Online BSN to DNP degree programs have made pursuing a DNP degree especially convenient for full-time professionals and individuals with personal or family-related obligations. As an online DNP student, you enjoy flexibility in scheduling and can complete assignments from the comfort of your home.
Choose the Best Online BSN to DNP Program for You
Nurses who want to launch a career in advanced practice nursing have a couple of educational paths that they can pursue to get them there. One option is to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This terminal degree focuses on evidence-based practice and may prepare you to provide quality care in roles such as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, and even a Nurse Educator.
Georgetown University
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) online with Georgetown University School of Nursing. In as few as 33 months, RNs are prepared to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area.
- Four specializations including AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP (dual), and WHNP.
- Enables RNs to enter at the bachelor’s level and earn a DNP without first completing a Master’s in Nursing.
- RNs with a BSN who complete Nursing@Georgetown’s terminal degree program can earn a DNP in fewer than three years.
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To qualify for admission for most DNP programs, you must be a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some schools may require a year of nursing experience, but many do not.
Even though a Master of Science in Nursing or MSN is the minimum educational requirement for advanced nursing practice roles, a DNP program may open doors for you that your graduate degree can’t. In addition to opportunities for advancement within the nursing field, doctoral-trained nurses can earn higher salaries.
Overview of Online BSN to DNP Programs
Online DNP programs are growing in number and popularity. It’s important to identify schools that offer programs that fit your career goals and current lifestyle. Note: The information in this list was retrieved in January 2022, please visit the university website for the most up to date information. Here are a number of schools to consider:
Abilene Christian University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Abilene, Texas
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 57
Concentrations:Nursing Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts from the accredited colleges or universities
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Two professional recommendation letters
- A 500-word purpose statement
- Professional CV or resume
- Proof of U.S.registered nurse licensure
- Completed undergraduate statistics course with a “C” or better
Baylor University
Louise Herrington School of Nursing Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Waco, Texas
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 75+
Concentrations:Nursing Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- BSN from a regionally accredited School of Nursing
- GPA of 3.0 or above (BSN)
- Current unencumbered RN license
- One year experience in preferred track
- Current CV or resume
Bradley University
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Peoria, Illinois
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 3.5 years
Credits: 70
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (CCNE or ACEN accredited)
- RN license
- Official transcripts
- Essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- Portfolio
- Ability to secure qualified preceptors and clinical sites to match with course content
Creighton University
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Omaha, Nebraska
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 68+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN from accredited school
- Active, unencumbered RN license with Nebraska eligibility
- Minimum of 2,000 hours of professional nursing work experience
- Minimum of 4,000 hours of experience in level III NICU for neonatal track
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Completion of undergraduate statistics course
Florida State University
College of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Tallahassee, Florida
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4+ years
Credits: 76+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN or MSN degree from accredited program and a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts
- GRE or MAT scores
- Unencumbered and unrestricted RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Current CV or resume
Fort Hays State University
Department of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Hays, Kansas
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 75
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- BSN or MSN from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 required based on MSN degree and minimum GPA of 3.0 based on BSN degree
- Three letters of reference
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Personal or virtual interview with faculty
Georgetown University
School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Washington, D.C.
Description:
Through a curriculum grounded in Jesuit values, the online, full-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program from Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies prepares registered nurses (RNs) as health care leaders with a holistic understanding of health. As a student, you can earn a DNP in as few as 33 months and prepare to pursue certification in an APRN specialty area. RN and BSN required.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 33 months
Credits: 69-74
Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Nurse- Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or CNL/entry-level MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program
- Hold a current U.S. registered nurse (RN) license
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 science GPA
- Have successfully completed a college level three- credit course in statistics within the last five years with a grade of C or better
- Have one year of full-time registered nursing experience
- AG-ACNP Applicants Please Note: AG-ACNP requires at least one year of full-time experience in an intensive care unit, em
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Sealed official academic transcripts from all postsecondary and graduate institutions
- A one- to two-page personal statement
- A live recorded interview.
- Three letters of recommendation
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if your native language is not English
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George Washington University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Washington, D.C.
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 81
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN from regionally accredited college or university
- GPA of at least 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Personal statement
- Active and unencumbered nursing licensure
Georgia Southern University
Waters College of Health Professionals
Post-BSN to DNP Program
Statesboro, Georgia
Name of Degree: Post-BSN to DNP Program
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 77
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN from accredited college with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate course in statistics with grade of “C” or better
- Undergraduate health appraisal/physical assessment course with grade of “C” or better
- Three letters of recommendation
- American Heart Association Level C (2 person-BLS) CPR certification
- Georgia RN licensure
- Resume or CV
- One year of full-time registered nurse (RN) clinical nursing experience
Idaho State University
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Pocatello, Idaho
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 26-80
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s in nursing (CCNE accredited)
- RN license
- Interview
- Nursing experience (2 years, preferred)
Loyola University – New Orleans
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
New Orleans, Louisiana
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 78
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- Minimum of 1800 hours of recent nursing practice
- A statement of purpose
Maryville University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Waco, Texas
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 68+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN degree from a CCNE-, ACEN- or NLNAC accredited program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or above
- Current RN license
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- GRE not required
Montana State University
Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Bozeman, Montana
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: N/A
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- One year of clinical experience is preferred for the DNP degree
- Montana residency preferred
- Undergraduate and graduate minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Undergraduate courses in physical assessment, community/public health, research, statistics, and an undergraduate psych/mental health course for DNP
(Psych/Mental Health)
- Current unencumbered RN licensure
- Recommendation from the College of Nursing admissions committee
Nebraska Methodist College
The Josie Harper Campus
BSN to DNP
Omaha, Nebraska
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 75
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Admission Requirements:
- BSN from accredited program
- Undergraduate completion of: statistics, undergraduate health assessment, research, anatomy and physiology, undergraduate pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, community nursing, pathophysiology
- Current unencumbered RN licensure
- Non-Nebraska residents must meet State Authorization
New Mexico State University
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
La Cruces, New Mexico
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 32-74
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelors or master’s in nursing
- RN license
- Course prerequisite in statistics
- Unofficial/official transcripts
- Letter of intent
- CV/resume
- Essay
- Three references
- Signed commitment to enroll full-time (BSN-DNP only)
- Verification of clinical hours (MSN-DNP only)
- Interview
Saint Mary's College
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Dame , Indiana
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 77
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
Admission Requirements:
- BSN degree from a accredited institution, at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A recent statistics course
- Unencumbered RN license or eligibility for RN licensure
Seton Hall University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
South Orange, New Jersey
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 73+
Concentrations:Advanced Practice Nursing, Health Systems Administration
Admission Requirements:
- Nursing degree from accredited BSN or MSN program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- Official transcripts
- Professional U.S. nursing licensure
- TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Southeastern Louisiana University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Hammond, Louisiana
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2.5 years
Credits: 67
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Nursing degree from accredited BSN or MSN program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Reference letters
- Official transcripts
- Professional U.S. nursing licensure
- TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Texas Christian University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Fort Worth , Texas
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 64+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- BSN from an accredited school or university
- Current unencumbered licensure in the state of Texas or the state in which practicum coursework will occur
- Current CPR certification and immunizations
- Official transcript from all colleges or universities attended
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (preferred)
- TOEFL and TSE [if applicable]
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Three professional references
- Interview
Thomas Jefferson University
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Post-BSN to DNP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Post-BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4+ years
Credits: 69
Concentrations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Community Systems Administration, Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Informatics, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Essay outlining goals and objectives and area of interest
- Copy of current RN license, CRNP license (if applicable) and specialty certification (if applicable)
The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4+ years
Credits: 70+
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health/Family Nurse Practitioner (Dual)
Admission Requirements:
- Current unencumbered RN licensure in a state approved for admission.
- Master’s degree in nursing in an advanced nursing practice area (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist) from a regionally and CCNE or NLN accredited school of nursing
- Advanced practice national certification or eligibility to sit for advanced practice national certification
- Minimum GPA 3.0
The University of Arkansas
College of Education and Health Professions
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 42-78
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing
- RN license
- Interview
- Two letters of recommendation
- CV/resume
- APN license/certification (MSN-DNP)
University of Connecticut
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Storrs, Connecticut
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4+ years
Credits: 72+
Concentrations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- RN degree from accredited program in nursing
- 3.0 GPA in previous nursing program
- Current unencumbered U.S. RN license
- Resume
- Candidate interview
- Two letters of recommendation
University of Florida
College of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Gainesville, Florida
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 75+
Concentrations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- BSN degree with GPA of 3.0 or above from accredited program
- GRE Scores
- Current licensure or eligibility for licensure to practice as an RN in Florida
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
University of Michigan – Flint
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Flint, Michigan
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 67+
Concentrations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- BSN from a regionally accredited college/university with undergraduate GPA of 3.2
- Current unencumbered RN license
- At least one year of RN experience (preferred)
- GRE not required
University of Nevada at Reno
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Reno, Nevada
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 30-72
Concentrations:Nurse Executive, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing (NLNAC or CCNE accredited)
- RN license
- CV/resume
- Statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, course prerequisite in statistics, interview (BSN-DNP only)
- Documentation of clinical and leadership excellence, course prerequisites in pathopsychology, pharmacology, physical assessment, research and nursing theory (MSN-DNP only)
University of South Carolina
College of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Columbia, South Carolina
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 33-74
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing
- Official transcripts
- RN/APRN license
- APRN license/certification/practice (MSN-DNP only)
- Statement of goals
- Interview
- CV/resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- BLS certification
- Verification of clinical/work hours
- ACLS certification (BSN-DNP AGACNP only)
- Work experience (24000 hours, BSN-DNP NEL only)
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
School of Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice
St. Augustine, Florida
Name of Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2.3+ years
Credits: 42-71
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing
- Official transcripts
- CV/resume
- RN license
- Two references
- Statement of goals
- Background check
- Nursing experience (1 year)
- Interview
Washburn University
School of Nursing
BSN to DNP
Topeka, Kansas
Name of Degree: BSN to DNP
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Credits: 70+
Concentrations:Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Admission Requirements:
- Three References
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- GPA of 3.25 in nursing coursework (preferred)
- Completion of graduate inferential statistics course
- Copy of current licensure in the state of residence as an RN
Winona State University
School of Nursing
Post-BSN to DNP Program
Rochester, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Post-BSN to DNP Program
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3+ years
Credits: 74
Concentrations:Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing
- Undergraduate coursework in physical assessment
- Undergraduate courses in nursing research and statistics
- Transcripts of past education with GPA of 3.0 or greater
- Minimum of one year clinical nursing experience (recommended)
- Current, unencumbered RN
- Three references
- Statement of professional goals
- Resume
Why Choose a BSN to DNP Program?
There are many reasons to choose a BSN to DNP program, from job market trends and demands to professional and financial goals.
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a pivotal role in today’s health care system. That will not change over the next couple of years. In fact, employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives is expected to grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These types of APRNs will be key in caring for the aging, baby-boom population.
- Job growth will likely lead to job competition, so you’ll want to stand out in the pool of qualified applicants. A BSN to DNP program could give you an edge. BSN to DNP programs may help equip you with the skills and knowledge to evaluate health care needs from the individual to the organizational level and improve outcomes for both patient populations. Your DNP education may also teach you how to interpret nursing theory in a unique way. As a DNP-level practitioner, you may also work to improve safety and quality standards within various health care settings.
- A DNP program may be a good fit for you if you’re looking to make a positive impact in specialty areas of nursing, by conducting research, translating that research into practice, and analyzing practice data and outcomes. If you have your eye on a leadership role within a policy-making organization, a DNP degree could help you meet your career goals.
- Pursuing the BSN to DNP track may help prepare you for financial and professional success down the line, but it is also important to consider how the degree program can benefit you in the present. The BSN to DNP program is particularly useful to BSN graduates who don’t have the time or money to put into enrolling in an MSN program prior to earning their doctorate. The program is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills you acquire as a bachelor student.
Education Requirements for a BSN to DNP Program
Admissions requirements for BSN to DNP programs vary widely. In order to apply for a BSN to DNP program, you need to be a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution. BSN to DNP programs typically require at least a 3.0 GPA, but certain institutions will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to your academic-related application materials, you will likely need to craft a personal statement outlining your career goals, provide two to three references, and submit a resume or curriculum vitae. A year of clinical nursing experience is recommended, but not always required.
BSN to DNP Curriculum
Coursework for a particular BSN to DNP program will vary based on specialization and may be integrated into clinical practice. Examples of courses you are likely to take include:
- Advanced Physiology
- Health Care Delivery Systems
- Health Care Policy
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Diagnostics
- Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis
- Information Systems and Technology in Health Care
Typical online BSN to DNP programs range from 70 to 100 credit hours and can involve over 1,000 clinical hours, with some variation based on school or your chosen specialty. Students usually complete the program in three to four years when engaging in study full time.
What Can I Do With a BSN to DNP?
Nurses who successfully complete a BSN to DNP program are qualified for a number of leadership roles within health care and academia including the following, and more:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nurse Administrator
- Vice President of Nursing at a hospital or medical organization
- Director of Education
- Clinical Nurse Educator
Salary for DNP Level Nurses
Reliable DNP salary data can be hard to come by because of the broad scope of practice and roles DNP graduates can occupy. But to get an idea of how much you can make as an advanced practice nursing professional with a DNP, examine pay data for specific roles.
The median annual salary for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives was $117,670 in May 2020, according to the BLS. The top 10% of them earned upwards of $182,750.
BSN to DNP Program Accreditation
When considering whether to enroll in an online BSN to DNP program, look for those that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Schools and programs that have been accredited are an indication that the education they are providing meets rigorous standards for innovative, evidence-based practice. There are hundreds of accredited online and campus-based DNP programs in the U.S., with many more in the works. Be sure to do your research to find an accredited program that fits your career ambitions.
FAQs
If you’re considering the BSN to DNP track, here are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you determine whether it’s the best fit for you:
What is a BSN to DNP?
A BSN to DNP program provides an education in nursing practice and theory along with research methods to nurses looking to advance their careers. Within each program are specialization tracks, including adult gerontology, family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
How long are BSN to DNP programs?
Accelerated online BSN to DNP programs, where students can complete their degree in as little as 20 months. Typically, BSN to DNP programs take two to four years to complete, based on whether they are studying part time or full time.
Is a BSN to DNP Degree more competitive than a DNP degree?
A BSN to DNP degree is a DNP degree but designed for nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and who are bypassing the intermediate step of a Master of Science in Nursing. However, some of these programs do award an MSN by way of the BSN to DNP degree. These programs build on a nurse’s existing experience and education with distinct specialized tracks.
What is the difference between a BSN, MSN, and DNP?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree that prepares you to work as a registered nurse. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a two-year graduate degree that allows nurses to work in more advanced practice roles, including as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. A Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) is a terminal degree (the highest degree a nurse can earn) that requires an additional two years if one holds an MSN and prepares nurses for leadership roles in health care systems and academic institutions.
Do you need a BSN for a BSN to DNP program?
One of the primary requirements for a BSN to DNP program is a BSN degree from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program, typically with a GPA of at least 3.0.
Can I get a DNP after my BSN?
BSN to DNP programs allow you to accelerate from a BSN to a DNP in as little as two years. While many programs recommend at least one year of clinical nursing experience, it is typically not required.
Last updated January 2022.