Top 10 Accelerated BSN to DNP Programs Online in 2025

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the most sought-after degrees in healthcare. It prepares students for leadership roles in various health settings, with roles such as a clinical nurse, nurse anesthetist, and many more.

Generally, nurses must earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) before they can move on to a doctoral program. However, for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), there are many accelerated BSN to DNP programs online. Keep reading to discover 10 affordable, accredited schools that allow you to complete your DNP degree online.

How Do You Go From BSN to DNP?

A BSN to DNP bridge program is an efficient way to earn an advanced nursing degree. Applicants must have their bachelor's from an accredited nursing program, a certain grade point average (GPA), and active licensure.

Many programs include master-level courses to help bridge students from bachelor-level to post-master's classes. Students will choose a specialization, complete clinical hours at partner facilities, and conclude with a research project.

Can You Earn a BSN to DNP Program Online?

Many online BSN to DNP programs are available. Of those listed below, some offer fully online programs with both synchronous and asynchronous options, hybrid programs, and in-person tracks.

However, since a DNP involves hands-on experience, it isn't possible to complete all requirements virtually. Many schools partner with local facilities for the clinical component, and could help out-of-state students find a location to complete their clinical hours.

How Long Does an Accelerated BSN to DNP Program Take?

There's a lot to a doctoral program, so even bridge programs generally take at least two years. Since a bridge program bypasses a master's degree, all of these programs are a faster option for nurses with a bachelor's to finish their education. Students can speed things up even more with transfer credits and full-time enrollment.

Top Accelerated BSN to DNP Programs Online

All of the programs below allow registered nurses to earn their doctorate. Many offer accelerated programs with online or hybrid options.

1. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic's BSN to DNP program prioritizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems management. Students will be prepared to work as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) in areas like adult geriatric primary care or psychiatric mental health.

Classes are offered on campus, online (both synchronous and asynchronous), or in a hybrid format. Graduates must complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $371.81 per credit hour
• Program length: 11 semesters
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Georgia Southern University

This 80-credit-hour program offers four specializations and prepares students to be nurse leaders. Students will complete both master's and doctoral courses as part of the program. Courses are both synchronous and asynchronous and include topics like ethical leadership, biometrics and epidemiology, health policy, and many more.

All graduates must finish a clinical scholarship project and a dissertation. Scholarships are available for eligible students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $399 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of Florida College of Nursing

The 75-credit DNP bridge program at the University of Florida (UF) blends online learning with on-campus visits; clinical placements are tailored to the student's geographic location. Specializations include:

• adult-gerontology acute care
• family nurse practitioner
• pediatric acute care

Other specializations are available. Applicants must have a bachelor's and an overall average GPA of 3.0. Students do not have to include GRE scores.

• Estimated tuition cost: $530.69 per credit hour
• Program length: About two to three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Franklin University

Students at Franklin University must complete two foundational bridge courses before enrolling in the DNP program. These bridge classes take as little as eight months to complete. Coursework includes embedded practicum hours and a scholarly project, helping busy students finish their degree even faster. Specializations include FNP, adult-gerontology, and leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $748 per credit hour
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Coppin State University

Coppin State's BSN to DNP program has both traditional and hybrid options, with some in-person classes on Fridays and Saturdays. Students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work before graduation.

The program emphasizes advanced theory, research, and leadership skills, using science, humanities, and ethics to support advanced nursing practice. Graduates will be prepared to care for all clients, including those from underserved populations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $781 per credit hour
• Program length: About three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. Ohio State University

Ohio State's DNP program is focused on improving patient outcomes by developing clinical and leadership skills. Students will choose one specialty, such as neonatal nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, or midwifery.

Note that some specialties are available both virtually and on campus, while others are only available virtually. Most virtual classes are held synchronously.

• Estimated tuition cost: $829.75 per credit hour
• Program length: About three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. William Paterson University

Students at William Paterson will earn both their MSN and DNP degrees as part of the 71-credit bridge program. There are two available tracks: adult-gerontology nurse practitioner in primary care (AGNP) or family nurse practitioner.

Once students finish the MSN curriculum, they are admitted into the DNP program. The program offers one fully online course per semester and one hybrid course per semester, for added flexibility.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,054.50 per credit hour
• Program length: About two to three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. Regis College

Regis College's degree program prepares advanced practice nurses to take on higher-level healthcare positions. Coursework can be completed 100% online and there are three start times per year.

The doctoral program focuses on building advanced knowledge of patient care, research methods, and health policies. Six NP tracks are available, including women's health, pediatrics, adult gerontology-acute care, and more. Regis does not require the GRE or GMAT.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,425 per credit hour
• Program length: 40 months
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

9. University of Texas Health San Antonio

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio focuses on leadership courses in public policy and advocacy, health informatics, population health, and advanced specialty clinical practice. Five specialties are available.

Courses are hybrid, with students coming to campus one to three days per week, depending on whether they are full-time or part-time. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,962 per semester
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) offers an 11-quarter, hybrid doctoral program. Students will gain hands-on experience at clinical sites across the Bay Area.

Multiple specialties are available, including psychiatric mental health NP, certified nurse midwife, FNP, and more. All students will complete an evidence-based quality improvement project and will be prepared to sit for their specialties' national certification exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,380 per semester
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

There's a lot to consider when looking at the best BSN to DNP online programs. That's why, when we created our list of schools, we followed the criteria below:

• Accreditation: All of our schools are regionally accredited, and all of their nursing programs are further accredited by either the CCNE or ACEN.
• Program length: We only wanted to include either accelerated programs or bridge programs. All of these schools allow you to bypass an MSN or earn your master's as part of the program.
• Program reputation: These schools offer programs that are rigorous, recognized, and accredited. You can be confident in getting a top-quality education at any of them.

Career Paths With a Doctor of Nursing Practice

There are many possible career paths for those with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Some of the most common careers include specialized nurse practitioner roles or other roles in women's health. DNP students could also find themselves working in healthcare policy or more hands-on as a nurse anesthetist.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the highest-paying jobs include:

• certified registered nurse anesthetist ($212,650 annually)
• psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner ($147,160 annually)
• certified nurse-midwife ($129,650 annually)

There are many other roles that could be high-paying as well. For example, other online job boards estimate the salary for chief nursing officer roles at $155,833 annually. Nearly every program listed above includes different specialties that will prepare you for these roles. It's important to consider your career goals when choosing a program.

FAQs About Accelerated BSN to DNP Programs Online

Completing your BSN to DNP online can feel daunting, and it's normal to still have a few questions. Below, we'll look at online degree programs more closely and see what financial aid is available.

Is an Accelerated BSN to DNP Worth It?

An accelerated BSN to DNP program is one of the fastest ways to reach the highest level of education. Students gain experience through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experience to prepare them for nursing leadership roles. Many of these positions have average salaries above $100,000 per year, so investing in your education is definitely worth it.

What Financial Aid Is Available for Online BSN to DNP Programs?

Students interested in financial aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see how much aid they are eligible for. Additionally, many schools offer need- and merit-based scholarships and grants. Federal work-study programs and assistantships allow graduate students to work part-time to earn extra money to help pay their tuition.

Are Online DNP Programs Respected?

Yes, online DNP programs are just as respected as in-person programs. The nursing curriculum is just as rigorous as traditional programs, and many schools partner with respected local facilities for clinical rotations. Just because you complete the program online does not mean it will be easy.

How Competitive Are BSN to DNP Programs?

BSN to DNP programs can be pretty competitive. Applicants must meet strict GPA requirements, provide references, and meet other strict criteria. Larger schools also tend to have more applicants, making it challenging to stand out, but not impossible. Aspiring doctors can speak with the program director to learn what they look for in an applicant.

Can You Work While Earning a BSN to DNP?

Part-time students can continue working while finishing their degree, but for full-time students, this is not recommended. The coursework is already challenging and will require a lot of time both in class and studying. Once clinical rotations begin, you will also be working almost a full-time job just doing that.

Discover More Online Nursing Programs

Earning your doctoral degree online is a fast, flexible, and affordable way to further your career options. Other similar nursing schools and programs are featured on Learn.org. Take a look and reach out to one that interests you.