Best Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

Baylor University's Online DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program offers a transformative educational journey for advanced nursing professionals. Designed to cultivate exceptional pediatric healthcare expertise, this comprehensive doctoral-level track prepares nurses to deliver sophisticated, patient-centered care for children and adolescents. The curriculum emphasizes complex health management strategies, with 75 total credits achievable through flexible online coursework complemented by strategic on-campus immersions. Students benefit from intensive clinical training, completing 1,125 practicum hours that develop advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities. The program's distinguished faculty and national recognition ensure graduates are well-positioned to address emerging pediatric healthcare challenges with innovative, evidence-based approaches.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 1,125 Clinical Practicum Hours
• Two Specialized Tracks Available
• No GRE Required
• 3.0 Minimum GPA
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• Ranked in U.S. News
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Clinical Placement Support
• Nationally Recognized Faculty

Baylor University's DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care track provides registered nurses an innovative pathway to advanced pediatric healthcare specialization. This meticulously crafted online program equips nurses with comprehensive skills to deliver exceptional patient care across pediatric settings. With a curriculum spanning three to four years, students engage in rigorous coursework that synthesizes clinical expertise, health promotion strategies, and complex pediatric management techniques. The program's distinctive approach integrates 1,125 clinical practicum hours, ensuring graduates develop nuanced understanding of pediatric health dynamics. By eliminating GRE requirements and offering flexible learning modalities, Baylor creates an accessible avenue for nurses seeking to elevate their professional capabilities in pediatric healthcare.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 1,125 Clinical Practicum Hours
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• No GRE Required
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Clinical Placement Support
• Two Track Options Available
• Primary and Acute Care Focus
• Ranked in U.S. News & World Report

Baylor University's DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care concentration represents a pinnacle of advanced pediatric healthcare education. Tailored for experienced registered nurses, this fully online program cultivates sophisticated clinical skills essential for managing critically ill children in high-intensity medical environments. The comprehensive 75-credit curriculum prepares students to navigate complex acute care scenarios with exceptional clinical judgment and procedural expertise. By integrating 1,125 primary care hours and an additional 600 acute care hours, the program ensures graduates are comprehensively prepared for demanding pediatric healthcare roles. With expert faculty guidance, robust clinical placement support, and strategic learning experiences, nurses can transform their professional trajectory in pediatric acute care settings.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 75 Total Credits
• 1,125 Clinical Hours
• No GRE Required
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• 3.0 GPA Minimum
• One Year Pediatric Experience Required
• U.S. News Top-Ranked Program
• CCNE Accredited
• Clinical Placement Support

Ohio State University's Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) offers a pioneering online program targeting master's-prepared nurses specializing in Academic Nursing Education. This innovative two to three-year program equips educators with advanced pedagogical skills, curriculum design expertise, and evidence-based teaching methodologies. Through synchronous coursework and immersive field experiences, students develop critical leadership competencies focused on academic nursing instruction. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing nurses to become transformative educators who can design sophisticated learning environments and drive educational excellence in healthcare settings.

• First DNE program nationwide
• Online synchronous coursework
• Two specialization tracks
• Full-time: 2 years study
• Part-time: 3 years study
• Autumn 2025 application deadline: March 1
• Fellowship opportunities available
• Pre-accredited program

Ohio State University's Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) provides a comprehensive online pathway for master's-prepared nurses pursuing Nursing Professional Development. This groundbreaking program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and advanced leadership techniques in healthcare education. Spanning two to three years, students gain sophisticated skills in curriculum design, evidence-based teaching strategies, and professional development methodologies. The program strategically prepares nurses to excel in both academic and clinical educational roles, focusing on developing innovative approaches to nursing education that can significantly impact healthcare training and organizational learning environments.

• First DNE program nationwide
• Online synchronous coursework
• Two specialization tracks
• Full-time: 2 years
• Part-time: 3 years
• Application deadline: March 1
• Targets master's-prepared nurses
• Pre-accreditation status
• Focuses on nursing education leadership
• Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program represents a transformative educational journey for advanced practice nurses. Students engage in a meticulously designed three-year hybrid curriculum that transcends traditional learning models. By integrating comprehensive online coursework with strategic onsite immersions, participants develop sophisticated pediatric healthcare competencies. The program's robust framework focuses on evidence-based practice, enabling nurses to diagnose and manage pediatric patient needs from newborn through adolescent stages. With an intensive clinical experience of 840 hours and scholarly approach, graduates emerge as highly skilled pediatric nurse practitioners capable of delivering nuanced, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments.

• 3-year online with immersions
• 840 clinical hours
• 74.5 total program credits
• Prepares for pediatric certification
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year RN experience preferred
• Doctoral level advanced practice

Johns Hopkins University's DNP Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program offers an exceptional pathway for nurses seeking comprehensive pediatric healthcare expertise. This innovative three-year hybrid curriculum uniquely prepares advanced practice nurses to navigate both primary and acute care pediatric settings. By integrating 960 clinical hours with scholarly training, students develop multifaceted competencies in pediatric health management. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes leadership development, enabling graduates to become certified in dual pediatric care domains. Participants gain advanced clinical skills, research methodologies, and strategic insights, positioning themselves as transformative healthcare professionals capable of addressing complex pediatric health challenges with exceptional precision and compassion.

• Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
• 3-year online with immersions
• 960 clinical hours
• Top-ranked nursing program
• $1,997 per credit tuition
• Comprehensive pediatric training
• Advanced scholarly project focus
• Leadership development emphasis

The University of Tennessee's Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner program represents an innovative approach to advanced pediatric healthcare education. By blending comprehensive online learning with immersive clinical experiences, this program prepares nurses to excel across diverse pediatric medical environments. Students develop sophisticated skills for managing complex childhood health conditions, addressing critical provider shortages through rigorous training in emergency departments, intensive care units, and outpatient clinics. The dual concentration enables practitioners to seamlessly transition between primary and acute care pediatric settings, maximizing their clinical versatility and professional impact.

• Hybrid online curriculum
• High-fidelity simulation center
• Clinical rotations with mentorship
• Addresses pediatric provider shortage
• Multiple healthcare settings training
• On-campus visits twice semester
• Synchronous online course meetings

Designed for aspiring pediatric healthcare professionals, the University of Tennessee's Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive educational pathway for advanced nursing practice. Through a strategic hybrid curriculum, students receive intensive training in evidence-based pediatric care, spanning birth to young adulthood. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences, integrating high-fidelity simulation and extensive rotation opportunities to develop sophisticated assessment and intervention skills. Graduates emerge as highly qualified practitioners prepared to address critical gaps in pediatric healthcare delivery, with robust preparation for professional certification and meaningful clinical roles.

• Hybrid online curriculum
• 600-840 clinical hours
• High-fidelity simulation training
• Pediatric Nursing Certification eligible
• Multiple healthcare settings
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Synchronous online course meetings
• Mentored clinical rotations

Rutgers University's Dual Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program represents an advanced educational pathway designed for nursing professionals seeking comprehensive pediatric healthcare expertise. This innovative doctoral track uniquely prepares practitioners to deliver holistic care across primary and acute pediatric environments. Leveraging a sophisticated hybrid learning model, students complete 85 credits and 945 clinical hours, developing nuanced skills in complex pediatric patient management. The curriculum strategically integrates online coursework with immersive campus sessions in Newark, enabling working healthcare professionals to advance their specialized knowledge. Graduates emerge as highly skilled pediatric nurse practitioners capable of addressing intricate healthcare challenges.

• Four-year doctoral program
• 85 total credits required
• 945 minimum clinical hours
• Hybrid learning format
• Newark campus in-person classes
• Primary/Acute Care concentration

Messiah University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for nurses aiming to excel as Nurse Educators. This program stands out for its 100% online coursework, making it accessible for working professionals. With a focus on leadership in nursing education, the curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles in both academic and clinical settings. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring a high standard of education. It requires 27-35 credits, can be completed in 3 years, and costs $940 per credit, with no additional tuition fees. This post-master's degree track is ideal for those looking to shape the future of healthcare education.

• 100% online coursework
• $940 per credit
• 27-35 total credits
• 3-year completion time
• CCNE accredited program
• Post-master's degree track
• No additional tuition fees
• Leadership in nursing education

Arkansas State University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Concentration in Education, designed for nurses aiming to become leaders in nursing education. This program focuses on developing advanced teaching skills, curriculum design, and innovative educational strategies to improve healthcare education. With a requirement of 36-39 credit hours and 540 clinical clock hours, it prepares graduates for roles in academic and clinical education settings. The program is accredited by CCNE and ACEN, ensuring a high-quality education. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and national specialty certification are required for admission. This program is ideal for those seeking to make a significant impact in nursing education.

• Post-master's DNP degree
• Concentration in Nursing Education
• 36-39 total credit hours
• 540 clinical clock hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• National specialty certification
• 3 specialized education courses
• Full-time study program
• CCNE and ACEN accredited

The University of Minnesota's DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care offers a comprehensive three-year program designed to cultivate advanced nursing professionals specializing in child and adolescent healthcare. Students develop profound clinical expertise through extensive training in pediatric assessment, health management, and complex care delivery. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, health policy innovation, and leadership development, preparing graduates to address critical pediatric health challenges. Participants gain extensive clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, learning to provide holistic, family-centered care for patients from infancy through young adulthood. Graduates emerge as transformative healthcare leaders equipped to improve pediatric health outcomes and advance nursing practice.

• 3-year full-time program
• Approximately 1,000 clinical hours
• On-campus sessions each semester
• Prepare for pediatric certification exam
• Diverse clinical experience settings
• Leadership and policy development focus
• Care for diverse patient populations
• Expert clinician mentorship
• Multiple practice setting opportunities

The University of Minnesota's Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care specialty provides advanced practice registered nurses with specialized training in managing complex pediatric health challenges. This targeted program focuses intensively on acute care strategies for patients ranging from infants to young adults with critical and chronic conditions. Students develop sophisticated clinical skills through comprehensive training in emergency, inpatient, and specialized outpatient environments. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, culturally competent care, and advanced clinical reasoning. Graduates are prepared to deliver expert-level acute care interventions, navigate complex pediatric health scenarios, and contribute meaningfully to pediatric healthcare teams.

• Three-semester post-graduate certificate
• Prepares nurses for complex pediatric care
• Covers ages infant to 21
• Multiple healthcare setting training
• Partners with major children's hospitals

University of Iowa's DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program is a pioneering educational pathway designed to cultivate advanced pediatric healthcare professionals. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes holistic child healthcare delivery across diverse settings, from rural clinics to urban specialty centers. With an impressive 630 clinical training hours, students gain extensive hands-on experience in primary care pediatric interventions. The program strategically prepares nurses to address complex pediatric health challenges, integrating advanced clinical skills with evidence-based practice and comprehensive patient-centered care approaches.

• One of nation's earliest PNP-PC programs
• 630 total clinical hours
• Strong clinical preceptorship
• Pediatric-focused coursework
• Advanced practice registered nurse training

University of Iowa's DNP Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides an innovative educational experience for nurses seeking specialized pediatric critical care expertise. Meticulously designed for BSN-prepared professionals, this selective program accepts only 10 students annually, ensuring personalized, high-quality instruction. Students engage in a hybrid learning model combining rigorous online coursework with intensive clinical training, focusing on managing complex pediatric health conditions in acute and critical care environments. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners equipped to deliver sophisticated medical interventions for critically ill children.

• Only PNP-AC program in Iowa
• 10 students accepted annually
• Online and clinical hybrid format
• DNP project requirement
• Specialized pediatric acute care focus

Florida International University's Post-BSN to DNP program delivers an innovative pathway for pediatric nursing professionals seeking advanced practice credentials. The comprehensive online curriculum spans 77 credits, strategically designed to transform experienced nurses into expert pediatric primary care practitioners. Students dive deep into complex pediatric healthcare, mastering diagnostic techniques, treatment protocols, and preventive care strategies for patients ranging from newborns through young adults. The program's robust clinical preparation ensures graduates are thoroughly equipped to manage intricate pediatric health challenges and pursue national certification as specialized nurse practitioners.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• 77 credit comprehensive curriculum
• Pediatric primary care specialization
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus