Nursing is evolving, and so is the demand for highly educated nurses. As the healthcare landscape grows more complex, the need for nurse leaders, educators, and advanced practice providers has never been greater. For many working nurses, earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a natural step in advancing their career, improving patient care, and elevating the nursing profession. And thanks to online DNP programs, it’s now more accessible than ever before.
But where do you start? Whether you’re just beginning your research or ready to compare specific programs, let’s break down what you need to know about online DNP programs to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents
What is a DNP, and Why Pursue It?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, is at the highest level of education for clinical nursing practice (along with a PhD). Unlike a PhD in Nursing, which focuses on research and academia, a DNP emphasizes advanced clinical skills, leadership, and translating evidence into practice to improve patient outcomes.
So, why pursue a DNP? Here are just a few reasons:
➡️ Career advancement: A DNP opens doors to leadership roles in healthcare systems, academia, and policy.
➡️ Improved patient care: As a DNP-prepared nurse, you’ll have the tools to implement evidence-based practices and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes.
➡️ Staying competitive: With the push for higher education in nursing, a DNP can help you remain competitive in the job market.
For nurses who want to earn this degree while balancing work and life commitments, online DNP programs are an incredible option. They offer the flexibility to continue working while earning a doctorate, making it possible to achieve your goals on your schedule.
How Do Online DNP Programs Work?
Online DNP programs are designed with working nurses in mind. Most RNs pursuing a DNP have graduated from nursing school and work full-time. Therefore, an online DNP program can make completing the degree doable for many who cannot afford to relocate or attend in-person classes. These programs combine virtual coursework with hands-on clinical practice, allowing you to learn from wherever you are while still meeting the rigorous requirements of a doctorate.
Here’s what you can expect from most online DNP programs.
💻 Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning
Many programs offer asynchronous courses, meaning you can complete lectures and assignments independently rather than having to attend online courses at a specific time. However, some also include synchronous components, like live classes or group discussions, to help you stay engaged. This is important to know before starting a program if you have a schedule that cannot accommodate specific meeting times.
🙏 Hybrid options
Some programs blend online learning with occasional in-person residencies, allowing for networking and hands-on experiences. This enables levels of flexibility that are much more reasonable for people who cannot physically relocate to attend an on-campus DNP program.
🩺 DNP Clinical Requirements
Clinicals are a critical non-negotiable component to successfully completing a DNP online program. Let’s talk specifics, as they differ from MSN. Remember, you’re earning a doctor of nursing practice. Therefore,, you must engage in clinical in some capacity.
Minimum Requirement
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) mandates that DNP students complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours to meet accreditation standards.
Carrying Over Previous Clinical Hours
If you’re entering a DNP program as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a master’s degree (e.g., MSN), some of the clinical hours you completed during your MSN program may count toward the 1,000-hour total. However, this depends on the program. Many MSN-to-DNP programs will require students to complete additional clinical hours to bridge the gap.
DNP Program-Specific Requirements
Some programs may require more than 1,000 hours if they include additional leadership, project-based, or advanced clinical competencies. For example, a BSN-to-DNP program may require closer to 1,200 hours since students are progressing through both master’s-level and doctorate-level clinical expectations.
Focus of DNP Clinical Hours and DNP Project
Clinical hours for DNP students don’t just include traditional patient care. They often involve a DNP project, a major aspect of the degree. While it is not a dissertation that you would defend (like a PhD), it is a focal point. It’s not just taking classes and going to clinical, like a BSN. There is more of a focus and purpose, which likely aligns with your specialty (more on that soon). It could focus on things like leadership activities, policy implementation, quality improvement initiatives, or advanced practice clinical training. You may be required to publish a manuscript and present to the school’s DNP committee.
5 Steps to Choose the Right Online DNP Program
Not all online DNP programs are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and find one that aligns with your needs and goals. Here are the key factors to consider when comparing programs:
✅ 1. Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a program meets high educational standards and prepares you for advanced practice. Look for programs accredited by organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This is incredibly important!
✅ 2. Specializations
What’s your career goal? Are you aiming to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), focus on Nurse Leadership, or dive into Nurse Informatics? Make sure the program offers a specialization that aligns with your professional goals. Not all online DNP programs will offer every kind of specialty available.
✅ 3. Clinical Placement Support
Since clinical hours are a major component of earning a DNP, it’s essential to understand how the program handles them. Some online DNP programs assist with finding clinical placements, while others expect you to coordinate this on your own. Be sure to ask how this process works before committing.
✅ 4. Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition for online DNP programs can vary widely, so compare costs and explore options for scholarships, grants, or employer tuition reimbursement programs. Don’t forget to factor in additional expenses like technology fees or travel for in-person components.
Keep in mind that a DNP is an extensive terminal degree, therefore it will be one of the most expensive options out there. However, it can also open the door to higher earning potential, advanced leadership opportunities, and the chance to make a greater impact in healthcare. If those align with your goals, it’s an investment in both your career and your passion for nursing.
✅ 5. Reputation and Outcomes
Research a program’s graduation rates, student satisfaction, and alumni success stories. Connecting with current students or alumni can also give you insight into what to expect.
Tip ➡️ Head to social media and search the hashtag of the program you’re interested in to see what current students are saying.
If you are pursuing an APRN DNP track, you can check the school’s website for certification pass rates to get a feel for how well graduates are prepared.
Benefits of Online DNP Programs
One of the biggest advantages of online DNP programs is their flexibility. These programs allow you to balance work, school, and family commitments, making it possible to earn your doctorate on your own schedule. They also provide access to prestigious universities and top-tier nursing education without requiring you to relocate, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the best programs in the country.
Online DNP programs leverage technology-driven learning tools, such as virtual simulations and telehealth training, to prepare you for real-world practice in innovative ways. Additionally, they connect you with faculty and peers from across the nation, helping you expand your professional network and collaborate with a diverse group of nursing professionals.
Explore 🔎 Online DNP Programs
If you’re ready to take the next step, finding the right program is the key to starting your DNP journey. The good news? You don’t have to search aimlessly or feel overwhelmed by options. Use the tool below to explore online DNP programs that match your needs. Filter by location, specialization, accreditation, and more to find the perfect fit.
DNP Specialties: Your Options
One of the most exciting aspects of pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice is the wide variety of specialties available. Whether you want to focus on direct patient care, leadership, or technology, there’s a DNP track that can align with your interests and career goals.
Let’s go through some of the most common specialties nurses can pursue within DNP programs. A * indicates that it is an APRN track.
*Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) (adult-gerontology or pediatric)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) (primary care or acute care)
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
*Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
DNP programs for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) prepare nurses to administer anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after surgical or diagnostic procedures. This is one of the most specialized and highly paid nursing roles, requiring extensive hands-on training.
Important point ➡️ You likely won’t find a CRNA DNP program that’s entirely online. CRNA programs are unique because they require extensive hands-on clinical training alongside advanced coursework. While some programs may offer a portion of the didactic (classroom-based) content online, the vast majority are delivered in person. This is due to the rigorous skills required to safely administer anesthesia, manage airways, and handle critical patient situations in real-time.
CRNA DNP students must complete a minimum of 2,000 clinical hours and administer approximately 600-700 anesthesia cases as part of their training. These clinical requirements ensure that students gain the hands-on experience needed to confidently and competently manage anesthesia care in a variety of patient populations and surgical settings.
Because of these intensive clinical components, CRNA DNP programs are typically structured as on-campus or hybrid programs, with the majority of the training taking place in person. If you’re exploring this pathway, be prepared for a more traditional classroom and clinical environment designed to fully prepare you for one of the most demanding and high-stakes roles in nursing.
*Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
This specialty prepares nurses to provide holistic care to women throughout their lifespan, with a focus on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, and reproductive health. CNMs often practice in hospitals, birthing centers, or outpatient clinics and are highly sought after for their expertise in women’s health and family-centered care.
Like CRNA programs, because of the highly clinical nature of these programs, you will not find a CNM DNP program that is 100% online.
Nurse Leadership and Administration
This specialty is designed for nurses who want to step into executive leadership roles. Courses focus on healthcare systems management, policy development, organizational leadership, and financial management to prepare nurses for roles like Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Director of Nursing.
*Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses who focus on a specific population, condition, or setting. For example, you might specialize in geriatrics, oncology, or critical care. CNSs play a vital role in improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and education.
Nurse Informatics
This specialty is perfect for nurses interested in technology and data. DNP programs in nursing informatics prepare you to design and implement healthcare technologies, analyze clinical data, and improve patient care processes.
Public Health and Population Health
For nurses passionate about addressing healthcare disparities and improving population-level outcomes, this specialty focuses on public health initiatives, policy advocacy, and community health programs.
Education and Faculty Roles
DNP programs in education prepare nurses to teach and mentor future generations of nurses in academic or clinical settings. With a looming nursing faculty shortage, this is an excellent specialty for nurses interested in shaping the future of the profession.
Choosing a Specialty
Selecting a specialty is a big decision, but it’s all about aligning your interests and career goals with the opportunities each track offers. If you’re passionate about bedside care, you might choose a Nurse Practitioner specialty. If you’re drawn to improving systems or influencing policy, leadership or informatics could be a better fit. And if you want to make a big-picture impact on healthcare, public health or education might be right up your alley.
Before choosing, be sure to research the different specialties and find a program that offers the focus you’re looking for. Many online DNP programs provide multiple specialty options so you can tailor your education to your unique career aspirations.
Quotes From DNP-Prepared Nurses About Their Experience
Susan DuPont DNAP, CRNA
I got my BSN at Eastern Michigan University in 2013 and my DNAP from the University of Michigan in 2023. I wish I knew before I went into CRNA school that it is emotionally and mentally taxing. Having support financially, emotionally, and physically is beyond important. Having coping mechanisms for stress in place and the ability to completely stop your life for 3 years is also super important. It is hard, but absolutely worth it!
One thing to know about CRNA school is it is no longer an option to get your Masters degree, you must have a Doctorate level degree to obtain your CRNA license. But there are two options: Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) and a DNP. The biggest difference between the two is what school they are under. DNAP is typically under the School of Medicine. This means that you will write your papers in AMA format and all of your coursework will be almost solely anesthesia related. Getting a DNP is through the School of Nursing. It means APA format papers and classes that might not be anesthesia related but help fulfill the DNP degree. You might also take courses with other nurses getting their DNP but not specializing in anesthesia. Getting a DNP could potentially make your degree more versatile if you want to go into teaching but a DNAP currently fulfills that requirement.
John Russell DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CRNFA
I started my NP journey with a FNP from Mennonite College of Nursing in 2014 because my wife did the same program a few years prior, loved the faculty and said I should do it also. She was right, the program was amazing and I am very glad I did it, but I have always been an acute care RN, so primary care was a bit of a switch for me.
My first job offer was twofold; work in primary care where I did my clinicals or a job in cardiothoracic surgery which would be a self-defined dream job. I took the latter, and had a sharp learning curve to get comfortable with the acute care world, including ICU rounding, procedures, and first assisting in the operating room. I later obtained my DNP from Mennonite in 2016 and thought I was done.
I decided to get my AGACNP as a post-masters cert in 2020 from UPenn since it was apparent there was some discussion about scope creep with me having a FNP being in an acute care setting. Many Chicago-area employers since 2020 have not even considered FNPs for hospital-based care due to this trend, so I feel it was worth my time and energy. I did find the FNP training did NOT prepare me (nor should it have) for hospital medicine, so I had a great deal of training to undergo to be prepared for the privileges of a CV surgery role. This uphill battle is one of the main reasons why I founded Skills On Point to help others have easier access to these skills! People routinely say the same thing about going back for a DNP and I always say the same thing: In two years from now you will be two years older. You might as well be called doctor on your birthday in two years. Learn more about my journey at www.skillsonpoint.com.
Danielle LeVeck DNP, ACNPC-AG, CCNS, CCRN, RN
I earned my accelerated BSN at Indiana University Purdue University – Indianapolis in 2011. I earned my Doctorate of Nursing practice and acute care gerontological nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist certifications in 2018 from the University of Maryland. I have been working as an acute care nurse practitioner since 2018 and also recently began applying for new jobs. My acute care certification has not hindered my ability to find a job in any way. In fact, I think because I have acute care gerontology I have countless options for employment.
As far as my school selection, I was happy with my selection. I encourage prospective students to attend well-known established programs, to learn if their clinical placements are found for them by the school, and to make an effort to have an idea of where they want to work after school to allow that to guide them through school. I have been part of hiring for new nurse practitioners for almost seven years now and it does matter where you go to school. All of the above is why I believe working as a bedside nurse prior to continuing to be an advanced practice nurse is important in determining your educational and career path. (Learn more about Danielle here.)
Online DNP Programs: The Bottom Line 🎯
Earning a DNP is a big step, but it’s one that can transform your career, your practice, and the nursing profession as a whole. And with the flexibility and accessibility of online DNP programs, there’s never been a better time to start. Whether you’re looking to lead, teach, or provide advanced clinical care, a DNP will help you take your practice to the next level.
Seriously, having “DNP” behind your name makes you qualified for so many different roles that the flexibility and earning capabilities are incredible, giving you the freedom to shape your career in ways that genuinely align with your passions and goals.
Ready to find the program that’s right for you? Use the tool above to explore your options and take the first step in your DNP journey—because nursing needs leaders like you.
FAQs About Online DNP Programs
How long does it take to complete an online DNP program?
The length of an online DNP program depends on your enrollment status and entry point:
Full-time students: Most full-time students complete an MSN-to-DNP program in 1-2 years, while BSN-to-DNP programs generally take 3-4 years.
Part-time students: If you’re balancing school with work and personal commitments, part-time enrollment can extend the program length to about years for MSN-to-DNP students and 4-6 years for BSN-to-DNP students.
Many online DNP programs offer flexible schedules so you can choose the pace that works best for you.
Can I work full-time while earning an online DNP?
Yes! Most online DNP programs are designed for working nurses. However, balancing full-time work and coursework requires strong time management skills.
How do online programs handle clinical requirements?
While coursework is completed online, clinical hours must be done in person. Most programs allow you to complete these hours locally, often at your current workplace or nearby healthcare facilities. Some schools provide significant support for securing clinical placements, while other schools require the learner to shoulder that responsibility. A key question to ask prospective online DNP programs you are interested in is how they handle clinical placements.
Are online DNP programs respected by employers?
Absolutely. As long as the program is accredited (CCNE or ACEN), employers recognize the degree as equal to an on-campus DNP.
Do you have to complete a thesis or do research as part of a DNP program?
DNP programs typically don’t require a traditional thesis or extensive research like PhD programs do. Instead, DNP students complete a DNP project (sometimes called a capstone project) that focuses on applying evidence-based practice to solve a real-world clinical or healthcare-related problem. This project may involve quality improvement initiatives, policy implementation, or developing programs to improve patient outcomes. It’s more practice-focused than research-intensive, making it highly relevant to a future role as a leader in nursing practice.
How Many Credit Hours Do DNP Programs Require?
BSN-to-DNP Programs ➡️ These programs are designed for nurses entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Because they combine both master’s-level and doctorate-level coursework, they typically require 65 to 100 credit hours. The exact number depends on the program and your chosen specialization (e.g., Family Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care, Nurse Leadership).
MSN-to-DNP Programs ➡️ For nurses entering with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the total required credit hours are lower since the master’s-level coursework is already complete. Most MSN-to-DNP programs require between 30 to 45 credit hours. If you’re pursuing a new APRN specialization (like switching from leadership to a Family Nurse Practitioner track), the credit hours may be on the higher end.
Program Variability ➡️ Some programs have additional requirements, like leadership-focused courses or residency hours, which may increase the total credit hours. The number of credits required is also influenced by whether the program is structured for full-time or part-time students, as well as how much clinical practice experience is integrated into the curriculum.u
How This Breaks Down for Students ➡️ Each credit hour typically requires about 15 hours of classroom time, with additional outside study and preparation. Programs often combine coursework with 1,000+ required post-baccalaureate clinical hours, which are separate from the credit hour total but essential for graduation.
What is the average cost of an online DNP program?
The cost of an online DNP program varies depending on the school, program length, and whether you’re attending in-state or out-of-state. Naturally, a BSN to DNP will take longer and cost more than an MSN to DNP.u003cbru003eOn average, tuition can range from $500 to $1,500 per credit hour, with total program costs typically falling between the very wide range of $20,000 and $100,000.
Remember that many programs charge additional fees for things like technology, clinical placements, and residencies. Check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or if financial aid and scholarships are available to help offset costs. Some hospitals may also offer tuition discounts to specific schools.
If you’re going to pursue tuition reimbursement or discounts from your employer, make sure you check the fine print as you may be required to sign a contract to stay on as an employee with that company for a certain amount of years after graduating.)
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