DNP Programs in Iowa

The University of Iowa's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program, focusing on primary care, prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive pediatric healthcare. With 630 clinical hours, graduates are equipped to serve in diverse settings. The curriculum emphasizes critical expertise in rural, urban, school-based, and outpatient specialty clinics. Requires GRE.

• One of nation's earliest PNP-PC programs
• 630 total clinical hours
• Strong clinical preceptorship
• Pediatric-focused coursework
• Advanced practice registered nurse training

The University of Iowa's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program, with an acute care concentration, prepares nurses for complex pediatric healthcare challenges. This hybrid program blends academics with individualized clinical experiences in acute, critical, and chronic pediatric care. The program admits 10 BSN-prepared students annually. Requires GRE.

• Only PNP-AC program in Iowa
• 10 students accepted annually
• Online and clinical hybrid format
• DNP project requirement
• Specialized pediatric acute care focus

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Family Nurse Practice prepares advanced nursing professionals for leadership roles in primary care. This CCNE-recognized program combines didactic and clinical experiences, equipping graduates to address complex healthcare challenges. Requires GRE.

• CCNE Approved DNP Program
• Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership
• Primary Care Focus
• Hybrid Program Format
• Nationally Recognized Nursing College

The University of Iowa's DNP in Health Systems, specializing in Administration/Executive Leadership, prepares nurses for leadership in complex healthcare settings. This hybrid program focuses on evidence-based management, healthcare technology, policy, and organizational leadership. It is designed for experienced nurses pursuing executive roles. Requires GRE.

• Evidence-based management focus
• Hybrid program delivery
• National nursing leadership curriculum
• Advanced practice nursing degree
• CCNE accredited program
• Specialization in Healthcare Administration
• Career-focused individual planning

The University of Iowa's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program offers flexible tracks (3-4 year BSN to DNP or 2-year post-MSN). The curriculum blends didactic learning with clinical experience, preparing graduates for ANCC certification and advanced practice. Requires GRE.

• Doctorate-level mental health education
• Multiple program track options
• Nationally recognized nursing program
• Practice to full education extent
• Advanced clinical experiences
• ANCC Certification preparation
• First DNP program nationally approved

The University of Iowa's Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips nurses to deliver high-quality primary care. This program prepares graduates for national certification exams and advanced practice, addressing complex patient needs across adult and geriatric populations. Requires GRE.

• Doctoral-level nursing education
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• First DNP program approved in 2009

The University of Iowa's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program, ranked among the top 10 nationally, offers a hybrid format with 720 clinical hours. This program focuses on complex patient management for critically ill adults and older adults. Up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses are accepted annually. Requires GRE.

• Hybrid Learning Format
• 720 Clinical Training Hours
• BSN to DNP Path
• Complex Patient Care Focus
• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• Leadership Skill Development

Morningside University's Transformative Leadership DNP program is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to revolutionize healthcare systems. This online program, requiring 34 credits at $795 each, focuses on developing leaders capable of implementing innovative healthcare strategies. Students engage in a curriculum that covers organizational leadership, population health, and evidence-based practices, complemented by 1,000 practicum hours. Designed for flexibility, it offers completion in 17 months or 2 years, without the need for GRE scores, making it accessible for professionals seeking to advance in healthcare administration and leadership roles.

• 34 total program credits
• Online program format
• $795 per credit cost
• Requires 1,000 practicum hours
• Post-master's DNP track
• Healthcare leadership focus
• Flexible 17-month or 2-year plans
• No GRE requirement

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at Morningside University is an online program designed for nurses seeking specialization in acute care for adult and geriatric populations. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical skills, and leadership in high-stakes environments. With rolling enrollment and a flexible study plan, the program includes 1,000 practicum hours and personalized faculty guidance, preparing graduates to excel in acute care settings and contribute to healthcare innovation.

• Fully online doctoral program
• Rolling semester enrollment
• Flexible study plan
• 1,000 practicum hours
• Individualized faculty instruction

Graceland University-Lamoni offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses aiming for leadership roles in healthcare. This program stands out for its focus on quality improvement, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice, all delivered through a flexible online format. Ideal for working professionals, it requires a BSN and a master's degree in nursing from accredited programs, a 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure. Priced at $730 per semester hour, with a 15% discount for Graceland alumni, it's an affordable option for advancing your nursing career. The curriculum culminates in a practice improvement project, preparing graduates for high-level clinical, educational, and administrative positions.

• Online DNP program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• $730 per semester hour
• Accredited nursing education
• Flexible advanced practice preparation
• 3.0 GPA graduate admission
• Practice improvement project
• BSN and master's degree required

Clarke University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a transformative educational journey for advanced nursing professionals. This meticulously designed hybrid curriculum spans three years full-time or five years part-time, integrating comprehensive clinical experiences with robust academic training. Students delve into patient-centered care, accumulating 1,000 clinical hours while developing expertise in comprehensive health management across patient lifespans. The program's limited 20-student cohorts ensure personalized learning, preparing graduates for national certification and expanded practice opportunities in diverse healthcare environments.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• National certification eligible
• Full practice license scope
• Comprehensive patient care approach

Clarke University's Health Leadership and Practice DNP track cultivates exceptional nursing leaders equipped to navigate complex healthcare landscapes. This innovative 81-credit program emphasizes strategic thinking, systemic improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students develop advanced skills in evidence-based practice, policy development, and organizational transformation. Through a hybrid learning model, participants engage in rigorous coursework and practical experiences that prepare them to drive meaningful change across healthcare settings, addressing critical challenges with compassionate, data-driven approaches.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• 3-5 year completion options
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• Multiple healthcare leadership paths
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interprofessional team preparation

Clarke University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized mental healthcare expertise. This hybrid curriculum prepares students to excel in diverse clinical settings through intensive training in psychotherapeutic techniques, symptom management, and psychopharmacology. With only eight campus visits and flexible learning options, the program accommodates working professionals while delivering deep, nuanced understanding of mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies across patient populations.

• 81 total credit hours
• Three years full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Limited to 20 students per class
• Simulation Lab training
• Prepare for various healthcare settings

Briar Cliff University offers an innovative online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for certified nurse practitioners aiming for leadership positions in healthcare. This 36-credit, two-year program emphasizes practice innovation, covering essential topics such as cultural competence, ethics, health technology, and leadership. Students engage in 480 practicum hours to apply their learning in real-world settings. Priced at $525 per credit, the program is designed for flexibility, allowing working professionals to advance their careers in nursing leadership, informatics, and policy without sacrificing their current roles. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring high-quality education and eligibility for federal loans.

• Fully online 2-year program
• 36 total credit hours
• 480 practicum hours
• No additional licensure
• CCNE accredited program
• $525 per credit cost
• Part-time graduate format
• Eligible for federal loans
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• No clinical course fees