The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is considered the terminal degree type within the field of nursing. The DNP degree is considered ‘terminal' because it's the most superior nursing degree within the field. Depending on the specific pathway a nursing student chooses to take, DNPs can prepare them to work either in organizational/educational settings or in clinical settings.
The core concepts that are covered at the University of New Hampshire DNP program include:
- Use translational science and analytic methods to develop, identify, implement and evaluate best practices.
- Act as a practicing scholar to design, direct and evaluate system changes.
- Engage in complex, evidence-based advanced nursing practice and evaluate innovative approaches to care delivery.
- Partner with others to develop interactive inter-professional teams that communicate effectively.
- Employ strategic leadership skills to influence health policy.
- Translate knowledge into practice and policy to reduce health disparities.
- Use data analytic methods, information systems, and technology to evaluate, integrate and apply knowledge.
- Students are required to successfully complete DNP coursework, have 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours (includes up to 500 clinical hours earned in master’s program), produce a publishable scholarly paper, and successfully present their DNP Project.
2025 Best DNP Programs in New Hampshire
Looking for the best DNP programs in New Hampshire? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're advancing your nursing career or starting fresh, these programs offer the education you need. Find the right fit for your goals and take the next step in your nursing journey. Check out our detailed rankings and see why these programs made the list. Learn more about our rankings methodology here.
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu
Doctorate - Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a transformative online program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. This 33-credit, 28-month program prepares nurses to drive healthcare innovation through cutting-edge curriculum focused on systems leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Ideal for working professionals, the asynchronous format allows flexible learning with small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship. Graduates emerge as healthcare change agents equipped to develop innovative care models, implement quality standards, and lead interdisciplinary teams across complex healthcare environments.
- Online, flexible 28-month program
- 33 total credit hours
- Up to 500 clinical hours transferable
- No on-campus residency required
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Advanced leadership focus
- Scholarly project component
- Minimum 3.50 graduate GPA preferred
- RN licensure required
- January and August start dates
Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative online program for working nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This comprehensive 80-credit, four-year doctoral degree prepares nurses to become innovative healthcare leaders with specialized skills in family practice. Designed for full-time nurses, the program provides flexible, asynchronous learning that allows professionals to balance academic pursuits with career demands. Graduates are equipped to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam and pursue leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings. With a focus on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient-centered care, students develop advanced clinical reasoning skills to address complex healthcare challenges.
- 80 credit hours total
- 4-year online program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Prepares for FNP certification
- Asynchronous course delivery
- Leadership and innovation focus
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Doctoral-level scholarly project
- Comprehensive healthcare leadership preparation
Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Clinical Nurse Leader Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program empowers experienced nurses to become advanced healthcare leaders. Designed for working professionals, this terminal degree prepares graduates to drive systemic improvements in patient care through evidence-based practices. Students develop critical skills in quality management, healthcare innovation, and interprofessional collaboration, positioning themselves for high-level roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and clinical leadership. The program requires 500 clinical hours and offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines advanced clinical knowledge with strategic leadership training.
- Online Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- 500 clinical practice hours
- CNL certification eligible
- 63 total credit program
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for working nurses
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Quality improvement focus
- Doctoral-level scholarly project
- Flexible online format
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner empowers experienced nurses to become advanced healthcare leaders. This comprehensive 80-credit program prepares registered nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across patient lifespans. Graduates become eligible for ANCC board certification, with flexible online learning that accommodates working professionals. The program combines evidence-based clinical training, leadership development, and hands-on practicum experiences, enabling students to transform healthcare delivery through specialized mental health expertise.
- 80 total credit hours
- Fully online program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- ANCC certification eligible
- Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
- Customizable program length
- Small class sizes
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Advanced practice preparation
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares experienced nurses to become advanced healthcare leaders. This comprehensive 76-credit program transforms registered nurses into specialized acute care practitioners, ready to serve in complex hospital and ambulatory settings. Students gain critical skills in diagnostic reasoning, clinical management, and evidence-based practice, with opportunities to complete 500 clinical hours and develop a scholarly project. Graduates are positioned to sit for national certification and pursue diverse career paths in critical care, trauma centers, and specialty clinics.
- 76 total program credits
- Fully online asynchronous format
- 500 clinical practice hours
- Small class sizes
- Dedicated faculty advisor
- Doctoral scholarly project required
- National certification preparation
- Leadership skill development
- Flexible professional schedule
- Evidence-based practice focus
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (PB DNP) with a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced leadership roles. This comprehensive 4-year, 80-credit program equips healthcare professionals to transform patient care through evidence-based practices. Designed for working nurses, the asynchronous online format offers flexibility while providing rigorous academic preparation. Graduates become innovative nurse practitioners eligible for Family Nurse Practitioner certification, capable of managing comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. The program requires 750 clinical hours and offers opportunities for professional development, including potential participation in prestigious fellowships like the Johnson & Johnson Nurse Innovation Fellowship.
- Online post-baccalaureate DNP program
- 80 total credit hours
- 4-year program length
- 750 clinical hours required
- Asynchronous course format
- Full-time working professional friendly
- National accreditation
- Doctoral-level nursing practice
- Leadership skill development
- Small class sizes
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of New Hampshire's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares experienced nurses to become advanced mental health professionals. This comprehensive program transforms registered nurses into innovative leaders equipped to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health care across patient lifespans. Students gain advanced clinical competencies through a rigorous curriculum combining evidence-based practice, leadership development, and specialized psychiatric care training. The flexible online format allows working professionals to complete 80 credit hours, earning doctoral-level credentials while maintaining current employment. Graduates become eligible for the ANCC board certification, positioning themselves for high-demand roles in mental health settings.
- 80 total credit hours
- Online asynchronous program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Preparation for ANCC certification
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Minimal campus visits
- Full or part-time options
- Small class sizes
- Advanced practice specialization
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH - Private 4-year - dartmouth.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dartmouth College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents an advanced pathway for healthcare professionals seeking to elevate their nursing expertise. This program prepares practitioners to deliver high-level clinical care, emphasizing advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. Students with existing bachelor's degrees can access accelerated tracks, enabling rapid professional progression. The curriculum integrates rigorous clinical experiences, advanced healthcare knowledge, and specialized training to prepare nurses for complex healthcare environments and leadership positions.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice offered
- Multiple advanced practice specialties
- Clinical experience integrated
- Accelerated tracks available
- National Council Licensure Exam required
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Colby-Sawyer College's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Advanced Leadership concentration empowers healthcare professionals to transform patient care through strategic leadership. This 20-32 month program develops advanced practice nurses capable of translating research into meaningful improvements in healthcare systems. Students complete a comprehensive curriculum focusing on organizational leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a scholarly project designed to enhance patient safety and outcomes.
- Online DNP program
- Advanced Leadership concentration
- 1,000 clinical practicum hours
- 8 total courses, 28 credits
- Doctorally prepared faculty
- Flexible 20-32 month timeline
- Scholarly project required
- Career advancement focused
Choosing a DNP Program
With a little research, it's not hard to find the right DNP program. There are a few important factors to think about when considering DNP schools.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— The University of New Hampshire, the state's only institution with a DNP program, charges $770 for in-state students and $845 for out-of state students.
- Online/Campus Options— New Hampshire's only university with a DNP program delivers it students via a dual online and on-campus format.
- University of New Hampshire— The university’s DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format and can be completed in 2.5 years on a part-time basis.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of New Hampshire are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Residency— Students are encouraged to inquire with the their school of choice about clinical residency and fellowship programs, as many schools have affiliations with hospitals and health facilities in the area.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
The nursing department encourages DNP applications from those who:
- Have an unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States
- Have obtained an M.S. in Nursing or equivalent degree (MBA, MHA, MPH). Plans of study will be individualized for students without a master's in nursing on a case-by-case basis. Students without a master's in nursing will be required to complete the full 1,000 clinical hours in the online DNP program and may need to complete additional graduate level courses
- Three letters of reference pertaining to academic ability, professional competency, and personal character are required
- Have completed satisfactorily a personal statement essay of interest in pursuing graduate education
Certification
Accredited New Hampshire DNP programs permit students to sit for certification upon successful completion of programs. DNP programs offered at universities in New Hampshire allow students to become certified in the vast majority if not all advanced practice nursing specialty disciplines.
Licensing
In the state of New Hampshire, nursing students who've completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure—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
New Hampshire BSN to DNP Program Options
Unfortunately, at the moment there are no university programs in the state of New Hampshire that offer students BSN to DNP pathways.
Related Education Paths
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs Online
- New Hampshire FNP Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Nurses Association
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association
- New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure—Board of Nursing
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in New Hampshire
Durham, NH
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
- Doctorate - Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- Online, flexible 28-month program
- 33 total credit hours
- Up to 500 clinical hours transferable
- No on-campus residency required
- Personalized faculty mentorship
- Advanced leadership focus
- Scholarly project component
- Minimum 3.50 graduate GPA preferred
- Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 80 credit hours total
- 4-year online program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Prepares for FNP certification
- Asynchronous course delivery
- Leadership and innovation focus
- Advanced clinical assessment skills
- Doctoral-level scholarly project
- Doctorate - Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Clinical Nurse Leader - Online Learning - Website
- Online Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- 500 clinical practice hours
- CNL certification eligible
- 63 total credit program
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for working nurses
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Quality improvement focus
- Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 80 total credit hours
- Fully online program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- ANCC certification eligible
- Post-baccalaureate doctoral degree
- Customizable program length
- Small class sizes
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 76 total program credits
- Fully online asynchronous format
- 500 clinical practice hours
- Small class sizes
- Dedicated faculty advisor
- Doctoral scholarly project required
- National certification preparation
- Leadership skill development
- Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online post-baccalaureate DNP program
- 80 total credit hours
- 4-year program length
- 750 clinical hours required
- Asynchronous course format
- Full-time working professional friendly
- National accreditation
- Doctoral-level nursing practice
- Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 80 total credit hours
- Online asynchronous program
- 750 clinical practice hours
- Preparation for ANCC certification
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Minimal campus visits
- Full or part-time options
- Small class sizes
Hanover, NH
Dartmouth College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Campus Based - Website
- Doctor of Nursing Practice offered
- Multiple advanced practice specialties
- Clinical experience integrated
- Accelerated tracks available
- National Council Licensure Exam required
New London, NH
Dartmouth College
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Campus Based - Website
- Doctor of Nursing Practice offered
- Multiple advanced practice specialties
- Clinical experience integrated
- Accelerated tracks available
- National Council Licensure Exam required