Online BSN-to-DNP Programs

Registered nurses (RNs) who wish to move into advanced practice roles can get the education and experience required for certification from a bachelor of science in nursing to doctor of nursing practice (BSN-to-DNP) program. Designed for nurses who already have bachelor’s degrees, these programs include both master’s and doctoral level coursework that culminates in a doctor of nursing practice, a nursing terminal degree.

With calls for advanced practice nurses to hold doctoral degrees increasing, BSN nurses who wish to move into practice as a nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) can earn a terminal degree more quickly in a BSN-to-DNP program.

We use a data-driven methodology to create a list of BSN-to-DNP programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

Explore Popular Online DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Using Our Rankings: What to Look For in a BSN-to-DNP Program

When exploring BSN-to-DNP options, looking at specific metrics will help you evaluate individual programs on their own merits as well as in comparison to each other. The following data points can be useful to you as you compare different schools to find the best match for your goals.

Admission Requirements

While there is some overlap in admission requirements among programs (all require a BSN and a nursing license, for example), every program has specific criteria for admission. There are variations for GPA requirements, work experience, and test scores, for instance, so knowing what each program requires for admission ensures you only apply to those that are the best match.

Specializations

When you enroll in a BSN-to-DNP program, you’ll choose a program track that determines your curriculum. A DNP is not a generalist degree; rather, students select a track based on their specific career goals.

You may wish to specialize in a specific area of clinical care or pursue a business leadership track. It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your goals.

Clinical Experience

DNP programs require extensive clinical hours, and clinical placements help you build a professional network of nurses. Check out if the program places students in settings where you would like to work. If you are pursuing your BSN-to-DNP program online, you may want to ask if the school has placed students in your community.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical consideration because it ensures your program meets independent quality standards. Employers prefer candidates with degrees from accredited programs, plus it is a must to qualify for federal financial aid and, in most cases, to transfer credits between programs.

Program Length

A BSN-to-DNP is a time investment, and it’s important to know exactly how long it will take to complete your degree. Most BSN-to-DNP programs take 3-4 years to finish, depending on whether you study full or part time.

Board Certification Rate

Board certification is a vital credential for advanced practice nurses. When a program has a high rate of successful board certification, it shows that the curriculum and coursework adequately prepare students for board exams.

It also indicates the program has support resources to help ensure student success.

Online Learning Format and Requirements

Program requirements vary in terms of whether online courses are offered asynchronously or at scheduled times, and whether there are any on-campus or residency requirements. You need to select a program format that meets your scheduling and lifestyle needs.

Why Is BSN-to-DNP Program Accreditation Important?

Accreditation means that a program has been evaluated on specific criteria by an independent agency. The process involves a detailed review of every aspect of the program, such as curriculum plans, course descriptions, instructor background, and support services.

All of the programs included in our rankings are accredited since accreditation is a critical factor in selecting a school for the following reasons.

  • Accreditation and certification examination pass rates are the best objective measures of a program’s quality.
  • Employers prefer graduates of accredited programs. Many employers will not consider graduates of unaccredited programs.
  • Accreditation ensures that when you graduate, you are prepared to practice nursing safely and effectively.
  • Accredited schools attract the best teachers and have the strongest alumni networks.
  • Because many state licensing authorities do not accept unaccredited degrees, attending an unaccredited program risks throwing away all the time, money, and energy invested in your BSN-to-DNP program.

Learn More About BSN-to-DNP Programs and Schools

See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

Applying to a BSN-to-DNP Program

BSN-to-DNP programs are designed for RNs who have a bachelor’s degree and clinical experience. Applicants select a specialty that matches their career goals. They are expected to state their reasons for seeking an advanced degree in a personal statement. While specific requirements vary by program, most have requirements similar to the following.

  • Admission Requirements

    BSN or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, valid RN license, minimum 1-3 years of clinical experience, and ability to pass a background check

  • Admission Materials

    Application, resume, transcripts, professional recommendations, personal statement, personal interview

  • GPA Requirement

    Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Paying for BSN-to-DNP Programs

When preparing to enter a BSN-to-DNP program, plan your budget to pay for your nursing degree based on tuition, books and supplies, and program length. Also, consider if you can work (or how many hours) while studying, on-campus requirements, and in- and out-of-state tuition rates.

In addition to your school’s financial aid program, you can get loans, grants, or scholarships from many financial aid sources for nurses. Because of the high demand for DNPs, some government programs will pay your full program costs or offer loan forgiveness for nurses in exchange for working in underserved areas once you graduate.

You can also get scholarships and grants for nurses from private foundations, associations, corporations, or other organizations. Your current employer may also help pay for your BSN-to-DNP, possibly in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a certain time period once you graduate.

Most financial aid applies to both online and on-campus BSN-to-DNP programs.

What Can You Do With a Degree from a BSN-to-DNP Program?

A DNP is the highest clinical practice degree in nursing. It prepares nurses for licensure as advanced practice nurses. Career opportunities for DNP nurses include nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, and clinical nurse specialist.

The curriculum in BSN-to-DNP programs is focused on building leadership skills, evidence-based clinical practice, and strategies for improving patient outcomes. This advanced skill set prepares licensed nurses for leadership roles within healthcare organizations. It also equips them to provide the highest-quality patient care.

Nurses with DNPs have increased earning potential, with Payscale reporting an average annual salary of $108,000 as of November 2022.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

CRNAs administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures. They work closely with patients and physicians to ensure safety before, during, and after the medication is given to the patient. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $195,610 for CRNAs.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners provide primary care for patients, including infants and the elderly. They may practice independently in some starts. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports an annual wage of $110,000 as of 2020.

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators instruct student nurses in patient care in both classroom and clinical environments. The BLS reports an average salary of $82,040.

Frequently Asked Questions About BSN-to-DNP

How long does it take to go from BSN to DNP?

Most students need 3-4 years of full-time study to complete a BSN-to-DNP program. This includes about two years to complete the master’s and another two years for the doctoral portion.

If you enroll in a part-time program, it can take up to eight years depending on your specialty and specific program requirements.

Do you have to get your MSN before a DNP?

It is possible to earn a BSN-to-DNP degree without earning an MSN first, but you’ll need several years of clinical experience to qualify for admission.

Do NPs with a doctorate get paid more than NPs with a master’s?

Pay for any NP depends on multiple factors, including the individual employer, the work setting, and geographic location. Generally speaking, an NP with a doctorate will earn more than a colleague with a master’s degree, but that’s not always the case.

NPs in rural clinics, for example, typically earn less than their counterparts in large metropolitan hospitals regardless of degree level.

Are nurses with DNPs called doctors?

Although nurses who earn a doctorate are technically doctors and are called such in academic settings, in clinical settings the title is usually reserved for physicians to prevent confusion. Some states and organizations prohibit calling nurses “doctors.”


Related BSN-to-DNP Program Resources

Page last reviewed: November 8, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.