DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Simmons University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) empowers experienced nurses to elevate their clinical practice through evidence-based research and healthcare leadership. Designed for Master's-prepared RNs with at least two years of professional experience, this advanced program allows practitioners to deepen expertise and drive transformative healthcare innovations. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals, with competitive admission standards including a preferred 3.5 GPA and 500 clinical hours. Students benefit from rolling admissions, multiple start dates, and potential credit waivers for Simmons MSN alumni.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program offers a transformative pathway for non-nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses. This comprehensive 104-credit, three-year program enables students to earn an MSN, become an RN, and progress to a doctoral-level Family Nurse Practitioner certification. With a robust curriculum blending clinical skills, leadership training, and evidence-based practice, graduates are prepared to provide comprehensive primary care, lead healthcare initiatives, and make significant contributions to patient health across diverse 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 (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is a transformative 3-year, 108-credit program designed for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds. This comprehensive hybrid program enables students to earn an MSN and DNP, preparing them to become advanced practice psychiatric mental health professionals. Students complete rigorous coursework and extensive clinical training, gaining expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions across the lifespan. With over 1,492 clinical hours and access to 850+ clinical training sites, graduates are equipped to provide compassionate care, prescribe medications, and make significant contributions to mental health care.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program offers a transformative pathway for non-nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses. This comprehensive 104-credit, 3-year program combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experience, preparing students to excel in primary care. Graduates earn both an MSN and DNP, becoming eligible for NCLEX-RN and FNP certification exams. The innovative curriculum blends foundational nursing education, advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and evidence-based practice, positioning students to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) offers a transformative pathway for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds to become advanced practice mental health professionals. This comprehensive 108-credit, three-year program provides a seamless transition from non-nurse to fully licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, combining rigorous academic preparation with extensive clinical training. Students begin by earning an MSN, become eligible for RN licensure, and then progress to specialized psychiatric mental health training. The hybrid program balances on-campus and online learning, with over 1,492 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage mental health conditions across patient lifespans.

• 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

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. This rigorous program equips nurses with cutting-edge clinical expertise, focusing on advanced health assessment, complex patient management, and evidence-based healthcare strategies. Students develop advanced clinical reasoning skills through extensive practicum experiences, exploring pediatric, adolescent, middle-aged, and geriatric primary healthcare. The program emphasizes scholarly research, health policy, and quality improvement, positioning graduates as transformative healthcare leaders who can address emerging healthcare challenges.

• 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 University of Massachusetts Amherst's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Public Health Nurse Leader Concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to tackle critical population health challenges. Designed for nurses seeking leadership roles, this online program addresses urgent healthcare needs highlighted by recent global health crises. Students can enter from bachelor's or master's levels, completing 69-75 credits with 504 hours of community placements. The curriculum focuses on population health assessment, interventions, and addressing complex health disparities in an evolving healthcare landscape.

• 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

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration. This online program prepares advanced clinical experts to deliver specialized mental health care across diverse populations. Students develop comprehensive skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders through a flexible 4-5 year curriculum. Designed for working nurses, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Clinical practica provide hands-on experience, with 560-728 clinical hours tailored to students' professional backgrounds.

• 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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMass Lowell offers a transformative online program designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership and clinical expertise. Completed in two to three years, this degree prepares nurses to drive healthcare innovation through evidence-based practice, health policy, and organizational leadership. With no GRE requirement and competitive tuition rates, students can pursue eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program covering up to 85% of tuition. The program features five two-day on-campus intensives, providing networking and scholarly development opportunities while maintaining flexible online learning.

• 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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMass Lowell prepares advanced practice registered nurses to become healthcare leaders who drive transformative patient care improvements. With a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, health policy, and organizational leadership. The hybrid program offers flexible pathways for working professionals, including post-baccalaureate and post-master's options. Graduates gain expertise in reducing healthcare disparities, advocating for policy changes, and implementing innovative care strategies across diverse healthcare settings.

• 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

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMass Lowell prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare through evidence-based leadership and clinical expertise. The program offers specialized pathways for nurses at different career stages, including direct entry from BS and fast-track options for current students. Students develop critical skills to improve healthcare quality, formulate policies, and drive innovative patient care strategies, with a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered approaches to health management.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare through evidence-based leadership. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid program offers flexible pathways including post-baccalaureate and post-master's options. Graduates develop critical skills in policy, research, and cultural competency to address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and professional recommendations.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare through evidence-based leadership. With a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, students develop critical skills in improving patient care, reducing health disparities, and addressing complex healthcare challenges. The hybrid program offers flexible pathways for practicing nurses, featuring interdisciplinary curriculum covering research, policy, organizational leadership, and health informatics. Admission requires a nursing bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and professional recommendations.

• 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

Endicott College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a comprehensive program designed to elevate nursing professionals to advanced leadership roles. The curriculum prepares nurses to transform healthcare through innovative practice, focusing on improving quality, safety, and patient outcomes. With a robust 73-credit curriculum spanning three years, students develop advanced competencies in organizational leadership, population health, and healthcare informatics. The program offers strong job market potential, with Massachusetts expecting a 14.3% increase in DNP-level nursing positions. Graduates gain expansive skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration.

• Hybrid program format
• 73 credit comprehensive curriculum
• Practice immersion experiences
• Strong Massachusetts job market
• Leadership-focused doctorate
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Scholarly practice project focus
• GPA requirement 3.3+
• Multiple clinical practice tracks
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program available

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at MCPHS University is a strategic two-year online program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to elevate their professional capabilities. Focused on organization and systems leadership, this doctoral program prepares nurses to drive innovative healthcare transformations, enhance patient outcomes, and influence policy changes. Students can customize their curriculum with diverse electives across health sciences, enabling them to develop comprehensive expertise in areas like healthcare business, public health, and health informatics.

• Two-year online program
• Customizable course selection
• Leadership and policy focus
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
• Scholarly research project required