How to Become a DNP: Requirements, Steps & More

Did you know that nurse practitioners are currently the fastest-growing occupation in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)? 

Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses are helping to fill significant gaps in healthcare provision and availability across the country, with specialties ranging from pediatrics to psychiatric care. Nurses with advanced training are also in high demand for leadership roles inside and outside the care setting. 

One way to join the ranks of advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders is to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). But what does that path involve, and can a DNP help you move your career forward?

What Is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

A DNP is a clinically-focused terminal degree for nurses. 

That means it’s the highest level of degree you can attain in the field, on par with a Ph.D. However, the DNP degree focuses on applying research in clinical and leadership settings to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes rather than conducting research.

Many DNP programs offer different focuses to help you prepare for specific roles. For example, you may enroll in a DNP program with a family nurse practitioner track to qualify for licensure as a family nurse practitioner or pursue a program with a leadership focus if you wish to move into a leadership or policy role. 

Who Is a DNP For?

Nurses at any stage of their careers who wish to expand their capabilities and take on roles with increasing responsibility can benefit from a DNP.

The degree offers excellent preparation for nurse practitioner positions and other advanced practice roles. In fact, leading nursing organizations have recommended that a DNP degree become the educational standard for advanced practice nurses by 2025. 

Since the degree focuses heavily on improving processes and outcomes, it is also a good choice for nurses who wish to take on roles like nursing team leader or chief nursing officer or who plan to pursue leadership positions in healthcare systems, healthcare informatics or policymaking organizations. 

Get a FREE guide to help you advance your career, featuring helpful advice and thoughtful insights from nursing experts.

Admission Requirements for DNP Programs

Many DNP programs are designed for nurses with a Master of Nursing Science (MSN) degree. However, a growing number of programs welcome nurses who hold a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) and no master’s or who have an unrelated master’s.

These programs usually offer additional coursework to catch students up on the concepts covered in an MSN. 

What Are the Steps to Become a DNP? 

What it takes to earn a DNP depends on your specific goals as well as your educational and professional background. 

Focus areas

To choose the right DNP program, you must decide whether you wish to work as an advanced practice registered Nurse (APRN) or in a leadership position. 

If you choose a DNP program focused on leadership, your coursework and required projects will likely focus more on health systems and practice. These programs are usually shorter in length than clinically focused DNPs. 

If you wish to pursue a career as an APRN, you’ll need to select a program that offers a track that interests you, such as family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. In addition to the core DNP curriculum, you must complete additional specialized coursework and clinical hours. You will also need to pass a licensure exam in your specialty. 

Pathways

The route you take to earn your DNP will depend on which degree or degrees you currently hold and the status of your nursing license. 

MSN to DNP

If you already hold an MSN and active nursing licensure, you can enter a DNP program without prerequisite coursework.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly 400 U.S. schools currently offer MSN to DNP programs. These degrees usually take two to three years. 

BSN to DNP

If you hold a BSN and active RN licensure but do not hold a master’s of nursing, you might choose to pursue a BSN to DNP pathway program.

These programs typically include “bridge” or prerequisite coursework to deliver the key learnings of an MSN program before progressing to the DNP curriculum. Pursuing a BSN to DNP program, which takes three to four years, is often faster and more cost-effective than pursuing an MSN before enrolling in a DNP program. There are currently nearly 300 BSN to DNP programs in the United States. 

Pre-licensure programs

A less common path to the DNP is to enroll in a pre-licensure (also known as direct entry) DNP program. These degree programs are geared toward students who do not have prior nursing education or experience and are, therefore, significantly longer than the other DNP pathways. 

These programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in a different field and prerequisite coursework in the sciences before enrollment. According to the AACN, fewer than 20 U.S. schools offer direct-entry DNP options. 

Graduation Requirements

Whichever pathway you take, earning a DNP will involve coursework, required practicum hours and a scholarly project, typically related to healthcare quality improvement. DNP nurse practitioner tracks also require additional clinical hours in your specialty area. In addition to earning your degree, you will need to complete your state’s process to earn APRN licensure if you plan to use your DNP in clinical practice. 

Can You Earn a DNP Online?

Today, 72% of DNP graduates complete the coursework for their degrees fully or partly online, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Online and hybrid programs offer valuable flexibility since many nurses earn their DNP degrees while working full or part time. Online degrees often offer asynchronous courses, meaning you don’t have to be logged on at a specific time but can watch lectures and complete assignments on your schedule. 

Online programs geared toward advanced practice positions still require in-person clinical hours, and all DNP programs require a substantive academic project. The AACN has found no difference in the skillsets, satisfaction, or preparation of students who complete their degrees online vs. in-person. 

Find Your Path to a DNP

If you want to advance your nursing career inside or outside the clinic, a DNP program may be right for you.

Franklin University offers flexible, accredited online DNP programs in several focus areas, including leadership and advanced practice nursing. With both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways available and built-in practicums, you can be sure you’re choosing the most streamlined option to earn your degree. Plus, with Franklin’s competitive tuition and low fees, you’ll earn your degree for less. 

Learn more about Franklin’s DNP programs.

Free Guide

Download Now

How to Personalize and Advance Your Nursing Career

Find out how to take your nursing career further with advice from real nursing professionals.