DNP Programs in Rhode Island

Nurses who strive to improve patient care outcomes and change healthcare policy at the executive level would benefit immensely by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice. A DNP is a terminal, or highest, degree available to nurses. Not only can DNP-prepared nurses work as advanced-practice clinicians, but they can also work in many areas of healthcare and many different roles such as:

• Nurse executive
• Nurse informatics expert
• Nurse leader

The DNP program can take between two and six years to complete depending on the student's entry point. The BSN to DNP track takes longer as they must earn an MSN along the way before focusing on DNP content. Additionally, some programs offer part-time status which can take more time. One unique aspect of a DNP program is the project requirement, in which nurses identify a healthcare-related issue and the nurse proposes evidence-based solutions that lead to improved patient care outcomes.

2025 Best DNP Programs in Rhode Island

Looking for the best DNP programs in Rhode Island? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you make an informed choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Find a program that fits your career goals. Start your journey to becoming a leader in nursing today. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for nurses aiming to lead in healthcare. This program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership across a 30-credit curriculum. With a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning, it accommodates working professionals. The program requires a master's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and includes 500 experiential hours. Accredited by CCNE and NECHE, it prepares graduates for high-level roles in 20 months. Highlights include a leadership-focused curriculum and flexible online format, ideal for advancing nursing careers without pausing professional life.

• Fully online DNP program
• 10 courses, 30 credits total
• Minimum 500 experiential hours
• Requires master's nursing degree
• 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
• 20-month program duration
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• CCNE and NECHE accredited

#2

University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI - Public 4-Year - web.uri.edu

Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Rhode Island offers a distinguished Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This 72-credit, campus-based program is designed for nurses aiming to advance their expertise in primary care for adult and elderly populations. Emphasizing a blend of clinical practice and research, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and values prior clinical experience. Graduates emerge ready to take national certification exams and lead in healthcare innovation. Highlights include a comprehensive curriculum, eligibility for certification, and various funding opportunities to support students' academic journeys.

• 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
• Three nurse practitioner concentrations
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Focuses on advanced practice nursing
• National certification exam eligibility
• Clinical experience preferred
• Multiple funding options available

Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, the University of Rhode Island's DNP program equips nurses with the skills to manage complex acute health conditions in adults and the elderly. This rigorous 72-credit program demands a bachelor's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and professional experience. It stands out for its acute care specialization, preparing graduates for certification and leadership roles in healthcare settings. Financial aid options like traineeships make this program accessible for those committed to excelling in acute care nursing.

• 72-credit comprehensive DNP program
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Multiple financial support options

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#3

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI - Public 4-Year - ric.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for advanced practice nurses aiming to take on leadership roles in healthcare. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person sessions, offering flexibility for working professionals. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it focuses on evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and system-level improvements. Graduates are prepared to lead in various healthcare settings, translating research into practice to enhance patient outcomes. The program does not require a specific entrance exam, making it accessible to qualified nurses seeking to advance their careers.

• Terminal nursing degree
• Hybrid/HyFlex course format
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Accredited nursing program
• Flexible for working nurses
• Prepares for advanced positions
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Rhode Island College's BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia program stands out as the only one of its kind in Rhode Island, tailored for critical care nurses aspiring to become certified nurse anesthetists. This hybrid program, in collaboration with St. Joseph Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia, provides rigorous training in anesthesia care. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, one year of critical care experience, and an active nursing license. Graduates are eligible for the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists exam. The program emphasizes hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, preparing students for high-demand roles in anesthesia care.

• Only nurse anesthesia program in RI
• Collaboration with St. Joseph Hospital
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year critical care experience required
• CCNE accredited program
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam eligible

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Choosing a DNP Program

Many nurses who decide to return to school have been out of academia for a while. They may not know where to begin, or what is essential when choosing a program. Rhode Island has two accredited DNP programs to choose from. The following are points that may help students decide which program is right for them.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

• Cost– One DNP program in Rhode Island currently charges $825 per credit and another $706 per credit. It’s important for prospective students to realize that this is only the cost of tuition; university fees, supplies, and other expenses are not included in this figure. Additionally, tuition fees may change each year-students are encouraged to check the school website for up-to-date tuition information.
• Online Options– One DNP program in Rhode Island offers a hybrid learning option. This means that both online and in-person coursework is required. Typically, schools that require in-person coursework arrange it, so the classes are on weekends, or in "intensive" formats to minimize campus visitation requirements.
• Accreditation– In the United States, nursing programs must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This ensures that nursing programs offer standardized curricula throughout the U.S. Rhode Island has two accredited DNP programs, both of which are approved by the CCNE.
• Residency Options– DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised clinical hours to graduate. MSN to DNP students may be able to apply a specified number of hours from their MSN programs towards the DNP. Additionally, the DNP project hours may count toward this requirement.

Another type of residency option is post-graduation clinical experience fellowships. Rhode Island has one fellowship/residency option at Brown Alpert Medical School. The program is 12 months and trains "physician extenders" (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) in emergency medicine.

The University of Rhode Island offers a DNP program for both BSN and MSN students. For MSN students, a total of 42 credits are required to graduate as well as 500 clinical practicum hours (MSN hours may be applied to the 1,000 hours total required hours). The MSN to DNP track builds upon the nurse's current area of specialty with courses such as:

• Research methods
• Scientific thinking
• Informatics
• Leadership
• Evidence-based strategies

The BSN to DNP track prepares nurses for advanced clinician roles such as:

• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist. The BSN to DNP program is 72-74 credit hours in length (depending on the track), and a master’s degree may be earned along the way.

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Admission requirements may have slight variations between different schools, but general admission requirements may include:

• Current RN or APRN license
• BSN or MSN degree
• Transcripts from all educational institutions
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Letters of professional recommendations
• Written statement of purpose (or other writing samples)
• Resume/CV
• Completion of a statistics course
• Liability insurance
• Interview with faculty

Certification

In many states, certification is required for licensure. Rhode Island is one of them and recognizes the following APRN specialties:

• Adult/Gerontology NP or CNS
• Family/Individual across the lifespan NP or CNS
• Neonatal NP or CNS
• Pediatric NP or CNS
• Psychiatric/Mental Health NP or CNS
• Women's Health NP or CNS
• CRNA

Certification is not just for advanced-practice clinicians such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse anesthetists. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers board-certification in areas including:

• Informatics Nursing
• Nurse Executive
• Nurse Executive-Advanced
• Public Health Nursing
• Public Health Nursing-Advanced

While nurses may become certified in these areas, it is not required for licensure.

Licensing

Specialty certification is required for licensure in Rhode Island. For new BSN to DNP graduates who are new to the APRN role, additional licensing requirements include:

• Current RN license
• MSN or DNP degree from an accredited educational institution
• Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school
• Official letter from certifying agency
• Complete application/ pay any fees
• Background check

Rhode Island BSN to DNP Options

Both accredited DNP programs in Rhode Island offer BSN to DNP options. The BSN to DNP path usually is no more than 79 credits and can take three to six years to complete (based on full or part-time status).

Salve Regina University offers a hybrid-style learning format, and classes are provided in the evenings. After 48 credits, an MSN is awarded. The students then complete an additional 30 credits for the DNP and are then eligible to sit for FNP certification. For more information, students may review the school's online brochure.

Related Education Paths

• Rhode Island Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Rhode Island FNP Programs
• BSN to DNP
• RN to NP

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Rhode Island

• Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island State Nurses Association
• Organization of Nurse Leaders
• American Association of Nurse Executives

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Rhode Island

Find DNP Programs By City:

• Providence DNP Programs