DNP Programs in Iowa

The University of Iowa's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) DNP program stands out as a pioneering educational pathway for advanced practice nurses specializing in pediatric healthcare. With an impressive 630 clinical hours, students gain comprehensive training across diverse healthcare environments, including rural and urban settings, school-based centers, and outpatient clinics. The program's rigorous curriculum ensures graduates develop critical expertise in delivering holistic primary care for children, addressing complex pediatric health needs with advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice techniques.

• One of nation's earliest PNP-PC programs
• 630 total clinical hours
• Strong clinical preceptorship
• Pediatric-focused coursework
• Advanced practice registered nurse training

The University of Iowa's Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a specialized track for nurses seeking advanced expertise in managing critically ill children's healthcare. Uniquely positioning itself as the only Pediatric Acute Care program in Iowa, this competitive program accepts just 10 students annually, providing an intimate and focused learning environment. Through a hybrid online and clinical format, students develop sophisticated skills in acute, critical, and chronic pediatric patient care, preparing them to provide expert interventions in high-intensity healthcare settings.

• Only PNP-AC program in Iowa
• 10 students accepted annually
• Online and clinical hybrid format
• DNP project requirement
• Specialized pediatric acute care focus

University of Iowa's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers a comprehensive advanced nursing education recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This innovative curriculum transforms experienced nurses into primary care leaders capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges. Students engage in robust didactic and clinical experiences that emphasize cost-efficient, high-quality patient care. The hybrid program format allows flexibility while maintaining rigorous academic standards, positioning graduates to practice at the full extent of their advanced training and contribute meaningfully to healthcare transformation.

• CCNE Approved DNP Program
• Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership
• Primary Care Focus
• Hybrid Program Format
• Nationally Recognized Nursing College

The University of Iowa's Health Systems DNP in Administration/Executive Leadership prepares nurses for transformative leadership roles in complex healthcare environments. This cutting-edge program emphasizes evidence-based management techniques, strategic problem-solving, and system-level improvements. Students develop advanced skills in healthcare technology, policy analysis, and organizational leadership, positioning themselves to drive meaningful changes in healthcare delivery. The hybrid program format accommodates working professionals, ensuring graduates emerge as highly skilled nurse executives ready to navigate increasingly complex healthcare administrative landscapes.

• Evidence-based management focus
• Hybrid program delivery
• National nursing leadership curriculum
• Advanced practice nursing degree
• CCNE accredited program
• Specialization in Healthcare Administration
• Career-focused individual planning

University of Iowa's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers comprehensive mental healthcare education with exceptional flexibility. Featuring multiple program tracks including BSN to DNP and post-MSN options, students receive extensive training in delivering high-quality, cost-efficient mental health services. The curriculum combines rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates for American Nurses Credentialing Center certification. Emphasizing advanced clinical skills and comprehensive mental health interventions, the program positions nurses to transform mental healthcare delivery across diverse patient populations.

• Doctorate-level mental health education
• Multiple program track options
• Nationally recognized nursing program
• Practice to full education extent
• Advanced clinical experiences
• ANCC Certification preparation
• First DNP program nationally approved

The University of Iowa's Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips nurses with advanced clinical expertise for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Designed to meet contemporary healthcare challenges, this program provides doctoral-level knowledge spanning adult and geriatric populations. Students develop sophisticated skills in cost-efficient, high-quality patient care, preparing for national certification exams. The hybrid format allows flexible learning while maintaining rigorous academic standards, positioning graduates to practice at the highest level of nursing and address complex patient needs across diverse healthcare settings.

• Doctoral-level nursing education
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• First DNP program approved in 2009

University of Iowa's Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program ranks among the top 10 nationally, offering exceptional training for managing critically ill adult and geriatric patients. With 720 comprehensive clinical hours, students develop advanced skills in stabilizing physiologically unstable patients, managing complex symptoms, and supporting critical care transitions. The program accepts up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses annually, providing personalized learning experiences and strong career prospects. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners equipped to deliver sophisticated acute healthcare interventions across diverse clinical environments.

• Hybrid Learning Format
• 720 Clinical Training Hours
• BSN to DNP Path
• Complex Patient Care Focus
• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• Leadership Skill Development

Clarke University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides an innovative pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking comprehensive clinical expertise. This hybrid learning model uniquely balances monthly face-to-face sessions with flexible online coursework, enabling students to complete their degree within three years full-time or five years part-time. The 81-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based patient-centered care, preparing graduates for national certification with 1,000 clinical practice hours. Limited to 20-student cohorts, the program ensures personalized instruction and deep mentorship in family healthcare delivery across diverse patient lifespans.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• National certification eligible
• Full practice license scope
• Comprehensive patient care approach

Clarke University's DNP Health Leadership and Practice concentration develops strategic nursing professionals prepared to transform healthcare systems. This 81-credit hybrid program cultivates advanced leadership skills through an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on evidence-based practice and systemic improvement. Students learn to manage complex healthcare challenges, advocate for patient access, and lead interprofessional teams effectively. With flexible three to five-year completion options and 1,000 clinical hours, graduates emerge as innovative practitioners capable of driving meaningful change across diverse healthcare environments.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• 3-5 year completion options
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• Multiple healthcare leadership paths
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interprofessional team preparation

Clarke University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive approach to advanced mental healthcare education. This hybrid learning model provides extensive training in psychotherapeutic techniques, symptom management, and psychopharmacology. Students benefit from minimal campus visits, accommodating working professionals with full-degree and post-graduate certificate options. The 81-credit curriculum includes 1,000 clinical hours and simulation laboratory training, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in clinical settings, private practices, community health centers, and research environments.

• 81 total credit hours
• Three years full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Limited to 20 students per class
• Simulation Lab training
• Prepare for various healthcare settings

Morningside University's Transformative Leadership DNP revolutionizes healthcare through strategic leadership training for MSN-prepared professionals. This online program distinguishes itself with a comprehensive 34-credit curriculum focused on organizational leadership and population health management. Students navigate advanced practice opportunities without GRE requirements, completing 1,000 practicum hours while developing sophisticated healthcare intervention strategies. The program's flexible 17-month or 2-year plans accommodate working professionals, emphasizing evidence-based practice and systemic healthcare transformation. Graduates emerge prepared to lead complex healthcare environments with innovative, strategic approaches to organizational challenges.

• 34 total program credits
• Online program format
• $795 per credit cost
• Requires 1,000 practicum hours
• Post-master's DNP track
• Healthcare leadership focus
• Flexible 17-month or 2-year plans
• No GRE requirement

Morningside University's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals for high-stakes acute care environments. Through a fully online format with rolling semester enrollment, students develop specialized clinical expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric patient populations. The curriculum integrates intensive 1,000-hour practicum experiences with individualized faculty mentorship, ensuring graduates can translate advanced research into sophisticated clinical practice. Designed for practitioners seeking to elevate their healthcare leadership capabilities, this program emphasizes evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care strategies in acute medical settings.

• Fully online doctoral program
• Rolling semester enrollment
• Flexible study plan
• 1,000 practicum hours
• Individualized faculty instruction

Graceland University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a transformative educational experience for advanced practice nurses seeking comprehensive leadership preparation. Tailored for experienced registered nurses, the curriculum emphasizes quality improvement, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice methodologies. Students benefit from a flexible online format that allows continued professional engagement while developing advanced clinical competencies. The program requires applicants to hold a BSN from an accredited institution, possess a master's degree in nursing, maintain a 3.0 GPA, and hold current RN licensure. With competitive tuition at $730 per semester hour and a 15% alumni discount, Graceland provides an accessible pathway to doctoral-level nursing expertise.

• Online DNP program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• $730 per semester hour
• Accredited nursing education
• Flexible advanced practice preparation
• 3.0 GPA graduate admission
• Practice improvement project
• BSN and master's degree required

Briar Cliff University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online program stands out for its comprehensive leadership-focused curriculum, strategically designed for certified nurse practitioners aiming to elevate their professional capabilities. Spanning two years with 36 credit hours, the program uniquely emphasizes practice innovation, integrating critical healthcare domains like cultural competence, technological advancement, and organizational leadership. Students complete an extensive 480-hour practicum, gaining practical experience in advanced healthcare settings. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality educational standards, while its flexible part-time format and competitive $525 per credit cost make it accessible for working professionals seeking to transform their nursing career trajectory.

• Fully online 2-year program
• 36 total credit hours
• 480 practicum hours
• No additional licensure
• CCNE accredited program
• $525 per credit cost
• Part-time graduate format
• Eligible for federal loans
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• No clinical course fees