DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Simmons University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers advanced registered nurses a flexible pathway to enhance clinical expertise and healthcare leadership. Tailored for Master's-prepared professionals with two years of experience, the program emphasizes evidence-based research and transformative healthcare innovations. Students benefit from rolling admissions, multiple start dates, and potential credit waivers for Simmons MSN alumni. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced practice skills through comprehensive online learning, accommodating working professionals seeking to elevate their clinical practice and drive meaningful healthcare improvements.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• MSN prerequisite required
• Minimum 500 clinical hours
• Two years RN experience
• May/September start dates
• 3.5 GPA preferred
• Leadership and clinical tracks
• Rolling admission process
• $50 application fee

Simmons University's Direct Entry DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive three-year pathway for non-nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses. This innovative 104-credit hybrid program enables students to earn both MSN and DNP degrees while gaining extensive clinical experience. With over 850 clinical training sites and 1,492 total clinical hours, graduates develop robust primary care skills and leadership capabilities. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic training with hands-on experience, preparing students to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.

• 104 total credit program
• 3-year completion time
• Hybrid learning format
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 1492 total clinical hours
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• MSN and DNP degrees offered
• Pre-licensure and post-licensure curriculum
• Comprehensive clinical rotations
• World-class hospital partnerships

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative 108-credit hybrid program for individuals without nursing backgrounds. This comprehensive three-year pathway enables students to earn MSN and DNP degrees while specializing in mental health care. With 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, students develop advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. The program combines rigorous coursework, extensive clinical training, and leadership development to prepare graduates for comprehensive psychiatric care roles.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• Non-nurse pathway to PMHNP
• MSN and DNP awarded
• Eligible for NCLEX and PMHNP certification
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus

Simmons University's Direct Entry DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive three-year pathway for non-nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses. This 104-credit hybrid program combines academic rigor with extensive clinical experience, enabling students to earn both MSN and DNP degrees. With 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, graduates develop advanced primary care skills and leadership capabilities. The innovative curriculum prepares students to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings, positioning them for successful careers in family nursing practice.

• 104-credit, 3-year program
• 1492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• Hybrid and on-campus formats
• DNP and MSN degrees
• Pre-licensure and post-licensure tracks

Simmons University's Direct Entry DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers a transformative 108-credit hybrid program for non-nurses seeking advanced mental health professional roles. This comprehensive three-year pathway enables students to earn MSN and DNP degrees while specializing in psychiatric care. With 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, students develop advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions across patient lifespans. The program balances rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical training, preparing graduates to become compassionate and skilled psychiatric mental health practitioners.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• Non-nurse entry pathway
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• Full-time and part-time options
• MSN and DNP degrees conferred
• Clinical rotations in diverse settings
• Preparation for PMHNP certification exam

UMass Dartmouth's DNP in Adult Gerontology Primary Care offers a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This hybrid program strategically prepares practitioners to address complex healthcare challenges in adult and elderly populations. With 64-67 credits and 1,008 clinical practicum hours, students develop sophisticated leadership skills, translational research capabilities, and evidence-based intervention strategies. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care, population health management, and innovative healthcare technologies. Graduates are equipped to drive systemic change, improve patient outcomes, and excel in advanced practice nursing roles across diverse healthcare settings.

• 64-67 total program credits
• Hybrid learning format
• 1008 clinical practicum hours
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Translational research focus
• Leadership and systems change emphasis
• Credentialing exam eligible
• Seven-year completion window

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's DNP program in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner provides a robust educational pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical mastery. Through a meticulously designed 64-credit curriculum, students engage in comprehensive training that integrates person-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge healthcare technologies. The hybrid program emphasizes leadership development, research translation, and practical skills essential for managing complex health challenges in adult populations. With 1,008 practicum hours, graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners prepared to deliver sophisticated, evidence-based healthcare interventions.

• 64-67 total credits
• 1,008 practicum hours
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Interdisciplinary healthcare focus
• Leadership and research translation
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care concentration
• Comprehensive clinical training

UMass Dartmouth's DNP in Psychiatric-Mental Health prepares advanced practice nurses to become transformative mental health professionals. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced clinical expertise, evidence-based interventions, and leadership skills necessary to address complex mental health challenges across patient lifespans. Through a rigorous 64-67 credit curriculum and 1,008 practicum hours, students develop innovative treatment approaches, translational research capabilities, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. The hybrid format enables practicing nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge while preparing for certification examinations and making significant contributions to mental health treatment.

• 64-67 total program credits
• Hybrid program delivery
• 1008 practicum hours
• Prepares for certification exams
• Leadership and research focus
• Advanced clinical training
• Comprehensive mental health curriculum
• Seven-year completion window

The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth's DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an advanced educational experience focused on comprehensive mental health care. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and evidence-based practice techniques through a dynamic curriculum that integrates didactic learning with extensive practicum experiences. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and healthcare technology, the program prepares nurses to transform mental health treatment approaches. With 64-67 credits and 1,008 practicum hours, graduates are equipped to address complex psychiatric challenges and lead innovative healthcare interventions.

• 64-67 total credits
• Hybrid program format
• 1008 practicum hours
• Five-year comprehensive curriculum
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Translational research focus
• Leadership development emphasis
• Credentialing exam eligible

UMass Dartmouth's DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced mental health expertise. The program's five-year curriculum focuses on developing sophisticated clinical skills, leadership proficiency, and evidence-based interventions across patient lifespans. Through 64-67 credits and 1,008 practicum hours, students gain advanced training in addressing complex psychiatric challenges, implementing innovative treatments, and leading interdisciplinary healthcare teams. The hybrid format emphasizes research translation, population health, and certification exam preparation, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to mental health care.

• 64-67 total credits
• 1008 practicum hours
• Hybrid program format
• Five-year completion timeline
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership development focus
• Research translation curriculum
• Certification exam preparation
• Population health emphasis
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

UMass Lowell's DNP program offers a comprehensive online pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership training. Uniquely structured with five two-day on-campus intensives, the program enables flexible learning while maintaining robust scholarly engagement. Students benefit from competitive tuition rates and potential Nurse Faculty Loan Program coverage, eliminating GRE requirements. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy development, and organizational leadership, preparing nurses to drive transformative healthcare innovations. With CCNE accreditation and multiple enrollment options, graduates gain critical skills to address complex healthcare challenges and advance their professional trajectory.

• Two-year full-time or three-year part-time
• Five two-day on-campus intensives
• No GRE required
• Affordable tuition rates
• CCNE accredited program
• 85% tuition coverage possible
• Distinguished nursing faculty
• Meets 1,000 DNP hour requirement
• Online with in-person components
• Leadership and policy focus

UMass Lowell's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers an advanced hybrid program targeting comprehensive healthcare leadership. Students explore cutting-edge strategies for reducing healthcare disparities, implementing innovative patient care models, and developing sophisticated policy interventions. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practice, cultural competency training, and organizational leadership development. Flexible pathways accommodate post-baccalaureate and post-master's professionals, enabling seamless integration of advanced clinical expertise with scholarly practice. Graduates emerge as transformative healthcare leaders equipped to navigate complex medical environments and drive meaningful patient-centered improvements.

• Hybrid program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• 3 flexible DNP pathways
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Leadership and policy focus
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Cultural competency training
• Multiple enrollment options
• Advanced nursing leadership skills

UMass Lowell's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a dynamic hybrid learning experience for advanced nursing professionals. The program offers comprehensive pathways including direct entry and fast-track options, emphasizing evidence-based leadership and clinical innovation. Students develop critical skills in healthcare quality improvement, policy formulation, and patient-centered care strategies. With flexible learning formats and scholarly project focus, the curriculum prepares nurses to address complex healthcare challenges across diverse clinical settings. Graduates gain advanced leadership capabilities and comprehensive understanding of adult and gerontological patient care.

• Three DNP pathway options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Online and hybrid delivery
• Part-time and full-time options
• Scholarly project focus
• Leadership skill development
• Adult Gerontology concentration
• 75-credit BS to DNP pathway
• Flexible learning formats

UMass Lowell's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a robust hybrid program designed for working professionals seeking advanced clinical leadership. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, policy development, and cultural competency to address healthcare disparities. Rigorous admission standards, including a 3.0 GPA and RN licensure, ensure high-quality candidate selection. Students explore innovative approaches to patient care, developing sophisticated skills in research, organizational leadership, and healthcare transformation. Flexible pathways accommodate diverse professional backgrounds, enabling nurses to advance their expertise and drive meaningful healthcare improvements.

• Hybrid program format
• 3 DNP pathway options
• Cultural competency focus
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Leadership skill development
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Massachusetts RN license required
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Part-time and full-time options

UMass Lowell's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers an interdisciplinary hybrid program focusing on advanced nursing practice and leadership. The curriculum integrates comprehensive training in research, policy, health informatics, and organizational leadership, preparing nurses to address complex healthcare challenges. Students develop critical skills in reducing health disparities, improving patient outcomes, and implementing evidence-based interventions. With multiple enrollment pathways and professional certification preparation, the program supports nurses' professional growth. Emphasis on cultural competency and scholarly projects ensures graduates are equipped to lead transformative changes in healthcare delivery.

• Hybrid program format
• Multiple enrollment pathways
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Focus on healthcare leadership
• Cultural competency training
• Scholarly project requirement
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Professional certification prep
• Advanced practice focus

The DNP program at College of Our Lady of the Elms delivers a comprehensive Family Nurse Practitioner concentration through an innovative hybrid format. Students experience a dynamic learning environment with a remarkably low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized educational support. With a 100% certification pass rate for Family Nurse Practitioners, the program equips professionals to become transformative healthcare leaders. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic coursework with extensive clinical practicums, preparing graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings and address complex patient needs across the lifespan.

• Hybrid on-campus and online format
• 100% FNP certification pass rate
• Innovative, dynamic learning environment
• Low student-to-faculty ratio
• Advanced practice nursing leadership focus

Designed for practicing registered nurses, this DNP program in Family Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive pathway to advanced clinical expertise. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals while offering in-depth training across patient lifespans. Students develop comprehensive skills in preventative care, health assessment, and disease management, positioning themselves for robust career opportunities. With projected 31% job growth by 2026, graduates are prepared to make significant impacts in underserved urban and rural healthcare environments, addressing critical community health needs.

• Hybrid program format
• Lifespan healthcare focus
• Clinical placement support
• Practice-focused scholarly project
• Prepares for board certification
• 30% job growth projected
• Practice settings: clinics, schools, practices

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers advanced training for registered nurses seeking specialization in critical care settings. Students complete 1,000 clinical practicum hours, developing sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills for complex medical environments. The hybrid curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and prepares graduates for the ANCC certification exam. Focused on transforming patient care, the program equips nurses to excel in emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialized clinical settings, with a strong emphasis on leadership and healthcare innovation.

• Three-year full-time study option
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Practice-focused scholarly project
• Clinical placement support provided
• Hybrid program format
• NONPF recommended pathway
• Advanced diagnostic skills training
• Leadership and healthcare innovation focus
• Specialized acute care competencies

This Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides a rigorous pathway for experienced nurses to become expert practitioners. Through flexible three or four-year study options, students develop advanced clinical competencies for diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions in adult and geriatric populations. The hybrid program integrates comprehensive coursework with 1,000 clinical practicum hours, preparing graduates for ANCC board certification. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and scholarly quality improvement, the program cultivates healthcare professionals capable of driving meaningful patient care transformations.

• Three to four-year flexible study
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Prepares for ANCC certification
• Practice-focused scholarly project
• Advanced acute care specialization
• Hybrid program format
• Clinical placement support
• Professional mentorship

The Health Systems Innovation and Leadership DNP concentration offers a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to become transformative healthcare leaders. This hybrid program equips professionals with advanced skills in strategic planning, organizational management, and policy development. Students explore comprehensive approaches to addressing complex healthcare challenges, developing innovative solutions that drive systemic improvements. With a dedicated focus on leadership development, the program prepares nurses to become influential change agents across diverse healthcare environments, positioning graduates to make substantial contributions to healthcare system evolution.

• Hybrid program format
• Health Systems Innovation focus
• Advanced nursing leadership track
• Experienced dedicated faculty
• Dynamic learning environment

UMass Amherst's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers a comprehensive online curriculum designed to transform nursing professionals into advanced primary care experts. Through extensive clinical practica, students gain in-depth skills across pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric populations. The program uniquely blends scholarly research, health policy analysis, and advanced clinical reasoning. Graduates emerge as sophisticated healthcare leaders prepared to navigate complex patient management strategies and address emerging healthcare challenges with evidence-based interventions.

• Online DNP with FNP concentration
• Four or five-year study plans
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced health assessment training
• Scholarly research component
• Health policy and ethics focus
• Diverse patient population coverage
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Accredited nursing program
• Advanced pharmacology training

The Public Health Nurse Leader DNP concentration at UMass Amherst equips nurses to address critical population health challenges through an innovative online program. Designed for flexible entry from bachelor's or master's levels, the curriculum spans 69-75 credits with substantial 504-hour community placements. Students develop advanced skills in population health assessment, strategic interventions, and addressing systemic health disparities. The program prepares nurses to become transformative leaders capable of implementing comprehensive public health strategies in dynamic healthcare environments.

• Online DNP Program
• BS and MS Entry Pathways
• 69-75 Total Credits
• 504 Community Placement Hours
• Leadership in Public Health
• Addresses Healthcare Disparities
• Fully Accredited Nursing Program

UMass Amherst's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a robust online pathway for advanced mental healthcare professionals. Emphasizing comprehensive psychiatric disorder assessment and treatment, the flexible 4-5 year curriculum requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and active RN license. Students engage in 560-728 clinical hours, developing specialized skills in mental health diagnostics and interventional strategies. The program prepares nurses to deliver nuanced, patient-centered psychiatric care across diverse populations and complex clinical settings.

• Fully online DNP program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license needed
• 560-728 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Focuses on psychiatric care
• Flexible clinical placement