Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNPs) are ‘terminal' degrees which prepare graduates for clinical nursing education and advance practice nursing. DNPs are the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. Registered nurses seeking DNP degrees are able to focus their studies on either advanced practice nursing and systems or organizational/educational leadership.
The number of unit hours required to complete a program will vary from program to program and depend on the specialty being pursued; however, BSN to DNP students are usually expected to complete between 65 and 95 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical clerkship hours. Programs are also available in tracks like executive leadership, informatics, and health policy that don't involve direct patient care. Most MSN to DNP programs will require students to complete between 28 and 39 unit hours, and offer APRNs options to advance to leadership roles in clinical practice, add an additional specialty or patient population focus, and more.
Core competencies students are expected to master during DNP programs will likely include:
- Advanced nursing practice.
- Advanced physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care.
- Scientific underpinning for practice.
- Organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
- Clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice.
- Information systems/technology and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care.
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- Clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation's health.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Maryland
RegisteredNursing.org has carefully analyzed and ranked the top Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs across Maryland. Our expert team evaluated programs based on academic quality, student outcomes, clinical training opportunities, and overall reputation. Maryland offers several outstanding DNP programs that prepare advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in healthcare. These programs provide nurses with cutting-edge skills to improve patient care, implement innovative healthcare strategies, and drive meaningful change in clinical settings. Each ranked program demonstrates exceptional commitment to nursing education and professional development. See our comprehensive ranking methodology.
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - jhu.edu
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's hybrid DNP program prepares Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners to deliver comprehensive care for newborns through adolescents. The 74.5-credit, three-year program blends online learning with on-site immersions, totaling 840 clinical hours. Graduates are equipped to provide evidence-based care and are prepared for pediatric certification. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of RN experience is preferred.
- 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
Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Johns Hopkins dual Primary/Acute Care Pediatric DNP program offers advanced practice nurses specialized training in both areas. This top-ranked, three-year hybrid program includes 960 clinical hours and online coursework with on-site immersions. Graduates are prepared for dual certification and leadership roles within pediatric healthcare. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- Dual Primary/Acute Care Certification
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 clinical hours
- $1,997 per credit tuition
- Comprehensive pediatric training
- Advanced scholarly project focus
- Leadership development emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's hybrid Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides advanced training in caring for complex adult and elder patients. This three-year program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, decision-making, and leadership competencies. The 70-credit curriculum includes 840 clinical hours and 160 project practicum hours. A local MD/DC residency is required.
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Maryland RN licensure required
- Certification preparation included
Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Johns Hopkins Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a transformative three-year hybrid experience. Students gain comprehensive diagnostic and management skills through 960 clinical hours, focusing on holistic care across the lifespan. The 76-credit curriculum blends advanced clinical training with leadership development, preparing graduates for national certification and emphasizing evidence-based practice. Tuition is estimated at $1,997 per credit.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program is a three-year hybrid offering, focusing on advanced clinical expertise in mental healthcare. The 76-credit curriculum includes 1040 clinical hours and 160 project practicum hours, equipping graduates with skills in complex diagnostic reasoning and evidence-based treatment. The program prepares students for board certification and independent practice.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- 160 project practicum hours
- Comprehensive mental health training
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at Johns Hopkins is a three-year hybrid program. The 74-credit curriculum includes 960 clinical hours and focuses on advanced clinical skills, decision-making, and leadership for adult and older adult populations. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams and leadership roles within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Leadership skill development
- Complex patient care focus
Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Johns Hopkins' DNP program for Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioners is a three-year hybrid format. This program prepares nurses for complex care of critically ill adult and older adult patients. The curriculum requires 840 clinical hours, totaling 1,000 practice hours, and focuses on advanced clinical skills and decision-making in acute care settings. A Maryland RN license is required.
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This three-year hybrid DNP program at Johns Hopkins, focusing on Family Primary Care, provides advanced clinical training. The 76-credit curriculum includes 960 clinical hours and emphasizes physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical decision-making, and healthcare leadership. Graduates are equipped for evidence-based practice and independent patient care.
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Johns Hopkins Executive DNP track is a two-year online program with brief on-site immersions. Designed for working nurses, it focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and driving systemic healthcare improvements. The program requires a minimum of 552 clinical hours and includes a scholarly project. No GRE scores are required.
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
- Full CCNE accreditation
- Part-time study friendly
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Doctor of Nursing Practice empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders through a comprehensive program designed for advanced practice development. With a flexible distance-accessible format, students complete 80 credits over four years, accumulating 1,000 critical clinical hours. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices, cutting-edge technology, and innovative policy development. Students can choose between leadership and family nurse practitioner tracks, gaining advanced skills in research, healthcare management, and clinical practice. The program prepares nurses to address complex healthcare challenges, drive systemic improvements, and lead organizational change with expertise and strategic vision.
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Distance-Accessible Format
- 80-Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
- 1,000 Clinical Practice Hours
- Leadership and FNP Tracks
- Small Class Sizes
- Competitive Tuition
- Advanced Clinical Specializations
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Multiple Entry Pathways
Doctorate - Nursing, D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a specialized 87-credit online program for working professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. Designed for nurses with a master's degree, the three-year curriculum emphasizes high-quality, evidence-based healthcare delivery. Students develop specialized skills in managing complex patient needs, leveraging research and technology to improve health outcomes. The program requires 1,000 clinical hours and prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare settings. Rigorous admission standards and a flexible scheduling model enable nurses to advance their professional capabilities while maintaining current employment.
- 87-credit post-masters online program
- Three-year completion timeline
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Competitive admissions process
- Certification exam eligibility
- Individual curriculum planning
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's DNP Leadership Track offers an innovative online program empowering nursing professionals to transform healthcare systems strategically. This 38-credit post-master's option prepares nurses to analyze complex health challenges, integrate evidence-based practices, and implement organizational improvements. Designed for working professionals, the three-year program emphasizes advanced leadership skills and systemic healthcare transformation. Graduates develop expertise in policy development, quality improvement, and strategic management. The program's competitive admission process and comprehensive curriculum prepare nurses to become expert healthcare leaders capable of driving meaningful change across diverse healthcare environments.
- Online distance delivery program
- 38-credit post-master's option
- Three-year completion timeline
- Leadership concentration focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Requires 1,000 clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- National certification preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's hybrid DNP Leadership concentration provides a flexible pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced leadership development. The program offers two entry options—post-master's and post-bachelor's—with a comprehensive curriculum covering health policy, management, informatics, and quality improvement. Nurses develop critical skills to drive healthcare transformation, implementing evidence-based practices and innovative policies. The 38-credit program can be completed in three years, requiring 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates emerge as strategic leaders prepared to improve patient outcomes and navigate complex healthcare systems with advanced professional competence.
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership concentration focus
- 38 minimum credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Professional nursing leadership preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers a comprehensive 80-credit program preparing nurses for advanced clinical expertise. Designed for full-time students, this four-year curriculum combines rigorous clinical training with leadership development. Students complete 1,000 clinical practice hours, engaging in evidence-based research and developing skills in healthcare systems and advanced clinical management. The program offers flexible entry for post-bachelor's and post-master's students, emphasizing academic excellence and patient-centered care. Graduates become expert practitioners capable of delivering high-quality healthcare across diverse settings, with a strong foundation in clinical and systemic healthcare improvement.
- 80-credit doctoral nursing program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical management focus
- Competitive admission process
- Full-time four-year study plan
Hood College
Frederick, MD - Private 4-year - hood.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers in educational roles. This fully online program provides specialized training in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and evaluation methods, preparing graduates to educate the next generation of nurses. With a focus on addressing the nursing shortage, the program includes partnerships with healthcare institutions like Frederick Health, offering real-world experience. Highlights include a fully online format, specialized tracks, and preparation for certification exams. The MSN program is currently accepting applications, making it an excellent choice for aspiring nurse educators.
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Certification exam preparation
- Three-phase DNP capstone project
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Hood College, with a Systems Leadership concentration, is tailored for nurses seeking to influence healthcare at the highest levels. This online doctoral program emphasizes healthcare policy, finance, and management, equipping students with the skills to lead and transform healthcare systems. A distinctive feature is the three-phase capstone project, allowing students to apply research to practice. The program's partnership with Frederick Health enhances learning with practical insights. Ideal for those aiming for executive roles, this DNP program prepares graduates to tackle complex healthcare challenges and drive systemic improvements.
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - coppin.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program represents a comprehensive pathway for advanced nursing professionals targeting urban healthcare transformation. Offering flexible BSN to DNP and Post-Master's DNP routes, the program cultivates exceptional clinical leadership through intensive training. Students master evidence-based practices, healthcare policy innovation, and technological integration across 1000 clinical practice hours. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses to address complex community health challenges, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and advanced practice skills. With a hybrid learning format, the program accommodates working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing expertise and drive meaningful healthcare improvements.
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP concentration provides a transformative educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. The program meticulously prepares practitioners to serve diverse and vulnerable populations through comprehensive clinical training. Students engage in 1000 clinical practice hours, developing sophisticated skills in evidence-based interventions, health policy development, and interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration. Designed with working professionals in mind, the hybrid format offers flexible learning opportunities that enable nurses to advance their expertise while maintaining professional commitments. The curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care, leadership development, and addressing complex healthcare disparities in urban and underserved communities.
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Coppin State University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration delivers an innovative pathway for nurses committed to advanced healthcare leadership. Through a dynamic hybrid format, the program equips students with sophisticated clinical skills and transformative practice capabilities. The curriculum integrates 1,000 clinical practice hours with comprehensive training in evidence-based care, technological innovation, and community-centered health strategies. Students develop expertise in serving vulnerable populations, mastering complex medical challenges while emphasizing holistic patient care and interprofessional collaboration. The program cultivates healthcare leaders prepared to drive meaningful improvements in population health outcomes through advanced clinical knowledge and strategic interventions.
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maryland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents a comprehensive program designed to elevate nursing professionals into transformative healthcare leaders. Through an innovative hybrid learning model, students engage in cutting-edge curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and quality improvement strategies. The program strategically prepares nurses to drive meaningful patient care advancements, offering multiple specialization pathways and post-master's options. Graduates emerge equipped with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address complex healthcare challenges, positioning themselves at the forefront of nursing excellence and organizational innovation.
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Improves patient outcomes
- Fall admission
- Multiple specialties
- Post-Master's option
- Four DNP pathways
Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Maryland's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP specialty provides an exceptional pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking comprehensive primary healthcare expertise. The program distinguishes itself through rigorous clinical training, featuring over 700 precepted hours that ensure students develop profound skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and holistic patient management. Utilizing a sophisticated hybrid learning format, students benefit from flexible online coursework complemented by intensive face-to-face instruction. With a stellar 100% board exam pass rate and CCNE accreditation, this program empowers nurses to become highly competent primary care providers across diverse patient populations.
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration within the University of Maryland's DNP program represents an advanced clinical training experience designed for nurses aspiring to excel in primary healthcare delivery. Students undertake a comprehensive curriculum spanning 1,080 total clinical hours, ensuring profound hands-on preparation across patient lifespans. The hybrid program combines innovative online learning with strategic in-person instruction, emphasizing complex condition management and evidence-based practice. With a remarkable certification exam pass rate and flexible study options, graduates are strategically positioned to address critical healthcare needs and deliver exceptional patient-centered care in increasingly dynamic medical environments.
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Choosing a Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Choosing the right school to earn your DNP from is of crucial importance. When researching schools, there are a few important factors to be aware of.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of Maryland can range widely vary depending on whether the program is offered at a private or public institution. If attending a private university in the state of Maryland like John Hopkins University, you can expect to pay $1,671 per unit hour. However, if you plan on going to a public university, expect to pay around $653 per unit hour if you are an in-state resident and approximately $1,168 per unit hour if you're an out-of-state student.
- Online Options— Three universities with in the state of Maryland offer students seeking DNPs online options:
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing: offers an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program where Students are only required to attend approximately two weeks of on-site classes each semester, with the rest of the program requirements to be completed online
- Salisbury University: offers a post-master’s DNP program that's available online
- University of Maryland School of Nursing: offers students a post-masters DNP option delivered in a blended format. The blended program consists of classes that are offered online, including synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Maryland are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies—
- University of Maryland Medical Center— Post-Graduate Critical Care Surgery Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Johns Hopkins Medicine— Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship for Nurse Practitioners
- Indian Health Service— HIS Nurse Residency Program for Nurse Midwives, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Gaining entry into a doctorate program is a competitive process. Standards for admission to DNP programs in the state of Maryland will vary from university to university. Prospective nursing students who will be most successful will need to have fulfilled the following prerequisite requirements:
- Hold a BSN or MSN degree
- Have an unencumbered RN license
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system in either their undergraduate or graduate degree program (depending on the degree point from which they're entering from)
- Provide GRE Scores
- Provide academic transcripts
- Write a Statement of Purpose
- Pass a drug and background test
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Verification/documentation of clinical hours
- Provide letters of recommendation/references
Certification
In Maryland, after a student completes their DNP degree, they are able to sit for their state's certification exam. Once passed, graduates are eligible to become certified in advanced nursing specialties including, but not limited to the following:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Family
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Executive
Licensing
Requirements for APRN licensure in the state of Maryland include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
- Drug screens
Maryland BSN to DNP Program Options
BSN-to-DNP program offer nurses with a BSN the opportunity to obtain a doctorate-level education. Three universities have programs that offer BSN to DNP pathways in the state of Maryland, giving BSN-educated nurses the opportunity to study toward a DNP degree.
Related Education Paths
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Maryland
- Maryland Nurses Association
- Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland
- Maryland Organization of Nurse Leaders
- Maryland Academy of Advanced Practice Clinicians
- Maryland Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Coppin State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two DNP pathway options
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Hybrid learning format
- Family Nurse Practitioner focus
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced leadership curriculum
- Urban healthcare emphasis
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Two degree pathways available
- Hybrid and traditional formats
- 1000 clinical practice hours
- Focus on underserved communities
- Executive-format weekend classes
- Full-time or part-time options
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- National certification prerequisite
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- BSN from accredited program
- Unencumbered RN licensure
- DNP Scholarly Project required
- Full-time or part-time options
- Executive-format course schedules
Johns Hopkins University
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid online program
- 840 clinical hours required
- Online with onsite immersions
- 1,000 total practice hours
- Maryland RN license required
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Faculty-guided scholarly project
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary/Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with onsite immersions
- 70 total credits required
- 840 clinical hours
- 160 project practicum hours
- Local MD/DC residency required
- Advanced clinical decision-making focus
- GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
- One year RN experience needed
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 960 family primary care hours
- Prepares for certification exam
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 76 total credit program
- 1040 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
- Board certification preparation
- Complex patient care focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- Doctorate - DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 74 total credit program
- 960 clinical hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year RN experience preferred
- National certification preparation
- Hybrid learning format
- Advanced clinical decision-making
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
Concentration: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year online with immersions
- 960 family primary care hours
- 76 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- RN license prerequisite
- 1 year RN experience preferred
- Doctoral-level clinical practice preparation
- Advanced healthcare leadership training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 2-year online program
- Four onsite immersion visits
- No GRE scores required
- Estimated $1,997 per credit
- Minimum 552 clinical hours
- Dual degree options available
- Six-semester study format
- Scholarly project required
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked DNP program
- Highest practice degree
- Focus on patient care
- Develops nurse leaders
- Hybrid learning format
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Systems leadership
- Doctorate - DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Top-ranked Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
- 700+ clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- In-state tuition: $873/credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- 3-5 year completion options
- 100% board exam pass rate
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid program format
- 1,080 total clinical hours
- In-state tuition $873/credit
- Face-to-face and online instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple study plan options
- 100% certification exam pass rate
Frederick, MD
Hood College
- Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Systems Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online DNP program
- Systems Leadership concentration
- Three-phase capstone project
- Healthcare policy focus
- Partnership with Frederick Health
Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online distance delivery program
- 38-credit post-master's option
- Three-year completion timeline
- Leadership concentration focus
- Designed for working professionals
- Requires 1,000 clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 80-credit doctoral nursing program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical management focus
- Competitive admission process
- Full-time four-year study plan
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Leadership concentration focus
- 38 minimum credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- 1,000 clinical hours required
- Post-master's and post-bachelor's entry
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Professional nursing leadership preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Distance-Accessible Format
- 80-Credit Comprehensive Curriculum
- 1,000 Clinical Practice Hours
- Leadership and FNP Tracks
- Small Class Sizes
- Competitive Tuition
- Advanced Clinical Specializations
- Doctorate - Nursing, D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 87-credit post-masters online program
- Three-year completion timeline
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours
- Flexible scheduling for professionals
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Competitive admissions process