Doctor of Nursing Practice
With the level of nursing education required to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice, students will be prepared to achieve the one goal that resides at the very core of nursing – improved patient outcomes. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers two pathways to the doctoral degree.
- BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway
Students who have earned their BS in nursing will enroll in the clinical expert BSN to DNP pathway, earning their master’s degree and DNP degree. Students in this pathway are eligible for certification in one of our advanced practice specialties. The specialties available in an online format include Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway
Students who have already earned their master’s degree will enroll in the Post-Master's DNP pathway. This pathway offers doctoral preparation to nurses whose career emphasis is in direct clinical nursing practice or transformative leadership as a nurse executive.
Upon acceptance into the DNP program, you will participate in one required on-campus orientation session.

Program Tracks
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway online specialties
As a BSN to DNP student, you will earn your DNP degree, master’s degree, and be eligible for certification in one of our advanced practice specialties. One specialty must be selected at the time of application. Below are the specialties available in an online format:
Family Nurse Practitioner
The FNP role includes preventative healthcare as well as the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness. Graduates of this track are prepared to care for individuals and families across the lifespan. Learn more about this track.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare to neonates, infants, and children up to 2 years of age. In this track, you’ll attain the specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe and high-quality care to neonates. Learn more about this track.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners focus on individuals, families and populations across the lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. The PHMNP provides primary mental healthcare to patients seeking mental health services in a variety of settings. Learn more about this track.
Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway tracks
As a nurse with a master’s degree, there are two tracks you may pursue in the DNP program:
DNP Clinical Expert track
This track is the right choice if you want to reach the highest levels of patient care expertise. To be eligible, you must hold a master’s degree in nursing and a national-level advanced practice nursing certification. Learn more about this track.
DNP Nurse Executive track
This track is the right choice if you want to lead innovative, transformative healthcare organizations. To be eligible, you must hold a master’s degree in nursing or other field, such as a Master of Business Administration or Master of Public Health. A national-level advanced nursing certification is preferred, but not required. Learn more about this track.