Online DNP Programs

The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is the terminal degree in nursing. It prepares you for the highest levels of clinical practice, including advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles, and opens doors to research, teaching, and leadership positions. The guide below covers program examples, what to look for, admission and accreditation standards, clinical requirements, cost, and career paths.

Online DNP Program Examples

Allen College (Waterloo, IA). The RN-to-DNP program requires 76 credits and offers four nurse practitioner tracks: family, psychiatric mental health, adult-gerontology acute care, and acute care pediatric. The leadership in healthcare delivery and administration track requires 62 credits, and a post-master's systems leadership track requires 33 credits. Tuition runs $962 per credit, among the lowest on this list. Postgraduate and leadership-track students qualify for a 25% tuition reduction, and all programs are veterans-benefits eligible. The format is hybrid with some synchronous coursework; students come to campus for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and residency. Clinical placement outside Iowa is not guaranteed.

Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL). FSU carries the lowest in-state tuition here at $444 per credit ($1,076 out of state). Five tracks are available: family nurse practitioner, lifestyle medicine, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and executive health systems leadership. The lifestyle medicine track, built for APRNs, was the first in the country designed to meet the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's certification requirements. The GRE is required, most courses mix asynchronous and synchronous Zoom sessions, and the program cannot admit students in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, or Oregon.

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). The BSN-DNP option offers four tracks: family nurse practitioner, women's health, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, and a dual women's health/nurse-midwifery program. It runs full time in 33 months or part time in about 41 months and combines online and in-person learning. Practicing APRNs can enroll in the post-master's executive DNP focused on systems leadership and health policy. Scholarships up to $20,000 are available. Tuition is $2,652 per credit, the highest here, and on-campus experiences are required.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The MSN-to-DNP program offers four specializations: family NP, pediatric primary care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, and psychiatric-mental health NP. Both full- and part-time options are available, with required on-campus immersion experiences. Tuition is $1,031 per credit for residents and $2,068 for nonresidents. Admission runs one cycle each fall, and students can work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

University of Wisconsin-Madison. Faculty arrange clinical placements across Wisconsin for all students. Two non-clinical tracks, population health nursing and systems leadership and innovation, run entirely online at $1,150 per credit. Clinical tracks are hybrid at $1,108 per credit for residents and $2,116 for nonresidents. Post-BSN students complete 68 credits for clinical tracks or 58 for non-clinical tracks over three to four years; post-MSN APRNs choose among expert practice, leadership, and educational leadership. The program reports a 100% certification pass rate and meets licensure requirements in 33 states and Washington, D.C. All clinical tracks require onsite clinicals in Wisconsin.

What to Look For in an Online DNP Program

Admission requirements. These vary, but most programs require at minimum a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and a valid RN license. More competitive programs may require a master's degree, a higher GPA, or relevant professional experience.

Specializations. A specialization focuses your studies and career path. Many programs offer APRN tracks (nurse anesthesia, nurse midwifery, and nurse practitioner options) alongside non-clinical tracks like management and executive leadership.

Curriculum. The curriculum drives your coursework, prerequisites, and career direction. Choose one that matches your study interests and goals.

Clinical experience. Online DNP classes run remotely, but clinical hours happen in person. Accredited DNP programs require a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Many schools let you complete placements near home, and some help arrange sites.

Accreditation. Only graduates of accredited programs are eligible for licensure and certification. Look for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Credits from unaccredited programs may not transfer, and many employers will not hire graduates of unaccredited programs.

Certification pass rate. Some schools publish certification exam pass rates, which signal how well a program prepares graduates. The first-time pass rate for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's exam was 83% in 2024, a useful benchmark.

Learning format. Programs run asynchronously (deadlines but no set class times), synchronously (scheduled classes, often evenings and weekends), or in a hybrid blend. Match the format to your schedule and learning style.

What to Expect

Online DNP programs prepare nurses for expanded roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and research. A typical accredited curriculum runs 30 to 40 credits and emphasizes leadership in evidence-based practice, data analytics, and healthcare finance. Students sharpen advanced diagnostic, intervention, and treatment skills and learn to apply evidence to clinical decisions. Popular specialties include family NP, neonatal NP, and pediatric NP.

All accredited programs require a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours (AACN), often completable at approved sites near home. You will need a reliable high-speed connection and a computer that meets technical requirements, including a microphone and webcam. Some programs require specific video-conferencing tools or software.

Applying

Incoming DNP students typically bring years of nursing experience. Most programs require an MSN from an accredited school, though some offer dual-degree tracks for nurses with a BSN, and many require one to two years of professional experience. Application materials usually include official transcripts, a valid RN license, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Many admitted students hold at least a 3.0 GPA; the most competitive programs require 3.5 or higher. GRE scores are not usually required but may be accepted as supplemental material.

Paying for Your Degree

Online DNP tuition ranges from roughly $700 to $2,300 per credit. Public universities generally charge less than private schools, and most public schools charge in-state students lower rates, though some online programs apply one flat rate to everyone.

Several options can lower the cost. Many DNP students keep working while they study, and many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or assistance. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify you for grants and federal loans, and schools and healthcare organizations offer nursing scholarships based on financial need or academic merit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you earn a DNP online? Yes. Most or all coursework runs remotely, but you complete clinical requirements in person, often at a site near you.

Do DNP-prepared NPs earn more? They can, depending on the employer. A DNP may open the door to higher-paying leadership positions.

What is the fastest path to a DNP? A BSN-to-DNP fast-tracks through the MSN, saving one to two years. Accelerated courses and heavier course loads can also shorten your timeline.

Is a DNP worth it? It is if you want to enter advanced practice, nurse leadership, or educator roles. An MSN can also lead to APRN licensure, though entry requirements may change in the coming years.