Top Direct-Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Direct-entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are accelerated courses designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. These programs allow aspiring nurses from other fields to enter the field quickly, covering both pre-licensure and graduate curricula.

Direct-entry DNP programs are ideal for non-nurses who know they want to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). If that sounds like you, then you're in the right place. Read on to discover the best DNP programs nationwide, including key information like tuition costs, program length, application deadlines, and more.

Nurse.org's Top Direct-Entry DNP Programs

Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.

There are only a few direct-entry DNP programs available in the US. Here are some of our top picks:

School	Tuition	Program Length	Accreditation
Boston College	$1,876 per credit	4 years	CCNE
University of Vermont	$692 - $1,200 per credit	4 years	CCNE
Seattle University College of Nursing	$158,599 - $168,329 total	4 years	CCNE

 

What to Expect in a Direct-Entry DNP Program

Students can expect to take a wide range of coursework during a direct-entry DNP program. Because these programs combine many years of nursing education into an accelerated program, it may seem like an overwhelming amount to work. 

However, it is crucial to remember that non-accelerated DNP coursework can take up to eight years or longer if completed in a traditional format. 

Students enrolled in a direct-entry DNP program can expect to take courses on the following topics:

• Professional Nursing Issues
• Pharmacology
• The Science of Nursing for Adults (with clinical rotation)
• Pathophysiology
• Complex Nursing Care of Adults
• Mental Health Nursing (with clinical coursework)
• Nursing for Women and Newborns (with clinical coursework)
• Nursing for Children
• Public Health Nursing (with fieldwork)
• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Biostatistics & Epidemiology
• Health & Management of Community Health Issues
• Advanced Neuropharmacology
• Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry in Nursing Practice
• Health Care Ethics, Policy & Politics
• Professional Nursing Role Development
• Health Informatics
• Women-Gendered Health Care
• Health Care Quality in Nursing
• Genetics 
• Primary Care Management of Acute & Common Health Conditions
• Health Care Finance and Organization
• Chronic & Complex Conditions
• Nursing Leadership

What Does a DNP Do?

Doctors of nursing practice generally work in leadership and administration, or they take on clinical APRN roles.

DNP Leadership Roles

Common leadership and administrative jobs held by DNPs include:

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Director of Nursing
• Director of Patient Care Services
• Health Informatics Officer

DNPs can also work in a health policy role with their state of practice.

DNP APRN Roles

APRN-prepared DNPs usually provide direct patient care in one of the following roles:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists 
• Nurse Practitioners
• Certified Nurse Midwives

Becoming one of these APRN specialties requires attending a program specific to the specialty and passing an additional national certification exam.

DNP Duties

The scope of practice for APRNs varies by state and specialty area. Nurse practitioner practice authority ranges from restricted to full practice authority, which can limit their autonomy within their roles and physician supervision requirements.

Common job duties you might have as a DNP may include:

• Diagnosing patients 
• Establishing treatment plans
• Prescribing medications
• Ordering diagnostic blood testing and imaging 
• Providing patient education

Final Thoughts

DNPs provide essential high-quality care, often at a reduced medical cost for patients and healthcare systems. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that patients who use advanced practice nurses as care providers often have lower prescription costs and fewer trips to the hospital. Hospitals also report increased earnings.

DNPs enjoy high demand and salaries, with the average annual salary of APRNs being $132,050 per year, $63.48 per hour, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the next decade, the demand for APRNs will grow by 35% (much faster than average).

Additional Resources

• How to Get a Doctor of Nursing Degree
• What is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?
• Top Direct-Entry Master's in Nursing (MSN) Programs

FAQs About Direct-Entry DNP Programs

• What accreditation is best for DNP?

  • DNP programs in the US must be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

• How many DNP programs are there in the US? 
  

  • There are currently 439 accredited DNP programs, with over 100 new programs still in the planning stages, according to the AACN.

• Is a DNP worth it?

  • A DNP is worth it if nurses want to expand their nursing practice and make significantly more money. Direct-entry DNP programs also help bridge a time gap so that students can earn their degrees faster without retaking coursework.

• Can a DNP prescribe medication?

  • Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in every state in the nation. However, prescribing rules vary between states. Some states allow nurse practitioners to prescribe medications autonomously, while others require NPs to write prescriptions under a medical doctor's license.

• Are DNP Programs Competitive?

  • Yes, DNP programs are highly competitive. These programs require intense commitment and rigorous clinical training. Ensure you understand the time and study commitment before determining if a DNP program suits you.

• Will DNP Replace MSN?

  • National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) stated that all NP education should require a DNP degree by 2025. However, the MSN is still the minimum requirement for APRN practice, except for CRNAs, who do require a DNP to practice. Other MSN specialties, such as an MSN in nursing administration, will not require a DNP.