Top BSN to NP Programs of 2025

The nursing profession continuously evolves, and advanced degrees are pivotal in this progression.

For nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), advancing to a Nurse Practitioner (NP) role requires additional education, commonly through a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

These BSN to NP programs are designed to bridge the gap, providing BSN holders with the advanced clinical and leadership skills required in today's complex healthcare environment.

The journey from BSN to DNP is not just an academic upgrade; it's a career transformation, empowering nurses with higher autonomy, advanced clinical expertise, and leadership abilities that are crucial in healthcare.

Top BSN to DNP Programs

The demand for highly skilled nurse practitioners grows as the healthcare landscape becomes more complex. BSN to DNP programs cater to this need by offering nurses a pathway to advanced practice.

1. University of Arizona

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Arizona is designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to enhance their expertise.

This hybrid program accommodates BSN and MSN graduates, combining online learning, on-campus sessions, and clinical experiences.

Participants will develop strong research capabilities, learn to enhance healthcare delivery, lead professional teams, and contribute to policymaking.

Additionally, the University offers a dual degree option in DNP and Master of Public Health (MPH).

Priced at $1,053 per credit, this program prepares graduates for significant roles in various healthcare environments.

2. Regis College

Regis College Online offers a flexible and accelerated path for registered nurses with a BSN to attain their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

With six nurse practitioner tracks and the option to complete the program online in as few as 40 months, nurses can enhance their skills and career prospects.

Regis College Online values your time and previous education, accepting transfer credits and waiving the GRE/GMAT requirement for admission.

3. UMass Global

UMass Global offers an online BSN to DNP program for registered nurses seeking specialization in family nursing across the lifespan.

This program equips RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to excel in private practices, urgent care, outpatient clinics, and community health settings.

Students can complete the program in just 36 months.

They become eligible for certification exams by ANCC and AANPCB, paving the way for rewarding nursing careers. The cost is $1224 per credit.

4. University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers an online BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program, empowering nurses to provide advanced care across the lifespan.

Requirements include a BSN degree, an active RN license, a minimum GPA of 3.0, 2 years of full-time work experience before clinical, and application materials.

This program comprises 62 credit hours, 1,250 clinical hours, and a cost of $766 per credit hour, spanning ten consecutive semesters.

5. Hawai'i Pacific University

Hawai'i Pacific University presents a 100% online BSN to DNP program.

This program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice nursing in just 34 to 44 months, as per full-time or part-time enrollment.

Upon completion, students receive a DNP degree with no MSN degree option. Transfer up to 12 credits towards your DNP journey.

Students will benefit from flexible online coursework, multiple start dates, active practitioner faculty, and a strong record of licensing exam success.

6. Maryville University

Maryville University offers a convenient online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) program with several benefits.

Students can access coursework entirely online. There's no requirement for GMAT, GRE, or statistics during the application process.

The program allows you to earn your DNP degree in as little as 40 months and offers five concentrations.

Tuition ranges from $60,408 to $68,660 for the entire program, making it an accessible option for aspiring nurse practitioners.

7. The University of Florida

The University of Florida's BSN to DNP program offers aspiring nurses a transformative journey toward advanced practice.

With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 75 to 78 credits, this program aligns with national DNP essentials and guides students through completing their DNP project.

The program combines online learning with occasional campus visits and clinical placements in Florida.

These visits are crucial for health assessment, clinical courses, simulation training, and skill development.

8. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University's online BSN to DNP program comprises an 18-credit pathway, the DNP core, and a concentration in Executive Nursing Leadership.

After the pathway courses, students transition directly into the DNP curriculum. They gain hands-on experience through 500 clinical hours and complete two workplace projects.

The program takes at least 12 months and includes courses like Advanced Leadership, Spirituality & Nursing Care, Population Health, and Nurse Leaders.

9. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama offers an online BSN to DNP pathway for advanced nursing practice roles.

Designed for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates, this program allows students to earn their MSN and DNP degrees.

Specializations include Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and more.

The curriculum comprises 69 to 87 credit hours and can be completed in 10 to 12 semesters, offering flexibility for part-time and full-time study.

10. The University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for BSN graduates.

Completable in four to five years, this 78-credit-hour program provides full- and part-time options.

With a focus on practice, the DNP program equips students for leadership, research, educational, and healthcare roles.

Students benefit from small class sizes (10-20) and a 100% online learning environment, ensuring personalized attention throughout their journey.

Graduates earn a DNP degree and can become nurse practitioners or leaders in the field.

11. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University's Department of Nursing offers a BSN to DNP Pathway for graduates of accredited BSN programs.

This full-time, primarily online program includes minimal on-campus visits and costs $498 per credit hour.

Clinical practice primarily occurs in Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, focusing on the Family Nurse Practitioner track, totaling 75 credit hours.

Cohorts begin in the summer, and each co-affiliate's study plan remains consistent.

12. The University of Colorado

The BS-DNP program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a seamless path for baccalaureate-prepared nurses to earn both a master's degree and a practice doctorate.

Graduates become advanced practice leaders, capable of shaping healthcare models, assessing clinical outcomes, managing population health, and leveraging technology for healthcare transformation.

The program costs $588 per credit hour and provides eligibility for certification and licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in all 50 states, including Colorado.

Benefits of Online BSN to NP Degree

The journey from BSN to NP is one that not only enhances clinical and research capabilities but also opens doors to influential roles in the healthcare sector.

Here are some of the benefits of online BSN to NP Programs:

• Flexibility and Convenience: Study at your own pace, balancing work and personal commitments.
• Advanced Clinical Skills: Gain in-depth medical knowledge and clinical expertise.
• Leadership Opportunities: Prepare for senior roles in healthcare management and policy.
• Higher Earning Potential: NP roles typically command higher salaries than BSN-level positions.
• Increased Autonomy: NPs often enjoy greater independence in clinical decision-making.
• Diverse Specializations: Choose from various specializations to fit your career goals.
• Cutting-Edge Knowledge: Stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and expand your career network.
• Personal Growth: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Contribution to Healthcare: Play a pivotal role in improving patient care and health outcomes.

A Future in Advanced Nursing: BSN to NP

The transition from a BSN to an NP through DNP programs marks a significant leap in a nurse's career. These programs are more than just an educational milestone; they catalyze personal and professional growth, steering nursing professionals towards a future where they can substantially impact healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Embrace the change and lead the future of nursing with a BSN to NP program.