The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is considered the terminal degree type within the field of nursing. The DNP degree is considered ‘terminal' because it's the most superior nursing degree within the field. Depending on the specific pathway a nursing student chooses to take, DNPs can prepare them to work either in organizational/educational settings or in clinical settings.
The core concepts that are covered at the University of New Hampshire DNP program include:
- Use translational science and analytic methods to develop, identify, implement and evaluate best practices.
 - Act as a practicing scholar to design, direct and evaluate system changes.
 - Engage in complex, evidence-based advanced nursing practice and evaluate innovative approaches to care delivery.
 - Partner with others to develop interactive inter-professional teams that communicate effectively.
 - Employ strategic leadership skills to influence health policy.
 - Translate knowledge into practice and policy to reduce health disparities.
 - Use data analytic methods, information systems, and technology to evaluate, integrate and apply knowledge.
 - Students are required to successfully complete DNP coursework, have 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours (includes up to 500 clinical hours earned in master’s program), produce a publishable scholarly paper, and successfully present their DNP Project.
 
2026 Best DNP Programs in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu
Doctorate - Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's Post-Master's DNP program offers a cutting-edge online educational pathway for experienced nurses targeting advanced leadership roles. Through a rigorous 33-credit curriculum spanning 28 months, nurses develop transformative skills in systems leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. The asynchronous format accommodates working professionals, featuring small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship. With flexible learning options and no mandatory on-campus residency, students can transfer up to 500 clinical hours while preparing to become innovative healthcare change agents who can develop sophisticated care models and lead interdisciplinary teams.
- Online, flexible 28-month program
 - 33 total credit hours
 - Up to 500 clinical hours transferable
 - No on-campus residency required
 - Personalized faculty mentorship
 - Advanced leadership focus
 - Scholarly project component
 - Minimum 3.50 graduate GPA preferred
 - RN licensure required
 - January and August start dates
 
Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of New Hampshire's Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive four-year online program preparing nurses for advanced clinical practice. This 80-credit doctoral degree emphasizes family healthcare through extensive clinical training, including 750 practical hours. Students develop sophisticated clinical reasoning skills, evidence-based intervention strategies, and leadership competencies tailored to family practice. The program strategically positions graduates to pursue Family Nurse Practitioner certification, enabling them to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse patient populations with advanced clinical expertise.
- 80 credit hours total
 - 4-year online program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - Prepares for FNP certification
 - Asynchronous course delivery
 - Leadership and innovation focus
 - Advanced clinical assessment skills
 - Doctoral-level scholarly project
 - Comprehensive healthcare leadership preparation
 
Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Clinical Nurse Leader DNP program empowers nurses to revolutionize healthcare delivery through advanced leadership training. Designed for working professionals, this post-baccalaureate program focuses on systemic patient care improvements through strategic leadership development. With 500 required clinical hours and a 63-credit curriculum, students gain comprehensive skills in quality management, healthcare innovation, and interprofessional collaboration. The program prepares nurses for high-level roles in administration, policy development, and clinical leadership, emphasizing evidence-based practices and transformative healthcare approaches.
- Online Post-Baccalaureate DNP
 - 500 clinical practice hours
 - CNL certification eligible
 - 63 total credit program
 - Leadership-focused curriculum
 - Designed for working nurses
 - Evidence-based practice emphasis
 - Quality improvement focus
 - Doctoral-level scholarly project
 - Flexible online format
 
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP offers an 80-credit advanced practice program for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This comprehensive doctoral degree prepares registered nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across patient lifespans. With 750 clinical practice hours and ANCC certification eligibility, students develop advanced clinical competencies through evidence-based training and leadership-focused curriculum. The flexible online format enables working professionals to enhance their mental health practice while maintaining current employment.
- 80 total credit hours
 - Fully online program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - ANCC certification eligible
 - Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
 - Customizable program length
 - Small class sizes
 - Expert faculty mentorship
 - Leadership-focused curriculum
 - Advanced practice preparation
 
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program transforms experienced nurses into specialized acute care practitioners. This 76-credit program equips students with advanced skills for complex hospital and ambulatory settings, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based clinical management. Students complete 500 clinical hours and develop a scholarly project, preparing for national certification. The program focuses on developing leadership capabilities, enabling graduates to excel in critical care, trauma centers, and specialty clinics with comprehensive professional training.
- 76 total program credits
 - Fully online asynchronous format
 - 500 clinical practice hours
 - Small class sizes
 - Dedicated faculty advisor
 - Doctoral scholarly project required
 - National certification preparation
 - Leadership skill development
 - Flexible professional schedule
 - Evidence-based practice focus
 
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of New Hampshire's Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive four-year online program for healthcare professionals. This 80-credit doctoral degree offers an innovative curriculum combining evidence-based practices with advanced leadership training. Students complete 750 clinical hours, preparing for Family Nurse Practitioner certification while developing skills to manage comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. The asynchronous format supports working nurses, with potential opportunities like the Johnson & Johnson Nurse Innovation Fellowship.
- Online post-baccalaureate DNP program
 - 80 total credit hours
 - 4-year program length
 - 750 clinical hours required
 - Asynchronous course format
 - Full-time working professional friendly
 - National accreditation
 - Doctoral-level nursing practice
 - Leadership skill development
 - Small class sizes
 
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNH's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP transforms registered nurses into advanced mental health professionals. This comprehensive 80-credit program combines evidence-based practice, leadership development, and specialized psychiatric care training. Students gain advanced clinical competencies through a flexible online format, enabling working professionals to maintain employment while pursuing doctoral-level credentials. With 750 clinical practice hours and ANCC board certification preparation, graduates are positioned for high-demand roles in mental health settings, emphasizing innovative patient care approaches.
- 80 total credit hours
 - Online asynchronous program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - Preparation for ANCC certification
 - Leadership-focused curriculum
 - Minimal campus visits
 - Full or part-time options
 - Small class sizes
 - Advanced practice specialization
 
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH - Private 4-year - dartmouth.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dartmouth College's DNP program stands out as a comprehensive advanced nursing pathway that transforms healthcare professionals into expert practitioners. The program uniquely prepares nurses for complex clinical roles through intensive training in advanced practice specialties like nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. Designed for bachelor's degree holders, the curriculum offers accelerated tracks that expedite professional development. Students benefit from integrated clinical experiences that emphasize hands-on learning, leadership skills, and cutting-edge healthcare knowledge. The program's rigorous approach ensures graduates are equipped to navigate sophisticated healthcare environments and drive innovative patient care strategies.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice offered
 - Multiple advanced practice specialties
 - Clinical experience integrated
 - Accelerated tracks available
 - National Council Licensure Exam required
 
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Colby-Sawyer College's online Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a distinctive Advanced Leadership concentration designed to cultivate transformative healthcare professionals. Over 20-32 months, students engage in a rigorous curriculum emphasizing strategic organizational development, evidence-based quality improvement, and innovative leadership techniques. The program distinguishes itself through a comprehensive 1,000-hour clinical practicum and a scholarly project requirement, enabling nurses to directly impact healthcare system effectiveness. Doctoral-level faculty guide students through eight meticulously crafted courses, preparing them to implement meaningful systematic changes and advance their professional trajectories in complex healthcare environments.
- Online DNP program
 - Advanced Leadership concentration
 - 1,000 clinical practicum hours
 - 8 total courses, 28 credits
 - Doctorally prepared faculty
 - Flexible 20-32 month timeline
 - Scholarly project required
 - Career advancement focused
 
Choosing a DNP Program
With a little research, it's not hard to find the right DNP program. There are a few important factors to think about when considering DNP schools.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— The University of New Hampshire, the state's only institution with a DNP program, charges $770 for in-state students and $845 for out-of state students.
 - Online/Campus Options— New Hampshire's only university with a DNP program delivers it students via a dual online and on-campus format.
- University of New Hampshire— The university’s DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format and can be completed in 2.5 years on a part-time basis.
 
 
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of New Hampshire are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
 - Residency— Students are encouraged to inquire with the their school of choice about clinical residency and fellowship programs, as many schools have affiliations with hospitals and health facilities in the area.
 
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
The nursing department encourages DNP applications from those who:
- Have an unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States
 - Have obtained an M.S. in Nursing or equivalent degree (MBA, MHA, MPH). Plans of study will be individualized for students without a master's in nursing on a case-by-case basis. Students without a master's in nursing will be required to complete the full 1,000 clinical hours in the online DNP program and may need to complete additional graduate level courses
 - Three letters of reference pertaining to academic ability, professional competency, and personal character are required
 - Have completed satisfactorily a personal statement essay of interest in pursuing graduate education
 
Certification
Accredited New Hampshire DNP programs permit students to sit for certification upon successful completion of programs. DNP programs offered at universities in New Hampshire allow students to become certified in the vast majority if not all advanced practice nursing specialty disciplines.
Licensing
In the state of New Hampshire, nursing students who've completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure—Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
 - Background checks
 - Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
 - Submit verification of specialty certification
 - Complete fingerprinting
 
New Hampshire BSN to DNP Program Options
Unfortunately, at the moment there are no university programs in the state of New Hampshire that offer students BSN to DNP pathways.
Related Education Paths
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs
 - New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
 - New Hampshire FNP Programs
 - BSN to DNP
 - RN to NP
 
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Nurses Association
 - New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association
 - New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure—Board of Nursing
 
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Hampshire
Durham, NH
University of New Hampshire
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 76 total program credits
 - Fully online asynchronous format
 - 500 clinical practice hours
 - Small class sizes
 - Dedicated faculty advisor
 - Doctoral scholarly project required
 - National certification preparation
 - Leadership skill development
 
 - Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-Baccalaureate DNP
 - 500 clinical practice hours
 - CNL certification eligible
 - 63 total credit program
 - Leadership-focused curriculum
 - Designed for working nurses
 - Evidence-based practice emphasis
 - Quality improvement focus
 
 - Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 80 credit hours total
 - 4-year online program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - Prepares for FNP certification
 - Asynchronous course delivery
 - Leadership and innovation focus
 - Advanced clinical assessment skills
 - Doctoral-level scholarly project
 
 - Doctorate - Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online, flexible 28-month program
 - 33 total credit hours
 - Up to 500 clinical hours transferable
 - No on-campus residency required
 - Personalized faculty mentorship
 - Advanced leadership focus
 - Scholarly project component
 - Minimum 3.50 graduate GPA preferred
 
 - Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online post-baccalaureate DNP program
 - 80 total credit hours
 - 4-year program length
 - 750 clinical hours required
 - Asynchronous course format
 - Full-time working professional friendly
 - National accreditation
 - Doctoral-level nursing practice
 
 - Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 80 total credit hours
 - Online asynchronous program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - Preparation for ANCC certification
 - Leadership-focused curriculum
 - Minimal campus visits
 - Full or part-time options
 - Small class sizes
 
 - Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 80 total credit hours
 - Fully online program
 - 750 clinical practice hours
 - ANCC certification eligible
 - Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
 - Customizable program length
 - Small class sizes
 - Expert faculty mentorship
 
 
Hanover, NH
Dartmouth College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Campus Based - Website
- Doctor of Nursing Practice offered
 - Multiple advanced practice specialties
 - Clinical experience integrated
 - Accelerated tracks available
 - National Council Licensure Exam required
 
 
New London, NH
Colby-Sawyer College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
 - Advanced Leadership concentration
 - 1,000 clinical practicum hours
 - 8 total courses, 28 credits
 - Doctorally prepared faculty
 - Flexible 20-32 month timeline
 - Scholarly project required
 - Career advancement focused
 
 

