The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the premier degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.
In North Dakota, most of the post-master's DNP programs will require successful completion of 28 and 38 credit hours, depending on factors including the type of track selected. BSN to DNP students are expected to complete 66 to 75 unit hours with a number of clinical hours devoted to a preceptorship.
Competencies that DNP students will have mastered after completing programs will include the following:
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence-based practice
- Provide leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care arenas
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care
- Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry
- Advanced health and physical assessment
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
- Advanced pharmacology
- Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and more
- Critique and selectively translate science to guide clinical decision-making and program development
- Appraise and utilize current technologies to advance the quality and accessibility of care
2025 Best DNP Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota offers excellent Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for advanced nursing professionals seeking to elevate their careers. At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top DNP programs based on academic quality, student outcomes, and clinical preparation. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support services. These programs provide nurses with advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and the expertise needed to transform healthcare delivery. Whether you're interested in practice-focused or research-oriented tracks, North Dakota's DNP programs offer robust educational pathways for ambitious nursing professionals. See our ranking methodology.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents a robust online program tailored for post-master's nurses seeking comprehensive professional advancement. Offering two distinct tracks in Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research, healthcare policy, and systems-focused practice. With competitive admission standards requiring a 3.0 graduate GPA and active RN licensure, the program prepares nurses to drive transformative healthcare initiatives through scholarly research and strategic leadership development.
- Fully online post-master's program
- Two specialized tracks available
- Minimum 80 graduate credit hours
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Requires active RN licensure
- Comprehensive DNP project required
- Advanced research and policy focus
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of North Dakota's Post-Baccalaureate DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner provides an intensive 83-credit pathway for registered nurses targeting primary care specialization. Designed for professionals with minimum one-year clinical experience, the program delivers advanced coursework integrating complex pharmacological knowledge, health promotion strategies, and evidence-based clinical management. Students engage in extensive clinical practicums, emerging as skilled healthcare professionals capable of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered family care across diverse demographic populations.
- 83 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Leadership and research focus
- Multiple clinical specialty courses
- Comprehensive health assessment training
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive 85-credit training pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Fully online with flexible 8-11 semester completion options, the program prepares practitioners to diagnose, treat, and support patients across their lifespan. With strong job market projections and national certification eligibility, students receive extensive training in mental health assessment, intervention strategies, and holistic patient care approaches.
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 85 Total Credit Hours
- 8-11 Semester Completion
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- National Certification Eligible
- 40% Job Growth Projection
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of North Dakota's Advanced Practice Nursing DNP track provides a strategic online program for post-master's nurses seeking leadership development. Requiring 36-37 graduate credits, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research, health policy, and systems-focused practice. Designed for professionals with a master's nursing degree and current RN licensure, the program cultivates advanced critical thinking skills through a comprehensive scholarly DNP project, preparing nurses to navigate complex healthcare environments effectively.
- Online post-master's DNP program
- Two specialized nursing tracks
- 36-37 graduate credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
- Comprehensive DNP project
- Advanced research and leadership focus
- Requires active RN licensure
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Leadership-focused DNP program offers a sophisticated online pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced organizational management skills. Covering evidence-based research, health policy, and organizational systems, the curriculum transforms nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. With rigorous admission standards including a master's degree and active RN licensure, the program enables graduates to drive meaningful improvements in patient care delivery and healthcare system transformation.
- Online DNP program
- Two specialized tracks
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 80 graduate credit hours
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active RN licensure needed
- Scholarly DNP project required
- 36-37 total credits
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of North Dakota's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a comprehensive 83-credit online program for nurses targeting holistic patient care. Completed within 8-11 semesters, the curriculum emphasizes advanced diagnostic techniques, pharmacological management, and interdisciplinary healthcare approaches. Students develop skills to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions across all life stages, with a strong focus on preventive care and patient education.
- 100% online coursework
- 83 total credit hours
- 8-11 semesters to complete
- Accredited by CCNE
- Two campus visits required
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Prepares for certification exam
- Personalized clinical placement support
- Flexible asynchronous learning
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Nurse Anesthesia DNP concentration delivers an intensive 94-credit hybrid program for experienced critical care nurses. Requiring minimum one-year critical care experience, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in advanced pharmacology, physiology, and anesthesia principles. Students undergo extensive clinical practicums, preparing them to deliver high-quality patient care in complex medical settings and become highly skilled nurse anesthetists with advanced clinical expertise.
- 94-credit Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- Critical care nursing experience required
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Extensive clinical practicum components
- Advanced pharmacology and physiology training
- Comprehensive health assessment curriculum
- Requires professional interview
- Minimum one year RN experience
- Background check required
- Specialized nurse anesthesia focus
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu
Doctorate - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mary's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid program designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers. It offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and interprofessional care management. The program, which takes approximately 2.7 years to complete, emphasizes evidence-based practice, servant leadership, and cultural competence. Graduates are prepared for high-level healthcare roles, with the program boasting a 100% FNP exam pass rate in 2024. The tuition is $685 per credit, and the program is CCNE accredited, offering customizable concentration options and multiple career path opportunities.
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- Online with campus institutes
- 2.7 year program length
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Customizable concentration options
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple career path opportunities
Doctorate - MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership program at the University of Mary is an online program tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to enhance their leadership skills. This 20-month program focuses on healthcare policy, evidence-based decision-making, and interprofessional team management. It requires one campus visit and offers a competitive tuition rate of $685 per credit. CCNE accredited, the program is designed for those aiming for roles such as Chief Clinical Officer or Health Policy Specialist, with a curriculum that supports advanced nursing practice and leadership career focus.
- 20-month online program
- One campus visit required
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE Accredited
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Leadership career focus
- Advanced nursing practice
- Evidence-based curriculum
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, stands out with its 100% first-time certification exam pass rate. The on-campus program combines face-to-face and synchronous instruction, guided by faculty with over a century of combined clinical experience. It focuses on evidence-based healthcare and holistic patient care, preparing students for advanced nursing roles with clinical placement assistance and a curriculum accredited by CCNE.
- On-campus DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 100% certification exam pass rate
- Face-to-face synchronous instruction
- Eight experienced FNP faculty members
- CCNE Accredited program
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
- Clinical placement assistance
- Advanced nursing care preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at North Dakota State University offers a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for those seeking advanced nursing roles. With a 100% certification exam pass rate, the program emphasizes evidence-based healthcare and problem-solving. Students benefit from personalized mentorship, faculty-secured clinical placements, and a curriculum that prepares them for patient-centered care in various settings, all within a CCNE-accredited framework.
- On-campus DNP program
- 100% FNP certification rate
- Face-to-face instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Faculty-secured clinical placements
- Synchronous class options
- Evidence-based curriculum approach
Choosing a DNP Program
The thought of choosing a DNP program may seem challenging, but with a bit of research and the following key factors in mind, selecting a great program can be easy.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of North Dakota can vary from program to program
- If you are a resident of the state:
- North Dakota State University: $347/per unit hour
- University of North Dakota: $320/per unit hour
- If you are a non-resident of the state:
- North Dakota State University: $939/per unit hour
- University of North Dakota: $855
- If you are a resident of the state:
- Online Options— Of the universities offering DNP programs in the state of North Dakota, one delivers the program to students in an online format. The University of North Dakota’s program follows an online delivery format. Students are, however, required to attend an intensive on-campus experience one weekend each semester.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of North Dakota are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies— Clinical residencies and fellowships are often a requirement of DNP programs, and many schools have relationships with area healthcare facilities that offer them. Find out more about residencies in North Dakota by consulting with the DNP faculty at the school of your choice.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
- Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two of the required references are to be from professional colleagues that address clinical competence and ability to succeed in graduate study
- Admission interviews with nursing faculty
- Documentation of health status, criminal background check, and more
- Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after admission
Certification
DNP programs in North Dakota permit students to sit for state board certification after successfully completing the programs. DNP tracks offered at universities in North Dakota allow students to become certified in the majority of advanced practice nursing specialties.
Licensing
In North Dakota, students who've successfully completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
North Dakota BSN to DNP Program Options
Of the universities offering DNP programs in the state of North Dakota, one delivers a BSN to DNP pathway to students. North Dakota State University offers both BSN to DNP and post-masters DNP pathways.
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in North Dakota
- North Dakota Nurse Practitioners Association
- North Dakota Board of Nursing
- North Dakota Nurses Association
RELATED EDUCATION PATHS
- North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs
- North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- North Dakota FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in North Dakota
Bismarck, ND
University of Mary
- Doctorate - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- Online with campus institutes
- 2.7 year program length
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Customizable concentration options
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple career path opportunities
- Doctorate - MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 20-month online program
- One campus visit required
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE Accredited
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Leadership career focus
- Advanced nursing practice
- Evidence-based curriculum
Fargo, ND
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
- On-campus DNP program
- 100% FNP certification rate
- Face-to-face instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Faculty-secured clinical placements
- Synchronous class options
- Evidence-based curriculum approach
Grand Forks, ND
University of North Dakota
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 94-credit Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- Critical care nursing experience required
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Extensive clinical practicum components
- Advanced pharmacology and physiology training
- Comprehensive health assessment curriculum
- Requires professional interview
- Minimum one year RN experience
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online post-master's program
- Two specialized tracks available
- Minimum 80 graduate credit hours
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Requires active RN licensure
- Comprehensive DNP project required
- Advanced research and policy focus
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- Online post-master's DNP program
- Two specialized nursing tracks
- 36-37 graduate credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
- Comprehensive DNP project
- Advanced research and leadership focus
- Requires active RN licensure
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 83 total credit hours
- 8-11 semesters to complete
- Accredited by CCNE
- Two campus visits required
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Prepares for certification exam
- Personalized clinical placement support
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Two specialized tracks
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 80 graduate credit hours
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active RN licensure needed
- Scholarly DNP project required
- 36-37 total credits
- Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 83 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Leadership and research focus
- Multiple clinical specialty courses
- Comprehensive health assessment training
- Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 85 Total Credit Hours
- 8-11 Semester Completion
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- National Certification Eligible
- 40% Job Growth Projection