DNP Programs in New Jersey

Rutgers University's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner DNP offers an advanced pathway for nurses dedicated to pediatric healthcare. This specialized program prepares professionals to deliver exceptional primary care for children from birth through young adulthood. Students develop comprehensive skills in pediatric health assessment, well-child care, and complex condition management. The program's strategic clinical placement network across New Jersey enables students to gain real-world experience while maintaining professional flexibility. Graduates emerge as highly skilled pediatric healthcare providers equipped to address critical workforce needs in diverse clinical environments.

• First pediatric nurse specialty track
• Comprehensive pediatric care focus
• Multiple program options available
• Clinical sites throughout NJ
• Strong employment prospects

This innovative Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides comprehensive pediatric healthcare training across primary and acute settings. The rigorous four-year hybrid curriculum covers 85 credits and 945 clinical hours, preparing nurses for complex pediatric patient management. By blending online coursework with in-person Newark campus sessions, the program offers unprecedented flexibility for working healthcare professionals. Students develop advanced skills in pediatric assessment, intervention, and holistic care, positioning graduates as versatile and highly specialized nurse practitioners capable of addressing multifaceted pediatric health challenges.

• Four-year doctoral program
• 85 total credits required
• 945 minimum clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Newark campus in-person classes
• Primary/Acute Care concentration

Rutgers' Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program represents a transformative educational experience for nursing professionals seeking advanced healthcare expertise. With 12 specialized tracks spanning acute care, primary care, mental health, and leadership, the program provides unparalleled flexibility and depth. The hybrid learning model combines virtual instruction with essential on-campus experiences, enabling students to develop sophisticated skills in healthcare innovation, policy design, and data-driven patient care strategies. Graduates emerge as visionary practitioners prepared to lead systemic improvements and address complex healthcare challenges.

• 12 specialized DNP tracks
• Flexible hybrid learning model
• Virtual and campus-based instruction
• Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Master's options
• Prepares advanced nursing professionals

Rutgers' Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program equips advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare across all age groups. Students gain expertise in primary care settings, focusing on holistic patient treatment in pediatrics, women's health, and adult and geriatric care. The rigorous 75-credit program prepares graduates for national board certification, emphasizing clinical excellence and patient-centered approaches. With flexible 4-5 year study plans, students develop advanced skills to promote, maintain, and restore individual and family health through evidence-based practice.

• 75 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Primary care focus
• Comprehensive age-range training
• National board certification eligible
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Pediatric, women's health training

Rutgers University's Nursing Leadership DNP prepares advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare through innovative leadership strategies. This comprehensive program equips professionals with critical skills in systems thinking, evidence-based practice, and organizational change management. Students develop expertise in quality improvement, strategic communication, and technology integration across healthcare settings. The rigorous curriculum focuses on developing transformational leaders who can design advanced healthcare programs, enhance patient outcomes, and drive systemic improvements at individual and population levels.

• 60 credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Hybrid program format
• Leadership skill development
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Systems thinking approach
• Technology integration training
• Advanced organizational strategies

Rutgers' Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive doctoral-level training for nurses seeking advanced specialty practice. This rigorous 78-credit program prepares professionals to address complex mental health challenges across patient lifespans. Students develop expertise in evidence-based psychiatric care, learning to work in diverse settings like hospitals and psychiatric facilities. Graduates are eligible for national board certification, positioning them for impactful healthcare roles. The program emphasizes neurobiological, social, and psychological sciences, equipping nurses to improve mental health outcomes through advanced clinical skills.

• One of few NJ Psych-Mental Health programs
• 78 total credit doctoral program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Patients across all ages
• National board certification eligible
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Multiple clinical settings training

Rutgers University offers a comprehensive Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, providing advanced clinical training across 72 credits and 630 practicum hours. Graduates gain expertise in women's primary care, gynecological health, and specialized clinical interventions. The program prepares professionals for state certification with prescriptive authority, emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical scholarship, and comprehensive women's healthcare. Students develop advanced skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and specialized women's health techniques through rigorous theoretical and practical coursework.

• 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
• 630 precepted practicum hours
• State certification eligibility
• Prescriptive authority preparation
• Advanced women's health focus
• Clinical scholarship emphasized
• Newark campus location
• 1000+ total clinical hours
• Specialized women's health courses
• Evidence-based practice training

Rutgers' Nurse-Midwifery Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across reproductive health, pregnancy, and primary care settings. The innovative 4-year, 77-credit hybrid program emphasizes health equity, evidence-based practice, and leadership. Students gain advanced clinical skills through state-of-the-art simulation experiences and diverse clinical placements. The program supports aspiring midwives in addressing critical healthcare disparities while providing holistic, personalized care for individuals and communities.

• 4-year DNP program
• 77 total credit hours
• Synchronous remote courses
• On-campus skills labs
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Diverse clinical placement sites
• Focuses on health equity
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Professional leadership training
• ACME accredited program

Rutgers School of Nursing's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adolescents, adults, and older adults. The rigorous 69-credit program emphasizes holistic, evidence-based practice with a strong focus on health promotion, preventive care, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates become eligible for national certification and can practice in diverse settings like primary care clinics, home care, and long-term care facilities. The program equips students with specialized skills to manage acute and chronic health conditions while addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations.

• 69 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Holistic patient care approach
• Diverse practice settings
• Certification preparation
• Interprofessional collaboration focus
• Health promotion emphasis
• Evidenced-based practice training

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program at Rutgers prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver critical care for complex adult health conditions. Students develop expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, managing acute and chronic critical illnesses. With a comprehensive 75-credit curriculum, graduates become eligible for national board certification, positioning themselves at the forefront of specialized acute care nursing. The four to five-year program offers flexible study plans and equips practitioners with advanced skills to provide sophisticated patient care in high-intensity medical settings.

• 75 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• National board certification eligible
• Complex acute care focus
• Advanced diagnostic interventions

The Post-Master's DNP Practice Focus at Rutgers prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care across diverse healthcare settings. Designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise, this comprehensive 36-credit program emphasizes leadership, cultural competency, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Students develop advanced skills to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities, and drive systemic improvements. The flexible weekend model allows working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current employment, making it an ideal pathway for nurses committed to elevating healthcare practice.

• Weekend hybrid program model
• 36 total credit hours
• 2+ year program duration
• Focus on evidence-based care
• Interdisciplinary team approach
• Leadership and quality improvement
• Cultural competency emphasis

Rutgers University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Nursing Leadership concentration prepares advanced nurses to transform healthcare through strategic leadership. This comprehensive program equips professionals with cutting-edge skills in program design, health policy influence, and innovative care delivery. Students develop sophisticated data management and informatics capabilities to evaluate complex healthcare outcomes. The hybrid learning model offers flexibility for working professionals, enabling them to advance their careers while maintaining current clinical responsibilities.

• Hybrid flexible learning model
• Comprehensive leadership preparation
• Advanced healthcare policy focus
• Data management skills development
• Post-Bachelor's and Post-Master's tracks

Rutgers' Post-Master's DNP in Nursing Leadership empowers advanced practice nurses to transform healthcare through innovative, evidence-based leadership strategies. This comprehensive 42-credit program prepares professionals to shape quality and safety outcomes across client, community, and global health domains. Graduates become eligible for prestigious leadership certification exams, positioning themselves as critical change agents in complex healthcare environments. With flexible 3-4 year study plans, nurses can advance their expertise while maintaining professional commitments.

• 42 total credit program
• 3-4 year study plans
• Leadership certification eligible
• Evidence-based leadership focus
• Global health perspective

Rutgers University's Post-Baccalaureate DNP Nursing Leadership program prepares advanced nursing professionals for strategic leadership roles across healthcare settings. The comprehensive 60-credit curriculum integrates cutting-edge healthcare competencies, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and organizational leadership. Students develop advanced skills through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous remote courses, complemented by 680 mentored practicum hours. Graduates are positioned to take leadership certification exams and drive transformative change in complex healthcare environments.

• 60-credit comprehensive program
• 680 mentored practicum hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Leadership certification preparation
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Remote course delivery
• Synchronous and asynchronous courses
• Healthcare leadership competencies
• DNP project experience included

Rutgers University offers a comprehensive Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses. This 80-credit program equips students to provide full-scope healthcare across patient lifespans, focusing on primary care, reproductive health, pregnancy, and neonatal care. Delivered part-time over four years, students gain extensive clinical experience through 1080 precepted practicum hours, learning from nationally recognized faculty. The program combines rigorous theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical training, positioning graduates as independent healthcare providers with advanced specialized skills.

• 80-credit comprehensive DNP program
• 1080 precepted practicum hours
• Part-time 4-year study plan
• Full-scope healthcare training
• Nationally recognized nursing faculty
• Advanced clinical integration
• Minimum 1000 clinical hours
• Reproductive and women's health focus
• Leadership and evidence-based practice
• Comprehensive clinical competencies

Rutgers University's Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice in Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner offers a comprehensive 72-credit program preparing advanced practice nurses for specialized healthcare delivery. Students gain extensive clinical expertise through 755+ direct patient care practicum hours, mastering comprehensive women's health and gender-related care. The rigorous curriculum combines advanced pathophysiology, clinical pharmacology, and specialized courses in reproductive health, ensuring graduates become independent, highly skilled healthcare providers capable of delivering nuanced, patient-centered care across diverse women's health settings.

• 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
• Minimum 755 clinical practicum hours
• Specialized women's health focus
• 1,000 total clinical/project hours
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Multiple core and specialty courses
• Located at Rutgers Health campus

Rutgers University's Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan. This rigorous 80-credit, 4-year program uniquely equips graduates as certified nurse-midwives and women's health nurse practitioners. Students gain advanced skills in primary care, reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The program is nationally accredited, enabling graduates to sit for both the American Midwifery Certification Board and National Certification Corporation examinations, positioning them as highly specialized healthcare professionals.

• 80-credit doctoral program
• 4-year comprehensive study plan
• Dual certification preparation
• Full scope healthcare practice
• Nationally accredited program
• Lifespan healthcare focus
• Advanced practice preparation

Rutgers-Newark's Pediatric Primary Care DNP program provides comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals. This four-year, 74-credit program includes 765+ clinical hours, focusing on pediatric healthcare. Students benefit from in-person learning at the Newark campus.

• Four-year DNP program
• 74 total academic credits
• Minimum 765 clinical hours
• Newark campus location
• Comprehensive pediatric training

Rutgers-Newark's Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care DNP focuses on acute care, providing advanced training in pediatric healthcare. This four-year, 85-credit hybrid program requires 945+ clinical hours and blends online and in-person instruction at the Newark campus.

• Four-year doctoral program
• 85 total credit requirement
• 945 minimum clinical hours
• Hybrid online/in-person format
• Newark campus classes
• Acute care concentration

Rutgers-Newark's Post-Master's DNP with a Practice Focus is a two-year, 36-credit hybrid program. Designed for experienced nurses, this weekend program enhances clinical and leadership skills, emphasizing evidence-based care and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 36 total credits
• Weekend hybrid model
• 2+ year program duration
• Newark campus location
• Evidence-based curriculum focus
• Leadership skill development
• Interdisciplinary team preparation

Rutgers-Newark's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP offers comprehensive training in patient care across all ages. This 75-credit program prepares graduates for primary and community settings, emphasizing evidence-based practice and national board certification eligibility.

• 75 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• All ages patient care
• Primary care focus
• National certification eligibility

Rutgers-Newark's Nursing Leadership DNP equips nurses with leadership strategies to transform healthcare. This 60-credit hybrid program focuses on systems thinking, evidence-based practice, and organizational change management for healthcare improvement.

• 60 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Leadership trajectory focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Advanced organizational skills development

Rutgers-Newark's Post-Baccalaureate Psychiatric-Mental Health DNP program is a 78-credit, 4-5 year hybrid program providing specialized training in psychiatric care. Graduates develop expertise in evidence-based practice and are prepared for national board certification.

• One of few NJ psychiatric NP programs
• 78 total program credits
• 4-5 year study plans
• Patients across all ages
• National certification eligible
• Multiple clinical settings
• Evidence-based curriculum

Rutgers-Newark's Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner DNP focuses on comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. This 72-credit program prepares graduates for national board certification and emphasizes evidence-based practice in diverse settings.

• 72 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• National board certification eligible
• Comprehensive women's health focus
• Practice across multiple healthcare settings

Rutgers-Newark's Post-Baccalaureate Nurse-Midwifery DNP is a 77-credit, four-year hybrid program. Focusing on reproductive and primary care, it blends online and on-campus learning, emphasizing patient-centered care and health equity.

• 4-year doctoral program
• 77 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning model
• State-of-the-art simulation center
• Diverse clinical practice sites
• Focuses on health equity
• Synchronous remote courses
• Professional leadership emphasis
• High certification rates
• Patient-centered care approach

Rutgers-Newark's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care DNP program offers specialized training in holistic care for adolescents, adults, and older adults. This 69-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health promotion, and preventive care in diverse settings.

• 69 total credit program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Holistic patient care approach
• Certification preparation
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Interprofessional collaboration focus
• Health promotion emphasis
• Preventive care training

Rutgers-Newark's Post-Baccalaureate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP focuses on critical care for complex health conditions. This 75-credit hybrid program offers flexible 4-5 year study plans, preparing graduates for national board certification.

• 75 total program credits
• 4-5 year study plans
• Hybrid program format
• National certification eligible
• Advanced acute care focus

Rutgers-Newark's Post-Master's DNP with a Nursing Leadership concentration prepares experienced nurses to transform healthcare. This hybrid program focuses on innovative care strategies, policy influence, and data-driven interventions.

• Hybrid learning model
• Primarily virtual classes
• Post-Master's program option
• Nursing Leadership concentration
• Policy and systems transformation focus

Rutgers-Newark's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP provides comprehensive training across patient lifespans. This 75-credit program prepares graduates for primary care settings, including pediatrics, women's health, adult, and geriatric care.

• 75-credit comprehensive DNP program
• 4-5 year flexible study plans
• Primary care comprehensive training
• National board certification eligibility
• Multidisciplinary patient care approach

Rutgers University's Post-Master's DNP Leadership Program is a 42-credit hybrid program for nurses seeking leadership roles in healthcare. It focuses on innovative strategies, quality improvement, and leadership certifications for executive positions.

• 42-credit hybrid program
• Primarily online classes
• Leadership certification preparation
• Flexible fall/spring start
• 3-4 year study plans available
• Cross-settings leadership focus
• Embedded quality/safety competencies

Rutgers-Newark's Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery DNP program offers dual certification, preparing graduates for full-scope practice. This 80-credit, four-year program covers primary care, reproductive health, pregnancy, and neonatal care.

• 80-credit comprehensive program
• 4-year study plan
• Dual certification opportunity
• Accredited by Midwifery Education
• Full scope of healthcare practice

Ramapo College of New Jersey offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program primarily online, catering to advanced nursing professionals aiming for a terminal degree. This 36-credit, practice-focused curriculum is designed to enhance clinical expertise and leadership skills in healthcare settings. Emphasizing real-world application, the program is tailored for experienced nurses seeking to influence healthcare transformations without the constraints of traditional research-focused doctorates. With its flexible online format, it's an ideal choice for working professionals pursuing doctoral education while balancing career commitments.

• Mainly online post-master's program
• 36-credit practice-based curriculum
• Terminal nursing practice degree
• Practice-focused doctoral alternative
• Designed for experienced nurses

William Paterson University of New Jersey offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program entirely online, tailored for nurses aiming to elevate their leadership and clinical expertise. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its flexibility, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without pausing them. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for high-level roles in healthcare, focusing on improving patient outcomes through innovative care strategies. The program's online format ensures accessibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments while gaining the skills needed to lead in diverse healthcare environments.

• 100% online coursework
• CCNE accredited program
• Designed for working professionals
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• Evidence-based practice training

Felician University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Advanced Practice is tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in advanced clinical roles. This 36-credit online program, requiring a 3.0 GPA and national certification, is designed to be completed in just over two years. It features a blend of online coursework and two on-campus intensives, focusing on evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and systemic change. Students will engage in a DNP project, enhancing their ability to implement innovative healthcare solutions. The program is ideal for those seeking to advance their clinical expertise while continuing professional practice.

• Fully online with two intensives
• 36-credit comprehensive program
• Two specialized program tracks
• Doctoral-prepared faculty
• Cumulative GPA 3.0 required
• National certification needed
• Current professional practice
• Includes DNP project

The Executive Leadership concentration within Felician University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is perfect for nurses aspiring to top-tier healthcare leadership positions. This 36-credit online program, which can be completed in slightly over two years, emphasizes healthcare policy, leadership, and evidence-based practice. It includes two on-campus intensives and requires a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. With a focus on transforming healthcare systems, the program prepares graduates to lead with confidence, supported by doctoral-prepared faculty and a curriculum that includes 200 project hours dedicated to real-world healthcare challenges.

• Online DNP program
• 36-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Two program tracks available
• Completed in just over two years
• Doctoral-prepared faculty
• Requires master's degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two on-campus intensives
• 200 project hours included
• Focuses on healthcare leadership