Finding the Right Online DNP Program for You

Inside Online DNP Programs

If you’re thinking about choosing a nursing specialty, you may want to consider enrolling in a DNP program. Obtaining an advanced degree can be difficult with a busy schedule, but thankfully there are plenty of online DNP programs available.

Online DNP programs come in different types. They may be synchronous, in which students log into their classes at designated times to participate in live video lectures and conferences with instructors and peers. Asynchronous online DNP programs are also common. Students in asynchronous programs interact with instructors and each other through forums and online peer review and can complete their coursework at their convenience.

Regardless of structure, online DNP programs require clinical hours and a final project. Some may also require short residencies on campus. If you’re wondering what kind of DNP program works best for you, below are profiles of three good examples and what they offer.

Answering Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Program FAQs

What concentrations do DNP programs have?

There are a variety of choices for concentrations in DNP programs. For example, the family nurse practitioner concentration is for nurses who want to provide a range of care to families. Those who enroll in a pediatric nurse practitioner concentration learn how to help children develop and maintain good physical, social, and emotional health.

If you’re interested in treating patients experiencing a range of mental health challenges, the psychiatric mental health nursing practitioner concentration will prepare you to assess and diagnose people who need this type of care. There are also DNP concentrations focusing on adult gerontology, acute care, and nurse anesthesia.

Is there financial aid available for DNP programs?

Yes, you can receive financial aid to help with the cost of your DNP program. To determine what types of funding you may be eligible for, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a wide range of federal opportunities like grants, scholarships, and loans.

Scholarships and grants are some of the best forms of financial aid because they don’t need to be paid back. These awards, which can come from the state or federal government, are often provided based on financial need. If scholarships and grants cannot cover the entire cost of your education, funding the remainder with loans is another option.

Is it important for a DNP program to be accredited?

Nursing school accreditation is extremely important. Graduating from an accredited program is a crucial way to show organizations and employers that you possess the standard of knowledge and skills expected of someone with an advanced education. Furthermore, students must be enrolled in an accredited program to receive federal financial aid.

Online DNP programs may be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The standards set by these organizations are designed to further the nursing field and ensure that professionals are prepared for the current and future nursing landscapes.

What is the difference between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?

Although both are terminal nursing degrees, DNPs and PhDs are different. A DNP focuses on the clinical practice of nursing, and these degrees are often for people who want to provide patient care at the top of their licenses.

On the other hand, a PhD in nursing is like the research-driven counterpart to the practice-driven DNP. This degree may be suited to nursing professionals who want to shift away from client care and into research or education.

How much do DNP graduates earn?

Advancing your education will unlock more job opportunities, many of which may include increased salaries. As a result, getting a DNP can significantly boost your earnings. Average salaries for DNP graduates range from around $91,000 to $128,00 annually. How much you can make will depend on what state you live in. For example, nurses with a DNP in Pennsylvania make $106,045, those in North Carolina earn $91,134, and California nurses make $115,411.

What Can You Do with a DNP Degree?

Earning an online DNP can open nursing professionals to a broad variety of leadership-driven advanced nursing careers in both clinical and academic settings. After completing an online DNP program, graduates may further their work in client care. Alternatively, they may want to move into careers focused on policy development and systematic change.

Depending on their concentration in the program, advanced nursing professionals may use their new skills and knowledge to analyze data and conduct research or shift into healthcare management careers. For example, RNs who want to continue working with patients can specialize in a specific type of care and pursue a career as an advanced practice registered nurse. However, if you prefer to move to the administrative side of healthcare, you can leverage the leadership skills you learn during your DNP studies to become an executive. You can also have a significant impact on nursing practice by working as a clinical researcher.

Top-Rated Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs

No matter what area of nursing you want to dedicate yourself to, you need a program that will give you the highest quality education. These rankings represent the best online DNP programs that nursing schools have to offer, so you can enroll in confidence that you will be prepared to meet the challenges of advanced nursing care. As you review our list, take a look at the methodology we used to curate our choices in the “About the Rankings” section below. This will give you a roadmap of what to look for when choosing a school.