The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is the “terminal” degree type for nurses. It is the highest level of nursing degree, higher than even a master’s degree, which is the minimum degree requirement for advanced-practice nurses. Nurses with DNP degrees are able to work in roles including nurse executives, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). They are also able to work in executive roles, such as nursing administration, leadership, and as directors.
Most post-master's DNP programs require students to complete around 28 to36 credit hours, whereas BSN to DNP students are expected to complete around 65 to 70 credit hours.
Core DNP courses provide nursing students with a foundation in advanced pharmacology across the lifespan, advanced health assessment across the lifespan and diagnostics, advanced pathophysiology across the lifespan as well as advanced concepts in finance, health care, and conflict resolution.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Nebraska
Finding the best DNP programs in Nebraska is easier with registerednursing.org. We rank programs to help you make informed decisions. Our rankings consider key factors like accreditation, program quality, and student support. Start your journey to advanced nursing practice with confidence. For more on how we rank programs, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
Creighton University
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - creighton.edu
Doctorate - Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary and Acute Care prepares advanced nurse practitioners to deliver comprehensive pediatric healthcare across diverse clinical settings. This robust 70-credit hybrid program equips students with advanced skills in child health assessment, urgent/emergency care, and critical pediatric interventions. Graduates develop expertise in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and specialized pediatric patient management, positioning them as highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex pediatric healthcare challenges.
- 70-credit hybrid DNP program
- Dual track pediatric specialization
- Advanced pediatric healthcare focus
- Comprehensive clinical practicums
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Healthcare policy integration
- Well child and acute care training
- Advanced pathophysiology courses
- Scholarly project requirement
- Interprofessional collaborative approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a cutting-edge online program designed for ambitious nurses seeking advanced leadership and clinical expertise. The flexible curriculum allows students to specialize in areas like Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Nursing Administration. With a rigorous, Jesuit-inspired approach, the program emphasizes ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from personalized coaching, interdisciplinary coursework, and practical training that prepares them to transform healthcare systems. Admission requires a BSN or MSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, professional nursing experience, and an unencumbered RN license.
- Online flexible program format
- Multiple specialization tracks
- Jesuit values-based education
- Personalized faculty support
- Campus intensives required
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Professional nursing experience needed
- CCNE accredited program
- Leadership and clinical focus
- Interprofessional learning approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nursing Administration & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Administration and Leadership prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in executive healthcare roles. This post-graduate hybrid program equips nurses with critical leadership skills, strategic management techniques, and evidence-based practice methodologies. Designed for experienced nurses seeking senior administrative positions, the curriculum covers healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Students develop comprehensive skills to drive systemic improvements, manage complex healthcare environments, and lead transformative changes in nursing practice.
- 38-40 total credit program
- Hybrid program format
- Executive leadership focus
- Scholarly project required
- Healthcare policy coursework
- Advanced nursing administration training
- Practicum and residency components
- Interdisciplinary course options
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to specialize in complex mental health care. This comprehensive 73-credit hybrid program prepares students to deliver high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care across patient lifespans. Students develop expertise in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and population-based healthcare through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practicums. The program emphasizes scholarly research, healthcare policy, and transformative practice to equip nurses with skills to address critical mental health challenges in diverse healthcare settings.
- 73-credit DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive psychiatric specialty
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Policy and leadership focus
- Lifespan mental health training
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Creighton University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares highly skilled nurses to manage complex patient care in acute settings. This rigorous program combines advanced clinical expertise with compassionate, Jesuit-centered leadership principles. Students develop critical skills in ethical decision-making, healthcare systems improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals, with occasional campus visits to Omaha, Nebraska. Graduates are positioned for leadership roles across diverse healthcare environments, with potential for national certification through prestigious nursing credentialing bodies.
- Fully online DNP program
- Jesuit values-based curriculum
- Manages acute care patients
- Nationally recognized program
- Flexible part-time options
- Minimum 2,000 hours nursing experience
- Occasional campus visits required
- CCNE accredited program
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares highly skilled nurses to deliver advanced, compassionate healthcare. This flexible online program offers interdisciplinary coursework integrating Jesuit principles of ethical reasoning and leadership. Students learn to manage complex patient care in acute settings, develop critical leadership skills, and advance healthcare quality. The program requires campus visits and offers part-time and full-time options. Applicants need a BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support graduate studies.
- Online flexible DNP program
- Jesuit values-based education
- Acute care nurse practitioner focus
- Minimum 2,000 hrs experience required
- Part-time and full-time options
- Nationwide certification eligibility
- Campus visits required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Creighton University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan offers a transformative educational journey for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This flexible online program prepares professionals to manage complex mental health care across diverse populations, integrating compassionate Jesuit principles with cutting-edge interdisciplinary knowledge. Students develop advanced skills in ethical reasoning, cultural humility, and leadership, positioning themselves to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes. The program requires minimal campus visits and accommodates both part-time and full-time learners, with opportunities for specialization that enhance career prospects.
- Online flexible program format
- Specialized Psychiatric Mental Health track
- Jesuit values-centered education
- Minimum 2,000 hours psychiatric nursing experience required
- CCNE accredited program
- National certification eligibility
- Part-time and full-time options
- Advanced leadership training
Clarkson College
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - clarksoncollege.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered primary care. The hybrid program equips experienced nurses with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, this program develops expert practitioners who can diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions across patient lifespans. Graduates gain advanced assessment, pharmacological management, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, positioning them to improve healthcare outcomes in diverse clinical settings.
- Hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- Advanced clinical preparation
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership development
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers an advanced pathway for nursing professionals seeking to elevate their clinical expertise. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares graduates to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered primary care across diverse populations. Students develop advanced clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and evidence-based practice strategies through a rigorous hybrid curriculum. The program emphasizes holistic healthcare delivery, focusing on individual and family wellness, health promotion, and complex care management. With flexible online learning and required on-campus clinical intensives, nurses can transform their careers while maintaining professional commitments.
- Online and hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice training
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Comprehensive healthcare leadership curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Multiple certification pathways
Doctorate - Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers advanced nurses an opportunity to elevate their clinical leadership skills through a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum. The hybrid program prepares nurses for complex healthcare environments, focusing on transforming nursing practice through advanced clinical expertise, scholarly research, and systemic improvements. Designed for BSN and MSN-prepared nurses, this program provides pathways in Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialties. Students develop advanced competencies in healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, and quality improvement, positioning themselves as innovative healthcare leaders.
- Hybrid DNP program format
- Two specialty track options
- Maximum 7-year completion
- Minimum 67 credit hours
- 3.0 CGPA requirement
- Scholarly project component
- Interprofessional education modules
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialization prepares advanced practice nurses to provide exceptional healthcare in acute settings. This comprehensive online program equips students with cutting-edge clinical skills, leadership expertise, and evidence-based practices. Graduates develop advanced knowledge in complex patient care, utilizing innovative technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve health outcomes for adult and geriatric populations.
- Fully online DNP program
- 39 total semester hours
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Acute care specialization
- On-campus clinical weekend required
- Prepares for certification exam
- Specialized acute care courses
- Leadership and policy training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Scholarly project component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for adult and geriatric populations. This hybrid program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice techniques, and leadership expertise to address complex healthcare needs. Students develop proficiency in comprehensive health assessments, differential diagnoses, and holistic treatment strategies across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes clinical reasoning, interprofessional collaboration, and advanced pharmacological management for adult and older adult patients.
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- Patient-centered care approach
- Comprehensive adult-gerontology specialization
- Evidence-based practice integration
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Clarkson College's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia is a comprehensive program designed to transform skilled nurses into advanced healthcare professionals. This full-time, front-loaded degree equips students with cutting-edge skills in anesthesia care across diverse patient populations. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and extensive clinical experiences in urban and rural settings. The program combines rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on training, preparing graduates to excel as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). With a competitive cost of $1,100 per credit hour and promising career prospects featuring a median salary of $212,650, this program offers an exceptional pathway to a rewarding healthcare career.
- Full-time, 9-semester program
- Only Nurse Anesthesia program in Omaha
- Limited to 22 students per class
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Cost: $1,100 per credit hour
- Urban and rural clinical rotations
- Core faculty are experienced CRNAs
- Prepares for National Certification Exam
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu
Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College's BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare across patient lifespans. This online doctoral program offers a rigorous 75-credit curriculum combining synchronous and asynchronous learning with extensive clinical practice. Students complete 1,080 preceptor-guided clinical hours, gaining skills to diagnose, treat, and manage patient health holistically. Graduates are positioned to earn competitive salaries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual income of $129,480 for nurse practitioners and projecting 40% job growth through 2033.
- Online DNP program
- 75 total credit hours
- 1,080 clinical hours
- No GRE required
- CCNE accredited program
- Full-time completion in 36 months
- Part-time option available
- Cost per credit: $850
- BSN GPA requirement: 3.0
- Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner certification
Doctorate - BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program at Nebraska Methodist College prepares experienced nurses to become advanced practice providers specializing in adult and geriatric healthcare. Students complete a comprehensive 75-credit hour curriculum that combines online learning with extensive clinical practice, enabling graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions for adult and older adult populations. The program offers a hybrid format with 57 credits of online coursework and 18 credits of hands-on clinical experience, allowing working professionals to advance their nursing careers. With a competitive per-credit cost of $850 and a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, students can complete the program in 3-5 years, positioning themselves as crucial healthcare leaders ready to address evolving patient needs.
- 75 total credit hours
- 57 online, 18 clinical credits
- 1,080 clinical practice hours
- No GRE required
- Hybrid program format
- Full Practice Authority eligible
- Cost per credit: $850
- 3-5 year completion time
- CCNE Accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Choosing a DNP Program
There are a few things that should be considered carefully prior to choosing a school and a DNP program.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— In Nebraska, the cost of DNP programs can vary from institution to institution. Students with in-state residency will typically pay anywhere from $483 to $810 per unit hour, while students coming from outside of Nebraska will generally pay between $800 to $1,000 per unit hour, depending on the institution.
- Online/Campus Options— All four DNP programs in the state of Nebraska offer online options:
- Clarkson College: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Clarkson College is offered online and can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Creighton University: Offers students a DNP program delivered in an online hybrid format, with classes meeting on campus just a few times each semester.
- University of Nebraska Medical Center: Courses for both BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs are available online and clinical requirements can be satisfied in a student’s geographical area.
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health: The BSN to DNP programrequires a nurse to complete a total of 75 credit hours. Of this, 57 credit hours can be obtained via synchronous and asynchronous online learning and 18 credit hours (1,080 contact hours) are devoted to clinical practice.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Nebraska are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Residency— Clinical residencies and fellowships are an important part of the DNP education. Most schools will provide you with information on what clinical affiliations or partnerships they have available for students.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission to the DNP programs in Nebraska will vary from institution to institution, but students will likely be required to:
- Provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for two references
- Transcripts of previous educational institutions attended
- GRE Test Results
- A personal interview by phone or in person
- Hold a current BSN or MSN degree
- Have maintained a 3.0 grade point average, based on a 4.0 system
- Have a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license
- Maintain certification as an APRN (for MSN applicants)
- Complete a basic health assessment and statistics course (for BSN applicants)
- Interview with faculty
- Submit GRE scores Statement of Purpose
Certification
Students are eligible to sit for certification exams upon completion of a DNP program. Nebraska DNP tracks offered at universities allow students to become certified in:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Public Health Policy
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Licensing
For Nebraska nursing students who have successfully completed the DNP track, they will need to be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
- Background checks
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Nebraska BSN to DNP Program Options
Three of the four universities in Nebraska with DNP programs offer BSN to DNP pathways to students:
- Creighton University—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
- University of Nebraska Medical Center—Offers both Post MSN and BSN-DNP pathways
Related Education Paths
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Nebraska Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- Nebraska FNP Programs
- Nebraska CRNA Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP