DNP Programs in Iowa

The University of Iowa's hybrid DNP program specializing in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care provides comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses. With 630 clinical hours, students gain experience in diverse primary care settings. Graduates are prepared to address the growing need for pediatric healthcare providers. Requires GRE.

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

The University of Iowa's hybrid Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares nurses for complex pediatric care challenges. This program blends academics with individualized clinical experiences, focusing on acute, critical, and chronic pediatric patient care. Limited to 10 students annually, it offers online coursework and specialized clinical training. Requires GRE.

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

The University of Iowa's hybrid DNP program in Family Nurse Practitioner, accredited by the CCNE, prepares nurses for leadership in primary care. Combining didactic and clinical experiences, the program equips graduates to address complex healthcare challenges and practice at an advanced level. Requires GRE.

• CCNE Approved DNP Program
• Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership
• Primary Care Focus
• Hybrid Program Format
• Nationally Recognized Nursing College

The University of Iowa's hybrid DNP in Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership prepares experienced nurses for executive roles. Focusing on evidence-based management, the program develops skills in healthcare technology, policy, and organizational leadership. Graduates are prepared to drive system-level improvements in healthcare administration. Requires GRE.

• Evidence-based management focus
• Hybrid program delivery
• National nursing leadership curriculum
• Advanced practice nursing degree
• CCNE accredited program
• Specialization in Healthcare Administration
• Career-focused individual planning

The University of Iowa's hybrid Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program offers flexible program tracks (BSN-DNP or post-MSN). The program prepares graduates for ANCC certification and emphasizes high-quality, cost-efficient mental healthcare delivery through a combination of didactic and clinical training. Requires GRE.

• Doctorate-level mental health education
• Multiple program track options
• Nationally recognized nursing program
• Practice to full education extent
• Advanced clinical experiences
• ANCC Certification preparation
• First DNP program nationally approved

The University of Iowa's hybrid Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality primary care. The program equips graduates with advanced clinical expertise and prepares them for national certification exams. Focus is placed on meeting the complex needs of adult and geriatric populations. Requires GRE.

• Doctoral-level nursing education
• Hybrid program format
• National certification exam preparation
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• First DNP program approved in 2009

Ranked among the top 10 AG-ACNP programs, the University of Iowa's hybrid Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers advanced training in complex patient management. With 720 clinical hours, students gain proficiency in stabilizing patients, managing symptoms, and supporting care transitions. The program accepts up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses annually. Requires GRE.

• Top 10 Nationally Ranked Program
• Hybrid Learning Format
• 720 Clinical Training Hours
• BSN to DNP Path
• Complex Patient Care Focus
• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• Leadership Skill Development

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an advanced clinical pathway designed to develop highly skilled primary care providers. The comprehensive hybrid program uniquely blends theoretical education with extensive hands-on clinical training, offering students remarkable flexibility through monthly face-to-face sessions and comprehensive 1,000-hour clinical experiences. Graduates are meticulously prepared to deliver patient-centered care across all life stages, with robust skills in evidence-based practice and a clear trajectory toward national certification and full professional practice autonomy.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• 1,000 clinical practice hours
• National certification eligible
• Full practice license scope
• Comprehensive patient care approach

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Leadership and Practice is a transformative program engineered to cultivate advanced nursing leaders capable of driving systemic healthcare improvements. Through an innovative 81-credit curriculum, students develop sophisticated strategic thinking skills, learning to navigate complex healthcare environments with evidence-based approaches. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to implement meaningful organizational changes, advocate for patient access, and lead multidisciplinary teams with compassion and technological insight.

• 81-credit DNP program
• Hybrid learning format
• 3-5 year completion options
• 1,000 clinical hours
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Limited 20-student cohorts
• Multiple healthcare leadership paths
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interprofessional team preparation

Clarke University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a dynamic, comprehensive educational pathway for nurses seeking specialized advanced practice in mental healthcare. This hybrid doctorate provides intensive training in psychotherapeutic techniques, symptom management, and psychopharmacology, enabling students to develop nuanced clinical expertise. With flexible learning options, limited campus visits, and extensive clinical experiences, the program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in clinical settings, community health centers, private practices, and research environments.

• 81 total credit hours
• Three years full-time program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1000 clinical hours
• Only 8 campus visits required
• Post-graduate certificate available
• Limited to 20 students per class
• Simulation Lab training
• Prepare for various healthcare settings

Morningside University's Transformative Leadership DNP program is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to revolutionize healthcare systems. This online program, requiring 34 credits at $795 each, focuses on developing leaders capable of implementing evidence-based strategies to enhance healthcare delivery. Students engage in a curriculum that includes organizational leadership, population health, and a significant DNP project, alongside 1,000 practicum hours. Designed for flexibility, it offers completion in 17 months or 2 years, without the need for GRE scores, making it accessible for aspiring healthcare leaders.

• 34 total program credits
• Online program format
• $795 per credit cost
• Requires 1,000 practicum hours
• Post-master's DNP track
• Healthcare leadership focus
• Flexible 17-month or 2-year plans
• No GRE requirement

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at Morningside University prepares nurses for advanced practice in acute care settings, specializing in adult and geriatric populations. This fully online program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and leadership, requiring 1,000 practicum hours for hands-on experience. With rolling semester enrollment and a flexible study plan, it's designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in acute care. The program offers individualized faculty instruction to ensure students meet their professional goals in this high-demand specialty area.

• Fully online doctoral program
• Rolling semester enrollment
• Flexible study plan
• 1,000 practicum hours
• Individualized faculty instruction

Graceland University-Lamoni offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program tailored for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses aiming for leadership roles in healthcare. This program stands out for its focus on quality improvement, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice, all delivered through a flexible online format. Ideal for working professionals, it requires a BSN and a master's degree in nursing from accredited programs, alongside a 3.0 GPA and current RN licensure. Priced at $730 per semester hour, it also offers a 15% discount for Graceland alumni. The curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership without the need for a GRE, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge application.

• Online DNP program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• $730 per semester hour
• Accredited nursing education
• Flexible advanced practice preparation
• 3.0 GPA graduate admission
• Practice improvement project
• BSN and master's degree required

Mount Mercy University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner, designed for healthcare professionals aiming to lead in patient care transformation. This hybrid program blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, enabling completion in 12 to 24 months. Emphasizing advanced clinical skills and leadership, the curriculum includes state-of-the-art simulation labs for practical learning. Ideal for MSN holders seeking to elevate their practice, the program focuses on comprehensive care and leadership in diverse healthcare settings. With a 3.5 GPA requirement, it offers flexible scheduling in 5-10 week blocks, fostering professional growth without sacrificing current employment.

• Hybrid program format
• 1-3 year completion time
• Clinical simulation lab
• MSN to DNP pathway
• Leadership focused curriculum
• One course at a time
• 3.5 GPA minimum requirement
• Professional network building
• Experienced practicing professors
• Flexible 5-10 week blocks