Top 10 Shortest Online DNP Programs for 2026
Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) helps you become increasingly proficient in your diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills as you reach this terminal degree. While most students can complete DNP programs in three to four years, you can find much faster online DNP programs if you know where to look. To help you choose a nursing school that meets your goals, we’ve compiled the Top 10 Shortest Online DNP Programs for 2026.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Nurse.org’s Top 10 Shortest Online 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.
| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| Wilkes University | $1,105 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| University of South Carolina | $572.25 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Rasmussen University | $738 per credit hour | 21 months | CCNE |
| National University | $735 per credit hour | 30 months | CCNE |
| Grand Canyon University | $750 per credit hour | 30 months | CCNE |
| University of South Alabama | $594 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Maryville University | $995 per credit hour | 20 months | CCNE |
| Emory University | $1,936 per credit hour | 6 semesters | CCNE |
| University of Arizona | $1,053 per credit hour | 2 years | CCNE |
| Regis College | $1,275 per credit hour | 24 - 36 months | ACEN |
Why We Picked This School
Wilkes University offers a 100% online MSN to DNP pathway with flexible, asynchronous coursework. Classes are 12 weeks with three start dates throughout the year, making it one of the quickest DNP programs online. If students have fewer than 400 clinical practicum hours from their prior education, an elective practicum is available to help them prepare for their final capstone project.
Program Highlights
- A Military Friendly School - Silver Badge 2025-2026
- Ranked in the Top 10% of nursing schools according to the Brookings Institution
- DNP students are connected with a clinical placement coordinator to work closely with students to obtain achievable clinical rotations
Requirements
- MSN Degree
- Official transcripts
- Minimal 3.0 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Current RN license and APRN license if appropriate
- Current resume/CV
- Validation of Clinical Hours Form
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 413-5633
- Email Address: admissions@onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu
Why We Picked This School
The University of South Carolina has one of the most robust nursing programs in the country. Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, the online Doctor of Nursing Practice track attracts students due to its affordable tuition and accelerated pace. It is one of the fastest online DNP programs for those seeking clinical expertise or roles in executive healthcare leadership.
Program Highlights
- Over 12,500 nurses have graduated since the institution established the state's first national accreditation for a BSN program in 1957.
- Ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for online nursing programs.
- Ranked #1 public university for online graduate nursing by U.S. News & World Report.
Requirements
- BSN or MSN Degree
- Active RN license
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal goal statement
- Evidence of writing competence
- Current resume/CV
- Current BLS, ACLS, and NRP certification
- Minimum of 2400 relevant work hours
- Personal interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline: October 31st
- Contact Info:
- Email Address: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
- Specialties Offered: Clinical Expert, Nurse Educator, Executive Healthcare Leadership
Why We Picked This School
This post-master’s DNP program features no weekly deadlines, with all sessions held live and recorded for later access. Unfortunately, students in this program are not eligible for Title IV federal student aid. All students must complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours.
Program Highlights
- Eligible students can complete 67% of the program requirements through transfer credits or prior training.
- The university utilizes Empowered Learning®, a unique competency-based education model.
- Support services include 24/7 technical assistance, peer-to-peer mentoring, and online tutoring.
Requirements
- MSN
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Active RN license
- Official transcripts
- Completed application packet
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 606-1911
-
Specialties Offered: Executive Leadership and Public Health/Policy
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Why We Picked This School
Nurses enrolled in this DNP program must complete a minimum of 46 credit hours, with a maximum of 12 credit hours eligible for transfer toward the doctoral degree. Consisting of only 13 courses, NU offers one of the quickest DNP programs online for those pursuing executive leadership positions.
Program Highlights
- The program offers a start date every Monday for increased flexibility.
- Students have access to 24/7 technical support and assistance.
- Graduates join a massive network of over 250,000 alumni.
Requirements
- MSN
- Minimal GPA of 3.0
- Active RN license
- Official transcripts
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 355-6288
- Specialties Offered: Executive Leadership
Why We Picked This School
Most courses at GCU are eight weeks long, but students must also complete three 16-week project courses. The curriculum focuses on an evidence-based practice research project known as the Direct Practice Improvement (DPI) Project. They complete this capstone project across three structured phases: development, implementation, and evaluation.
Program Highlights
- The university reported a 78% acceptance rate in 2022.
- Over 465 students graduated from the Doctor of Nursing Practice track in 2023.
- The fall 2024 cohort included students from 91 different countries.
Requirements
- MSN degree
- Active RN license
- C grade or higher in General Statistics or Introductory Statistics
- Minimum GPA of at least 3.4 in master’s level courses
- Official transcripts
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) GCU-LOPE
$594 per credit hour
Why We Picked This School
This institution offers three distinct pathways for earning a terminal nursing degree. Options include an MSN to DNP pathway, a bridge program for Clinical Nurse Leaders, and a BSN to DNP pathway. It remains one of the fastest online DNP programs for working professionals seeking advanced clinical roles.
Program Highlights
- Currently holds the Carnegie R2 designation for high research activity.
- The university operates the region’s only academic healthcare system.
Requirements
- Current RN license
- Completed application
- Two years of relevant RN nursing experience
- Overall GPA of at least 3.0
- Official transcripts
- BSN and/or MSN degree
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Spring: September 1st
- Summer: April 1st
- Fall: June 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (251) 445-9400
- Email Address: condnpadmit@southalabama.edu
Why We Picked This School
Maryville is a top-ranked private university with a robust digital infrastructure. Nearly 7,000 of its 10,000 students enroll strictly online. This post-master's DNP track offers a streamlined schedule, making it one of the shortest DNP programs online.
Program Highlights
- 98% of online graduates report improved career prospects.
- The school holds a Silver-Level Military Friendly badge.
- Maryville ranks #1 for the lowest average debt among local private peers.
Requirements
- MSN degree
- Official transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Faculty interview
- Completed application
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Summer 1: April 24th
- Summer 2: June 19th
- Fall 1: August 14th
- Fall 2: October 9th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (888) 266-0574
- Email Address: admissions@nursing.maryville.edu
Why We Picked This School
Emory consistently ranks among the top nursing schools in the nation. The program offers six NP specializations, allowing for a larger cohort of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) students.
Program Highlights
- Emory maintains a global network of over 12,000 nursing alumni.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks this Doctor of Nursing Practice track #8 nationally.
- The school ranks #3 for NIH funding.
Requirements
- MSN degree
- Active RN license
- Nursing practice experience
- Verification of graduate clinical hours from the MSN program
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Three professional references
- Personal statement
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (404) 727-7980
- Email Address: nursingquestions@emory.edu
Why We Picked This School
This program combines asynchronous learning with brief in-person intensives. Students travel to Tucson, AZ for 3 to 5 days during the first week of each semester. This hybrid approach allows for a faster pace, making it one of the shortest online DNP programs.
Program Highlights
- The college ranks No. 13 among public universities in NIH research funding.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks this online DNP program No. 1 in Arizona.
- The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical leadership.
Requirements
- MSN degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.00
- Official transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Two reference letters
- Active RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: November 1st
- Final: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (520)626-3808
- Email Address: con-osaa@arizona.edu
11. Regis College
Why We Picked This School
Regis College established the first DNP program in the Boston area. Online students learn from the same faculty that teaches in-person classes. The program is an online MSN to DNP pathway and prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice.
Program Highlights
- First DNP program in the Boston area.
- Listed among The Business Journal's Top 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges.
- Offers tuition discounts for alumni, federal employees, and military personnel.
Requirements
- MSN from an accredited nursing program
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Completed online admission application
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal goal statement
- Current resume/CV
- All official transcripts
- 2 years of relevant registered nursing experience
- Faculty interview
Program Information
- Application Deadline
- Fall: April 15th
- Spring: October 15th
- Summer: March 15th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 411-2159
- Email Address: admissions@online.regiscollege.edu
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, NP and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the university has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. The university's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
What to Expect in an Online DNP Program
Online DNP programs allow you to complete didactic coursework through synchronous and asynchronous learning. However, all programs require in-person clinical practicum hours. Some schools also hold short intensives on campus. Check your state's eligibility requirements before applying, as some short online DNP programs cannot accept students from every state.
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