Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNPs) are ‘terminal' degrees which prepare graduates for clinical nursing education and advance practice nursing. DNPs are the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Registered nurses seeking DNP degrees are able to focus their studies on either advanced practice nursing and systems or organizational/educational leadership.
The number of unit hours required to complete a program will vary from program to program and depend on the specialty being pursued; however, BSN to DNP students are usually expected to complete between 65 and 95 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours. Programs are also available in tracks like executive leadership, informatics, and health policy that don't involve direct patient care. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete between 28 and 39 unit hours, and offer APRNs options to advance to leadership roles in clinical practice, add an additional specialty or patient population focus, and more.
Core competencies students are expected to master during DNP programs will likely include:
- Advanced nursing practice.
- Advanced physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
- Scientific underpinning for practice.
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Maryland
Looking for the best DNP programs in Maryland? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list highlights schools offering quality education, strong clinical experiences, and support for your nursing career. Whether you're advancing your practice or stepping into leadership, find a program that fits your goals. Start your journey today with our trusted rankings. Learn more about our rankings methodology here.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's hybrid DNP program prepares Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners to deliver comprehensive care to children from newborns through adolescence. The 74.5-credit program blends online learning with on-site immersions, culminating in 840 clinical hours. Graduates are equipped to provide evidence-based care and are prepared for pediatric certification. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 840 clinical hours
- 74.5 total program credits
- Prepares for pediatric certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral level advanced practice
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Johns Hopkins dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric DNP program offers advanced practice nurses specialized training in both areas. This top-ranked, 3-year hybrid program includes 960 clinical hours and focuses on diagnosing and managing complex health conditions. Graduates earn dual certification, preparing them for leadership roles in pediatric healthcare. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins' hybrid Adult-Gerontological Acute Care DNP program prepares nurses for advanced practice with complex adult and elder patients. This 3-year program emphasizes clinical skill development, including diagnosis and management of acute and critical conditions. Students complete 70 credits, including 840 clinical hours and a 160-hour practicum, benefiting from clinical immersions at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Maryland RN licensure required
- Certification preparation included
Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at Johns Hopkins is a 3-year hybrid program providing comprehensive training in holistic care across the lifespan. The 76-credit curriculum combines clinical training with leadership development. Students complete 960 clinical hours and prepare for national certification. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins' 3-year hybrid Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills to address mental health needs across the lifespan. This rigorous program emphasizes diagnostic reasoning, evidence-based treatment, and complex patient care. Students complete 76 credits, including 1040 clinical hours and a 160-hour practicum. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- 160 project practicum hours
- Comprehensive mental health training
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Adult-Gerontological Primary Care DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive care for adults and older adults. This 3-year hybrid program combines online learning with on-site immersions. Students gain advanced clinical skills, evidence-based decision-making expertise, and leadership capabilities. The 74-credit program includes 960 clinical hours and prepares graduates for national certification exams. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Leadership skill development
- Complex patient care focus
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at Johns Hopkins is a 3-year hybrid program focusing on the care of critically ill adults and older adults. This program develops advanced clinical skills in diagnosis, treatment, and management within acute care settings. Students complete 840 clinical hours as part of the program's 1000 total practice hours requirement. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins' DNP program with a Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced clinical training in diagnosing and managing health conditions across the lifespan. This 3-year hybrid program develops skills in assessment, clinical decision-making, and healthcare leadership. The 76-credit program includes 960 clinical hours in family primary care. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for working nurses, the Johns Hopkins Executive DNP track is a 2-year online program with brief on-site immersions. This program focuses on leadership development and evidence-based practice, empowering nurses to drive systemic improvements and policy change. Students complete a minimum of 552 clinical hours. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
- Full CCNE accreditation
- Part-time study friendly
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program develops healthcare leaders. This 80-credit program, completed over four years, blends online learning with on-campus experiences. Students gain expertise in evidence-based practice, technology integration, and policy development, completing 1,000 clinical hours. The program offers various specializations, including Leadership and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, and is CCNE accredited.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Distance-Accessible Format
- 80-Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
- 1,000 Clinical Practice Hours
- Leadership and FNP Tracks
- Small Class Sizes
- Competitive Tuition
- Advanced Clinical Specializations
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Multiple Entry Pathways
Doctorate - Nursing, D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's online DNP program, specializing in Family Nurse Practice, equips nurses with advanced skills for evidence-based care. This 87-credit program takes roughly three years and requires 1,000 clinical hours. Geared towards working professionals, it offers flexible scheduling and emphasizes leadership development within healthcare. Applicants need a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license.
- 87-credit post-masters online program
- Three-year completion timeline
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Competitive admissions process
- Certification exam eligibility
- Individual curriculum planning
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's online DNP Leadership track empowers nurses to transform healthcare systems. This 38-credit program, designed for working professionals, can be finished in about three years. Focusing on leadership skills, patient outcomes, and systemic improvements, it requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and professional references. Graduates are prepared to analyze health challenges, integrate evidence-based practices, and implement strategic improvements.
- Online distance delivery program
- 38-credit post-master's option
- Three-year completion timeline
- Leadership concentration focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Requires 1,000 clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- National certification preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's hybrid DNP Leadership program develops advanced nursing professionals into healthcare transformational leaders. This flexible program allows working nurses to enhance leadership skills, focusing on evidence-based practice, policy development, and patient outcome improvement. Offering post-master's and post-bachelor's entry paths, it covers health policy, management, informatics, and quality improvement. A 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure are required.
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership concentration focus
- 38 minimum credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Professional nursing leadership preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's hybrid DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration provides advanced clinical expertise. This rigorous 80-credit, four-year program trains nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Combining advanced clinical training with leadership development, students complete 1,000 clinical practice hours, engage in research, and develop skills in healthcare systems, policy, and clinical management. Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry options are available.
- 80-credit doctoral nursing program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical management focus
- Competitive admission process
- Full-time four-year study plan
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to lead in urban healthcare settings. Offering both BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP pathways, the program specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner training. Students engage in 1000 clinical practice hours, focusing on evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and technology integration. The hybrid format supports both full-time and part-time students, catering to working professionals. Admission requires a minimum 3.25 GPA, emphasizing leadership and urban healthcare challenges.
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The DNP program at Coppin State University with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is tailored for nurses seeking to excel in family health care. This program emphasizes serving diverse and vulnerable populations through extensive clinical training and leadership development. With 1000 clinical practice hours, students master evidence-based practice and health policy. The hybrid and part-time options provide flexibility for working professionals. Applicants need a master's in nursing, an unencumbered RN license, and a 3.25 GPA, preparing them for national certification.
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University offers a DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, focusing on advanced healthcare delivery in urban and global communities. The hybrid format combines clinical practice with leadership training, requiring 1,000 clinical hours. The curriculum covers holistic patient care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration, aiming to improve population health. Admission criteria include a 3.0 GPA, an accredited BSN, and an unencumbered RN license. The program is available in full-time or part-time formats, with executive-format course schedules for flexibility.
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
Hood College
Frederick, MD - Private 4-year - hood.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers in educational roles. This fully online program provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students to become effective nurse educators, addressing the critical shortage of nursing faculty. With a focus on innovative teaching strategies and curriculum development, graduates are equipped to lead in academic and clinical education settings. The program emphasizes practical experience and theoretical knowledge, ensuring graduates are ready to meet the demands of nursing education. Requires GRE.
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Certification exam preparation
- Three-phase DNP capstone project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Hood College, with a Systems Leadership concentration, is tailored for nursing professionals seeking to influence healthcare at the highest levels. This online doctoral program focuses on developing leaders who can integrate research into practice to solve complex healthcare issues. Students gain expertise in healthcare policy, finance, and management, culminating in a three-phase capstone project. Ideal for those aspiring to executive roles, the program prepares graduates to lead transformative changes in healthcare systems. Requires GRE.
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maryland, Baltimore offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed for nurses aiming to elevate their careers into leadership roles. Recognized as a top-ranked program, it combines online coursework with in-person sessions, focusing on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership to enhance patient care outcomes. With options for multiple specialties and a post-master's pathway, this program is tailored for aspiring nurse leaders seeking the highest practice degree in nursing.
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Improves patient outcomes
- Fall admission
- Multiple specialties
- Post-Master's option
- Four DNP pathways
Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), the University of Maryland, Baltimore's DNP program is a hybrid model that equips nurses with the skills to deliver comprehensive primary care across all ages. The curriculum, blending online and face-to-face learning, includes over 700 clinical hours, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and acute/chronic condition management. Accredited by CCNE, it boasts a 100% board exam pass rate, offering flexible completion options in 3-5 years.
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, the University of Maryland, Baltimore's DNP program is a rigorous hybrid offering that prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles. With 1,080 clinical hours, the program emphasizes lifespan care, disease prevention, and health promotion, supported by a mix of online and in-person instruction. It stands out for its 100% certification exam pass rate, CCNE accreditation, and flexible study plans, making it a premier choice for aspiring FNPs.
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Choosing the right school to earn your DNP from is of crucial importance. When researching schools, there are a few important factors to be aware of.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Maryland can range widely vary depending on whether the program is offered at a private or public institution. If attending a private university in the state of Maryland like John Hopkins University, you can expect to pay $1,671 per unit hour. However, if you plan on going to a public university, expect to pay around $653 per unit hour if you are an in-state resident and approximately $1,168 per unit hour if you're an out-of-state student.
- Online Options— Three universities with in the state of Maryland offer students seeking DNPs online options:
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing: offers an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program where Students are only required to attend approximately two weeks of on-site classes each semester, with the rest of the program requirements to be completed online
- Salisbury University: offers a post-master’s DNP program that's available online
- University of Maryland School of Nursing: offers students a post-masters DNP option delivered in a blended format. The blended program consists of classes that are offered online, including synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Maryland are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies—
- University of Maryland Medical Center— Post-Graduate Critical Care Surgery Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Johns Hopkins Medicine— Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Indian Health Service— HIS Nurse Residency Program for Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Gaining entry into a doctorate program is a competitive process. Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Maryland will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:
- Hold a BSN or MSN degree
- Have an unencumbered RN license
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
- Provide GRE Scores
- Provide academic transcripts
- Write a Statement of Purpose
- Pass a drug and background test
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Verification/documentation of clinical hours
- Provide letters of recommendation/references
Certification
In Maryland, after a student completes their DNP degree, they are able to sit for their state's certification exam. Once passed, graduates are eligible to become certified in advanced nursing specialties including, but not limited to the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Family
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive
Licensing
Requirements for APRN licensure in the state of Maryland include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
- Drug screens
Maryland BSN to DNP Program Options
BSN-to-DNP program offer nurses with a BSN the opportunity to obtain a doctorate-level education. Three universities have programs that offer BSN to DNP pathways in the state of Maryland, giving BSN-educated nurses the opportunity to study toward a DNP degree.
Related Education Paths
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Maryland
- Maryland Nurses Association
- Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland
- Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders
- Maryland Academy of Advanced Practice Clinicians
- Maryland Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
Johns Hopkins University
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing program
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 840 clinical hours
- 74.5 total program credits
- Prepares for pediatric certification
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral level advanced practice
- Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Frederick, MD
Hood College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Distance-Accessible Format
- 80-Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
- 1,000 Clinical Practice Hours
- Leadership and FNP Tracks
- Small Class Sizes
- Competitive Tuition
- Advanced Clinical Specializations
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 80-credit doctoral nursing program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical management focus
- Competitive admission process
- Full-time four-year study plan
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership concentration focus
- 38 minimum credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Professional nursing leadership preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online distance delivery program
- 38-credit post-master's option
- Three-year completion timeline
- Leadership concentration focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Requires 1,000 clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Doctorate - Nursing, D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 87-credit post-masters online program
- Three-year completion timeline
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Competitive admissions process