Nurses looking to expand their practice as well as their clinical knowledge base would benefit from earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The DNP differs from a Ph.D. in that it prepares nurses in a more clinical leadership role, as opposed to an educational focus.
DNP programs can take between two and four years to complete, depending on a nurse's entry point. MSN-prepared nurses may complete the program in as little as two years, while a BSN-prepared nurse should expect three to four years of study. Additionally, attending full or part-time will affect the length of time it takes to complete the program.
The DNP curriculum usually involves courses in advanced nursing and diagnostic concepts as well as courses in leadership, healthcare and organizational policy, evidenced-based outcomes, and informatics. Clinical practicums may be required, as well as a final DNP project which involves identifying a healthcare-related problem and proposing evidenced-based solutions.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Mississippi
Looking for the best DNP programs in Mississippi? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top Doctor of Nursing Practice programs to help you find the right fit. Our rankings consider key factors like quality, affordability, and student support. Start your search with confidence using our trusted list. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS - Public 4-Year - deltastate.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Delta State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a transformative educational journey for registered nurses seeking advanced professional development. With a flexible online format accommodating full and part-time students, the program provides comprehensive pathways from 1-4 years. Emphasizing evidence-based research and healthcare transformation, students engage in rigorous scholarly work while developing critical leadership skills. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical preparation, professional development, and strategic healthcare innovation. Prospective students benefit from multiple entry points, extensive clinical training ranging from 420-1140 hours, and a scholarly project component that prepares nurses for complex healthcare environments.
- Online DNP program format
- Multiple entry point options
- 1-4 year program lengths
- Full and part-time study
- 31-95 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Clinical hours: 420-1140
- Scholarly project component
- Family Nurse Practitioner track
- Advanced clinical preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Delta State University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers an innovative online program designed to elevate nursing professionals' clinical expertise. Spanning 3-6 semesters, the 65-credit curriculum prepares students to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care across patient lifespans. Students gain comprehensive training in advanced practice, leadership development, and national certification preparation. The program uniquely blends 1,200 clinical hours with doctoral-level academic rigor, emphasizing professional growth and healthcare transformation. Graduates emerge as skilled practitioners ready to address complex healthcare challenges with advanced clinical skills and strategic leadership capabilities.
- Online DNP program
- Full and part-time options
- 65 total credit hours
- 1,200 total clinical hours
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- National certification preparation
- Leadership and advanced practice focus
- 3-6 semester completion timeline
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Delta State University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a dynamic online program catering to nurses at various educational stages. With flexible entry pathways and completion timelines ranging from 1-4 years, the curriculum integrates extensive clinical training totaling 720 hours. Students develop advanced clinical competencies, leadership skills, and scholarly research abilities through a comprehensive program design. The concentration emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional development, and preparation for specialized healthcare roles. Doctoral-level clinical experiences and a scholarly project requirement ensure graduates are equipped with sophisticated clinical and academic skills.
- Online DNP program
- Multiple entry pathways
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 720 clinical hours total
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1-4 year completion timeline
- 420 doctoral-level clinical hours
- Scholarly project requirement
- Leadership development focus
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Non-FNP - Online Learning - Visit Website
Delta State University's non-FNP Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking advanced professional development. Designed with flexibility, the program accommodates diverse nursing backgrounds through multiple entry points and 1-4 year completion options. The curriculum integrates advanced health assessment, clinical practice, and leadership development, preparing nurses for complex healthcare environments. Students engage in extensive clinical training and a scholarly project, emphasizing evidence-based practice and strategic healthcare innovation. The program cultivates advanced nursing leadership skills while providing a rigorous academic experience.
- Online flexible program format
- Multiple entry points for nurses
- 1-4 year completion options
- 31-95 total credit hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Scholarly project requirement
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 1+ year clinical experience needed
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS - Public 4-Year - usm.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Southern Mississippi's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents an innovative online program designed to transform nursing professionals into advanced healthcare leaders. Spanning 34 credit hours across five semesters, this comprehensive curriculum prepares nurses for high-impact roles in primary care, mental health, and surgical settings. Graduates develop sophisticated skills in healthcare leadership, policy implementation, and evidence-based practice. The program's rigorous approach emphasizes scholarly project development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic healthcare problem-solving. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, students benefit from expert faculty mentorship and extensive clinical partnerships.
- 100% Online Program
- 34 Credit Hours
- 5 Semester Duration
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Campus Visit Per Semester
- Scholarly DNP Project Required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Graduate Record Examination
- Extensive Clinical Partnerships
- Faculty Expert Mentorship
Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner DNP pathway at University of Southern Mississippi provides a transformative educational experience for working healthcare professionals. This hybrid program strategically blends online coursework with minimal campus visits, enabling students to complete clinical requirements within their local communities. Designed for adaptable learning, the curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses for diverse healthcare environments including private clinics, urgent care centers, and academic settings. Students develop comprehensive clinical expertise while maintaining professional flexibility, with opportunities for full and part-time study.
- Hybrid online/campus program
- 71 credit hours total
- 3 years to complete DNP
- Requires 1+ year RN experience
- CCNE accredited program
- Full and part-time options
- National certification preparation
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Clinical hours in local community
Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Southern Mississippi's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a cutting-edge pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. This innovative hybrid curriculum transforms registered nurses into expert mental health clinicians through flexible online coursework and strategic campus interactions. Students receive comprehensive training in advanced psychiatric care, emphasizing leadership, scholarly practice, and professional development. The program prepares graduates to address complex mental health challenges across diverse patient populations, offering robust preparation for national certification examinations.
- Hybrid Online/Campus Program
- 73 Total Credit Hours
- 3-Year DNP Option
- 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
- One Year RN Experience
- Clinical Hours in Local Community
- ANCC Exam Preparation
- Full and Part-Time Options
- National Accreditation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Southern Mississippi's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides an advanced clinical preparation program for nurses aspiring to leadership roles. This meticulously designed hybrid curriculum combines online learning with periodic campus visits, enabling students to develop sophisticated healthcare expertise. Over three years, students complete 71 credit hours focused on evidence-based practice and professional scholarship. The program cultivates expert healthcare providers capable of delivering comprehensive patient care across multiple clinical settings, with eligibility for national certification upon completion.
- Hybrid online/campus program
- 71 credit hours total
- Clinical experiences locally
- Full and part-time options
- National certification eligible
- RN licensure required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- One year clinical experience
- Graduate Record Exam needed
- Accredited nursing program
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration at University of Southern Mississippi offers a comprehensive pathway for advanced practice registered nurses. This innovative hybrid program develops expert clinicians capable of delivering primary psychiatric care across patient lifespans, with particular emphasis on rural and community settings. Students engage in rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practicums, translating evidence-based practices into high-quality patient interventions. The curriculum integrates advanced clinical skills, research expertise, and leadership capabilities to prepare transformative mental health professionals.
- Hybrid program delivery
- 37-43 total credit hours
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Advanced mental health focus
- Doctoral project required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
- One year clinical experience
- Multiple clinical practicums
- Unencumbered RN license
- Advanced health assessment
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS - Public 4-Year - alcorn.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Alcorn State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, blending online and on-campus learning. This hybrid program equips Advanced Practice Registered Nurses with the skills to lead in clinical settings, emphasizing evidence-based practice and healthcare improvement. Over five semesters, students engage in a 36-credit curriculum focused on research translation, leadership, and addressing health disparities. Graduates emerge ready to implement transformative solutions in healthcare. Highlights include a practice-focused doctoral degree, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a required DNP project aimed at real-world impact.
- 36-credit hour curriculum
- Five semester continuous study
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Advanced clinical nursing leadership
- Research application focused
- DNP Project required
- Interdisciplinary team skills
- Complex health systems emphasis
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, MS - Public 4-Year - muw.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mississippi University for Women's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is tailored for nurse practitioners aiming to enhance their clinical leadership and healthcare policy influence. With a curriculum centered on evidence-based practice and chronic illness management, students gain the expertise to improve patient care outcomes in diverse settings. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, requiring a minimum of 38 credit hours. It emphasizes leadership preparation, advanced nursing practice, and the translation of research into practice, preparing graduates to tackle complex health challenges. A post-master's entry option is available for qualified applicants.
- Full-time and part-time study options
- Minimum 38 credit hours
- Practice-focused doctoral program
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Leadership in healthcare preparation
- Chronic illness management focus
- Advanced nursing practice training
- Post-masters entry available
University of Mississippi
University, MS - Public 4-Year - olemiss.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers a distinguished Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program aimed at molding the next generation of nursing leaders. This program stands out for its accelerated BSN to DNP pathway, enabling students to transition from a bachelor's to a doctoral level in just four years. Emphasizing interprofessional education, it prepares nurses to address Mississippi's pressing healthcare issues effectively. The curriculum is rigorous, blending academic coursework with extensive clinical experiences, totaling 1,050-1,245 hours of residency. Ideal for those seeking to elevate their nursing practice, the program requires GRE scores for admission, underscoring its commitment to academic excellence.
- Accelerated BSN to DNP pathway
- Interprofessional educational approach
- 62 hours prerequisite coursework
- 48 credit hours BSN program
- 68-84 credit hours DNP portion
- 765 clinical hours BSN phase
- 1,050-1,245 clinical residency hours
- Full-time three-year DNP track
- GRE required for DNP entry
Choosing a DNP Program
Deciding to return to school is a momentous one. Prospective students should weigh the pros and cons, and research school to find the ones that will best work with their busy lives and financial needs. Mississippi has four accredited DNP programs to choose from.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP program
- Cost– The average cost to attend a DNP program in Mississippi is around $400 per credit hour. This figure does not represent the full cost of attending-university fees, supplies, and living expenses are an added expense. Many schools offer financial aid, as well as offering part-time status which helps offset the cost.
- Online options– Three of the four DNP programs in Mississippi offer online or hybrid options. These options are beneficial as many nurses must continue to work while attending school. In some cases, campus visitation is required, but it is minimal – only one or two visits per semester are required.
- Accreditation– To ensure the highest educational standards are met, nursing programs must be accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). There are four DNP programs in Mississippi that are accredited by the CCNE.
- Residency Options– DNP students must pair up with a preceptor or mentor and complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours, as well as complete a DNP project. The requirements are usually around 1,000 hours and the projects between 400-500 hours. MSN-prepared students may be granted the option to apply clinical hours from their MSN program to the DNP program. Additionally, DNP graduates who wish to expand their clinical experience further may look into residency programs, for example, the Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship at North Mississippi Medical Center.
Delta State University offers four program options for DNP students:
- RN-DNP
- BSN-DNP
- MSN-DNP (non-FNP)
- MSN-DNP (FNP)
This institution offers options for nurses at all levels of education, including those who do not hold a BSN. The program may take between a year and a half to four and a half years to complete depending on the entry point, and between 31 and 114 credit hours are required to graduate. Graduates are prepared to take the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission requirements may vary between the schools and are dependent on the nurse's point of entry. Prospective students may be required to:
- Hold a valid, unencumbered RN or APRN license
- Hold a BSN or MSN degree
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher (depending on the school)
- Submit letters of professional or academic reference
- Complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Have at least one year of nursing experience (years of experience required may vary between schools)
- Submit a resume/CV
- Provide proof of liability insurance
- Provide a writing sample
- Interview with faculty
Certification
Graduates of DNP programs in Mississippi are eligible to sit for national certification in their specialty upon graduation. Examples of specialty certification include:
- Nurse practitioner
- FNP
- Adult/Gerontology (acute and primary care)
- Pediatrics (acute and primary care)
- Women's Health
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Midwife
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Licensing
DNP students who transition to an APRN role for the first time must apply for licensure in their specialty (i.e., NP, CRNA, Midwife, etc.) in Mississippi. Licensing requirements include:
- Graduate from a nationally accredited MSN or DNP program
- Pass a national certification exam in a specialty area
- Complete 720 hours of residency monitored by either a physician or APRN and evidence must be submitted directly to the board
- Complete the application and pay any required fees
Additional requirements must be met if the APRN will be prescribing controlled substances:
- Complete the required 720 hours of monitored practice
- Request Mississippi Board of Nursing Controlled Substance Prescriptive Authority
- Register with the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, and have received a Uniform Controlled Substances Registration Certificate
- Pay applicable fees
Mississippi BSN to DNP Program Options
All four accredited DNP programs in Mississippi offer BSN-DNP options. The University of Southern Mississippi's DNP program provides BSN students several options which include both clinical and leadership roles. Tracks include:
- FNP
- Psychiatric/Mental Health NP
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Leadership in Nursing
The foundation of the DNP program can be from 42-45 hours (about two years) and includes courses in:
- Role development
- Ethics in nursing
- Evaluating evidence-based practice
- Population health
- Research
- Epidemiology
- Organizational leadership
- Economics and finance
- DNP capstone inquiry
The university's website has a more detailed description of core courses, as well as links to the different tracks available.
Related Education Paths
- Mississippi Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Mississippi Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Mississippi FNP Programs
- Mississippi CRNA Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Mississippi
- Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Mississippi Nurses Association
- American Organization of Nurse Executives
- American Nursing Informatics Association
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Mississippi
Alcorn State, MS
Alcorn State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 36-credit hour curriculum
- Five semester continuous study
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Advanced clinical nursing leadership
- Research application focused
- DNP Project required
- Interdisciplinary team skills
- Complex health systems emphasis
Cleveland, MS
Delta State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program format
- Multiple entry point options
- 1-4 year program lengths
- Full and part-time study
- 31-95 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Clinical hours: 420-1140
- Scholarly project component
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Multiple entry pathways
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 720 clinical hours total
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1-4 year completion timeline
- 420 doctoral-level clinical hours
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Non-FNP - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program format
- Multiple entry points for nurses
- 1-4 year completion options
- 31-95 total credit hours
- Extensive clinical training
- Scholarly project requirement
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
Columbus, MS
Mississippi University for Women
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time and part-time study options
- Minimum 38 credit hours
- Practice-focused doctoral program
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Leadership in healthcare preparation
- Chronic illness management focus
- Advanced nursing practice training
- Post-masters entry available
Hattiesburg, MS
University of Southern Mississippi
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/campus program
- 71 credit hours total
- Clinical experiences locally
- Full and part-time options
- National certification eligible
- RN licensure required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- One year clinical experience
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery
- 37-43 total credit hours
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Advanced mental health focus
- Doctoral project required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA mandatory
- One year clinical experience
- Multiple clinical practicums
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 34 Credit Hours
- 5 Semester Duration
- Accredited Nursing Program
- Campus Visit Per Semester
- Scholarly DNP Project Required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Graduate Record Examination
- Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/campus program
- 71 credit hours total
- 3 years to complete DNP
- Requires 1+ year RN experience
- CCNE accredited program
- Full and part-time options
- National certification preparation
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Nursing (BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid Online/Campus Program
- 73 Total Credit Hours
- 3-Year DNP Option
- 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
- One Year RN Experience
- Clinical Hours in Local Community
- ANCC Exam Preparation
- Full and Part-Time Options
University, MS
University of Mississippi
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Campus Based - Website
- Accelerated BSN to DNP pathway
- Interprofessional educational approach
- 62 hours prerequisite coursework
- 48 credit hours BSN program
- 68-84 credit hours DNP portion
- 765 clinical hours BSN phase
- 1,050-1,245 clinical residency hours
- Full-time three-year DNP track