The Fastest Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in 2024

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree symbolizes a crucial educational pathway meticulously designed to provide nurses with essential skills and knowledge, imperative for assuming leadership roles within the dynamic healthcare industry.
This degree represents the pinnacle of graduate education, emphasizing specialization within advanced practice areas. Its overarching goal is to empower nursing professionals to emerge as influential figures shaping the trajectory of healthcare.

A multitude of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs awaits prospective students, each offering distinctive benefits tailored to individual preferences. For those prioritizing the speed of education, the following sections delve into the details of the ten fastest programs, providing not only insights into the programs’ rapidity but also background information on degree prerequisites, expected salaries, and other relevant details.

What Is a DNP Degree?

A DNP degree serves as a terminal post-master’s qualification in nursing. Graduates with a master of science in nursing degree (MSN) who have practiced as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can pursue this elevated degree. Alternatively, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP programs offer a pathway for those aspiring to reach this pinnacle.

Distinguishing itself from the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) degree, the DNP is clinically oriented. DNP-prepared nurses play a pivotal role in translating research evidence into practical application, thereby narrowing the time gap between discoveries and implementation. Moreover, they lead initiatives focused on evidence-based practice and quality improvement within healthcare systems, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes.

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DNP Coursework: A Comprehensive Overview

The coursework designed for DNP students aims to prepare them for the zenith of clinical nursing practice. Key components of this comprehensive curriculum include:

– Advanced Practice Nursing: This module expands on clinical skills, encompassing advanced patient care, diagnostics, and treatment.
– Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Students delve into the study of policies influencing healthcare and learn how to advocate for changes in policies.
– Leadership and Management: The coursework prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings, focusing on management skills and understanding organizational dynamics.
– Evidence-Based Practice: This segment emphasizes the application of research to enhance patient outcomes and improve healthcare practices.
– Healthcare Informatics: Students are taught the effective use of information technology in healthcare for improved patient care and data management.
– Quality Improvement: Strategies for enhancing healthcare quality and patient safety are explored in this component.

DNP Clinical Training: Bridging Theory and Practice

The clinical training component of the DNP program involves the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, with a particular focus on leadership and advanced nursing practice. Key elements encompass:

– Clinical Practicum Hours: A substantial number of clinical hours are a requisite, providing hands-on experience in diverse healthcare environments.
– Leadership Experience: Opportunities are provided for students to lead projects or initiatives in clinical settings, enhancing their management and decision-making skills.
– Capstone Project: Serving as a major undertaking, this project showcases the application of evidence-based practice to a clinical problem. It often involves research and the implementation of a practice change.
– Interprofessional Collaboration: Training involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals, fostering teamwork and collaborative skills.
– Focus on Specialization Area: Clinical training is tailored to the nurse’s area of specialization, whether it’s in family practice, pediatrics, gerontology, or another field.

The DNP curriculum adheres to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s eight essential competencies, necessitating 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. However, the exact number of hours required may vary based on previous educational experiences.

DNP Program Prerequisites and Requirements

Enrollment into a DNP degree program mandates meeting specific admission requirements, including possession of a BSN degree and licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Some programs may require taking the GRE, achieving a predetermined GPA, and having at least one year of work experience (or more, depending on the institution). Numerous online degree programs also have specific state nursing license requirements.

BSN to DNP programs entail a duration twice as long as MSN to DNP programs. For the MSN to DNP pathway, students must possess a master’s degree in nursing. While many nurses opt to accumulate more work experience as advanced practice nurses, this is not a mandatory prerequisite for progressing to the DNP degree. Various advanced practice roles are available for consideration, including Clinical APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, and Non-Clinical APRN roles such as Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, and Healthcare Policy.

Clinical APRN

• Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Nurse Midwife
• Nurse Anesthetist

Non-Clinical APRN

• Nursing Administration
• Nursing Informatics
• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Policy

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Fastest DNP Programs in 2024: A Selection Process

The subsequent section highlights schools selected based on the methodology of online nursing writings, involving surveying readers to discern their priorities in school selection. The criteria encompass NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, pricing, mode of instruction, duration, and admission rates. This rigorous selection process aims to identify the fastest DNP programs in 2024, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University, situated in Jonesboro, Arkansas, provides numerous commencement dates for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Offering three specialized tracks—General, Leadership, and Education—the program mandates full-time enrollment and completion of three clinical internships, equivalent to 540 clinical hours.

Duration: 12 months (36-39 credit hours)
Specialty Tracks: General, Leadership, Education
Program Format: Fully online
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Cost: $16,416

2. Chatham University

Chatham University’s DNP program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is designed to enhance nurses’ competencies in clinical specialties. Each online course spans 15 weeks, with a single short on-campus residency required upon program completion. Recognized in the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report’s “2018 edition for the Best Online Programs,” the university also offers tuition reduction and scholarships.

Duration: Full-time: 16 months (27 credit hours)
Program Format: Online with a mandatory in-person residency
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Cost: $1,126 per credit

3. Keiser University

The DNP program at Keiser University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, aims to educate nurses for healthcare change through interprofessional collaboration, focusing on enhancing healthcare quality and safety.

Duration: 18 months
Program Format: Online with a two-day doctoral residency on campus
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

4. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global offers a fully online DNP program, based at the central university in West Lafayette, Indiana. Graduates of this program distinguish themselves as clinical expert leaders, addressing the shortage of nurses and primary care providers. Completion of the degree requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours.

Duration: 18 months (48-57 credit hours)
Program Format: Fully online
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $700 per credit

5. Delta State University

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University’s DNP program allows for both full and part-time study options. This general DNP program permits students to work clinically or in leadership roles.

Duration: 18 months for full-time students; part-time options available (31 credit hours) for Post Master’s (FNP) DNP
Program Format: Online with one to three on-campus visits per semester
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $8,605 for residents

6. Francis Marion University

The DNP program at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, prepares students to enhance clinical outcomes, particularly in rural areas. Offering pathways like MSN to DNP, BSN to FNP/DNP, and BSN to PMHNP/DNP, the program provides options for graduate scholarships.

Duration: Three semesters for full-time students; part-time options available (30 credit hours); 12-month program for those with an MSN
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $8,118

7.  University of Phoenix

With locations across various states, the University of Phoenix offers an online DNP program with one course every eight weeks. This format provides a manageable balance for full-time Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), allowing flexibility in choosing start dates.

Duration: 20 months (31 credit hours)
Program Format: Fully online
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $810 per credit/fixed tuition

8. West Coast University

The Orange County campus of West Coast University in California provides a comprehensive accelerated education for creating sustainable change within complex health systems. The university also offers career development workshops.

Duration: 20 months (six trimesters)
Program Format: Online with some onsite requirements
Additional Courses: Four for the Executive Leadership Track
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $1,074 per credit

9. Rasmussen University

With multiple campus locations, including Florida, Rasmussen University offers an Executive Leadership track for non-clinical careers and a Public Health and Policy Track for roles as public health experts or policy activists.

Duration: 21 months for full-time students (48-63 credit hours)
Program Format: Online
DNP Tracks: Executive Health Leadership Track, Public Health and Policy Track
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission, CCNE
Cost: $695 per credit

10. Emory University

Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, is nationally recognized for nursing education. The post-master’s DNP track is available for part-time learning, allowing students to continue working full-time.

Duration: 2.5 years
Program Format: Online with some required on-campus time
Accreditation: CCNE
Cost: $1,957 per credit hour

Costs of DNP Programs

When contemplating the expenses associated with DNP programs, several factors contribute to the overall financial commitment:

Tuition: Tuition can vary widely depending on the institution (public vs. private) and residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). For instance, Emory University charges $1,987 per DNP credit hour, while Rasmussen University charges $695.

Housing: If on-campus or near-campus living is required, housing costs need to be factored in. This can vary greatly based on the program’s geographic location.

Books and Supplies: Encompassing textbooks, medical supplies, and other educational materials, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Technology Fees: For online or hybrid programs, additional fees for technology, software, or online resources may apply.

Transportation: Costs for commuting to campus or clinical sites.

Lab Fees: Some courses may have associated lab fees for materials or equipment use.

Miscellaneous Fees: Encompassing application fees, graduation fees, and other administrative expenses.

Living Expenses: Day-to-day living costs such as food, utilities, and personal expenses.

Salary Expectations of a DNP in 2024

Numerous variables influence a DNP’s salary, including experience, employer, geographic location, and specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides the following data on nursing salaries:

• Nurse Anesthetists had the highest average salary was $205,770, with the highest salaries in California, Connecticut, New York, and Illinois, ranging from $238,440 to $246,580.
• Nurse Practitioner’s highest average salary was $124,680, with the highest salaries in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Nevada, ranging from $136,230 to $158,130.
• Nursing Administration in healthcare leadership positions had an average salary of $127,980, with the highest salaries in New York, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Delaware, ranging from $150,840 to $171,620.
• Nurse Midwives had an average salary of $122,450, with the highest salaries in California, West Virginia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Oregon, ranging from $136,150 to $169,530.
• Nursing Education had an average salary of $84,180, with the highest salaries in Massachusetts, Nevada, California, the District of Columbia, and New York, ranging from $100,200 to $106,690.

The demand for APRNs and graduate-level faculty members is continuously increasing, with the BLS estimating an occupational growth rate of 38% between 2022-2032, creating a competitive market for rising salaries.

Are DNP Programs Worth It?

Assessing the value of DNP programs involves considering various factors, including career goals, financial implications, and personal circumstances.

Pros of DNP Programs

• Advanced Career Opportunities: DNP graduates often have access to higher-level positions in healthcare, such as leadership, administration, and advanced clinical roles, which are not typically available to those with only a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing.
• Higher Earning Potential: With advanced qualifications, DNP graduates generally have the potential for higher salaries compared to their counterparts with lesser degrees.
• Enhanced Clinical Skills: DNP programs provide advanced clinical training, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
• Leadership and Policy Influence: The DNP curriculum often includes leadership and healthcare policy, equipping graduates to play influential roles in shaping healthcare practices and policies.
• Contribution to the Nursing Profession: DNPs contribute significantly to the nursing profession through research, education, and practice, enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of healthcare.

Cons of DNP Programs

• Cost and Financial Investment: DNP programs can be expensive, leading to substantial student debt, which may take years to pay off.
• Time Commitment: These programs are rigorous and time-consuming, often requiring a significant commitment that can impact personal and professional life.
• Opportunity Cost: Pursuing a DNP may mean sacrificing time and potential income that could have been earned if working instead of studying.
• Market Saturation: In some areas, the market for DNP-prepared nurses can be saturated, making it challenging to find positions that fully utilize their advanced degrees.
• Stress and Burnout: The demands of both the program and subsequent high-level positions can lead to increased stress and potential burnout.

Ultimately, DNP programs offer significant opportunities for professional advancement and personal growth in the nursing field, but they also require a considerable investment of time, money, and effort. The decision to pursue a DNP should be based on individual career goals, financial situation, and the ability to commit to a demanding educational program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is getting the DNP degree worth it?

A: It depends on your career goals. Some employers require a DNP degree, depending on the position. The DNP degree advances knowledge and leadership skills to create small and large-scale projects to improve patient care and outcomes. Often, the DNP degree will increase your salary and open doors for other opportunities.

Q: What is the difference between a PhD and a DNP degree?

A: The PhD degree is a research degree. There is formal research working to answer a question about a clinical problem. The DNP degree translates those findings into practice. DNP students analyze the best available evidence and use this to solve a problem at the practice level.

Q: Can I get the DNP degree and still work as an APRN?

A: Yes! The required coursework for the DNP degree is challenging but designed for working nurses. Many programs offer online, on-campus, or a hybrid approach. How fast you want to complete the program will depend on how much time you need to commit, but often students continue to work full-time. Your APRN clinical experience is what you will use to develop your DNP scholarly project.