10 Online BSN to DNP Programs With No GRE Requirement 2026

A BSN-to-DNP program allows registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) without first completing a separate master's degree. These programs can help nurses prepare for advanced practice, leadership, administration and specialized clinical roles while building the highest level of practice-focused nursing education.

Today, there are many grad schools with no GRE requirements, making doctoral nursing education more accessible to working nurses. Below, we'll explain what the GRE is, whether BSN-to-DNP programs still require it and some of the best online options available for nurses pursuing advanced practice and leadership opportunities.

What Is the GRE and Why Do Some Schools Require It? 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that has traditionally been used in graduate admissions. The exam measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills, providing universities with one way to evaluate applicants from different educational and professional backgrounds.

Historically, some nursing doctoral programs required GRE scores because DNP coursework often includes advanced research evaluation, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice and leadership training. Admissions committees viewed the exam as one indicator of whether applicants were prepared for the academic rigor of doctoral-level study.

In recent years, however, many nursing schools have moved away from standardized testing requirements. Instead, admissions committees increasingly focus on factors such as undergraduate GPA, nursing experience, professional accomplishments, recommendation letters and leadership potential. As a result, many online BSN-to-DNP programs now offer admissions pathways that do not require GRE scores.

Is the GRE Required for BSN to DNP Programs?

A growing number of BSN-to-DNP programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. Nursing schools increasingly recognize that professional experience, academic performance and clinical competence may be stronger indicators of success in a DNP program than standardized test scores.

Many BSN-to-DNP programs are designed for working registered nurses who bring valuable clinical experience to the classroom. As a result, admissions committees often place greater emphasis on nursing licensure, GPA, professional references and healthcare experience than on GRE performance.

While some DNP programs continue to require GRE scores, they are becoming less common than they once were. For prospective students, no-GRE admissions policies can reduce application costs, simplify the admissions process and make doctoral nursing education more accessible. Even at schools that do not require the GRE, applicants should carefully review RN licensure, GPA and clinical experience requirements before applying.

Top Online BSN to DNP Programs That Don't Require the GRE

Doctor of Nursing Practice programs prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical, leadership and healthcare administration roles. The schools below offer online BSN-to-DNP pathways that do not require GRE scores for admission. All programs on this list are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), helping ensure that graduates receive education aligned with national nursing standards and certification requirements. 

1. Baylor University

Baylor University is located in Waco, Texas, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its online BSN-to-DNP pathways are designed for registered nurses who want to advance into nurse practitioner and advanced practice roles while earning a doctoral degree. Students can choose from several specialty tracks, including:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse-Midwifery

The curriculum combines advanced clinical coursework, evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership and supervised clinical experiences. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. Baylor University does not require GRE scores for admission.

2. Chatham University

Chatham University is one of the best colleges in the Pittsburgh area and offers an online BSN-to-DNP program designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and healthcare leadership positions. The program emphasizes evidence-based care, clinical decision-making, healthcare policy and population health while helping students develop doctoral-level nursing competencies.

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Students complete advanced nursing coursework, clinical experiences and a scholarly DNP project that focuses on improving healthcare outcomes. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, maintain an active RN license and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. Chatham University does not require GRE scores for admission.

3. Georgetown University

Georgetown University's BSN-to-DNP pathways are designed for registered nurses seeking advanced practice roles and doctoral-level nursing education. The program combines advanced clinical training, evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership and policy coursework to prepare graduates for certification and licensure in their chosen specialty area. Students can choose from the following tracks:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Located in Washington, D.C., the university is accredited by the MSCHE. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. Georgetown University does not require GRE scores for admission.

4. Herzing University

Herzing University's BSN-to-DNP program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The program offers multiple pathways that allow registered nurses to prepare for advanced practice, leadership and population health roles while completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Available specialty tracks include:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Leadership and Administration
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Public Health
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

The university is headquartered in Milwaukee. Coursework focuses on advanced clinical practice, healthcare leadership, evidence-based care and quality improvement. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, maintain an active RN license and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. Herzing University does not require GRE scores for admission.

5. Maryville University

Maryville University is located in St. Louis and is accredited by the HLC. Its online BSN-to-DNP pathways are designed for nurses who want to advance their clinical expertise and prepare for advanced practice nursing roles through doctoral-level education. Students can select from the following concentrations:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The curriculum combines advanced nursing theory, clinical experiences, leadership development and evidence-based practice. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. Maryville University does not require GRE scores for admission.

6. Ohio University

Ohio University is located in Athens, Ohio, and offers an online BSN-to-DNP program designed for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical, leadership or educational roles. The program combines doctoral-level nursing coursework, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and clinical experiences to prepare graduates for a variety of advanced nursing careers. Students can choose between direct patient care and indirect patient care pathways. Available options include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Nurse Executive
• Nurse Educator

The university is accredited by the HLC. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. Ohio University does not require GRE scores for admission.

7. Regis College

Regis College's online BSN-to-DNP program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice nursing roles through a combination of clinical training, leadership development and evidence-based practice. The program is designed to help students meet certification and licensure requirements while earning a terminal nursing degree.

Located in Weston, Massachusetts, the college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Students may choose from the following concentration areas:

• Pediatrics
• Family Nurse Practitioner 
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner 
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, maintain an active RN license and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. Regis College does not require GRE scores for admission.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida's BSN-to-DNP pathways are accredited by the SACSCOC. The program prepares registered nurses for advanced practice roles through coursework in clinical care, healthcare leadership, evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Located in Gainesville, Florida, the university offers several specialty pathways, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Students complete advanced clinical experiences and a scholarly DNP project designed to improve healthcare outcomes. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of Florida does not require GRE scores for admission.

9. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is located in Columbia, Missouri, and is accredited by the HLC. Its BSN-to-DNP program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical practice, leadership and healthcare innovation roles through doctoral-level nursing education and supervised clinical experiences. Students can choose from several emphasis areas, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Healthcare
• Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, quality improvement and advanced nursing leadership. Admission requirements include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an active RN license, official transcripts and other required application materials. The University of Missouri is one of the best online colleges in Missouri and does not require GRE scores for admission.

10. University of Tennessee Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a BSN-to-DNP program designed for nurses seeking advanced practice and leadership roles in healthcare. The program combines rigorous clinical preparation with doctoral coursework focused on healthcare systems, quality improvement, evidence-based practice and patient outcomes. Students may select from the following concentration areas:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Anesthesia

Located in Knoxville, the university is accredited by the SACSCOC and is one of the best online colleges in Tennessee. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, maintain an active RN license and submit official transcripts and other required admissions materials. The University of Tennessee Knoxville does not require GRE scores for admission.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because BSN-to-DNP programs prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership and doctoral-level clinical roles, we prioritize programs that provide strong licensure preparation, recognized nursing accreditation and pathways aligned with national certification requirements. We also focus on:

• CCNE Accreditation: We give preference to programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This specialized nursing accreditation helps ensure that programs meet recognized standards for curriculum quality, faculty qualifications and clinical preparation.
• Advanced Practice and Leadership Pathways: We evaluate the variety of specialization options available to students. Programs that offer nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nurse executive, nurse educator and other advanced practice pathways receive additional consideration because they provide flexibility for different career goals.
• Clinical Training and Certification Preparation: We review clinical requirements, practicum experiences and curriculum alignment with national certification standards. Programs that provide strong preparation for advanced practice nursing certification and state licensure receive additional weight in our rankings.
• Admissions Accessibility: Schools that do not require GRE scores receive additional consideration. We also evaluate GPA requirements, RN licensure requirements and other admissions criteria that may affect accessibility for prospective students.
• Online Flexibility and Student Support: We assess online course delivery, clinical placement support, faculty accessibility and student services that help working nurses balance doctoral education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Typical Admissions Requirements for BSN to DNP Programs

Admissions requirements for BSN-to-DNP programs vary by university, but most schools seek applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, clinical competence and the potential to succeed in doctoral-level nursing education. Because these programs prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles, admissions committees often evaluate both educational background and professional experience.

Most online BSN-to-DNP programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution and maintain an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. Schools typically request official transcripts and may establish minimum GPA requirements, often ranging from 3.0 to 3.5. Many programs also require a résumé or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining professional goals and interest in advanced nursing practice.

Many BSN-to-DNP programs no longer require GRE scores and instead focus on factors such as clinical experience, leadership potential and academic achievement. Depending on the specialty, some schools may require a minimum amount of nursing experience before enrollment. Applicants should carefully review program-specific requirements, particularly for competitive tracks such as nurse anesthesia and acute care specialties.

How Much Do Online BSN to DNP Programs Cost?

The cost of an online BSN-to-DNP program varies based on factors such as the university, specialty track and total number of required credits. In many cases, total tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to more than $120,000, with private universities and specialized advanced practice tracks often costing more than public university programs.

Students should also budget for expenses beyond tuition, including clinical placement costs, background checks, drug screenings, certification preparation materials, technology fees, textbooks and travel associated with on-campus intensives or clinical requirements. Certain specialty tracks may have additional costs related to simulation labs or certification preparation.

Most accredited universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), allowing eligible students to access federal loans and other forms of financial aid. Students may also qualify for nursing scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement programs, military education benefits and federal workforce initiatives that support advanced nursing education. Comparing total costs alongside available financial aid can help you identify a BSN-to-DNP program that aligns with your budget and career goals.

How To Choose the Right No-GRE BSN to DNP Program 

With more nursing schools eliminating GRE requirements, prospective students have more options than ever when pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. As you compare programs, it is important to look beyond admissions policies and evaluate factors that can affect your certification eligibility, clinical preparation and long-term career goals.

Choose the Right Specialty Track

BSN-to-DNP programs often offer multiple advanced practice and leadership pathways. Depending on your interests, you may pursue specialties such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, nurse anesthesia or nursing leadership. Selecting a track that aligns with your career goals can help ensure that your coursework and clinical experiences support your desired certification.

Verify Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a DNP program. Look for schools accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), as this accreditation helps demonstrate that a program meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education and clinical preparation.

Review Clinical Placement Support

Clinical experiences are a major component of BSN-to-DNP education. Some schools assist students with identifying preceptors and securing clinical placements, while others require students to arrange placements independently. Understanding the level of support available can help you avoid challenges later in the program.

Consider Program Format and Flexibility

Many BSN-to-DNP students continue working while completing their degrees. Review course delivery methods, required campus visits, clinical expectations and program length to determine whether a program fits your schedule and professional responsibilities.

Compare Costs and Financial Aid

Doctoral nursing education represents a significant investment. Compare tuition, fees and additional expenses alongside available scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement opportunities and federal financial aid options. Most accredited universities accept FAFSA applications and participate in federal aid programs.    

Career Outlook With a DNP

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest practice-focused degree in nursing and can prepare graduates for advanced clinical, leadership, administrative and healthcare improvement roles. Depending on their specialty and certification, DNP graduates may work as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse executives, nurse educators or healthcare leaders in hospitals, clinics, healthcare systems and community organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations -- 35% over the next decade. Growing demand for healthcare services, an aging population and increased emphasis on preventive and primary care are expected to contribute to continued workforce needs.

FAQs About No-GRE BSN to DNP Programs

If you're considering a BSN-to-DNP program, you may have questions about admissions requirements, certification pathways and career opportunities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask when researching online BSN-to-DNP programs with no GRE requirement.

Can You Get Into a BSN-to-DNP Program Without the GRE?

Many nursing schools no longer require GRE scores for admission to BSN-to-DNP programs. Instead, schools often evaluate applicants based on undergraduate GPA, nursing experience, RN licensure, recommendation letters and professional accomplishments. This approach allows admissions committees to focus on clinical readiness and leadership potential rather than standardized test performance.

Is a BSN-to-DNP Faster Than Earning an MSN and DNP Separately?

BSN-to-DNP programs are designed to provide a direct pathway from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. By integrating master's- and doctoral-level coursework into a single curriculum, students may complete their education more efficiently than pursuing separate graduate degrees.

Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Through a BSN-to-DNP Program?

Many BSN-to-DNP programs offer nurse practitioner specializations that prepare graduates for national certification and state licensure. Common tracks include family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and pediatric nurse practitioner. Certification requirements vary by specialty and state.

Are Online BSN-to-DNP Programs Respected by Employers?

Employers generally focus on accreditation, certification eligibility and clinical preparation rather than whether coursework was completed online or on campus. Graduating from a CCNE-accredited program and meeting certification and licensure requirements are often more important factors than the program's delivery format.

Is a DNP Worth It?

For nurses seeking advanced practice, leadership and healthcare improvement roles, a Doctor of Nursing Practice can provide valuable clinical, administrative and evidence-based practice skills. The degree may support career advancement, expanded responsibilities and eligibility for advanced nursing positions. Career outcomes vary based on specialty, certification, experience and geographic location.  

Find No-GRE Grad Schools 

Find your perfect BSN to DNP program by exploring the accessible online options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific nursing schools to find out more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.