Nurses enter the field of nursing to help patients; it is a calling as well as an art. While nurses exhibit compassion, professionalism, and confidence while caring for patients, they also have traits that are not always apparent at the bedside. Nurses may demonstrate advocacy and leadership, and fight for policy change that will lead to improved patient care outcomes.
Nurses who wish to employ these traits to a higher degree and role would do well in earning a Doctor or Nursing Practice. The DNP is the highest degree a nurse can receive. Many nurses who earn this degree choose to work as an advanced practitioner or move to executive-level nursing roles such as a Nurse Leader, Nurse Executive, or work in Nursing Informatics.
DNP programs are designed to prepare BSN or MSN nurses as leaders in their field. The length of time needed to graduate depends on their entry point and track of study. MSN to DNP students may only spend two years of school while BSN-DNP students may spend four. A minimum of 1,000 clinical practicum hours is required to earn a DNP as well as a DNP project.
2025 Best DNP Programs in South Carolina
Looking for the best DNP programs in South Carolina? RegisteredNursing.org has done the work for you. We ranked the top programs to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and how well they prepare nurses for leadership roles. Whether you're advancing your career or starting fresh, our rankings guide you to the best options. Find the program that fits your goals and budget. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of South Carolina-Columbia's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers comprehensive advanced nursing education targeting healthcare professionals seeking elevated clinical and leadership capabilities. With flexible online learning paths across multiple concentrations including Clinical Expert, Healthcare Leadership, and various specialty nurse practitioner tracks, the program accommodates diverse professional goals. Students can select full-time or part-time options ranging from 33 to 74 credit hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare technology integration, and advanced clinical competencies.
- Multiple DNP concentration options
- Online didactic coursework
- Full-time and part-time plans
- Minimum 1000-1112 clinical hours
- Advanced leadership focus
- Post-master's and BSN pathways
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Healthcare technology integration
Doctorate - Family Nursing Practitioner: Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of South Carolina's Family Nursing Practitioner DNP program is nationally ranked, preparing advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive patient care across complex healthcare systems. Through innovative online coursework and select on-campus immersions, students develop critical skills for primary care environments. Graduates gain national certification expertise, positioning themselves for impactful roles in urgent care, family practices, and outpatient clinical settings with sophisticated patient management capabilities.
- First four D.N.P. programs nationwide
- Clinical Simulation Center training
- Online and on-campus learning
- Evidence-based practice focus
Doctorate - Executive Healthcare Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Executive Healthcare Leadership DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals for high-level leadership roles through a comprehensive curriculum. Offering flexible entry paths for nurses with diverse educational backgrounds, the program develops critical skills in healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and technological integration. Students learn to transform healthcare systems by executing innovative interventions, translating research into practice, and leading interprofessional teams in complex healthcare environments.
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Two entry point options
- 36-60 credit hours
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Advanced healthcare technology integration
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Interprofessional team preparation
- National certification eligibility
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of South Carolina's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program pioneers advanced mental health care education, integrating neuroscientific principles with evidence-based psychotherapy techniques. Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, the program enables comprehensive mental health care delivery across patient lifespans. Students develop sophisticated skills in trauma-related care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing them to address complex clinical challenges and pursue national certification.
- Top-tier faculty mentorship
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Prepares for national certification
- Interprofessional collaboration focus
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips advanced practice nurses to excel in complex healthcare settings. Ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report, this flexible online curriculum develops advanced analytical, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning capabilities. Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in hospitals, outpatient practices, and specialized medical environments, with comprehensive training in acute and critical patient care management.
- Advanced practice clinical preparation
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- Evidence-based project collaboration
- Prepares for national certification
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of South Carolina's Adult Gerontology Acute Care DNP offers an advanced pathway for nurses seeking specialized expertise in complex patient management. Ranked #1 nationally for online graduate nursing programs, this curriculum develops sophisticated skills for acute and critical care settings. Students enhance analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice techniques while preparing for national certification as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners.
- Clinical Simulation Center training
- Evidence-based research focus
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical practice training
Doctorate - Clinical Expert: Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Clinical Expert DNP program empowers nursing professionals to excel in complex healthcare environments through a rigorous online curriculum. Focused on developing advanced clinical skills and implementing evidence-based practices, the program enables nurses to drive systemic improvements in patient care. Graduates gain comprehensive leadership training, research evaluation capabilities, and expertise to transform healthcare delivery while maintaining professional flexibility.
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- One of first four DNP programs nationally
- Flexible online curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
Doctorate - Executive Healthcare Leadership: Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Healthcare Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of South Carolina's Executive Healthcare Leadership DNP prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare environments through strategic leadership. Designed for experienced nurses with diverse healthcare backgrounds, this online program develops critical executive skills in decision-making and interprofessional collaboration. Students gain expertise positioning themselves for high-level roles in healthcare administration and management with innovative clinical training.
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- First nationally recognized D.N.P. program
- Leadership skills development
- Multiple career pathway options
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - Public 4-Year - clemson.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration that transforms advanced practice nurses into clinical leaders. This hybrid post-baccalaureate track provides comprehensive training across 74 credit hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership development. Students engage in an intensive curriculum that demands 1,000 clinical hours and culminates in a transformative DNP project focused on enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare system improvements. The program's flexible format allows learners to balance professional commitments while gaining sophisticated clinical expertise.
- Hybrid post-baccalaureate format
- 74 credit hour program
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Multiple specialty concentrations
- Evidence-based practice focus
- DNP project required
- Leadership development emphasis
- Online and on-campus options
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers advanced primary care training through a robust 74-credit hybrid program. Designed for both post-baccalaureate and post-masters students, this track empowers nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. The curriculum integrates comprehensive evidence-based practice, healthcare policy analysis, and leadership skill development. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours and a substantive DNP project, preparing graduates to drive systemic healthcare improvements and implement innovative patient care strategies with advanced clinical competence.
- Hybrid 74-credit hour program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership and policy training
- Comprehensive DNP project required
- Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration equips nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This hybrid 74-credit program offers comprehensive training in evidence-based practice, advanced research methodologies, and strategic health promotion. Students develop expertise through 1,000 clinical hours, exploring complex healthcare challenges across adult and geriatric populations. The curriculum emphasizes systemic healthcare change, innovative research application, and leadership development. Graduates emerge prepared to drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare delivery strategies.
- Hybrid 74-credit DNP program
- Multiple specialty concentration options
- 1000 total clinical hours required
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Healthcare leadership emphasis
- Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks
- Minimum 3.25 GPA requirement
- Graduate teaching assistantships available
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides advanced clinical training through a dynamic 74-credit hybrid program. Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, this track develops comprehensive pediatric healthcare expertise through extensive clinical rotations and evidence-based practice methodologies. Students complete 1,000 clinical hours and a transformative DNP project addressing real-world pediatric healthcare challenges. The flexible learning format combines on-campus and virtual coursework, enabling nurses to enhance their clinical leadership skills while maintaining professional commitments.
- 74-credit hybrid program
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Pediatric NP concentration
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Health Systems Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson's Health Systems Leadership DNP concentration empowers healthcare professionals to become strategic nursing leaders. This comprehensive 74-credit hybrid program prepares students to transform healthcare through advanced leadership, evidence-based practice, and innovative clinical strategies. Students explore complex healthcare systems, complete 1,000 clinical hours, and develop a capstone DNP project aimed at improving organizational and patient outcomes. The program offers flexible learning formats and potential financial support, positioning graduates to drive meaningful healthcare system improvements.
- 74-credit hybrid program
- Multiple nursing concentrations
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Graduate assistantships available
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Capstone DNP project required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Clemson University's comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides a versatile pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced clinical leadership training. This hybrid post-baccalaureate track offers multiple specialty options, including Family, Adult/Gerontology, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations. Students navigate a rigorous 74-credit curriculum spanning nine semesters, integrating cutting-edge research, evidence-based practice, and healthcare innovation. The program emphasizes 1,000 clinical hours and a transformative DNP project focused on improving patient care and healthcare system effectiveness.
- 74-credit hybrid program
- 1,000 total clinical hours
- Multiple specialty tracks
- Online and on-campus options
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development emphasis
- DNP project requirement
- Graduate assistantships available
Anderson University
Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Advanced Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University's DNP in Advanced Practice is a hybrid program designed for MSN-prepared nurses, focusing on elevating clinical leadership skills. The 39-credit, 18-month curriculum includes 500-600 clinical hours and a scholarly project, aiming for a salary potential of $90,000-$110,000. Small cohorts and experienced faculty support personalized learning.
- 39 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- 18-month program duration
- MSN required for entry
- 500-600 clinical hours
- Advanced practice focus
- Scholarly project component
- Small cohort learning
- Potential $90-110k salary range
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The DNP in Executive Leadership at Anderson University is a 42-credit hybrid program for MSN holders, preparing nurses for high-level roles with salaries up to $200,000. It includes 800 clinical hours, a scholarly project, and an on-campus residency, focusing on strategic healthcare leadership.
- 42 credit hour program
- Hybrid learning format
- MSN required for entry
- 800 additional clinical hours
- Executive leadership focus
- 18-month program duration
- Potential $80k-$200k salary range
- On-campus residency semester
- Small cohort learning
- Scholarly project component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University offers a DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, a 77-credit hybrid program requiring a BSN. With 750 clinical hours and a focus on mental health care across all ages, graduates can earn $95,000-$115,000. The program prepares nurses for national certification.
- 77 total credit hours
- Mostly online hybrid format
- 750 clinical training hours
- 3-year program duration
- BSN degree required
- National certification preparation
- Covers all population age groups
- Competitive salary potential
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner at Anderson University is a 75-credit hybrid program for BSN-prepared nurses, emphasizing primary care across all ages. It includes 750 clinical hours, a scholarly project, and prepares for national certification, with a salary potential of $90,000-$110,000.
- 75 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Mostly online curriculum
- BSN required for admission
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
- National certification exam preparation
- Targeted to family nurse practitioners
- 3-year program duration
- Small cohort learning environment
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University's DNP in Executive Leadership is a 42-credit hybrid program for MSN-prepared nurses, focusing on developing strategic healthcare leaders. With 800 clinical hours and a first-semester campus residency, it prepares graduates for executive roles with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $200,000.
- 42 credit hour program
- Hybrid learning format
- MSN degree prerequisite
- 800 additional clinical hours
- First semester campus residency
- Executive leadership focus
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
Francis Marion University
Florence, SC - Public 4-Year - fmarion.edu
Doctorate - BSN to FNP/DNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Francis Marion University's BSN to FNP/DNP program is designed for nurses aiming to elevate their practice to the doctoral level. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person experiences, catering to the needs of busy professionals. Over three years, students engage in a rigorous 70-credit curriculum, including 1,080 clinical hours, to master the skills required for Family Nurse Practitioner roles. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification and leadership positions in diverse healthcare settings. The program's flexible structure supports a balance between academic advancement and professional commitments.
- 70 credit hour program
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- Fully online with hybrid courses
- Three-year full-time track
- Eligible for AANP/ANCC certification
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - Public 4-Year - web.musc.edu
Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Medical University of South Carolina's DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program is an online offering that equips nurses with advanced skills to care for children from pre-natal stages through 21 years. Focused on holistic, family-centered care, the program covers preventive health, acute illness management, and chronic condition treatment. Graduates are prepared for national certification, ready to enhance pediatric health outcomes in various settings.
- Comprehensive pediatric primary care training
- Pre-natal to 21 years focus
- National certification eligibility
- Online DNP program
- Expert faculty mentorship
Doctorate - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
MUSC's Post-BSN to DNP program, ranked #22 nationally, is an online, asynchronous program designed for nurses aiming for advanced practice leadership. With no GRE required, it offers four clinical specializations and a flexible 4-year study plan. The curriculum integrates health policy, clinical management, and healthcare technologies, preparing graduates to lead in complex healthcare environments.
- #22 National DNP Ranking
- 100% Online Asynchronous
- Four Clinical Specializations
- No GRE Required
- 4-Year Flexible Study Plan
- Mental Health Curriculum
- Nationally Recognized Faculty
- Welcome New Graduates
- 76 Credit Hour Program
- Clinical Leadership Focus
Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program at MUSC provides online training for nurses to deliver primary healthcare across all life stages. The program includes on-campus intensives for specialized procedural training and prepares graduates for diverse healthcare settings, offering optional nurse educator courses for added versatility.
- Online Post-BSN DNP program
- Lifespan healthcare education
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Clinical hours in primary care
- Specialized procedural training
- Flexible employment opportunities
- Optional nurse educator courses
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Visit Website
MUSC's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program addresses the critical mental health workforce shortage with a 45% job growth projection. This online program offers comprehensive training in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, with options for specialization in patient populations and service delivery, including psychotherapy certification.
- Online Post-BSN DNP Track
- 45% Job Growth Projection
- Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
- Interprofessional Learning Environment
- National Certification Eligibility
- Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
- Optional Psychotherapy Certificate
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner DNP program at MUSC focuses on primary care for patients from adolescence through advanced age. This online program is designed for experienced nurses, offering specialized skills for complex healthcare needs in diverse settings, with a curriculum emphasizing holistic health management and chronic disease treatment.
- Online DNP program
- Primary care specialist track
- Broad patient age range
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- Expert faculty leadership
Doctorate - Post-MSN to DNP
Online Learning - Visit Website
MUSC's Post-MSN to DNP program is a fully online, flexible pathway for advanced practice nurses to enhance their clinical expertise. The program focuses on leadership, health systems design, and evidence-based practice, with asynchronous course delivery to accommodate working professionals. No GRE is required, but a 3.0 GPA and national certification are preferred.
- Fully online program format
- Terminal nursing practice doctorate
- For current advanced practice nurses
- No GRE scores required
- Preferred 3.0 GPA
- National certification required
- Active APRN license needed
- Practice improvement project
- Asynchronous course delivery
Doctorate - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-BSN to DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at MUSC prepares nurses to tackle the nationwide mental health workforce shortage. With a 45% job growth projection, the program offers specialized training in psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy, with diverse clinical placement opportunities and eligibility for board certification.
- 45% projected job growth
- Specialized psychiatric training
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Optional psychotherapy certificate
- Diverse clinical placement opportunities
Choosing a DNP Program
For many nurses, earning a higher degree comes later in one’s career. When out of academia for a while, many nurses may not know where to start when researching schools. However, there are fundamental starting points when deciding on a DNP program. South Carolina has only two accredited DNP programs, and the following describes essential considerations in detail to help students choose.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Cost – The cost of tuition is sometimes a priority in selecting a DNP program. One of the accredited DNP programs in South Carolina charges $835 per credit, and another $552. It’s important to recognize that these figures are just the cost of tuition per credit and does not include any university fees or cost for supplies. Additionally, tuition fees change, so nurses are encouraged to check the school websites for the most up-to-date tuition. Financial aid is also available at most schools.
- Online Options – DNP programs are designed to assist working nurses in earning a higher degree. Both schools in South Carolina offer online or hybrid learning. Campus visitation, when required, is minimal and sometimes set up as "intensives" on weekends or over a specified number of days to make it as convenient as possible. Typically, MSN-DNP has more online-only options available.
- Accreditation – The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the two certifying agencies in the United States for nursing programs. Nursing education, at all degree levels, needs to be standardized to ensure students practice at the same level. As stated earlier, South Carolina has two accredited DNP programs, both of which are approved by the CCNE.
- Residency Options – A minimum of 1,000 practice hours are needed to earn a DNP. Many schools allow MSN-DNP students to apply hours from their MSN program towards the DNP. DNP students must also complete a final project, identifying a healthcare-related concern and proposing solutions to improve outcomes.
Following graduation, DNP-NP graduates in South Carolina have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship program is Lexington Medical Center. This fellowship helps NPs gain more specialized skills in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology, rural health, orthopedic, and more.
The University of South Carolina's DNP program is open to master's degree nurses, and the program is a minimum of 33 credits to graduate. The courses of study include a DNP-Nurse Executive and a DNP (no concentration). The Nurse Executive track is 39 credits in length. The program is almost entirely online, although campus visitation may be required for the DNP project proposal or intensives.
As stated earlier, the program is currently only open to MSN graduates. The BSN to DNP track is currently under revision.
For more information, prospective students may visit the university's DNP FAQ website.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Different universities have specific admission requirements. While many DNP programs have similar admission criteria, students are encouraged to visit each school's website to determine exact requirements.
General admission requirements may include:
- Current RN or APRN license
- BSN or MSN degree
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Letters of professional reference (specific requirements may vary, i.e., from a Doctorally-prepared RN or physician)
- Written goal statement (or other writing samples)
- Resume/CV
- Interview with faculty (may be in-person or by phone)
- Prior completion of a statistics course
- Previous clinical experience
Certification
Specialty certification is required for APRN licensure in South Carolina. Nurses who graduate from a DNP program with an NP, Nurse Midwife, CNS, or CRNA focus must obtain specialty certification to become licensed. For example, new nurse practitioners (or NPs changing their specialty) must become licensed in a specialty such as:
- Adult/Gerontology
- Pediatrics
- Acute Care
- Women's Health
- Psychiatry/Mental Health
While specialty certification is required for APRN licensure in South Carolina, new graduates have up to a year to submit to the board. The board's website also links applicants to a list of approved certifying agencies.
Additional certifications (not required for licensure) include specialties such as Nurse Informatics and Nurse Executive.
Licensing
Along with specialty certification, the South Carolina nursing board outlines other licensing requirements on their website including:
- Active RN license (or meet all qualifications for RN licensure)
- MSN or DNP degree
- Apply for prescriptive authority
- Specifications include 45 contact hours of pharmacotherapeutics
- Completion of 20 hours of continuing education is required every two years
- Complete a background check/fingerprinting
- Complete online application/pay necessary fees
South Carolina BSN to DNP Options
Many BSN nurses seek higher degrees, even to the level of a DNP. South Carolina has one program available for BSN applicants. The Medical University of South Carolina offers BSN-DNP students the opportunity to become primary care nurse practitioners in the following specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology
- Pediatrics
- Family Medicine
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
The BSN to DNP program is online except for on-campus intensives that take place once a semester. The university has a healthcare simulation center with high-tech adult and infant simulators as well as machines that simulate various clinical areas such as emergency and operating rooms. They even have a device that simulates giving birth!
Additionally, the DNP website reports that the university's online DNP program is ranked # 2 in the US by the US News and World Report.
For more information, students may visit the DNP FAQ section of their website.
Related Education Paths
- South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs
- South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- South Carolina FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in South Carolina
- South Carolina Nurses Association-APRN Chapter
- American Association of Nurse Executives
- American Nursing Informatics Association
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in South Carolina
Anderson, SC
Anderson University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 42 credit hour program
- Hybrid learning format
- MSN degree prerequisite
- 800 additional clinical hours
- First semester campus residency
- Executive leadership focus
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Advanced Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 39 total credit hours
- Hybrid learning format
- 18-month program duration
- MSN required for entry
- 500-600 clinical hours
- Advanced practice focus
- Scholarly project component
- Small cohort learning
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 total credit hours
- Hybrid program format
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Mostly online curriculum
- BSN required for admission
- 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
- National certification exam preparation
- Targeted to family nurse practitioners
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 77 total credit hours
- Mostly online hybrid format
- 750 clinical training hours
- 3-year program duration
- BSN degree required
- National certification preparation
- Covers all population age groups
- Competitive salary potential
Charleston, SC
Medical University of South Carolina
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Primary care specialist track
- Broad patient age range
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- Expert faculty leadership
- Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-BSN DNP program
- Lifespan healthcare education
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Clinical hours in primary care
- Specialized procedural training
- Flexible employment opportunities
- Optional nurse educator courses
- Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Comprehensive pediatric primary care training
- Pre-natal to 21 years focus
- National certification eligibility
- Online DNP program
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Doctorate - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- #22 National DNP Ranking
- 100% Online Asynchronous
- Four Clinical Specializations
- No GRE Required
- 4-Year Flexible Study Plan
- Mental Health Curriculum
- Nationally Recognized Faculty
- Welcome New Graduates
- Doctorate - Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 45% projected job growth
- Specialized psychiatric training
- Interprofessional learning environment
- Optional psychotherapy certificate
- Diverse clinical placement opportunities
- Doctorate - Post-MSN to DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program format
- Terminal nursing practice doctorate
- For current advanced practice nurses
- No GRE scores required
- Preferred 3.0 GPA
- National certification required
- Active APRN license needed
- Practice improvement project
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP
Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-BSN DNP Track
- 45% Job Growth Projection
- Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
- Interprofessional Learning Environment
- National Certification Eligibility
- Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
- Optional Psychotherapy Certificate
Clemson, SC
Clemson University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 74-credit DNP program
- Multiple specialty concentration options
- 1000 total clinical hours required
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Healthcare leadership emphasis
- Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks
- Minimum 3.25 GPA requirement
- Graduate teaching assistantships available
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 74-credit hour program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership and policy training
- Comprehensive DNP project required
- Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Health Systems Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 74-credit hybrid program
- Multiple nursing concentrations
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Graduate assistantships available
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Capstone DNP project required
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 74-credit hybrid program
- 1000 total clinical hours
- Pediatric NP concentration
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 74-credit hybrid program
- 1,000 total clinical hours
- Multiple specialty tracks
- Online and on-campus options
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development emphasis
- DNP project requirement
- Graduate assistantships available
Columbia, SC
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Nationally ranked online program
- Advanced practice clinical preparation
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- Evidence-based project collaboration
- Prepares for national certification
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care - Online Learning - Website
- Nationally ranked online program
- Clinical Simulation Center training
- Evidence-based research focus
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical practice training
- Doctorate - Clinical Expert: Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Nationally ranked online program
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- One of first four DNP programs nationally
- Flexible online curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Multiple DNP concentration options
- Online didactic coursework
- Full-time and part-time plans
- Minimum 1000-1112 clinical hours
- Advanced leadership focus
- Post-master's and BSN pathways
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Healthcare technology integration
- Doctorate - Executive Healthcare Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Practice - Online Learning - Website
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Two entry point options
- 36-60 credit hours
- Leadership focused curriculum
- Advanced healthcare technology integration
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Interprofessional team preparation
- National certification eligibility
- Doctorate - Executive Healthcare Leadership: Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Healthcare Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate program ranked #1
- Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
- First nationally recognized D.N.P. program
- Leadership skills development
- Multiple career pathway options
- Doctorate - Family Nursing Practitioner: Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nationally ranked nursing program
- First four D.N.P. programs nationwide
- Clinical Simulation Center training
- Online and on-campus learning
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Nationally ranked online program
- Top-tier faculty mentorship
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Prepares for national certification
- Interprofessional collaboration focus
Florence, SC
Francis Marion University
- Doctorate - BSN to FNP/DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 70 credit hour program
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- Fully online with hybrid courses
- Three-year full-time track
- Eligible for AANP/ANCC certification
Hartsville, SC
Coker University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online 33-credit program
- Flexible 8-week course terms
- Master's degree required for entry
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Active nursing license needed
- Graduate loan funding available
- Designed for working professionals