DNP Programs in Iowa

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for children. Renowned for its rigorous curriculum, the program offers extensive clinical training with 630 clinical hours, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the high demand for pediatric healthcare providers. Students develop critical expertise in primary care settings, including rural and urban environments, school-based health centers, and outpatient specialty clinics.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to manage complex pediatric healthcare challenges. This innovative program uniquely blends high-quality academics with individualized clinical experiences, focusing on acute, critical, and chronic pediatric patient care. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the program accepts 10 students annually and offers a comprehensive curriculum with online coursework and specialized clinical training. Graduates develop advanced skills to provide expert care for critically ill children, positioning themselves at the forefront of pediatric healthcare.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient primary care. Recognized by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this innovative program equips nurses to become healthcare leaders who can practice to the full extent of their advanced training. Students gain comprehensive didactic and clinical experiences designed to transform them into skilled primary care practitioners capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges.

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

The University of Iowa's DNP in Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead in complex healthcare environments. This innovative program focuses on evidence-based management, equipping students with critical skills in healthcare technology, policy, and organizational leadership. Designed for experienced nurses seeking executive roles, the curriculum emphasizes strategic problem-solving and system-level improvements. Graduates emerge as highly skilled nurse leaders ready to drive meaningful changes in healthcare delivery and administration.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive mental health care. Students can choose from flexible program tracks, including three to four-year BSN to DNP and two-year post-MSN options. The curriculum combines rigorous didactic learning with extensive clinical experiences, positioning graduates to become certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and transform mental healthcare delivery through high-quality, cost-efficient patient care.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient healthcare. Designed to meet the evolving healthcare landscape, this program equips nurses with comprehensive clinical expertise and doctoral-level knowledge. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams and are positioned to practice at the highest level of nursing, addressing complex patient needs across adult and geriatric populations.

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

The University of Iowa's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver exceptional care for critically ill adults and older adults. Ranked among the top 10 AG-ACNP programs nationally, this hybrid program emphasizes complex patient management with comprehensive clinical training. Students complete 720 clinical hours, gaining expertise in stabilizing physiologically unstable patients, managing symptoms, and supporting patient care transitions. The program accepts up to 12 BSN-prepared nurses annually, offering personalized learning experiences and strong career prospects in acute healthcare settings.

• 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

Morningside University's Transformative Leadership DNP empowers nurses to drive systemic healthcare change through advanced leadership skills. Designed for MSN-prepared professionals, this online program equips nurses to optimize healthcare delivery through innovative strategies. With 34 credits priced at $795 per credit, students gain expertise in organizational leadership, population health, and evidence-based interventions. The comprehensive curriculum integrates practice hours, policy analysis, and a rigorous DNP project, preparing graduates for high-impact roles in healthcare administration, informatics, and strategic leadership.

• 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

Morningside University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult Gerontology Acute Care equips advanced nursing professionals with specialized expertise to lead complex healthcare teams. This rigorous online program prepares practitioners to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care for adult and geriatric patients in acute settings. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and the ability to translate research into practice, positioning them at the forefront of healthcare innovation and patient-centered care.

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

Advance your nursing career with Graceland University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Designed for experienced registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, this comprehensive degree prepares healthcare professionals for leadership roles across clinical, educational, and administrative settings. The program emphasizes quality improvement, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice. With a flexible online format, nurses can develop advanced competencies while continuing their professional work. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program, a master's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure. Tuition is competitively priced at $730 per semester hour, with a 15% discount for Graceland alumni.

• 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

Clarke University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive, flexible pathway for advanced nursing professionals. This hybrid program spans three years full-time or five years part-time, featuring monthly face-to-face sessions and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates emerge as competent, compassionate healthcare providers prepared for national certification and full practice scope, with a focus on evidence-based, patient-centered care across the lifespan.

• 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 prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare through innovative leadership. This rigorous 81-credit program develops compassionate, competent practitioners equipped to lead across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates emerge as strategic thinkers capable of managing complex health challenges, advocating for patient access, and driving systemic improvements through evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to make significant impacts in mental healthcare. This hybrid program offers flexibility with limited campus visits, enabling students to develop comprehensive skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Students gain expertise in psychotherapeutic techniques, symptom management, and psychopharmacology, positioning themselves for diverse career opportunities in clinical settings, private practice, community health centers, and research. The program accommodates working nurses with full-degree and certificate options, featuring small class sizes and experienced faculty.

• 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

Briar Cliff University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a cutting-edge online program designed for certified nurse practitioners seeking advanced leadership roles. This two-year, 36-credit post-master's program prepares healthcare professionals to excel in complex healthcare environments. With a focus on practice innovation, the curriculum covers critical areas like cultural competence, professional ethics, health technology, and organizational leadership. Students complete 480 practicum hours, gaining hands-on experience in advanced practice settings. The program costs $525 per credit, offering a flexible pathway for working nurses to enhance their expertise and career opportunities in nursing leadership, informatics, policy development, and executive healthcare roles.

• Fully online 2-year program
• 36 total credit hours
• 480 practicum hours
• No additional licensure
• CCNE accredited program
• $525 per credit cost
• Part-time graduate format
• Eligible for federal loans
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• No clinical course fees