Online MSN-to-DNP Programs

If you already work as an advanced practice nurse and want to earn your doctor of nursing practice (DNP), an online MSN-to-DNP program lets you keep working while you study. A DNP can deepen your current specialty, qualify you to teach, or move you into a new specialty such as nurse anesthesia, the highest-paying nursing field. Below are program examples, plus what to look for and how to apply and pay.

Online MSN-to-DNP Program Examples

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C., private). A post-master's DNP focused on health equity and global population health, built for APRNs or MSN-holders in advanced roles. The part-time, 30-credit curriculum includes one to two on-campus executive sessions, more than 250 clinical practice hours, and a doctoral project. Tuition is $2,358 per credit; admission requires an MSN, APRN education or experience, a current RN license, and a 3.0 minimum GPA. Minimum 20 months, with on-campus requirements. CCNE-accredited.

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL, public). The post-master's DNP advanced practice track prepares graduates for clinical leadership; students enroll part time and conduct scholarly research within their existing practice environments. It accepts Florida residents and residents of Nurse Licensure Compact states. Tuition is $327 per credit for Florida residents and $1,152 out of state. Admission requires an MSN in an APRN specialty or post-MSN certificate, plus APRN certification and licensure. Seven semesters, no on-campus requirement. CCNE-accredited.

University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA, public). The DNP post-MSN program mixes online and on-campus classes; students study full or part time and graduate in two to three years. The 39-credit curriculum requires a scholarly project and 500 clinical practicum hours. Competitive applicants hold a 3.5-plus GPA and have published or presented nationally. Tuition is $509 to $799 per credit for Virginia residents and $1,032 to $1,304 out of state. Minimum 24 months, with on-campus requirements. CCNE-accredited. College Scorecard reports median earnings of $117,572 two years after graduation for doctoral graduates.

Frontier Nursing University (Versailles, KY, private). Geared to nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, FNU emphasizes rural and underserved populations with a nationwide network of clinical sites. The post-master's DNP includes a three-day on-campus orientation, 30 credits of online coursework, and 360 clinical hours tied to a rapid-cycle quality improvement project. Tuition is $646 per credit; admission requires an MSN or related master's, advanced practice certification, a current RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Minimum 15 months, with on-campus requirements. ACEN-accredited. College Scorecard reports $107,674 median earnings two years out.

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI, public). Open to nurses with a master's in any College of Nursing specialty, including adult-gerontology, psychiatric-mental health, or family nurse practitioner. The 28-credit hybrid curriculum covers clinical epidemiology, healthcare informatics, leadership in complex health systems, and a DNP project. Total tuition is $22,883 for Michigan residents and $44,961 out of state. Admission requires an MSN (or a BSN plus CRNA certification), a current RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Minimum 24 months, with on-campus requirements. CCNE-accredited.

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing (Peoria, IL, private). The online post-master's DNP offers clinical or leadership tracks, each including a project and clinical residency. Coursework combines asynchronous study and virtual discussion. Tuition is $733 per credit; admission requires an MSN with advanced specialty certification (clinical track) or a BSN plus an approved master's (leadership track), a current RN license, and a 3.2 GPA. Eight semesters, no on-campus requirement. Cannot admit residents of certain states. CCNE-accredited.

DePaul University (Chicago, IL, private). Tracks include adult-gerontological and family nurse practitioner, plus nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse midwife. The curriculum runs 40 hours of doctoral core courses plus track requirements and a DNP project, offered online or at the Lincoln Park campus. Tuition is $765 per credit; admission requires an MSN, advanced practice certification, a current RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Length and on-campus requirements depend on concentration. Not available for clinical practicums in certain states. CCNE-accredited.

Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT, private). A self-paced, fully online post-master's DNP with a practice-focused curriculum; students can transfer MSN clinical hours toward DNP requirements. The 39-credit program includes a scholarly project and courses in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and population health, with electives in nursing education and leadership. Tuition is $995 per credit; admission requires an MSN, a current RN license, and a 3.2 GPA. Minimum 36 months, no on-campus requirement. CCNE-accredited.

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR, public). MSN-holders complete coursework entirely online and arrange their 500 clinical practicum hours locally; the program runs full or part time with an on-campus orientation. Tuition is $583 per credit; admission requires an MSN, advanced practice certification, a current RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. Minimum 24 months. Not available to applicants in certain states. CCNE-accredited.

The Catholic University of America (Washington, D.C., private). The Conway School of Nursing's practice-focused post-master's DNP runs 37 to 40 credits, including epidemiology, advanced population health, informatics, finance, and biostatistics, plus an advanced practice clinical residency and an evidence-based DNP project. Tuition is $1,440 per credit; admission requires an MSN, advanced practice certification, a current RN license, and a 3.2 GPA. Minimum 24 months (excluding the project), no on-campus requirement. CCNE-accredited.

What to Look For in an Online MSN-to-DNP Program

Specializations. Like MSN programs, MSN-to-DNP programs require a specialization. Family practice, nursing leadership, nurse education, and nurse anesthesia are among the most common.

Curriculum. DNP curricula put more weight on research and publishing than MSN programs while keeping a practice focus, in contrast to Ph.D. programs, which emphasize academic research.

Clinical experience. Clinical rotations anchor every program. The clinical format, hours required, placement process, and whether prior master's hours count all affect fit.

Accreditation. An accredited program confirms quality through independent review, keeps you eligible for financial aid, lets you transfer credits, and meets employer requirements.

Program length. Confirm the total time, whether you can study full or part time, and the credits required to graduate.

Graduation and pass rates. High graduation rates alongside strong certification pass rates signal that admitted students get the support they need to succeed.

Learning format. Some programs run asynchronously on your schedule; others require scheduled lectures and discussion. Pick what matches your routine and comfort with online learning.

Applying

Doctoral programs are competitive. Expect to show a commitment to academic and clinical excellence through your practice history, graduate GPA, and application materials. Most programs require an MSN from an accredited program, a current RN license from the program's state (or a Compact state), and at least one year of nursing experience. Materials typically include transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores where required, a writing sample, a personal statement, and a CV. Most programs require an MSN GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Paying

Cost depends on whether the school is public or private and whether you qualify for in-state rates; some online programs charge all students one flat rate close to in-state. You may qualify for scholarships, grants, or loans during your studies. If you work in a medically underserved area after graduation, you may be eligible for partial or full loan forgiveness.

Careers After an MSN-to-DNP

A DNP is a terminal, practice-based degree, in contrast to the research-based Ph.D. Beyond advanced practice nursing, the degree's leadership and health-policy focus positions nurses for high-paying leadership roles and nursing education. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has recommended the DNP as the minimum requirement for nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties has called for all NP programs to lead to a DNP. Common roles and their pay (BLS, May 2024):

• Nurse educator: trains nursing students and staff in hospitals, colleges, and universities; often needs a DNP to teach at the master's level or pursue tenure. Postsecondary nursing instructors earn a median of about $80,000.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner: diagnoses and treats mental health conditions across hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Nurse practitioners earn a median of $129,210.
• Certified nurse-midwife: provides prenatal, birth, and routine gynecological care; median pay is $128,790.
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist: administers anesthesia and monitors patients through procedures; mean pay is about $223,210. As of 2025, entry into nurse anesthesia practice requires a doctoral degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these programs fully online? Some offer a fully online option, but most require in-person clinical rotations, campus residencies, or project work. The mix varies by specialty.

How long does it take? Full-time students average one to two years; part-time students take about three.

How hard is it? Doctoral work is rigorous, with evidence-based coursework and a capstone project. Experienced nurses usually find it engaging, and programs offer support to help students succeed.

Is a DNP worth it? As nursing grows more complex, professional organizations are pushing the DNP toward becoming the standard for advanced practice. The degree can set you apart from MSN-prepared candidates for teaching and leadership roles and strengthen your case for higher pay.