Discover the Best Online MSN to DNP Bridge Programs

Briar Cliff University – Post Master’s DNP

Briar Cliff’s post-master’s DNP is designed for certified nurse practitioners who want to deepen leadership skills and improve healthcare delivery at a systems level.

• Format: Online
• Clinical Practice/Hours: 480 DNP-level practicum hours (integrated across courses), combined with your post-baccalaureate hours to meet the 1,000-hour DNP requirement
• Specializations: Advanced practice nursing with emphasis on leadership, ethics, informatics, policy, cultural competency, and population health
• Project: Evidence-based DNP project
• Length: 2 years (36 credits)
• Admission Requirements: Accredited MSN, national NP certification, goal statement, CV, transcripts, two references
• Notable Features: Experienced APRN faculty, strong cultural and population-health focus

Good For

NPs seeking leadership advancement or broader system-level impact

University of Missouri-Kansas City – Post-MSN to DNP

UMKC’s flexible MSN to DNP program offers multiple tracks tailored to where you are in your career.

• Format: 100% online with blended synchronous/asynchronous coursework; optional two-day on-campus institute
• Clinical/Practice Hours: Varies by track
• Specializations: Post-MSN Advanced Practice to DNP (certified APRNs) | Post-MSN to DNP with new NP certification | Post-MSN non-APRN to DNP (leadership, informatics, education, public health)
• Project: Evidence-based DNP project
• Admission Requirements: Accredited MSN, 3.2 GPA, active RN license, interview
• Notable Features: Multiple pathways, strong policy and systems emphasis

Good For

APRNs expanding scope, MSN-prepared nurses seeking NP certification, or non-APRNs transitioning into leadership or informatics.

Florida International University (FIU) – Online DNP

FIU’s DNP program allows certified APRNs to earn their highest practice credential without stepping away from full-time work.

• Format: Online with up to three on-campus sessions per semester
• Clinical/Practice Hours: Builds on existing APRN hours; includes additional DNP-level practicum
• Specializations: Adult-Gerontology, Family NP, Pediatric NP, PMHNP, Nurse Anesthetist
• Project: DNP scholarly project
• Length: 36 credits over 6 semesters
• Admission Requirements: MSN or post-master’s APRN certificate, 3.25 GPA, APRN license, national certification, CV, essay, recommendations, interview
• Notable Features: Interactive technology, focus on diverse and multilingual populations

Good For

APRNs committed to culturally response, evidence-based practice

Ohio University DNP Program – MSN to DNP

Ohio University’s MSN to DNP program serves working professionals needing flexible pacing and multiple specialization options.

• Format: Online coursework with required on-campus intensives
• Clinical/Practice Hours: 1,000 total hours (credit awarded for MSN clinical hours)
• Specializations: AGACNP, FNP, PMHNP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader
• Project: DNP scholarly project
• Length: 37 credits; part-time only (up to 6 years allowed if needed)
• Admission Requirements: MSN, 3.20 GPA, valid RN license, references, CV, goal statement, virtual interview
• Notable Features: No GRE/GMAT required; residency restrictions apply

Good For

Nurses seeking NP certification with DNP completion or those preparing for education/leadership roles

Michigan State University – Post-Master’s DNP

MSU’s online DNP program prepares nurses to lead large-scale healthcare improvements and design impactful practice changes.

• Format: Hybrid (online + on-campus components)
• Clinical/Practice Hours: Varies depending on prior APRN hours
• Specializations: Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology CNS, Nurse Anesthetist
• Project: Evidence-based DNP project
• Length: 28 credits (approx. 2 years)
• Admission Requirements: MSN (or BSN + qualifying master’s for CRNA), unrestricted RN license, 3.0 GPA, recommendations, personal statement, CV, interview
• Notable Features: Option to add APRN specialty; strong focus on underserved populations

Good For

APRNs and MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice or system-level leadership roles

MSN Requirements

Students typically enter MSN to DNP programs from two pathways:

1. APRNs (NPs, CNSs, CRNAs, CNMs) with established clinical roles
2. Non-APRN MSN-prepared nurses in leadership, education, informatics, or public health

Your MSN coursework, and any clinical hours you completed, will shape your program plan. APRNs typically need fewer additional practice hours, while non-APRNs complete more of their 1,000 required hours during the DNP.

Clinical or Practice Hour Expectations

All accredited DNP programs must meet the 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice-hour requirement set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Examples:

• APRNs typically enter with 500+ clinical hours → need ~500 DNP practice hours
• Non-APRNs usually complete most or all of the 1,000 hours during the program

Practice hours often include:

• Direct advanced practice (if in an APRN track program)
• Leadership and administrative projects
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Informatics or systems-level practice
• Policy and program development

DNP Project Requirements

A DNP project is a multi-stage scholarly initiative addressing a real practice or systems problem. Most include:

• A proposal and literature review
• Implementation of an evidence-based intervention
• Evaluation of outcomes
• A final written report and oral presentation

You’ll work closely with a faculty mentor and a practice-site preceptor throughout the process.

Specialization Options

While offerings vary by school, common DNP pathways include:

• APRN Tracks: FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, CRNA, CNS
• Leadership/Executive Tracks: Healthcare administration, nurse leadership
• Education Tracks: Academic faculty, staff development
• Informatics/Public Health: Data systems, population-level interventions

Your specialization determines your coursework, practicum settings, and project focus.