Top 10 Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Whether you've been working in healthcare or some other field, you may be wondering what it would take to get started in an advanced practice nursing career. Is it possible to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) if you have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field?

Keep reading as we explore these specialized types of degrees, known as direct-entry DNP programs. We'll discuss some top schools offering these types of degrees and provide answers to various questions you may have.

Are There Direct-Entry DNP Programs Online?

Direct-entry DNP programs almost always have in-person components, such as clinical experiences, practicums, internships, and skills labs. That said, some schools allow students to complete components of the program, which do not require hands-on learning, online.

Programs may be offered in a ''100% online'' format, in which students complete all coursework remotely, or in a hybrid format — where some of the coursework or the residencies are completed in a classroom setting. Regardless of whether your program offers online study options or not, you will still likely be required to complete clinicals or practicums in-person in real-world healthcare settings.

How Direct Entry DNP Programs Work

Direct-entry DNP programs are designed for career changers whose professional history and education are in fields other than nursing. They provide an efficient, streamlined path to help students become registered nurses (RNs) and pursue an advanced nursing education.

These types of nursing programs are commonly divided into pre-licensure and post-licensure components. During the pre-licensure portion, students complete courses and clinical rotations before sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam and earning their RN license. Then, they complete advanced coursework and clinical training to prepare them to provide primary care and fill leadership roles in nursing.

Courses may cover various basic and advanced nursing topics, such as:

• microbiology
• pharmacology
• pathophysiology
• nursing informatics
• population health

Direct-entry programs are often full-time, accelerated programs, though some nursing schools offer more flexible or part-time options. Many programs are designed to be completed within three to four years.

5 Most Flexible Online DNP Programs

If you're ready to make the switch to an advanced nursing career, keep reading. Below, we'll look at some of the best direct-entry DNP programs available, including some offered online or in hybrid formats.

1. University of Vermont

The University of Vermont is a public school located in Burlington, VT. It provides a direct entry to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for non-nurses (DEPN) program with concentrations in adult-gerontology and family nurse practitioner.

This relatively affordable program provides on-campus, hybrid, and fully online coursework in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Full-time learners typically graduate within four years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $692 per credit hour (in-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for financial aid and scholarships through the school and outside sources.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Seattle University

Seattle University is a private school located in Seattle, WA. It offers an advanced practice nursing immersion (APNI) DNP program for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees.

Students attend classes in person at the school's First Hill campus and commonly graduate within four years. Students can choose from concentrations in acute or primary care, family, psychiatric mental health, and midwifery or women's health.

• Estimated tuition cost: $973 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The school provides various internal scholarships and accepts multiple forms of outside aid.
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public school in Honolulu, HI. Its graduate entry program in nursing (GEPN) takes anywhere from two to four years to complete and can lead to either a master's or doctoral degree.

Students learn competencies in caring for patients across the lifespan or in providing specialized care for specific groups. Students take courses on campus and complete up to 126 credit hours.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,001 per credit hour (in-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and may qualify for tuition discounts.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

4. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is a public school in Chicago, IL. It offers a DNP transition program for students who have an RN license but have earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.

The program is delivered in a hybrid format with some on-campus requirements, though many of the courses are completed remotely. Students can complete the program in anywhere from two to six years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,075 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can fund their education through scholarships, assistantships, and federal financial aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Simmons University

Simmons University is a private women's school with co-educational graduate degrees. Located in Boston, MA, it provides a direct-entry DNP program with a concentration in family nurse practitioner.

Students must complete the pre-licensure portion of this program on campus; after that, they can transition to a hybrid format for the remainder of the program. Students take courses covering evidence-based practice, health policy, and more to prepare them to become competent nursing providers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,400 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use federal and private loans along with school-based scholarships to cover costs.
• Accreditation: NECHE

How We Rank Schools

We strive to select only the best programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the direct-entry DNP degrees above:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are institutionally accredited, and each school of nursing maintains accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Affordability: The programs offered above are some of the most affordable options available, with tuition rates ranging from around $700 to $1,400 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each program is known for having expert faculty and providing exceptional training for DNP students, whether online or on-campus.

Online and Hybrid vs. Campus-Based Programs

As noted above, some direct-entry DNP programs are only available on campus, while others provide online or hybrid coursework options. Regardless of the format you choose, these programs are generally designed to provide at least moderate flexibility.

On-campus programs often provide evening or weekend classes and may have part-time study options to meet the needs of busy professionals. Online and hybrid programs are even more flexible, often providing asynchronous classes that students can complete on their own schedule as long as they meet program deadlines.

Both online and on-campus programs provide plenty of resources to help students succeed. Direct-entry DNP programs are intensive, but instructors and faculty members are always happy to answer questions and provide support.

FAQs About Direct Entry DNP Programs

If you still have questions about becoming a nurse leader through a direct-entry DNP program, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer various questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Is a Direct Entry DNP Program?

The exact length of a direct-entry DNP program will depend on the school you attend, whether you study part-time or full-time, and whether you have any transfer credits. Generally speaking, though, these programs can be completed in three to four years, with some programs designed for completion in five years.

Are Direct Entry DNP Programs Worth It?

These doctoral degree programs can be expensive and challenging, but many students find that they are well worth the time and money. DNP degrees can lead to high-paying, in-demand careers such as advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), family nurse practitioner (FNP), and nurse anesthetist roles.

If you're interested in providing advanced nursing care and becoming a leader in the healthcare system, then getting a DNP can prove to be a rewarding and potentially lucrative choice.

Is a Nurse Practitioner a Doctor?

Nurse practitioners are not technically doctors, even though many of them have doctoral degrees. They do not attend medical school, and the types and levels of clinical practice they receive differ. Despite the differences in their education, medical doctors and nurse practitioners both provide patient care and may prescribe medications, run diagnostic tests, and create treatment plans.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Direct Entry DNP Programs?

Exact admission requirements can vary from program to program, but commonly include:

• a bachelor's degree in any field
• official transcripts indicating a minimum GPA
• completion of prerequisite courses
• GRE/GMAT test scores (sometimes optional)
• letters of recommendation
• a personal essay or statement of purpose

Can You Be a Nurse Practitioner With a Direct Entry MSN?

Yes, it's possible to become a nurse practitioner (NP) with a direct-entry nursing degree, whether it's a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or DNP. There are many different NP specializations you can pursue, including:

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

Discover Online Nursing Degrees

If you're ready to begin your journey of exploring advanced nursing roles, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools today to learn more about their DNP programs and to choose the right option for you.