The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is the “terminal” degree type for nurses. It is the highest level of nursing degree, higher than even a master’s degree, which is the minimum degree requirement for advanced-practice nurses. Nurses with DNP degrees are able to work in roles including nurse executives, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). They are also able to work in executive roles, such as nursing administration, leadership, and as directors.
Most post-master's DNP programs require students to complete around 28 to36 credit hours, whereas BSN to DNP students are expected to complete around 65 to 70 credit hours.
Core DNP courses provide nursing students with a foundation in advanced pharmacology across the lifespan, advanced health assessment across the lifespan and diagnostics, advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan as well as advanced concepts in finance, health care, and conflict resolution.
2026 Best DNP Programs in Nebraska
Creighton University
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - creighton.edu
Doctorate - Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's DNP in Pediatric Primary and Acute Care offers a comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program designed for advanced nurse practitioners seeking specialized pediatric healthcare expertise. Students receive intensive training in child health assessment, urgent/emergency interventions, and critical pediatric patient management. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy integration, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates emerge as highly skilled professionals capable of delivering nuanced care across diverse pediatric clinical settings, with advanced pathophysiology knowledge and scholarly project requirements enhancing their professional capabilities.
- 70-credit hybrid DNP program
- Dual track pediatric specialization
- Advanced pediatric healthcare focus
- Comprehensive clinical practicums
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Healthcare policy integration
- Well child and acute care training
- Advanced pathophysiology courses
- Scholarly project requirement
- Interprofessional collaborative approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice delivers a flexible online program targeting ambitious nurses seeking advanced leadership development. With multiple specialization opportunities including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health tracks, the curriculum integrates Jesuit-inspired ethical reasoning and cultural competence. Admission requires a BSN or MSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, professional nursing experience, and an unencumbered RN license. Students benefit from personalized coaching, interdisciplinary coursework, and practical training designed to transform healthcare systems and prepare nurses for complex professional challenges.
- Online flexible program format
- Multiple specialization tracks
- Jesuit values-based education
- Personalized faculty support
- Campus intensives required
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Professional nursing experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Interprofessional learning approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Administration & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's DNP in Nursing Administration and Leadership provides a strategic hybrid program for experienced nurses targeting executive healthcare roles. This post-graduate curriculum develops comprehensive leadership skills, strategic management techniques, and evidence-based practice methodologies. Students learn advanced healthcare policy, organizational leadership principles, and innovative delivery models. The program prepares nurses to drive systemic improvements, manage complex healthcare environments, and lead transformative changes through scholarly projects and interdisciplinary course options.
- 38-40 total credit program
- Hybrid program format
- Executive leadership focus
- Scholarly project required
- Healthcare policy coursework
- Advanced nursing administration training
- Practicum and residency components
- Interdisciplinary course options
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a comprehensive 73-credit hybrid program addressing complex mental health care across patient lifespans. Students develop advanced expertise in health assessment, pharmacological interventions, and population-based healthcare through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practicums. The curriculum emphasizes scholarly research, healthcare policy integration, and transformative practice, equipping nurses with sophisticated skills to address critical mental health challenges in diverse healthcare settings.
- 73-credit DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive psychiatric specialty
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Policy and leadership focus
- Lifespan mental health training
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Creighton University's online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares highly skilled nurses for advanced acute care management. Combining Jesuit-centered leadership principles with clinical expertise, the flexible online format accommodates working professionals with occasional campus visits. Students develop critical skills in ethical decision-making, healthcare systems improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are positioned for leadership roles across diverse healthcare environments, with potential national certification through prestigious nursing credentialing bodies.
- Fully online DNP program
- Jesuit values-based curriculum
- Manages acute care patients
- Nationally recognized program
- Flexible part-time options
- Minimum 2,000 hours nursing experience
- Occasional campus visits required
- CCNE accredited program
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP offers a comprehensive online program integrating advanced clinical preparation with compassionate healthcare principles. Requiring a BSN, 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and 2,000 professional nursing hours, the curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and Jesuit ethical reasoning. Students develop advanced skills in complex patient care, leadership, and healthcare quality improvement. Part-time and full-time options, combined with campus visits, ensure flexible, rigorous professional development.
- Online flexible DNP program
- Jesuit values-based education
- Acute care nurse practitioner focus
- Minimum 2,000 hrs experience required
- Part-time and full-time options
- Nationwide certification eligibility
- Campus visits required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner DNP provides a transformative online program for advanced mental health professionals. Integrating Jesuit principles with cutting-edge interdisciplinary knowledge, students develop sophisticated skills in ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and leadership. The curriculum requires minimal campus visits and accommodates part-time and full-time learners, with a focus on managing complex mental health care across diverse populations and improving healthcare system outcomes.
- Online flexible program format
- Specialized Psychiatric Mental Health track
- Jesuit values-centered education
- Minimum 2,000 hours psychiatric nursing experience required
- CCNE accredited program
- National certification eligibility
- Part-time and full-time options
- Advanced leadership training
Clarkson College
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - clarksoncollege.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced clinical pathway for experienced nurses. This hybrid program meticulously prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across diverse patient populations. Students develop sophisticated clinical assessment skills, advanced pharmacological management techniques, and evidence-based practice strategies. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership development, and complex health condition management. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners capable of diagnosing, treating, and providing holistic care with exceptional precision and patient-centered approach.
- Hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Advanced clinical preparation
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's DNP program in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a transformative educational experience for nursing professionals. Through a flexible hybrid format combining online learning and clinical intensives, students gain advanced healthcare leadership skills. The curriculum focuses on comprehensive patient care, wellness promotion, and complex health management strategies. Designed for working nurses, the program enables career advancement while maintaining professional commitments. Students explore multiple certification pathways, develop evidence-based practice competencies, and cultivate advanced clinical expertise across varied healthcare environments.
- Online and hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice training
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Comprehensive healthcare leadership curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple certification pathways
Doctorate - Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers two distinct specialty tracks designed for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced clinical leadership roles. The hybrid program emphasizes transformative healthcare practices through scholarly research and systemic improvements. Students develop sophisticated competencies in healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement methodologies. With a maximum 7-year completion timeline and minimum 67 credit hours, the program prepares nurses to become innovative healthcare leaders equipped to address complex medical challenges and drive meaningful practice transformations.
- Hybrid DNP program format
- Two specialty track options
- Maximum 7-year completion
- Minimum 67 credit hours
- 3.0 CGPA requirement
- Scholarly project component
- Interprofessional education modules
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers a comprehensive online educational experience for advanced practice nurses. Focused on acute healthcare settings, the curriculum equips students with cutting-edge clinical skills and leadership expertise. Participants develop advanced knowledge in complex patient care, utilizing innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration techniques. The program prepares graduates to excel in certification exams while emphasizing evidence-based practices, leadership training, and specialized acute care approaches for adult and geriatric populations.
- Fully online DNP program
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Acute care specialization
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Prepares for certification exam
- Specialized acute care courses
- Leadership and policy training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Scholarly project component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a sophisticated pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This hybrid program meticulously prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for adult and geriatric populations. Students develop profound clinical reasoning skills, advanced pharmacological management techniques, and holistic treatment strategies. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice integration, and nuanced health assessment methodologies across diverse healthcare environments.
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Patient-centered care approach
- Comprehensive adult-gerontology specialization
- Evidence-based practice integration
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program represents a premier pathway for skilled nurses transitioning into advanced healthcare roles. This full-time, front-loaded degree offers an unparalleled educational experience with state-of-the-art simulation labs and extensive clinical rotations. Limited to 22 students per class, the program provides personalized training with experienced Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. Students benefit from urban and rural clinical experiences, preparing them for the National Certification Exam and promising career opportunities with a median salary exceeding $212,650.
- Full-time, 9-semester program
- Only Nurse Anesthesia program in Omaha
- Limited to 22 students per class
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Cost: $1,100 per credit hour
- Urban and rural clinical rotations
- Core faculty are experienced CRNAs
- Prepares for National Certification Exam
Nebraska Methodist College
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu
Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College's BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a cutting-edge pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Through an innovative online curriculum spanning 75 credits, students engage in comprehensive learning designed to transform nurses into expert family healthcare providers. The program uniquely combines synchronous and asynchronous instruction with 1,080 preceptor-guided clinical hours, ensuring graduates develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills. With no GRE requirement and CCNE accreditation, students can complete the program full-time in 36 months or opt for part-time study. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses for Family Nurse Practitioner certification and positions graduates to enter a rapidly expanding healthcare market with substantial earning potential.
- Online DNP program
- 75 total credit hours
- 1,080 clinical hours
- No GRE required
- CCNE accredited program
- Full-time completion in 36 months
- Part-time option available
- Cost per credit: $850
- BSN GPA requirement: 3.0
- Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner certification
Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College's BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking advanced specialization in adult and geriatric healthcare. This meticulously designed hybrid program balances 57 online credits with 18 clinical credits, enabling working professionals to advance their careers flexibly. Students develop comprehensive skills to diagnose and manage complex health conditions across adult lifespans, with 1,080 clinical practice hours providing immersive learning opportunities. The program's no-GRE admission policy, CCNE accreditation, and potential for Full Practice Authority make it an attractive option for nurses committed to becoming sophisticated healthcare leaders in adult and geriatric care.
- 75 total credit hours
- 57 online, 18 clinical credits
- 1,080 clinical practice hours
- No GRE required
- Hybrid program format
- Full Practice Authority eligible
- Cost per credit: $850
- 3-5 year completion time
- CCNE Accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Choosing a DNP Program
There are a few things that should be considered carefully prior to choosing a school and a DNP program.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— In Nebraska, the cost of DNP programs can vary from institution to institution. Students with in-state residency will typically pay anywhere from $483 to $810 per unit hour, while students coming from outside of Nebraska will generally pay between $800 to $1,000 per unit hour, depending on the institution.
- Online/Campus Options— All four DNP programs in the state of Nebraska offer online options:
- Clarkson College: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Clarkson College is offered online and can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Creighton University: Offers students a DNP program delivered in an online hybrid format, with classes meeting on campus just a few times each semester.
- University of Nebraska Medical Center: Courses for both BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs are available online and clinical requirements can be satisfied in a student’s geographical area.
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health: The BSN to DNP programrequires a nurse to complete a total of 75 credit hours. Of this, 57 credit hours can be obtained via synchronous and asynchronous online learning and 18 credit hours (1,080 contact hours) are devoted to clinical practice.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Nebraska are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Residency— Clinical residencies and fellowships are an important part of the DNP education. Most schools will provide you with information on what clinical affiliations or partnerships they have available for students.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission to the DNP programs in Nebraska will vary from institution to institution, but students will likely be required to:
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for two references
- Transcripts of previous educational institutions attended
- GRE Test Results
- A personal interview by phone or in person
- Hold a current BSN or MSN degree
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system
- Have a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license
- Maintain certification as an APRN (for MSN applicants)
- Complete a basic health assessment and statistics course (for BSN applicants)
- Interview with faculty
- Submit GRE scores Statement of Purpose
Certification
Students are eligible to sit for certification exams upon completion of a DNP program. Nebraska DNP tracks offered at universities allow students to become certified in:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Public Health Policy
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Licensing
For Nebraska nursing students who have successfully completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Nebraska BSN to DNP Program Options
Three of the four universities in Nebraska with DNP programs offer BSN to DNP pathways to students:
- Creighton University—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
- University of Nebraska Medical Center—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
Related Education Paths
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Nebraska FNP Programs
- Nebraska CRNA Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nebraska
- Nebraska Nurses Association
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association—Nebraska
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioners
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Nebraska
Omaha, NE
Clarkson College
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Acute care specialization
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Prepares for certification exam
- Specialized acute care courses
- Leadership and policy training
- Doctorate - Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid DNP program format
- Two specialty track options
- Maximum 7-year completion
- Minimum 67 credit hours
- 3.0 CGPA requirement
- Scholarly project component
- Interprofessional education modules
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Patient-centered care approach
- Comprehensive adult-gerontology specialization
- Evidence-based practice integration
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online and hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice training
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Comprehensive healthcare leadership curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple certification pathways
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Full-time, 9-semester program
- Only Nurse Anesthesia program in Omaha
- Limited to 22 students per class
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Cost: $1,100 per credit hour
- Urban and rural clinical rotations
- Core faculty are experienced CRNAs
- Prepares for National Certification Exam
Creighton University
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Jesuit values-based curriculum
- Manages acute care patients
- Nationally recognized program
- Flexible part-time options
- Minimum 2,000 hours nursing experience
- Occasional campus visits required
- CCNE accredited program
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online flexible program format
- Multiple specialization tracks
- Jesuit values-based education
- Personalized faculty support
- Campus intensives required
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Professional nursing experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online flexible DNP program
- Jesuit values-based education
- Acute care nurse practitioner focus
- Minimum 2,000 hrs experience required
- Part-time and full-time options
- Nationwide certification eligibility
- Campus visits required
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Administration & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 38-40 total credit program
- Hybrid program format
- Executive leadership focus
- Scholarly project required
- Healthcare policy coursework
- Advanced nursing administration training
- Practicum and residency components
- Interdisciplinary course options
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Online flexible program format
- Specialized Psychiatric Mental Health track
- Jesuit values-centered education
- Minimum 2,000 hours psychiatric nursing experience required
- CCNE accredited program
- National certification eligibility
- Part-time and full-time options
- Advanced leadership training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 73-credit DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive psychiatric specialty
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Policy and leadership focus
- Lifespan mental health training
- Doctorate - Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 70-credit hybrid DNP program
- Dual track pediatric specialization
- Advanced pediatric healthcare focus
- Comprehensive clinical practicums
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Healthcare policy integration
- Well child and acute care training
- Advanced pathophysiology courses
Nebraska Methodist College
- Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 75 total credit hours
- 57 online, 18 clinical credits
- 1,080 clinical practice hours
- No GRE required
- Hybrid program format
- Full Practice Authority eligible
- Cost per credit: $850
- 3-5 year completion time
- Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- 75 total credit hours
- 1,080 clinical hours
- No GRE required
- CCNE accredited program
- Full-time completion in 36 months
- Part-time option available
- Cost per credit: $850