DNP Programs in Nebraska

Choosing a DNP Program
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Nebraska BSN to DNP Program Options
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nebraska

RegisteredNursing.org Staff Writers | Updated/Verified: Jul 21, 2023

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.

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