Online BSN to DNP Programs: Finding the Right School
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NursingNursing Ed.Registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and want to advance to the highest level of clinical practice often choose a BSN to DNP bridge program. But with different program formats, timelines, and specialization options available, how do you know which path is right for you? This guide breaks down what to expect, including program structured, how online and hybrid options work, what clinical requirements look like, and what it takes to apply, enroll, and graduate successfully.
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Basics of Online BSN to DNP Bridge Program
Because BSN to DNP programs vary widely in structure and focus, it’s important to understand the options available before choosing a program. Some schools offer fully online or hybrid delivery formats, while others emphasize specific clinical concentrations or leadership specializations.
Take a closer look at the different program delivery options and the concentrations and specializations you may encounter when comparing BSN to DNP programs.
Delivery Options
Online BSN to DNP programs offer several delivery formats, allowing students to choose the structure that best fits their schedule and learning preferences.
Explore each option below to find the format that works best for you.
- Fully Online
Fully online programs allow degree seekers to complete all program requirements without ever visiting campus. Students will need to complete their clinical practicum in person, but they can do this in their area rather than traveling to the location of the school. - Online with Limited Campus Visits
Schools offering this option tend to provide the majority of coursework online, but schedule several intensives (or labs) throughout the program that require short visits to campus. These can last anywhere from a weekend to a week and take place as frequently as once a semester or as little as once a year. - Blended/Hybrid
Blended programs split program requirements between virtual and campus-based classes. Students will likely spend about half their time in each, providing a great option for those who need some flexibility but also want to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face instruction and access to campus resources.
Expert Insight
A graduate program may be considered an ‘online program’ but you may need to visit campus sometimes. This was the case with my MSN program. I still needed to visit campus on two separate days out of the entire program. One day for was skills training and the other was for skills testing. I had to complete practicum hours in person as well, but my actual courses were entirely remote.
Concentrations and Specializations
Nursing is an incredibly broad field with a variety of degree concentrations and specialties to help students build skills and competencies in their area of interest. Some individuals may feel a calling to work with the elderly while others may want to work across the lifespan.
Prospective BSN to DNP students can focus on areas of education, research, or advanced clinical care. Advanced practice registered nurses, for example, are expert clinicians who diagnose diseases and prescribe treatments, requiring them to obtain a special license.
The four APRN concentrations include:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Practitioner (most common)
Next, nurses can specialize in a certain field or with a particular patient population. Depending on the role they fill, they may need specialty certification. Some of the most popular specialties include:
- Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontology
- Family Health
- Neonatal
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Women’s Health
Regardless of your interests, there’s a good chance that a concentration and specialty exists for you.
How Online BSN to DNP Programs Work
While every online BSN to DNP program has slightly different coursework and requirements, understanding how these programs typically work can help you decide if it’s the right next step for you. Learning more about the benefits and challenges of an online nursing program, and what and how you’ll learn, can also help you decide if this format will meet your academic and personal needs.
Benefits & Challenges
Whether you select a fully online or hybrid program, benefits and challenges exist with each:
Benefits:
- Fully online programs offer maximum flexibility
- Both programs often offer asynchronous learning—completing courses on your own time without having to check in to class at certain times
- Fully online programs are generally more affordable than brick-and-mortar programs
Challenges:
- Fully online programs limit face-to face interaction with peers and professors
- Hybrid programs can challenge school/work-life balance when compared to fully online programs
- Some programs may have a predetermined pace—following a set course schedule, restricting you from finishing later or sooner
How Practicums Work
As part of degree requirements, all nursing students in this type of program complete practicums or clinical training to gain real-world experience before graduating.
How many practicum hours do I need?
It depends on the requirements of your specific BSN to DNP program. Some requirements hover around 1,000 hours. But remember, if you choose a specialty concentration, you will be required to complete practicum hours in that specialty.
For example, if your is concentration is Nurse Practitioner and your specialty is Psychiatric-Mental Health, you’ll need to accumulate clinical hours in a mental health setting, such as a psychiatric hospital or mental health clinic.
Where can I find clinical placement opportunities?
Students enrolled in a brick-and-mortar program usually select from an approved list of sites, while online students need to do a bit more legwork.
If you’re an online student, you’ll typically look for a site in your region, but approval from your program administrator is usually required. Other schools may find an organization for you.
You should check with the program administrator to find out how clinical locations are chosen.
How can my practicum experience increase my odds of gaining employment after graduation?
In addition to gaining hands-on skills, students who make a good impression while completing their practicums may be able to leverage their experience into a job offer, so picking a location where you can see a future is important.
Before deciding on a location, however, make sure you do your due diligence. Just because an organization is prestigious doesn’t mean it’s a good fit. Take time to read about the facility’s mission, areas of specialty, employee benefits, and other factors before applying.
The Online BSN to DNP Curriculum
Coursework varies by program, but most cover general topics such as research methods, nursing leadership, nursing across the lifespan, and pharmacology. The following table gives students an idea of what to look for, but you should review individual schools to get a clearer sense of requirements.
| Term | Courses | # Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Doctoral Leader Foundations, Health Care Systems Informatics | 6 |
| Fall | Theories in Nursing Development, Health Care Systems Management and Evaluation, Advanced Statistics | 9 |
| Spring | Policy and Politics within Healthcare, Public Health Epidemiology, Nursing Research | 8 |
| Summer | Roles in Primary Care for Nurse Practitioners, Primary Care Health and Wellness Promotion | 4 |
| Fall | Advanced Pathophysiology, Nursing Leadership | 6 |
| Spring | Advanced Pharmacology, Health Assessment Practicum, Health Assessment Lecture | 6 |
| Summer | Care Across the Lifespan | 2 |
| Fall | Primary Care, Scholarly Tools and Evidence-Based Practice, Primary Care Preceptorship | 8 |
| Spring | Diagnostics and Procedures in Primary Care, Preceptorship, Primary Care, Research Methods | 8 |
| Summer | Primary Care within Families and Communities, Capstone Project | 6 |
| Fall | Primary Care Preceptorship, Residency, Capstone Project | 6 |
| Spring | Capstone Project, Residency, Preceptorship | 6 |
DNP Research Project
The culminating research project is an integral part of any AACN-accredited BSN to DNP program and allows students to put their learning into actionable practice. These projects can take many forms. Some learners may decide to evaluate an existing program using knowledge gained from their courses, while others may write on an emerging topic within nursing.
Students work with an advisor to develop a project that focuses on their specialty area and adequately demonstrates their learning throughout the program. In general, every research program should demonstrate skills in the following areas.
- Reflective practice
- Independent practice inquiry
- Application of evidence to practice
- Organizational and systems leadership
Admissions Requirements
Being accepted to a doctoral program is no small feat, and you’ll need to prove you’re prepared and able to excel if you hope to make the cut. To be considered, individuals will need at minimum a BSN degree and an active and unencumbered RN license.
Here are the other requirements students should expect, as well as ways they can stand out.
BSN to DNP Prerequisites
- A BSN from an accredited on-campus, hybrid, or online RN program
- An active unencumbered RN license
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Clinical experience for at least a year
How to Stand Out
Unlike ASN or BSN programs, which frequently take a large cohort of students each year, DNP programs tend to be far smaller, more selective, and competitive. In addition to good grades and impressive work experience, students can take additional steps to help themselves stand out from other candidates.
- Join a national nursing organization
- Pursue additional nursing certifications
- Participate in evidence-based practice projects
- Apply for traineeships/internships
Students should also consider speaking to a faculty member or alumni from any programs they’re considering. This can help provide insider knowledge on what they look for in prospective students.
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How Much Does an Online BSN to DNP Program Cost?
Since this program is at the doctoral level, the cost-per-credit for tuition tends to be higher than bachelor’s programs, but they also typically require fewer hours. In general, students pay the lowest tuition at in-state colleges or at schools that charge resident and non-resident online students the same rate.
Tuition rates can vary widely, so it’s important for students to find a program that meets both their academic and financial needs. The programs highlighted below illustrate the range of costs.
| 1 | 1. Maryville University | $995/credit |
| 2 | 2. Georgetown University | $2,065/credit |
| 3 | 3. University of Arkansas | $560/credit |
| 4 | 4. University of North Carolina | $65,400/program (resident); $119,629/program (non-resident) |
For information on how to pay for your online BSN to DNP program, check out the following pages:
