities and the admissions process.
Gonzaga University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,317
Online Master's Programs: 3
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,672
- In-State$44,280
- Out-of-state$44,280
- In-State$16,672
- Out-of-state$16,672
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled7,537
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment17%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The doctor of nursing practice program at Loyola University New Orleans appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students conduct research and participate in academic conferences.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online DNP program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. A doctorate in nursing trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Loyola University New Orleans at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,593
Online Master's Programs: 9
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,724
- In-State$38,926
- Out-of-state$38,926
- In-State$14,724
- Out-of-state$14,724
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Maryville University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Maryville University offers a top-ranked online doctor of nursing practice program. Degree-seekers benefit from the private university's flexible format. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.
In the online DNP program, graduate learners complete advanced classes. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. As the terminal degree in nursing, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students who enroll online at the accredited institution qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
Maryville University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,651
Online Master's Programs: 15
Online Doctoral Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,346
- In-State$26,070
- Out-of-state$26,070
- In-State$14,346
- Out-of-state$14,346
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled10,013
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Montana State University
- Bozeman, MT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The doctor of nursing practice. program at Montana State University offers an online option for doctoral students. The public university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
The doctoral program includes a rigorous curriculum in nursing. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertation. As the highest degree in nursing, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.
At the accredited institution, online doctoral students qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the DNP program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Montana State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 2,127
Online Master's Programs: 7
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $5,089
- In-State$5,654
- Out-of-state$23,890
- In-State$5,089
- Out-of-state$18,765
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled16,692
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment13%
- AccreditationYes
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The BSN-to-DNP program at Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers an online option for doctoral students. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the private institution. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
Learners take doctoral classes in the family nurse practitioner program. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. Professionals with a DNP work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 696
Online Master's Programs: 6
Online Doctoral Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,955
- In-State$15,422
- Out-of-state$15,422
- In-State$11,955
- Out-of-state$11,955
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled1,128
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Samford University
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The DNP in nursing administration program at Samford University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes a doctorate more accessible. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
The online nursing administration program requires a minimum number of credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a DNP, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the nursing program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Samford University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,726
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $17,754
- In-State$32,000
- Out-of-state$32,000
- In-State$17,754
- Out-of-state$17,754
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled5,692
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate
Nurse Practitioner
2022
Online Doctorate in Nurse Practitioner Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyWhat Is an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree?
The DNP is a post-master’s graduate degree designed for experienced registered nurses (RNs) who wish to develop more specialized skills. DNP graduates can work in direct patient care as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), manage healthcare delivery settings, improve health policy, and contribute to clinical scholarship. DNPs often work in hospitals, health clinics, or their own practices.
Online DNP programs typically require 30-90 credits. The total number of credits for this degree depends on your previous education credentials and work experience. Additionally, each prospective DNP must complete 1,000 clinical hours for graduation.
Clinical hours take place in-person at approved clinical sites, even if your program offers all other DNP requirements remotely. Required classes may include evidenced-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment.
Online colleges and universities with doctor of nurse practice programs may offer several concentrations to help you tailor your degree. Popular specialization areas for learners in doctorate in nursing practice programs include:
- Nurse anesthesia
- Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner
- Family nurse practitioner
DNP vs. DNS
A doctor of nursing science (DNS) focuses more heavily on medical research in nursing practice than a DNP. DNPs work with the scientific data and research that DNSs produce to help improve nursing practice and decision-making in the field. Unlike DNPs, DNS graduates usually do not work directly with patients. Instead, they often find careers with research institutions and universities. DNS degree-seekers typically need to complete dissertations for graduation, while DNPs do not.
DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing
Both a DNP and Ph.D. in nursing prepare degree-holders for high-level positions, but their intended career path and training differ substantially. DNP students prepare for direct patient care and leadership or administrative roles in healthcare delivery settings. Ph.D. programs in nursing, on the other hand, prepare learners for research positions and teaching at institutions of higher education.
Unlike DNPs, students enrolled in Ph.D. in nursing studies programs do not need to complete clinicals. Additionally, Ph.D. nursing students write traditional dissertations for graduation rather than evidence-based final projects.
Why Get a DNP Degree?
The DNP allows enrollees to develop valuable skills and stand out from other nursing professionals. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the DNP may soon replace the MSN as the standard for preparing students for APRN roles such as NP, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse anesthetist (CNA), and certified nurse midwife (CNM).
DNP degree-holders who pursue APRN careers also earn healthy salaries. According to a Wolters Kluwer study from 2018, professionals with DNPs make an average of $7,000 more per year than nurses with only master’s degrees.
DNP Degree Program Admission Requirements
Applicants for doctorate of nursing practice programs must hold MSNs to apply. Individuals with BSNs and master’s degrees from outside fields may also qualify. Schools require incoming students to possess RN licenses and some work experience in the field. Additional requirements often include GRE scores, a 3.0 or higher GPA, and official transcripts.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Nurse Practitioner Doctorate?
On average, students can expect their online NP doctorate programs to last 3-6 years. The amount of time required to earn an online nurse practitioner doctorate depends on several factors, including part-time or full-time enrollment, course availability, whether courses are individually paced or cohort-based. Enrolling in BSN-to-DNP programs or MSN-to-DNP programs will also affect the time of study.
Some DNP programs require students to go through the program in a cohort of fellow students who all take the same courses together. With this type of program, students have their entire program planned out with a set graduation date. However, sometimes the cohort learning approach takes longer since students can’t set their own pace.
Choosing an Online DNP Degree Program
Students searching for DNP degrees should consider both the academic and financial components of their education. DNP learners who qualify for in-state tuition rates can usually save money in the long run.
A self-paced, asynchronous program can also help you finish your program more quickly and reduce expenses. Additionally, online DNP programs require in-person clinicals, so location can also influence the overall cost of your degree.
Degree-seekers should also look into programs that offer online DNP concentrations in their areas of interest. Since DNP students work closely with faculty members, they can benefit from attending programs where their research interests align with the teachers in their department.
Accreditation for Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
Aspiring DNP enrollees should only attend schools that possess regional accreditation. Accreditation ensures that your college or university undergoes a rigorous evaluation by a third-party organization.
Nursing programs should also possess programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in addition to approval by their state’s board of nursing.
Paying for Your Online DNP Degree
One of the most overwhelming aspects of pursuing your online nurse practitioner doctorate can be the cost. Doctoral students can pursue several methods to pay for their education, including student loans, scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs.
Every NP student should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines student eligibility for financial aid. Students who do not fill out the FAFSA cannot apply for federal student loans, grants, and many scholarships.
NPs work to improve the public good, which opens up additional scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. NP doctoral students may be particularly interested in student loan forgiveness programs that benefit individuals in public service careers.
NPs may qualify for the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and the Perkins Loan Cancellation Program. Additionally, some workplaces offer tuition reimbursement or will pay down student loan debts for employees.
Nurse Practitioner Careers
Graduates of NP doctoral programs typically work as APRNs in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. They coordinate patient care and provide primary and specialty care to patients.
The scope of practice available to NPs varies among states, but many enjoy independence in their day-to-day duties. Working as an NP can be both stressful and rewarding for individuals who want to make a career out of helping others.
Certified Nurse Anesthetist
Median Annual Salary (2023): $212,650
CNAs administer anesthesia and other medications to patients before, during, and after medical procedures. They may focus on a broad range of patients or specialize in subfields such as neurosurgery, pediatrics, or obstetrics. CNAs work in medical settings such as surgical centers, physicians’ offices, and outpatient care centers.
Certified Nurse Practitioner
Median Annual Salary (2023): $126,260
CNPs are nurse practitioners with additional training in a specialty area such as family practice, gerontology, or pediatrics. They diagnose patients, order diagnostic tests, treat chronic and acute illnesses, and educate patients. CNPs commonly work in hospitals, college campus health centers, and urban community health centers.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Median Annual Salary (2023): $129,650
CNMs play an essential role in women’s health services, especially for pregnant patients. These healthcare professionals work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to provide counseling and care for expecting mothers, from pre-conception through postpartum. CNMs often work in hospitals, birth centers, private practices, and military hospitals.
Common Questions About DNP Degree Programs
Yes. DNPs traditionally earn higher annual salaries than NPs, who possess master’s degrees. Some APRNs who only possess master’s degrees may make more than DNPs, depending on the career and location.
Professionals with the terminal DNP degree qualify for top jobs in the field. DNP degree-holders also have more influence on healthcare policies and qualify for administrative or leadership roles before NPs.
Yes. DNP degree-seekers who do not already possess MSNs earn their master’s degree en route to the DNP in BSN-to-DNP programs. Some programs also accept bachelor’s degree-holders who possess master’s degrees in other fields.
Yes. Anyone with a doctoral degree may use the title, including professionals with a Ph.D. or DNP. The title serves as a recognition of the DNP’s skills and training. It also builds trust between patients and DNPs in clinical settings.
Timon Kaple is a writer and ethnographer specializing in the study of music, language, and American culture. His recent work explores how people understand their daily experiences and how those beliefs influence their actions, engagement with social media, language, work, and art. He conducts ethnographic fieldwork and teaches students of all ages about music and culture. Timon also holds the Ph.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington.
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