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.

2025 Best DNP Programs in Nebraska

Finding the best DNP programs in Nebraska is easier with registerednursing.org. We rank programs to help you make informed decisions. Our rankings consider key factors like accreditation, program quality, and student support. Start your journey to advanced nursing practice with confidence. For more on how we rank programs, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

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 dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care DNP program offers a hybrid learning experience. This 70-credit program prepares advanced nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive pediatric care. Students gain expertise in child health assessment, urgent care, critical interventions, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are equipped to handle complex pediatric healthcare challenges.

  • 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 hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers flexible online learning for nurses seeking advanced leadership and clinical roles. Specializations include Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nursing Administration. The curriculum emphasizes ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and interprofessional collaboration. Requires GRE.

  • 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 hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nursing Administration and Leadership prepares nurses for executive healthcare roles. This 38-40 credit program equips students with leadership skills, strategic management techniques, and evidence-based practice methodologies. The curriculum covers healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Graduates are prepared to drive systemic improvements and lead transformative change.

  • 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 73-credit hybrid DNP program, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, prepares students for advanced mental healthcare. The program focuses on evidence-based psychiatric care across the lifespan, covering advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and population-based care. It emphasizes scholarly research and healthcare policy, equipping graduates to address critical mental health challenges.

  • 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 nurses to manage complex patient care. This program blends clinical expertise with Jesuit leadership principles, focusing on ethical decision-making and healthcare systems improvement. The flexible online format requires occasional campus visits to Omaha, Nebraska.

  • 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 online DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner offers flexible learning with interdisciplinary coursework grounded in Jesuit principles. Students develop skills in managing complex acute care, leadership, and healthcare quality improvement. Campus visits are required. Requires GRE.

  • 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

This Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan DNP program at Creighton University offers a flexible, online format with minimal campus visits. It prepares nurses to manage complex mental healthcare for diverse populations using a Jesuit values-centered approach. Students develop advanced skills in ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and leadership. Requires GRE.

  • 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
Show 6 More Programs ˅
#2

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 hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, prepares nurses for advanced primary care. Graduates gain expertise in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions across the lifespan. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and leadership development for enhanced patient care in diverse settings.

  • 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 hybrid DNP program, with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration, provides advanced training in primary care. This flexible program combines online learning with on-campus clinical intensives. It focuses on patient-centered care, holistic health, and complex care management. Graduates are equipped with advanced clinical skills and leadership abilities.

  • 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 hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program enhances clinical leadership skills through an evidence-based curriculum. The program offers specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. It prepares BSN and MSN-prepared nurses for complex healthcare environments, emphasizing advanced practice, research, and system improvements.

  • 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 online DNP program, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, prepares advanced practice nurses for acute care settings. The program equips graduates with advanced clinical skills, leadership expertise, and evidence-based practices. It emphasizes innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes 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 hybrid DNP program, focusing on Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive patient care. The program develops proficiency in assessments, diagnoses, and holistic treatment strategies. It emphasizes clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, and advanced pharmacological management for adult and older adult patients.

  • 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 full-time, front-loaded DNP in Nurse Anesthesia transforms nurses into advanced healthcare professionals. The program offers small class sizes, simulation labs, and diverse clinical experiences. It prepares graduates for the CRNA certification exam. The cost is $1,100 per credit hour, with a median salary of $212,650 for CRNAs.

  • 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
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#3

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

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 offers an innovative pathway for nurses to become advanced practice providers. Through a comprehensive 75-credit online curriculum, students engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning, complemented by 1,080 preceptor-guided clinical hours. The program emphasizes holistic patient care, equipping nurses with advanced diagnostic, treatment, and management skills across patient lifespans. Graduates are strategically positioned in a high-demand healthcare landscape, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a remarkable 40% job growth for nurse practitioners and reporting median annual incomes of $129,480. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures rigorous educational standards.

  • 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 provides a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking specialized geriatric healthcare expertise. The hybrid curriculum blends 57 online credits with 18 clinical credits, enabling working professionals to advance their careers flexibly. Students develop comprehensive skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex health conditions for adult and older adult populations. With full practice authority eligibility and a focus on evolving patient needs, graduates emerge as crucial healthcare leaders. The program's strategic design allows completion within 3-5 years, supported by a competitive per-credit cost and commitment to professional development.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Nebraska

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Nebraska

Jump to City:

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 of Nursing & Allied Health

  • 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
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

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