The best DNP programs prepare nursing leaders deeply involved in the transformation of healthcare by putting evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice. It is considered the highest level of nursing school training and is a necessary level to attain for nursing leaders who are looking to advance their careers.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the 13 top on-campus DNP programs to go for and we have answered all the necessary questions you might have. Continue o read to learn all you need to know about DND programs in 2024.
Table of contents
- What is a DNP Program?
- What are the Benefits of Getting a DNP?
- What Can You Do with a DNP?
- What Will You Learn in DNP Programs?
- How Much Do DNP Programs Cost?
- What are DNP Program Requirements?
- Can You Earn a DNP Degree Online?
- Best DNP Programs for Students in 2024
- 1. Rush University | Chicago, IL
- 2. Oregon Health & Science University
- 3. University of Maryland – Baltimore
- 4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 5. Binghamton University (SUNY)
- 6. University of Michigan
- 7. Washington State University
- 8. University of Nebraska Medical Center
- 9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 10. Marquette University
- 11. Case Western Reserve University
- 12. Columbia University
- 13. George Mason University
- FAQs
- References
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What is a DNP Program?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is primarily the highest level of nursing school training. It is a job title for nurses who have earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing and post-license, although master’s nurse practitioner (NP) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) are sometimes used interchangeably.
Clinicians who are nurse practitioners may add DNP to their titles to indicate their degree of education.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing established the DNP degree in 2014. It was developed in response to the requirement for nurses who have the education and experience necessary for executive leadership roles.
This graduate degree focuses on better ways to respond to a changing healthcare environment, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice.
DNP-educated nurses are subject matter experts in their field and commonly hold leadership positions in the healthcare sector.
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What are the Benefits of Getting a DNP?
The need for nurses with advanced degrees, like DNPs, will increase as healthcare needs arise. More people will turn to these experts for their clinical knowledge and leadership. And as a result, they will get job promotions with more authority and significance.
Leadership roles in the healthcare sector are more well compensated and provide more career options. They also offer chances for nurses in training to serve as instructors.
Below are the benefits of getting a DNP:
- To obtain the highest degree of certification in the profession of nursing
- To gain opportunities for employment in senior leadership positions
- To gain recognition for accomplishments in the healthcare sector
- Also, to gain a raise in pay and benefits
- To gain experience in research, healthcare policy, data analysis, and interventions.
- To gain access to information systems for patient care enhancement
- Also, to gain more focus on using clinical judgment and providing evidence-based care
What Can You Do with a DNP?
The need for nurses to work in executive-level positions within the American healthcare system led to the development of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
DNP programs equip nurses with advanced nursing skills, which improves patient outcomes and makes the healthcare system more efficient. Graduates find employment in medical settings such as hospitals, physician or doctor’s offices, nursing homes, outpatient care facilities, and government positions.
What are the Positions in DNP?
Here are the roles or positions you can take on if you are a DNP nurse:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Patient Care Director
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Director of Nursing
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Chief Nursing Information Officer
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What Will You Learn in DNP Programs?
Basically, DNP programs offer practical training for advanced nursing specialties. Additionally, they provide a focus on evidence-based practices that enhance patients’ health outcomes and train graduates for leadership positions.
In addition to the eight fundamental core abilities we will list below, the DNP program, according to nurse.org, offers specialization based on the area of interests f the students:
- Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
- Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking
- Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care
- Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
- Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
- Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health
- Advanced Nursing Practice.
In terms of how long the DNP program lasts, it lasts four years, however, with the right prerequisites and consistent summer sessions, it may last for three years.
The program features a final portfolio or practice change effort in addition to a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical practice. The DNP degree can be obtained with a Master of Science in Nursing in 1-2 years of full-time study, if not, then 2-3 years of part-time study.
How Much Do DNP Programs Cost?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program costs around $28,000. While others cost over $60,000, some just cost $12,000.
The price of DNP programs varies according to the program’s reputation, and location, and also depending on if the program is on-campus or online. While state school programs charge in-state students less in tuition than private school programs, private school programs are often more expensive.
Every DNP school with accreditation offers resources the students need to successfully pass the board certification exams. To take, pick a program based on your goals and spending limit.
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What are DNP Program Requirements?
Acceptance into a DNP program that is recognized is a great achievement. This is primarily because the application procedure is difficult, and the specifications change depending on the institution and the program.
Below are the minimum requirements for the DNP program:
- Registered Nurse (RN) license
- One or two years of nursing experience
- A bachelor’s degree (BSN) from a recognized and accredited nursing school/program
- A minimum GPA score in the applicant’s baccalaureate or postgraduate program
- Letters of recommendation
- Successful completion of courses
- Personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Submission of CV or resume and official transcript
- Personal interviews
Can You Earn a DNP Degree Online?
Some of the most reputable DNP schools frequently offer their courses online. Due to this, nursing students may successfully juggle their studies with their employment, families, and social life.
Full-time and part-time online DNP programs are available. The amount of credits needed varies by field of study.
Online programs prepare students for board certification exams in their particular field, much as conventional in-person programs do. They may, however, be provided on a rolling basis and tend to be less expensive, allowing students to start their studies as soon as they are accepted. Here are the 17 Best Online DNP Programs in 2024 | Full Guide
Over the course of the curriculum, the majority of online DNP programs demand in-person sessions, such as clinical internships at neighboring facilities. Further in this article, we will be listing some of the best physical and online DNP programs.
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Best DNP Programs for Students in 2024
Check our top picks:
1. Rush University | Chicago, IL
Rush’s College of Nursing has been providing graduate-level degrees for more than ten years. Due to its laser-like concentration, it has risen to the top of the U.S. News & World Report rankings in six nursing-related categories, including Best DNP.
It operates three academic divisions: Adult health and geriatric nursing, community, systems, and mental health nursing, and women, children, and family nursing are the first three specialties of nursing. It is well renowned for its dedication to diversity, volunteerism, and people of color because of its location in Chicago.
The DNP programs available in the university include:
- Hybrid BSN to DNP: Clinical Specialties
- Online BSN to DNP: Non-Clinical Specialties
- On-Campus BSN to DNP: Nurse Anesthesia
- Online Post-Master’s DNP.
2. Oregon Health & Science University
One of the greatest DNP programs in the country, if not the whole globe, is the Doctor of Nursing Practice provided by the School of Nursing at Oregon Health & Science University. By teaching students both leadership qualities and nursing knowledge, the curriculum equips nurses to lead in their sector.
Also, the School of Nursing at Oregon Health & Science University is dedicated to academic achievement and excellence as well as fostering a passion of lifelong learning in all of its students. The staff of the school includes numerous nationally and globally renowned teachers and academics who work to establish high standards of care.
There are six concentrations available:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Pediatric primary and acute nurse practitioner
- Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Nurse anesthesia
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
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3. University of Maryland – Baltimore
The DNP program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing is among on of the best DNP programs for students in the world. Students who complete this program graduate as outstanding nurses who have received the adequate preparations to hold leadership positions in the nursing profession.
Graduates engage in direct patient care, utilizing the most recent nursing techniques to significantly enhance patient outcomes. Also, through the program, training in systems leadership, quality enhancement, and evidence-based practice is offered.
For this school’s DNP program, there are eight concentrations to choose from:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and/or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s doctor of nursing practice program is another of the top DNP schools. This course gives students the tools they need to enhance patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
The faculty is dedicated to provide its students with the guidance they need to succeed as nursing leaders. The school’s BSN to DNP program offers five concentrations:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Primary care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- Health care leadership and administration
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5. Binghamton University (SUNY)
Another choice for those looking for the best DNP programs for students is the DNP provided by the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Binghampton University. The advanced practice nursing program is intended for registered nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
For this DNP program, there are four concentrations available:
- Community health primary care nursing
- Adult-gerontology primary care nursing
- Family psychiatric mental health nursing
- Family health nursing
6. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Nursing is another wonderful choice for students looking for the best DNP programs. It is committed to building a community of scholars that supports both the nursing profession and its individual members.
The school is actively engaged in research, establishing new information in the nursing industry while it develops nurse leaders who will use that knowledge in practice and improve patient outcomes while serving their communities.
At the University of Michigan, there are eight DNP program concentrations available:
- Acute care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Primary care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Primary care family nurse practitioner
- Acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Nurse-midwifery/primary care family nurse practitioner
- Nurse-midwifery/primary care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
7. Washington State University
The Washington State University College of Nursing, which was the country’s first intercollegiate nursing program, has a reputation for innovation and leadership. The institution was among the first to implement simulation as a technique for nursing education.
The DNP program at Washington State University should be taken into consideration by students looking for the best DNP master’s programs. While research, leadership, and evidence-based practice are highlighted throughout the curriculum, the program’s target demographic includes:
- Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing
- Certified nurse midwives
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists
In its post-DNP master’s program, the university offers three specializations:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Population health
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
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8. University of Nebraska Medical Center
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program provided by the College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center should not be overlooked by students looking for the best DNP programs. Students are prepared for leadership roles in the healthcare system and advanced nursing practice through this program. Graduates provide top-notch patient care and are competent to work as nurse education professors.
For its DNP program, UNMC offers eight distinct concentrations:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Leader/Executive
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s doctor of nursing practice program is another of the top DNP schools. This course gives students the tools they need to enhance patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
The faculty is dedicated to provide its students with the guidance they need to succeed as nursing leaders. The school’s BSN to DNP program offers five concentrations:
- Family nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Primary care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
- Health care leadership and administration
10. Marquette University
The DNP program available from Marquette University has an emphasis on both traditional nursing practice and research and informatics. Students are kept up to speed with contemporary nursing practices thanks to the understanding that informatics is transforming the healthcare sector and that research brings fresh perspectives on medical health every year.
In order to give patients the best care possible while working in a clinical setting, it also teaches students to adjust to changing rules, technology, and equipment.
The university offers six nursing practice specializations that distinguishes them from other programs and guarantees that students may concentrate on personal objectives and permits them to specialize as a doctor of nursing practice.
For this DNP program, there are eight concentrations available:
- Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- Dual primary care and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner
- Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- Health systems leadership
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Post-master’s DNP
- Pediatric acute care nurse practitioner
- Pediatric primary care nurse practitioner
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11. Case Western Reserve University
THe Case Western Reserve University, also offers one of the best DNP program aimed at preparing students for positions on the front lines of nursing and active participation in clinical settings. It guarantees that students have the hands-on abilities required to function as leaders in a medical facility and to respond to emergencies.
The school assists nurses with their long-term career aspirations by emphasizing teaching students the skills they need to work in various situations and to adapt to contemporary technology.
12. Columbia University
For students who desire to deliver complete treatment and care to patients in a medical setting, Columbia University has one of the top DNP programs available. The degree program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of identifying patients’ medical issues, rendering efficient care, and employing informatics to monitor patient data or stay current with cutting-edge medical technology.
This program comprises concentrations that offers specialized skills that can be acquired by students and applied to certain nursing care settings.
This enables students to concentrate on attending to patients’ needs in various clinical settings and engaging patients in situations that support their objectives. Students can concentrate on two specific areas of adult-gerontology or on pediatric care, mental care, family practice, or midwifery.
For this DNP program, there are eight concentrations available:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program (AG-ACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program (AG-PCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program
- Midwifery Program
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH)
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13. George Mason University
George Mason University offers both the BSN-DNP and an MSN-DNP programs which are focused on meeting the requirements of students from a variety of backgrounds and educational levels.
The BSN-DNP program is intended for nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to continue their study at the doctoral level. Nurses with a master’s degree are the focus of the MSN-DNP curriculum.
As part of the degree program, George Mason University requires students to complete supervised clinical hours. Between the time they earned their bachelor’s and PhD degrees, students are required to complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical work. The clinical experience makes sure that students have the practical knowledge needed to tackle any nursing-related difficulties that may emerge.
FAQs
The two primary accrediting organizations for DNP programs in the United States are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), both of which are acknowledged as national accreditation organizations by the U.S. Department of Education.
In terms of how long the DNP program lasts, it lasts four years, however, with the right prerequisites and consistent summer sessions, it may be completed in three years.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is primarily the highest level of nursing school training. It is a job title for nurses who have earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing and post-license, although master’s nurse practitioner (NP) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) are sometimes used interchangeably.
References
- nurse.org – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
- nursing.umaryland.edu – Doctor of Nursing Practice
- besthealthdegrees.com – Best DNP Programs
- marquette.edu
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