Top 10 Accelerated Online RN to DNP Programs in 2025

Registered nurses (RNs) ready to take their careers to the next level can benefit from earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This degree qualifies them for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse executive, and other leadership roles.

To enter a DNP degree program, students often need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); however, some schools offer accelerated or bridge RN to DNP programs for nurses with undergraduate degrees. Below, we'll highlight schools that enable students to earn a DNP in a fraction of the time.

How Do You Go From RN to DNP?

RNs pursuing a DNP typically follow these steps:

• Meet DNP program admission requirements (e.g., submit official transcripts for an associate or bachelor's degree).
• Take core and specialization courses.
• Complete clinical experiences.

In many DNP programs, students also earn an MSN. While obtaining these degrees separately takes many years, an RN to DNP program enables students to finish at an accelerated pace.

Can You Earn an RN to DNP Online?

Yes, many schools offer RN to DNP programs online. Enrollees access coursework on a virtual learning platform where they submit assignments and complete other requirements. However, these programs often include in-person training, such as on-campus intensives or residencies and clinical placements occurring in an approved healthcare setting.

How Long Does an Accelerated RN to DNP Program Take?

On average, accelerated RN to DNP programs require three to four years with full-time enrollment. For students pursuing their degrees part-time, another year might be necessary. Looking for another way to speed up degree completion? Consider schools that accept transfer or other prior learning credits.

Top Accelerated ADN to DNP Programs Online

Do you want to pursue an RN to DNP online? Review the schools below to find accelerated programs nationwide.

1. Union University

Union University's College of Nursing prepares licensed RNs with a minimum associate degree or diploma for advanced nursing care careers through hybrid/blended DNP programs. Enrollees select a track such as executive leadership, nurse anesthetist, or nurse practitioner. They take nursing coursework online and complete clinical fellowships in person.

In these programs, students don't earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an MSN � only a DNP upon completion.

• Estimated tuition cost: As low as $5,840 per term
• Program length: 36 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Washington

The University of Washington is home to a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This three-year program offers the following specializations.

• adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (acute or primary care)
• family nurse practitioner (FNP)
• nurse-midwifery
• pediatric nurse practitioner (acute or primary care)
• women's health nurse leader
• psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
• population health and systems leadership

Admission is open to students in the process of earning a BSN who complete their degree before beginning the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,062 per credit or $11,688 per quarter for residents; $16,679 per quarter for non-residents (tuition varies by program)
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. Clarkson College

The BSN to DNP in nurse anesthesia at Clarkson College prepares learners for nurse anesthetist roles following 20 months of hybrid didactic training and 16 months of clinical practice. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), this program explores healthcare policy, healthcare informatics, and anesthesia principles, and has a DNP project.

Admission requirements include possessing a BSN degree by the start of the term and gaining at least one year of critical care experience after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,133 per credit hour
• Program length: 36 months (20 months of didactic training and a 16-month clinical practicum)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Abilene Christian University

Registered nurses seeking RN to DNP programs in Texas can find an online BSN to DNP at Abilene Christian University that allows students to skip master's degree requirements. Instead of earning an MSN and a DNP, enrollees take an accelerated path directly to their doctorate.

This program consists of an 18-credit pathway sequence, DNP core, and a specialized concentration in executive nursing leadership. Enrollees also complete 500 clinical hours plus two DNP projects.

• Estimated tuition cost: $650 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Allen College

Allen College has an RN to DNP option, designed for students who possess an RN license from Iowa or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. In this hybrid program, enrollees choose from five specializations:

• acute care pediatric nurse practitioner
• family nurse practitioner
• adult gerontological acute care nurse practitioner
• leadership in healthcare delivery administration
• psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner

In addition to core coursework in population health, healthcare informatics, and evidence-based practice, as well as specialization courses, DNP students must complete approved clinical experiences.

• Estimated tuition cost: $948 per credit hour
• Program length: As little as four years
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Michigan-Flint

Nurses looking for online RN to DNP programs that don't require a bachelor's degree for admission can pursue the University of Michigan-Flint's RN to DNP with MSN pathway. This program, which culminates in a doctorate and a master's degree in nursing, includes the following concentrations:

• adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (acute care or primary care)
• family nurse practitioner
• neonatal nurse practitioner
• psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner

To enroll, students need a minimum ADN or diploma and a 3.5 GPA. GRE scores aren't required.

• Estimated tuition cost: $834 per credit hour (in-state); $1,248.25 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: Four years and four months - full-time (one year and eight months for MSN; two years and eight months for DNP)
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University offers an ADN/Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) to DNP transfer pathway through its nursing bridge agreement. Students accepted to one of several North Carolina Community Colleges' ADN programs are dually accepted into Gardner-Webb's online RN-to-BSN program, which offers a pathway to the DNP.

Through this pathway, learners earn an ADN, BSN, and a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner DNP. To enroll, students must meet admission requirements for both schools' nursing programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (ADN); $520 per credit hour - part-time (RN-to-BSN); $845 per credit hour (DNP)
• Program length: RN-to-BSN (as little as one year) and DNP (as little as three years) + ADN
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. University of Saint Francis

The University of Saint Francis offers several DNP options (e.g., post-master's DNP and post-BSN to DNP programs). For nurses with an associate degree, a post-ADN to DNP is available with the following specializations:

• family nurse practitioner
• psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
• adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
• leadership

ADN holders start this program with a two-semester transition sequence that delivers essential BSN content. Once fully enrolled, learners complete graduate coursework and attend in-person intensives that include lectures, simulations, and patient visits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $750 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Boston College

At Boston College, registered nurses can become advanced practice nurses with help from the Connell School of Nursing's RN (ASN) to DNP, which offers specialty practice areas, such as:

• adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
• family nurse practitioner
• pediatric primary care nurse practitioner
• psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
• women's health nurse practitioner

Before starting the DNP curriculum, students must complete bridge coursework. Clinical experiences include a minimum of 750 direct patient care hours and 250 indirect care hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,876 per credit hour
• Program length: Undisclosed
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

10. New York University

New York University's Post-BS to DNP is a hybrid program offering population foci, such as:

• adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (acute or primary care)
• family nurse practitioner
• psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
• pediatric nurse practitioner

In this program, students take DNP core and advanced practice nursing courses, while also completing clinical experiences and a DNP scholarly project. Admission is open to students with an ADN with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in another field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,496 per credit hour
• Program length: Undisclosed
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the schools in this ranking list to confirm that each has met the following criteria for delivering a quality learning experience.

• Accreditation: All schools in this list are accredited by a nationally recognized organization, such as the HLC or the MSCHE.
• Program length: We selected programs offering an accelerated pathway to DNP completion.
• Program reputation: Each institution has a reputation for providing quality online and on-campus programs.

Career Paths With a Doctor of Nursing Practice

A DNP enables graduates to pursue various advanced nursing practice, executive, and educator roles. Take a look at common careers for DNP graduates (including current salaries and job growth projections through 2033 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):

• Nurse anesthetist ($223,210 median annual salary; 10% job growth)
• Nurse practitioner ($129,210 median annual salary; 46% job growth)
• Nurse midwife ($128,790 median annual salary; 7% job growth)
• Clinical nurse educator ($79,940 median annual salary; 18% job growth)

Other positions available to DNP graduates include nurse administrator, health informatics specialist, and chief nursing officer.

FAQs About Accelerated RN to DNP Programs Online

Accelerated RN to DNP online programs are available nationwide. Are you ready to enroll? Review the following FAQs to learn more.

Can You Go From RN to DNP?

You can go from an RN to a DNP. Many schools offer RN/BSN to DNP programs for licensed nurses with a BSN who want to pursue their doctorate; however, you can also find several programs enabling RNs with an ADN to secure a DNP.

Is an Accelerated RN to DNP Worth It?

Yes, an online RN to DNP is worth it. In these programs, learners can fast-track a doctorate in nursing, completing their studies in less time while saving money and qualifying for top roles in the field after graduating.

Are Online DNP Programs Respected?

Yes, online DNP programs are respected. Many nursing schools offer programs accredited by the CCNE or the ACEN, and some are highly ranked. Students graduating from reputable online DNP programs typically receive the same consideration when applying for nursing roles as graduates of on-campus DNP programs.

Does a DNP or an NP Get Paid More?

NP stands for nurse practitioner, which is a type of nursing role. DNP, on the other hand, is a doctoral degree in nursing. Students who graduate with a DNP can qualify for numerous high-paying roles in the field, including the NP position.

What Are the Admission Requirements for ADN to DNP Programs?

Admission requirements for ADN to DNP programs vary by school. However, many require applicants to possess an ADN degree, complete prerequisite or bridge courses, and have a minimum GPA.

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