The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is considered the "terminal" degree for nurses. It is a higher level than a master's degree, which is the minimum degree requirement for advanced-practice nurses. Nurses who hold a DNP can work as nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurse midwives. They are also able to work in executive roles, such as nursing administration, leadership, and as directors.
DNP programs are available nationwide. The number of credits needed may vary, but it may require between 70 and 90 credits to graduate and a specified number of supervised clinical hours as well. The length of time it takes depends on the type of degree held at the time of admission (i.e., BSN or MSN), and the area of specialty selected. The core concepts that are covered in DNP programs may include:
- Advanced assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Leadership
- Quantitative Methods
- Research
- Evidence-based practice
- Healthcare policy
- Population-specific studies
2025 Best DNP Programs in Arkansas
Finding the best DNP programs in Arkansas is easier with registerednursing.org. We rank programs to help you make informed decisions. Our rankings consider key factors like quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're advancing your nursing career or starting fresh, our list guides you to top choices. Explore our rankings to find a program that fits your goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Doctorate - Nursing Practice, Concentration in Education, DNP
Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Arkansas State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Concentration in Education, designed for nurses aiming to specialize in teaching roles within healthcare. This online program focuses on equipping students with the skills to develop curricula, employ advanced teaching strategies, and lead in nursing education. With a requirement of 36-39 credit hours and 540 clinical clock hours, the program is tailored for those seeking to influence the next generation of nurses. Accreditation by CCNE and ACEN ensures the program meets high standards, preparing graduates for certification and leadership in nursing education.
- Post-master's DNP degree
- Concentration in Nursing Education
- 36-39 total credit hours
- 540 clinical clock hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- National specialty certification
- 3 specialized education courses
- Full-time study program
- CCNE and ACEN accredited
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership
Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Leadership at Arkansas State University is crafted for nursing professionals aspiring to executive roles. This program emphasizes leadership in healthcare, offering insights into policy, system management, and innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. With a total tuition of $19,800 and the possibility of completion in 12 months, it's designed for efficiency and affordability. The curriculum requires 36 credit hours and is accredited by ACEN, making it a solid choice for nurses ready to take on leadership positions such as Nursing Director or Chief Nursing Officer.
- 100% Online Delivery
- 36 Total Credit Hours
- ACEN Accredited Program
- Total Tuition: $19,800
- Completion in 12 Months
- MSN Degree Required
- Unencumbered RN License
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is tailored for nurses aiming for advanced clinical roles. This program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for national certification. With its online format and minimal campus visits, it offers flexibility for working professionals, alongside competitive in-state tuition rates.
- Online DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Minimal campus visits
- $583.11 per credit hour
- National certification eligible
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership skill development
- Two entry paths: BSN and MSN
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, the University of Arkansas's online DNP program is designed for nurses seeking to enhance their clinical expertise and leadership abilities. It addresses complex health challenges through quality improvements and evidence-based care, with minimal campus visits and affordable tuition. Graduates emerge ready for national certification and to lead in healthcare settings.
- Online DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- $583.11 per credit hour
- Minimal campus visits
- National certification eligibility
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas offers an online DNP program specializing in Adult Gerontology Acute Care, ideal for nurses pursuing advanced clinical and leadership skills. This program prepares students to address complex healthcare issues with innovative, evidence-based strategies, offering flexibility with minimal campus visits and a focus on national certification readiness.
- Online doctoral nursing program
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration
- Minimal campus visits required
- $583.11 per credit hour
- Prepares for national certification
- Flexible advanced practice pathway
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based clinical practice
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology/Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Specializing in Adult-Gerontology/Acute-Care, the University of Arkansas's online DNP program equips nurses to lead in acute care settings like ICUs. It combines advanced clinical training with leadership development, focusing on evidence-based practice and healthcare improvement. The program's flexible online format supports working professionals aiming for career advancement in high-demand areas.
- Online flexible degree format
- Acute care nurse practitioner track
- Focuses on rural healthcare needs
- 52% job growth projected
- Average salary over $111,000
- Two-year MSN to DNP track
- Comprehensive leadership training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas's Doctor of Nursing Practice program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is a hybrid program tailored for RNs aiming for advanced clinical roles. Combining online coursework with essential campus visits, this 11-semester part-time program focuses on developing leadership, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical skills for national certification. With a cost of $69 per credit hour and CCNE accreditation, it's designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in family healthcare.
- Part-time DNP program
- Mostly online coursework
- Family Nurse Practitioner track
- 11 consecutive semesters
- Periodic campus visits required
- 6-8 credits per semester
- Prepares for national certification
- $69 per credit hour
- Accredited by CCNE
- Rigorous clinical practice requirements
Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Aimed at BSN-prepared nurses, the University of Central Arkansas's Post-BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a hybrid learning model. Over 11 semesters, students engage in rigorous online coursework and periodic campus visits, preparing for national FNP certification. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, healthcare leadership, and evidence-based practice, all at $69 per credit hour, making advanced nursing education accessible and impactful.
- Part-time online/hybrid format
- 11 consecutive semester track
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- National certification preparation
- Rigorous clinical practice training
- $69 per credit hour
- Periodic campus visits required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Central Arkansas provides an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program for nurses with a master's degree, focusing on elevating clinical practice through leadership, evidence-based care, and healthcare policy. Requiring 280 clinical hours and a 3.0 GPA, this program prepares graduates to integrate nursing science and technology, transforming healthcare delivery. It's ideal for clinicians aiming to influence patient and population health outcomes at the highest level.
- Practice-focused nursing doctorate
- Meets AACN professional standards
- Requires master's in nursing
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- 280 supervised clinical hours
- Online program format
- Advanced clinical leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Healthcare policy expertise
- Technology in healthcare integration
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program is a comprehensive hybrid training pathway for advanced practice registered nurses. Focusing intensively on primary care across patient lifecycles, the curriculum enables graduates to diagnose and manage health conditions from infancy through adulthood. Students develop expertise in preventive care, patient education, and autonomous healthcare delivery, positioning them to excel in diverse clinical environments like private practices, community clinics, and underserved healthcare settings. The program emphasizes holistic patient care and complex medical intervention strategies.
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced practice registered nurse preparation
- Practice in multiple healthcare settings
- Comprehensive patient lifecycle care
- Diagnostic and management skills
Doctorate - Post-Master's-to-DNP with Leadership Focus
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
UAMS's online Post-Master's DNP program with Leadership Focus offers a strategic pathway for experienced healthcare professionals seeking advanced administrative roles. Designed with flexibility, the program accommodates both full-time (5 semesters) and part-time (7 semesters) tracks, adhering to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's practice doctorate standards. Participants engage in comprehensive leadership training, interactive web-based classes, and a two-day campus orientation, preparing them to navigate complex healthcare environments and drive organizational transformation.
- Online flexible program
- Full-time or part-time options
- Leadership focus
- Two-day campus orientation
- Web-based interactive classes
- Targets experienced nurses
- Nationwide student participation
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner doctoral program at UAMS provides comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses specializing in mental health care. Students develop sophisticated skills in assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and medication management across all age groups. The hybrid program prepares graduates for national certification and advanced practice licensing, enabling them to work in diverse clinical settings from community mental health facilities to specialized psychiatric practices. Emphasis is placed on holistic treatment approaches and evidence-based mental health interventions.
- Doctoral level mental health training
- Treats patients across lifespan
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- National certification preparation
- Advanced practice licensing eligible
- Comprehensive mental health interventions
- Includes therapy and medication management
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UAMS's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program equips nursing professionals with advanced clinical competencies for managing complex adult patient care. Through a hybrid learning model, students develop sophisticated diagnostic skills, evidence-based intervention strategies, and leadership capabilities. The curriculum focuses on comprehensive care for critically ill adults, emphasizing advanced clinical reasoning and transformative healthcare delivery. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners capable of navigating intricate medical environments and implementing cutting-edge patient care approaches.
- Advanced clinical reasoning skills
- Hybrid program format
- Care across adult life span
- Complex patient management
- Leadership transformation focus
- Diagnostic skills training
- Evidence-based intervention approach
Choosing a DNP Program
Choosing to enroll in a DNP program is a significant step in a nurse's life. As such, there a few considerations that must be addressed. Arkansas has three DNP programs available.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Costs– Tuition is a significant factor for those wanting to go back to school for a higher degree. In Arkansas, DNP tuition can range from $333 to $435 per credit for in-state residents. These figures do not include additional fees or supplies.
- Online option-All three DNP programs in Arkansas are online-only. Some campus visitation may be required (i.e., for interviews, orientation, academic guidance, etc.)
- Accreditation-Ensuring a DNP program meets the standards for nursing education is essential. The DNP programs in Arkansas are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Residency Options-Because the DNP programs in Arkansas are online, out-of-state students can apply to the programs. However, out-of-state tuition is significantly higher per credit hour.
One of the schools in Arkansas offering a DNP program is the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Students in this DNP program may choose an NP track (BSN students) with a concentration in Adult-Gerontology or Family Medicine. Students can also become nurse educators or clinical nurse specialists. Both BSN and MSN to DNP tracks are offered. For more information, students may visit the University of Arkansas website.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission to the DNP programs in Arkansas may vary between schools, but students may be required to:
- Hold a current BSN or MSN degree
- Have a current, unencumbered RN or APN license
- Maintain certification as an APN (for MSN applicants)
- Complete a basic health assessment and statistics course (for BSN applicants)
- Interview with faculty
- Submit GRE scores
- Submit a resume/CV submission
- Transcripts of all education institutions attended must be sent to the school of choice
Certification
The DNP programs allow for students to sit for certification testing. Depending on the school and tracks offered, students may become certified in Adult-Gerontology, Family Medicine, Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Specialists, etc. (BSN to DNP students).
Licensing
For nurses who completed the BSN to DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the board of nursing in Arkansas. Requirements for licensure as an APRN include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Additionally, Arkansas allows temporary permits for APRNs in the interim between license application and issuance. The temporary permit is valid for six months. Following licensure, the DNP APRN can apply for prescriptive authority and a DEA number.
Arkansas BSN to DNP Program Options
Earning a DNP is not just for post-master’s nurses. Two of the three DNP programs in Arkansas offer BSN to DNP tracks. Admission requirements may vary and are listed above. The course of study for BSN to DNP students may also vary, but the general curriculum may include:
- Statistics in education and healthcare
- Advanced physiology
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Evidence-based practice
- Research
- Role Development
- Capstone seminars
Additionally, population-specific courses and clinical hours must be completed. For example, a DNP student specializing in pediatrics will have to take pediatric-specific classes as well as complete a defined number of supervised clinical hours.
The BSN to DNP track can take around three or four years to complete, depending on full or part-time status.
The University of Arkansas provides sample curriculums for BSN to DNP students based on full or part-time status. It involves spring, summer, and fall semester coursework. The sample curriculums are a great starting point for those considering the BSN to DNP option.
Related Education Paths
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Arkansas
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Arkansas Nurses Association
- American Association of Nurse Executives
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Arkansas
Conway, AR
University of Central Arkansas
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time DNP program
- Mostly online coursework
- Family Nurse Practitioner track
- 11 consecutive semesters
- Periodic campus visits required
- 6-8 credits per semester
- Prepares for national certification
- $69 per credit hour
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Practice-focused nursing doctorate
- Meets AACN professional standards
- Requires master's in nursing
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- 280 supervised clinical hours
- Online program format
- Advanced clinical leadership skills
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Doctorate - Post-BSN to DNP
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time online/hybrid format
- 11 consecutive semester track
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- National certification preparation
- Rigorous clinical practice training
- $69 per credit hour
- Periodic campus visits required
Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online doctoral nursing program
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care concentration
- Minimal campus visits required
- $583.11 per credit hour
- Prepares for national certification
- Flexible advanced practice pathway
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based clinical practice
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology/Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible degree format
- Acute care nurse practitioner track
- Focuses on rural healthcare needs
- 52% job growth projected
- Average salary over $111,000
- Two-year MSN to DNP track
- Comprehensive leadership training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- $583.11 per credit hour
- Minimal campus visits
- National certification eligibility
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Jonesboro, AR
Arkansas State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice – Leadership
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 36 Total Credit Hours
- ACEN Accredited Program
- Total Tuition: $19,800
- Completion in 12 Months
- MSN Degree Required
- Unencumbered RN License
- Doctorate - Nursing Practice, Concentration in Education, DNP
Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Website
- Post-master's DNP degree
- Concentration in Nursing Education
- 36-39 total credit hours
- 540 clinical clock hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- National specialty certification
- 3 specialized education courses
- Full-time study program
Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Advanced clinical reasoning skills
- Hybrid program format
- Care across adult life span
- Complex patient management
- Leadership transformation focus
- Diagnostic skills training
- Evidence-based intervention approach
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Advanced practice registered nurse preparation
- Practice in multiple healthcare settings
- Comprehensive patient lifecycle care
- Diagnostic and management skills
- Doctorate - Post-Master's-to-DNP with Leadership Focus
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible program
- Full-time or part-time options
- Leadership focus
- Two-day campus orientation
- Web-based interactive classes
- Targets experienced nurses
- Nationwide student participation
- Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral level mental health training
- Treats patients across lifespan
- Multiple clinical practice settings
- National certification preparation
- Advanced practice licensing eligible
- Comprehensive mental health interventions
- Includes therapy and medication management