Best BSN to DNP Programs

Last Updated On Jul 28, 2025

12 Min Read

Is a BSN to DNP Program Right For Me?

BSN to DNP programs are designed for nurses who wish to begin a career as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These programs provide a solid foundation of nursing practice, nursing theory, and teaching research methods.

The advantage of a BSN to DNP bridge program is that it allows nurses to earn a doctoral degree in an accelerated fashion, bypassing the usual step of the standalone MSN degree (Master’s of Science in Nursing). This will save significant time for motivated RNs who know they want to enter doctoral practice. What the student gains in time, however, they will make up for in the program’s rigorous nature – the BSN to DNP program can be very academically demanding. For the right student, though, the BSN to DNP can be an excellent gateway to advanced practice.

What a DNP-prepared nurse does day-to-day depends on which program they choose. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are becoming more accessible and available yearly. Many schools have integrated MSN and DNP programs so that graduates will earn both degrees on graduation day.

Many BSN to DNP programs are available; some schools even offer dual programs to prepare students for multiple patient populations, which should increase hiring potential. Roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, and Clinical Nurse Leader are offered.

2025 Best BSN to DNP Programs

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree opens doors to advanced practice nursing roles, leadership positions, and specialized career paths. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP program offers a streamlined path for registered nurses to achieve this terminal degree. But with so many options available, finding the program that best fits your needs and aspirations can feel overwhelming. That's where RegisteredNursing.org comes in. We've ranked the best BSN to DNP programs, considering factors like accreditation, program length, and online options to help make your decision easier. Whether you're looking to specialize in a specific area of nursing, enhance your leadership skills, or simply advance your career, our rankings provide valuable insights to inform your choice. https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO - Public 4-Year - umsl.edu

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Focus on Primary Care
Requires BSN for admission
3.0 GPA minimum
Current RN licensure needed
Statistics course prerequisite
70 total credit hours
Prepares for clinical leadership
Integrates evidence-based practice
Covers health policy and economics

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
BSN to DNP pathway
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Professional licensure required
Clinical scholarship project
70 total program hours
Advanced practice nursing practicums
Healthcare systems leadership focus
Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
BSN to DNP pathway
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
One year psychiatric nursing experience
70 total program hours
Advanced clinical practice focus
Comprehensive healthcare policy training
Evidence-based practice emphasis
Clinical scholarship project required

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care

Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid DNP program format
Specialized pediatric primary care focus
Advanced clinical decision-making training
Comprehensive healthcare systems curriculum
Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Requires current nursing license
Clinical scholarship project included
70 total credit hours
Evidence-based practice emphasis
Advanced pathophysiology training

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Concentration: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

70-credit comprehensive DNP program
Specialized Women's Health focus
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Current nursing license needed
8-hour clinical residency required
Includes clinical scholarship project
Hybrid learning format
Advanced diagnostic reasoning training

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Specialized pediatric acute care track
Requires 1+ year pediatric nursing experience
Comprehensive 70 credit hour program
Clinical scholarship project required
Focus on evidence-based practice

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Leadership in Population Health and Healthcare Systems Emphasis

Concentration: Leadership in Healthcare Systems - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
BSN to DNP pathway
Leadership in Healthcare Systems focus
3.0 GPA requirement
Current RN licensure needed
Clinical scholarship project
Healthcare systems coursework
Biostatistics and epidemiology
Health informatics included
Program evaluation skills

Show 6 More Programs ˅

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu

Doctorate - Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program type
720 clinical hours required
Online initial courses
Cohort-based learning later
1-year Post Graduate Certificate
Post MSN to DNP options
Faculty advisor support
Focus on acute, critical care
For BSN prepared nurses

Doctorate - DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Focus on primary care
Leadership in healthcare
Doctoral degree preparation
Blend of didactic and clinical

Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

DNP degree with PMHNP specialization
Eligible for ANCC Certification Exam
Flexible BSN to DNP pathways
Post-MSN/NP to DNP options
Hybrid online and campus learning
Focus on cost-efficient patient care
Aligns with IOM nursing recommendations
Comprehensive clinical training
Designed for working professionals
Prepares for advanced practice roles

Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)

Concentration: Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Focus on acute care
BSN to DNP options
Post MSN to DNP available
National certification eligible
Leadership in healthcare focus
Clinical expertise enhancement
Flexible study options
Pediatric acute care specialization
Combines didactic and clinical

Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)

Concentration: Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

DNP terminal degree program
Hybrid learning format
Advanced pediatric clinical training
Evidence-based practice focus
Nurse leadership development

Show 4 More Programs ˅

Ohio University

Athens, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu

Doctorate - BSN-DNP

Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

70 total credits
CCNE accredited
Online coursework
Ohio resident cost $608/credit
No GRE/GMAT required
Part-time curriculum
1000 clinical/practicum hours
Specialization in Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Flexible scheduling
Direct patient care focus

Doctorate - BSN-DNP

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

70 total credits
CCNE accredited
No GRE required
$608 per credit (Ohio resident)
Online with on-campus intensives
3.20 GPA requirement
RN licensure required
Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner
Leadership and informatics focus
Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - BSN-DNP

Concentration: Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

100% Online with Intensives
70 Total Program Credits
1,000 Clinical Hours
$608 Per Credit (Residents)
No GRE Required
CCNE Accredited Program
12 Semester Completion
Advanced Practice Focus
Psychiatric Specialization Option

Doctorate - BSN-DNP

Concentration: Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

100% online with intensives
70 total credit program
1,000 clinical hours
$608 per credit (residents)
No GRE/GMAT required
CCNE accredited program
Multiple specialization paths
Part-time flexible scheduling
Advanced nursing leadership focus

Doctorate - BSN-DNP

Concentration: Adult Gero-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

100% Online with Intensives
70 Total Credits
No GRE/GMAT Required
1,000 Clinical Hours
$608 Per Credit Resident
Direct/Indirect Care Tracks
CCNE Accredited Program
12 Semester Completion

Show 4 More Programs ˅

Florida International University

Miami, FL - Public 4-Year - fiu.edu

Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
81 credits required.
10 semesters duration.
Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
Eligible for national certification.
State licensure as APRN.
Focus on family-centered care.
Combines online and in-person learning.
Prepares for advanced clinical roles.
BSN-prepared nurses eligible.

Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP

Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Psychiatric-Mental Health concentration
Eligible for national certification
State licensure as APRN
Focus on prevention and management
Combines online and in-person learning
Prepares for leadership roles
Advanced clinical preparation
Flexible for working professionals
Emphasizes family and community care

Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP

Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Online Pediatric Primary Care Track
10 Semester Program Length
77 Total Credit Hours
National Certification Eligible
Advanced Pediatric Healthcare Focus

Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP

Concentration: Nurse Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
Focus on Nurse Leadership.
Prepares for ARNP/APRN certification.
Flexible for working professionals.
BSN degree required for admission.

Show 3 More Programs ˅

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN - Public 4-Year - indianapolis.iu.edu

Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
Focus on acute and chronic illness.
Small cohort sizes.
State-of-the-art simulation facilities.
Hands-on advanced skills training.
Clinical experiences in high-acuity settings.
Eligible for ANCC or AACN certification.
Above national average exam scores.
Access to expert faculty.
Comprehensive health care focus.

Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Three-year full-time program.
66 credit hours required.
1035 total clinical hours.
750 direct patient care hours.
Hybrid program type.
Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification.
Prescriptive authority qualification.
Focus on adult-gerontology primary care.
Ambulatory or extended-care settings.
Opportunities in various healthcare settings.

Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid learning format.
66 credit hours required.
1035 total clinical hours.
750 direct patient care hours.
Eligible for ANCC/AANP certification.
Prescriptive authority qualification.
Family-centered care focus.
Diverse employment opportunities.
Real-world problem-solving emphasis.
Narrative-centered learning environment.

Doctorate - BSN-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
66 credit hours.
1035 clinical hours.
Eligible for ANCC certification.
Prescriptive authority in Indiana.
Focus on lifespan mental health.
BSN required for admission.
Prepares for diverse healthcare roles.
Combines online and clinical learning.
Advanced practice preparation.

Doctorate - BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
66 credit hours required.
1035 clinical hours.
Focus on pediatric primary care.
Eligible for certification post-graduation.
Financial aid available.
Prepares for various healthcare settings.
Includes DNP project.
Flexible for working professionals.
Emphasis on patient advocacy.

Show 4 More Programs ˅

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL - Public 4-Year - ufl.edu

Doctorate - BSN to DNP

Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
Focus on high-acuity inpatient settings.
Requires critical care experience.
Eligible for ANCC and AACN certification.
Clinical sites within Florida.
Full-time and part-time options.
Prepares for diverse populations.
Emphasizes stabilization and management.
Travel may be required.
Individualized clinical experiences.

Doctorate - BSN to DNP

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid learning format
Focus on family health
Eligible for ANCC certification
Clinical placements in Florida
Health promotion emphasis
Collaborative care approach
Comprehensive primary care training
Lifespan health focus
BSN required for admission
National certification eligibility

Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Advanced psychiatric assessment skills
Prescribing psychotropic medications
Cross-lifespan mental health focus
Clinical settings across Florida
National certification preparation

Show 2 More Programs ˅

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu

Doctorate - BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Prepares for ACNP certification
Full-time and part-time options
Requires RN experience
Aligns with AACN Essentials
Five on-campus sessions
BSN degree required
3.0 GPA for admission
GRE waivers available
Focus on acute care management

Doctorate - BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid online and on-campus format.
Prepares for ANCC or AANPCP certification.
Focus on primary care across lifespan.
Hands-on clinical experience nationwide.
Leadership and evidence-based practice focus.
Health equity and advanced clinical skills.
BSN with 3.0 GPA required.
GRE/MAT scores needed, waivers available.
RN license required for admission.
Video interview part of application.

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive Health Systems Leadership

Concentration: Executive Health Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Fully online program
Part-time study
Two-year completion
Focus on leadership
Evidence-based practice
Healthcare policy change
Workforce development
Senior leadership preparation
3.0 GPA requirement
Unencumbered RN license

Show 2 More Programs ˅

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA - Public 4-Year - jmu.edu

Doctorate - Advanced Practice Post-BSN-DNP

Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid learning format
3-year full-time study
Small cohort sizes
Dedicated clinical placement support
Focus on AACN competencies

Doctorate - Advanced Practice Post-BSN-DNP Program

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid learning format
Full-time 3-year plan
Small cohort sizes
Dedicated clinical placement support
Meets Virginia licensure requirements
Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner
Aligned with AACN competencies
January start date
Nationally renowned faculty
Personalized faculty engagement

Doctorate - Advanced Practice Post-BSN-DNP

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid learning model
Full-time 3-year duration
Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
January start date
Small cohort sizes
Dedicated faculty support
Clinical placement assistance
Prepares for APRN certification

Doctorate - Advanced Practice Post-BSN-DNP Program

Concentration: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Three-year full-time program
Hybrid learning format
Small cohort sizes
Advanced practice concentration
Nationally renowned faculty
Dedicated program coordinator
Practicum placement assistance

Show 3 More Programs ˅

University of Toledo

Toledo, OH - Public 4-Year - utoledo.edu

Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P.

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Online program flexibility.
First in Ohio by public institution.
69-74 credit curriculum.
B.S.N. degree required.
Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner.
Combines theory and clinical practice.
Designed for working professionals.
Prepares for advanced practice roles.
Accredited by CCNE.
Includes 180-270 clinical hours.

Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate (B.S.N.) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

72-74 Credits
100% Online
Flexible completion options
CCNE accredited
Focus on mental health
Evidence-based practice
Leadership training
Quality improvement focus
B.S.N. degree required
Psychiatric Mental Health concentration

Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P.

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

First public Ohio B.S.N. to D.N.P. program
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track
Online/flexible program format
Accredited by CCNE
Total credits: 69-74
Multiple clinical practice tracks
Advanced research components
Leadership development focus

Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P.

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website

First public Ohio B.S.N. to D.N.P. program
CCNE accredited program
Total 69 credit hours
Online/flexible format
Leadership-focused curriculum
Entrepreneurship training included
Multiple clinical hour experiences

Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P. Nurse Executive Track

Concentration: Nurse Executive - Online Learning - Visit Website

Online Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P.
Nurse Executive Track
First in Ohio public institution
Focus on evidence-based practice
Quality improvement emphasis
Systems leadership curriculum
Prepares for healthcare leadership
Financial support available
Accredited by CCNE
Designed for B.S.N. nurses

Show 4 More Programs ˅

#10

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu

Doctorate - BS-DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Concentration

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format.
Focuses on acute care.
Eligible for ANCC/AACN certification.
Part-time and full-time options.
Tailored course sequences.
Financial aid available.
Scholarships may apply.
Graduate degree in nursing.
Prepares for advanced practice.
Clinical experiences included.

Doctorate - BS-DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Concentration

Campus Based - Visit Website

Prepares for ANCC/AANPCB certification.
Focus on adult-gerontology primary care.
Part-time and full-time options.
Tailored course sequences.
Campus-based program.

Doctorate - BS-DNP Family Health Concentration

Concentration: Family Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hybrid program format
Focus on family-centered care
Eligible for ANCC/AANPCB certification
Part-time and full-time options
Prepares for ambulatory care settings
Advanced nursing practice focus
Tailored course sequences
Emphasis on preventative health

Doctorate - BSN to DNP Pediatric Health Concentration

Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focus on Pediatric Primary Care
Prepares for PNCB certification
Flexible part-time and full-time options
Ambulatory care practice focus
Comprehensive pediatric health training

Doctorate - BS-DNP Occupational Health/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Concentration

Concentration: Occupational Health - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focus on occupational health.
Prepares for multiple certifications.
Funding opportunities available.
Part-time and full-time options.
Detailed course sequence provided.

Show 4 More Programs ˅

*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Types of BSN to DNP Programs Available

With so many different niche nursing areas, RNs looking to become advanced nurses should seek out the right pathway for them, as many BSN to DNP programs require that you enter a specialty upon applying. The following are some of the main types of BSN to DNP programs available and the many specialization categories that fall under them:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Adult Health
Adult-Gerontology
Adult Psychiatric–Mental Health
Child/Adolescent Psychiatric–Mental Health
Pediatric

Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)

Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM)

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

See Related Articles

What Are the Prerequisites for a BSN to DNP Program?

Nurses who have been working in the field and know that they want to enter an advanced nursing specialty can opt for a BSN to DNP program. Not all schools offer all specializations, so it's important for RNs to thoroughly examine their school of choice to ensure that their desired program is available. The following are general prerequisites that apply to most programs:

Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university
A score of 500 or better on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Current, unencumbered nursing license or eligibility for nursing licensure in the school's state
In-Person interview
Personal essay

Are Clinical Hours Required for the BSN to DNP Program?

Clinical hours are mandatory for any BSN to DNP program, which requires licensure in the desired state of practice. Even if an RN opts for an online program, a clinical practicum is typically required but can often be arranged in the student’s local area. These BSN to DNP specialties involve hands-on patient care, so clinical hours are a great way to give a nurse the direct experience required to handle the role upon graduation.

BSN to DNP specialties that require clinical hours and state licensure are:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

The number of clinical hours required varies by program and state requirements. When researching programs, check with the State Board of Nursing to determine the schools that satisfy this requirement. Accredited schools should have programs that satisfy the clinical hour requirement for state licensure.

Arrangement of clinical hours may rely solely on the student, or the school may organize them.

Some schools may require travel in or out of state to organize clinical sites.

Are Online BSN to DNP Programs Available?

Finding the right BSN to DNP program involves taking inventory of life and work demands and finding a program that will accommodate them.

Flexible program options are available to meet the needs of busy students. Coursework options to attend school full-time, part-time, in-classroom, and online are available.

All BSN to DNP programs are offered full-time, and many are offered part-time. Some programs now offer online core coursework to accommodate the schedules of busy RNs. These online options are a lifesaver for many nurses who have families, work obligations or don't live close enough to a school to attend in person.

How Long Do BSN to DNP Programs Take to Complete?

The total length of a BSN to DNP degree program depends on the state, school, and, most importantly, the specialty chosen. With online, in-classroom, full-time, and part-time options available, students can choose the best program style that suits their schedule. General length estimates of popular BSN to DNP programs include:

Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) programs require 65-75 credits of classwork plus clinical hours. Most full-time programs are 2.5 to 3 years, and most part-time programs are four years, including clinical hours. Many schools require all coursework to be completed within seven years.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

BSN to DNP Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs are about three years or 36 months of full-time coursework and about 85-95 credit hours. Clinical hours are completed during those three years.

Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM)

BSN to DNP Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM) programs are about three years of full-time coursework, and about 80-90 credit hours and clinical hours are completed during those three years.

How Much Will Tuition Cost for a BSN to DNP Program?

Similar to obtaining a baccalaureate degree, BSN to DNP programs require students to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and course materials (such as textbooks). Online programs have the advantage of not requiring student travel or parking expenses. Tuition is based on credit hours and whether the student applies with resident or non-resident status. The cost varies significantly between schools and states.

Looking for the cheapest options for BSN to DNP Programs? See our compiled list of the most affordable BSN to DNP programs for 2024 here!

What Is the BSN to DNP Curriculum Like?

Whether online or classroom-based, the BSN to DNP program will consist of a mix of graduate-level core nursing courses and specialty courses related to a nursing concentration. Aside from the academic portion, the program will also require a minimum number of supervised, hands-on clinical hours that can usually be arranged in the student's local area if an online program is chosen. The four major specialties for BSN to DNP are:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM)

To give an idea of courses and curriculum, below are some examples of each:

University of Washington BSN to DNP

The University of Washington offers the following courses as part of its Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP program:

NURS 503 Scientific Inquiry in Nursing
NURS 562 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
NURS 563 Advanced Pharmacology Concepts and Practice
NURS 565 Information Management for Clinical Practice
NURS 573 Rational Prescribing
NURS 576 Organizational Systems and Leadership

Johns Hopkins University BSN to DNP

Johns Hopkins offers the following courses as part of its Clinical Nurse Specialist BSN to DNP program:

Context of Healthcare for Advanced Nursing Practice
Health Information Systems and Patient Care Technology
Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
Translating Evidence into Practice

Thomas Jefferson University BSN to DNP

Thomas Jefferson offers the following courses as part of its Nurse Anesthetist BSN to DNP program:

NU 706 Quality Measurement and Outcomes Analysis in Healthcare
NU 673 Comprehensive Assessment for Clinical Decision-Making
NU 570 Pathophysiology of Human Disease
NU 568 Basic Principles of Anesthesia and Advanced Health
NU 624 Chemistry and Physics Related to Anesthesia

Are Any DNP Exams Required Before I Can Practice?

Yes, for any clinical DNP degree that is hands-on with patients. National certification is required for state licensure. Different credentialing organizations, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), depend on specialization.

The Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam:

These exams are offered through the ANCC

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Family NP
Pediatric Primary Care NP
Psychiatric–Mental Health NP
Emergency NP

The Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification Exam:

These exams are offered through the ANCC

Adult Health CNS
Adult-Gerontology CNS
Adult Psychiatric–Mental Health CNS
Child/Adolescent Psychiatric–Mental Health CNS
Pediatric CNS

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia Certification Exam:

Managed by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
National Certification Exam (NCE) is the entry exam for CRNAs
Computerized exam, which is adaptable and therefore varies in length

The Certified Nurse Midwife Certification Exam:

Managed by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
175 multiple-choice question exam
Computerized and proctored by Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP)
Eligibility includes graduation from an accredited Nurse Midwifery program and an active RN license

Where Can I Work as a DNP?

DNP prepared nurses enjoy high-level positions in healthcare-oriented settings, typically including:

Hospitals
Physicians’ offices
Clinics
Colleges/Universities
Outpatient Centers

How Much Money Will I Earn as a DNP?

Earning an advanced nursing degree leads to careers with high responsibility, autonomy, and leadership levels. Luckily, these important roles come with higher paychecks as well. The following are some salary statistics for different DNP roles (as of April 2024):

Nurse Practitioners (NP) earn an average of around $124,000 with a range of $115,000 – $135,000 nationwide.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) earn an average of around $72,000 with a range of $63,000 – $82,000 nationwide.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) earn an average of around $215,000 with a range of $199,000 – $232,000 nationwide.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) earn an average of around $122,000 with a range of $112,000 – $139,000 nationwide.

Experience, location, and education affect salary for all areas of DNP nursing. Many of these roles are filled by MSN-prepared nurses, making the DNP-prepared nurse the nurse with more education and usually a higher salary.