DNP Programs in Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializes in Pediatric Primary Care. This 68-credit program prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive pediatric care. A bachelor's degree in nursing, RN license, professional experience, and a 3.0 GPA are required for admission. Financial aid is available. Graduates are prepared for PNCB Primary Care Pediatric NP certification.

• Hybrid program delivery
• PNCB Primary Care Pediatric NP certification
• Post-BS 68 credits, Post-MS 51 credits
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• RN license and professional experience needed
• 3 letters of recommendation
• GRE not required
• Fall admission only
• Graduate research scholar opportunities

UW-Madison's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Population Health Nursing focuses on equipping nurses to address complex health challenges. This 58-credit, $1,150/credit program emphasizes leadership, systems thinking, and policy expertise to improve population health outcomes. Applicants need a BSN, RN license, and one year of experience. The program is ideal for working professionals.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• 3-year commitment
• $1,150 per credit
• 58 graduate credits
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• RN license required
• Professional experience needed
• Fall term admission
• Leadership and research focus
• Health policy expertise

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health. This 68-credit program prepares advanced practice nurses with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and healthcare leadership training. Applicants need a BSN, RN license, and professional experience. The program leads to ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP certification.

• Hybrid program delivery
• 68 total credit requirement
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• RN license required
• One year nursing experience
• ANCC Psychiatric-Mental Health NP certification track
• Graduate School minimum requirements
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership and policy courses

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's hybrid DNP program in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care prepares nurses for advanced practice. This program offers post-baccalaureate and post-master's options, focusing on patient-centered care for adult and geriatric populations. A 3.0 GPA, RN license, professional experience, and statistics coursework are required. Financial aid is available.

• Hybrid course delivery
• ANCC Adult-Gerontology NP certification
• 68 post-BS credits required
• 3 letters of recommendation needed
• One year nursing experience required
• RN license prerequisite
• Graduate assistantships available
• Flexible post-BS and post-MS options

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a 3-year, online DNP in Systems Leadership and Innovation. This 58-credit, $1,150/credit program develops skills in healthcare innovation, systems transformation, and clinical scholarship. Designed for working nurses, it requires a BSN, RN license, and a 3.0 GPA.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• 3-year flexible completion
• 58 graduate credits required
• $1,150 per credit tuition
• Requires RN license
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Systems leadership focus
• Working professional friendly

Concordia University's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers an innovative online pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking transformative healthcare leadership roles. This comprehensive 30-credit post-master's program strategically develops critical skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and systems leadership. Designed for certified nurse practitioners and administrators, the program emphasizes advanced clinical judgment, technological expertise, and quality improvement capabilities across diverse healthcare environments. With a cohort-based learning model and no GRE requirement, working professionals can efficiently enhance their professional competencies while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

• Fully online post-master's program
• 30-credit curriculum
• No GRE required
• Cohort-based learning model
• CCNE accredited program
• Christian foundation
• Advanced practice focus
• Leadership development curriculum
• Two mandatory cohort meetings
• Flexible residency options

Concordia University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides an accelerated online pathway for BSN-prepared nurses targeting advanced clinical specialization. This comprehensive program enables students to complete 70 credit hours and 1,008 clinical practice hours within three to four years, positioning graduates for high-demand healthcare roles. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive patient care skills, leadership development, and evidence-based practice tailored specifically to family nursing contexts. With competitive tuition at $870 per credit and multiple scholarship opportunities, the program prepares nurses to deliver exceptional patient-centered care while meeting evolving healthcare industry standards.

• Online DNP program
• 70 total credit hours
• 1,008 clinical practice hours
• Three to four year completion
• $870 per credit cost
• No GRE required
• CCNE accredited program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed

Concordia University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program represents a strategic online educational pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced clinical specialization. This 70-credit curriculum provides extensive hands-on training through 1,008 practicum hours, equipping students with sophisticated leadership and comprehensive patient care expertise. Designed for working professionals, the program offers remarkable flexibility, allowing completion in three to four years at a competitive $870 per credit rate. Graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional performance, frequently surpassing national certification exam averages and positioning themselves as innovative healthcare leaders in adult and gerontological practice.

• Online BSN to DNP program
• 70 total credit hours
• 1,008 practicum hours
• $870 per credit cost
• 3-4 year completion time
• No GRE required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• CCNE accredited program
• Current RN licensure needed
• Fall admission deadline July 1st

Concordia University's Post-BSN to DNP program strategically prepares nurses for advanced practice roles amidst dynamic healthcare industry transformations. Offering specialized tracks in Family and Adult Gerontology Primary Care, the program addresses projected 45% job growth for nurse practitioners. Students complete comprehensive coursework integrating advanced scientific knowledge, clinical experiences, and leadership development. The flexible online curriculum requires 720 clinical hours and provides a Christ-centered educational approach. Graduates emerge fully equipped to deliver patient-centered care, influence healthcare systems, and meet the 2025 doctorate-level entry requirements for advanced nursing practice.

• Online flexible asynchronous learning
• 720 clinical practitioner hours
• 3 or 5-year program tracks
• No GMAT/GRE required
• 98% certification board pass rate
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Two specialization options
• Leadership development focus
• Christ-centered curriculum approach

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is the highest level of nursing education, recommended by the AACN. This practice-focused doctorate offers specializations like Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, and Psychiatric Mental Health, bridging academic knowledge with practical application to prepare graduates for leadership roles and advanced patient care.

• Highest nursing education level
• Multiple practice emphases available
• Practice-focused doctoral program
• AACN recommended entry level
• Advanced nursing practice preparation

UW Oshkosh's DNP–Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a hybrid format with flexible full-time and part-time tracks. This BSN-to-DNP pathway blends online courses with campus sessions, focusing on advanced clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy. Graduates are prepared for FNP certification and leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings.

• BSN to DNP pathway
• Hybrid program format
• Full-time and part-time options
• FNP certification eligible
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Campus and online learning
• Scholarly project required
• Integrates leadership skills

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is a 74-credit hybrid program. Combining online coursework with in-person training, it prepares students for advanced practice in mental healthcare. Graduates gain clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and leadership expertise, becoming eligible for national PMHNP certification.

• 74-credit BSN to DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Full-time or part-time options
• In-person classes 3-4 Mondays
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Healthcare policy education
• Clinical placement support

UW Oshkosh's hybrid DNP program, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health, blends online learning with in-person sessions. This 74-credit program prepares graduates for advanced nursing practice through a curriculum integrating evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and specialized psychiatric mental health training. Full-time and part-time options are available.

• 74-credit BSN to DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Full-time or part-time options
• PMHNP certification exam prep
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Online and in-person classes

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's DNP–Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid offering, blending online and on-campus learning. Available in full-time (three years) and part-time (four years) formats, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and healthcare policy, preparing graduates for FNP certification and leadership roles.

• Hybrid program format
• Full-time and part-time options
• FNP certification preparation
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Scholarly project required
• Online and campus coursework
• DNP residency immersion

UW Oshkosh's DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program is a rigorous 90-credit, 36-month, full-time program. It provides comprehensive training, integrating evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and specialized clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared for national certification and advanced practice roles as nurse anesthetists.

• 90-credit BSN to DNP program
• 36-month full-time study
• Multiple clinical training sites
• Nationally accredited program
• Comprehensive anesthesia practice preparation
• Eligible for national certification
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Diverse clinical experiences
• Healthcare leadership focus
• Advanced nursing practice training

The online Master's to DNP Executive Emphasis program at UW Oshkosh offers experienced nurses a pathway to advanced leadership roles. This 34-credit program enhances organizational management skills through a curriculum focused on healthcare management and leadership. It includes practicum hours and a scholarly project, preparing graduates for high-level positions.

• 100% Online Program
• 34 Credit Program
• 12 Months Full-Time Study
• 672 Leadership Practicum Hours
• Requires Existing Master's Degree
• Leadership and Management Focus
• DNP Scholarly Project Included

Alverno College's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Direct Care concentration offers a transformative 18-month online program designed for post-master's nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, complex patient care strategies, and innovative healthcare policy implementation. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, allowing full or part-time enrollment with semester-based coursework. The program uniquely prepares advanced practice nurses to translate cutting-edge research into practical clinical interventions, focusing on developing high-level skills in interdisciplinary healthcare environments.

• 18-month post-master's program
• Full or part-time enrollment
• Flexible semester/block learning
• CCNE Accredited program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Complex clinical preparation
• Healthcare policy development

Alverno College's online DNP program provides a comprehensive leadership-focused educational pathway for MSN graduates. This 18-month program offers flexible course formats with 8 or 16-week options, enabling students to customize their learning experience. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice, the curriculum prepares nurses for advanced roles in clinical settings, policy development, and healthcare innovation. Students complete 1,000 clinical practicum hours, gaining extensive practical experience across multiple start terms including Fall, Spring, and Summer.

• Fully online DNP program
• 18-month completion time
• Two track options
• Flexible 8 or 16-week courses
• Free application process
• Leadership and clinical focus
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Start terms: Fall, Spring, Summer

Alverno College's DNP Leadership concentration delivers an intensive 18-month program for post-master's nurses targeting advanced healthcare leadership roles. The curriculum strategically develops expertise in navigating complex healthcare environments, emphasizing research translation and policy development. Students experience year-round flexible scheduling with semester or eight-week block learning options. The program cultivates high-level leadership skills, preparing nurses to become transformative professionals in clinical and academic settings through a comprehensive, learner-centered approach.

• 18-month post-master's program
• Full or part-time enrollment
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership-focused track
• Year-round flexible scheduling

Alverno College's Executive Leadership DNP track offers a dynamic online pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership capabilities. The 18-month program provides a comprehensive curriculum focusing on complex healthcare management, policy innovation, and research translation. With asynchronous course formats and small class sizes, students develop critical skills for high-level healthcare roles. The program supports licensed RNs in completing 1,000 clinical practicum hours, ensuring graduates are equipped to drive meaningful change in diverse healthcare environments.

• Fully online DNP program
• 18-month completion time
• Two specialized tracks
• Flexible course scheduling
• Small class sizes
• Advanced leadership focus
• No application fee
• Open to licensed RNs
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Asynchronous course format

Alverno College's Educational Leadership DNP concentration provides a strategic online program for nursing professionals aspiring to excel in academic healthcare settings. This 18-month curriculum develops advanced skills in program management, educational strategy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students benefit from asynchronous learning, small faculty ratios, and customizable educational paths. The program prepares nurses to become system-level educators and program directors, emphasizing research translation and innovative healthcare education approaches.

• Fully online DNP program
• 18-month completion time
• Two program tracks available
• Asynchronous course format
• Free application process
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Small student-faculty ratios
• Customizable educational paths
• Multiple start dates annually
• Advanced leadership focus

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's online post-master's DNP program equips advanced practice nurses with leadership skills through 32 credit hours, including a 460-hour immersion. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and healthcare systems transformation. Tuition is $1,000 per credit, with over $500,000 in annual nursing scholarships available. A 3.0 GPA, RN license, and statistics course are required.

• 32-credit online DNP program
• 460-hour leadership immersion
• $1,000 per credit tuition
• Scholarships over $500,000
• Flexible fall/spring start
• CCNE accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• RN license prerequisite
• Statistics course needed

UW-Milwaukee's on-campus DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced clinical training for registered nurses. This three-year, 65-credit program prepares skilled practitioners to deliver patient-centered care. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA and one year of RN experience. The curriculum includes specialty theory, practicum experience, and a leadership project, focusing on family healthcare delivery and system improvement.

• Three-year, 65-credit DNP program
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year RN experience required
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Comprehensive family healthcare training
• Specialty practicum included
• 460 clinical practice hours

UW-Milwaukee's online DNP in Nursing System Leadership, Nurse Executive concentration, prepares nurses to lead healthcare transformation. This three-year, 65-credit program for RNs with master's degrees develops executive-level professionals skilled in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are prepared to lead organizational change and healthcare innovation.

• Three-year online DNP program
• 65 total credit hours
• Post-master's curriculum available
• Advanced nursing leadership focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Current RN license needed
• Doctorate-level practice preparation
• Leadership practice immersion
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interprofessional collaboration training

UW-Milwaukee's online DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals for comprehensive mental healthcare delivery. This 65-credit program equips nurses with expertise in evidence-based interventions for complex mental health challenges. Open to RNs with bachelor's or master's degrees, the program offers flexible part-time and full-time options. A 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and a current RN license are required.

• 65-credit doctoral nursing program
• Three entry pathway options
• Online and part-time study
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year RN experience required
• Specialized psychiatric mental health track
• 460 clinical immersion hours
• Comprehensive leadership training

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's hybrid DNP program specializing in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares advanced practice nurses for complex medical environments. This three-year, 65-credit program combines leadership training with evidence-based practice. Part-time and full-time options are available. Applicants need a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, and one year of professional experience. Graduates are prepared to improve patient outcomes in acute care settings.

• Three-year, 65-credit DNP program
• Hybrid program delivery
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year RN experience required
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Specialty practicum included
• Comprehensive doctoral project
• Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options

UW-Milwaukee's online DNP program in Family Nurse Practitioner provides advanced clinical expertise for nurses. This three-year, 65-credit program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and leadership development, enabling graduates to improve clinical outcomes and lead interprofessional teams. A 3.0 GPA, one year of RN experience, and a current RN license are required.

• Three-year, 65-credit DNP program
• Multiple entry pathway options
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year RN experience required
• Online and part-time study available
• 460 clinical practice hours
• Advanced pharmacology training
• Leadership and systems transformation
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

UW-Milwaukee's online DNP with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses for complex care delivery. This specialized program focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and quality improvement for adult and geriatric acute care. A nursing degree, RN license, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience are required. Flexible part-time and full-time options are offered.

• Post-Master's DNP Program
• 26-32 total credit hours
• Online Program Option
• Advanced Practice Specialization
• 460 Clinical Practice Hours
• 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
• One Year RN Experience
• Leadership Practice Immersion
• Seven-Year Completion Window