DNP Programs in North Carolina

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is designed for nurses aiming to excel in primary healthcare. This hybrid program spans 70 credit hours over eight semesters, focusing on underserved populations. It prepares graduates for national certification, blending nursing science with interdisciplinary knowledge for impactful healthcare delivery.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• National certification preparation
• Advanced primary healthcare focus
• Hybrid program delivery

UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, offers a 70-credit curriculum that prepares nurses for advanced primary care roles. Emphasizing underserved communities, the program readies students for ANCC or AANP certification, fostering skills in healthcare transformation and interdisciplinary practice.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• Certification exam preparation
• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

Focused on Nurse Executive Leadership, UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is a 36-credit hybrid course that molds nursing professionals into healthcare leaders. Over five semesters, students learn to drive organizational change and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based leadership strategies.

• 36 credit hour program
• Completed in five semesters
• Leadership trajectory focus
• Advanced nursing leadership preparation
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Hybrid program format
• AACN DNP Essentials aligned

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration at UNCW is a 70-credit campus-based DNP program. It prepares nurses for comprehensive mental healthcare across lifespans, leading to ANCC certification. The program is ideal for those aiming to enhance psychiatric care delivery and patient outcomes.

• 70-credit DNP program
• 8-semester completion timeline
• ANCC certification preparation
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 600 hours RN experience
• Across lifespan psychiatric care
• North Carolina licensure compatible

UNCW's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration equips nurses to care for patients aged 13 and older. The program integrates nursing science with analytical skills, preparing graduates for high-quality primary care in diverse settings.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care focus ages 13+
• Hybrid program delivery
• Comprehensive healthcare preparation
• Interdisciplinary scientific approach

This DNP program at UNCW, with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner focus, prepares nurses for comprehensive care of patients 13+. The hybrid format combines nursing science with organizational approaches, enhancing graduates' ability to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care for ages 13+
• Comprehensive healthcare approach
• Prepares advanced practice providers
• Integrates multiple scientific disciplines

The hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UNCW, specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, offers a 70-credit curriculum. It prepares nurses for ANCC certification, focusing on lifespan mental healthcare and clinical leadership, ideal for those seeking to advance in psychiatric nursing.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• ANCC certification eligible
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• Advanced clinical leadership training

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to lead healthcare transformation. This online program focuses on equipping nurses with cutting-edge clinical expertise, research skills, and systems leadership abilities. It's tailored for those seeking to enhance their professional impact through advanced training in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and complex patient care management. Graduates are prepared to tackle critical healthcare challenges and innovate patient-centered solutions in various clinical settings.

• Doctoral nursing practice program
• Advanced clinical leadership training
• Evidence-based healthcare approach
• Systems leadership development
• Comprehensive professional preparation

Focusing on Health Care Leadership and Administration, the Doctor of Nursing Practice at UNC Chapel Hill is tailored for nurses aspiring to excel in clinical and administrative leadership roles. This online program emphasizes systemic healthcare improvements, evidence-based practices, and transformative patient care strategies. It's ideal for experienced nurses looking to specialize in healthcare administration, offering training in strategic leadership, quality improvement, and innovative healthcare delivery models.

• Health Care Leadership Focus
• Doctoral Level Nursing Practice
• Advanced Clinical Leadership Training
• Specialized Healthcare Administration
• Innovative Patient Care Strategies

UNC Chapel Hill's online Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Health Care Leadership and Administration is designed for nurses aiming to lead and transform healthcare systems. This program focuses on advanced practice, leadership, and policy to improve patient outcomes, offering flexibility for working professionals. Admission requires a master's degree in nursing, an RN license, and professional experience. The program is competitively priced, with financial aid options, preparing graduates for top-tier roles in healthcare administration and leadership.

• Online program format
• Focus on Health Care Leadership
• Requires master's degree
• Competitive tuition costs
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice
• Financial aid available
• Requires RN license
• Focus on improving patient outcomes

The hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UNC Chapel Hill, with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration, is designed for advanced healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their clinical expertise. This program prepares nurse practitioners to provide comprehensive, high-quality care for adult and elderly populations, focusing on evidence-based practice and advanced clinical skills. Students receive specialized training in geriatric health management, complex disease treatment, and patient-centered care strategies.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Evidence-based clinical education
• Specialized geriatric healthcare training

North Carolina A&T State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice provides an innovative Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration that revolutionizes advanced nursing education. This hybrid program uniquely bridges emerging healthcare technologies with social justice principles, cultivating professionals who can address complex mental health challenges. Students develop critical leadership skills, cultural competence, and advanced clinical techniques, positioning themselves to transform patient care and expand healthcare access. The program's commitment to diversity and technological integration prepares nurses to excel in dynamic healthcare environments while promoting health equity.

• Hybrid program format
• Focuses on health equity
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Two specialized tracks offered
• Emphasis on leadership skills
• UNC system approved
• Minority representation focus
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• Multiple simulation lab facilities

North Carolina A&T's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Transformational Nursing Leadership concentration empowers nurses to become strategic healthcare innovators. The comprehensive hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, technology proficiency, and leadership development. By emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and cultural competence, graduates are prepared to drive systemic healthcare improvements. The curriculum integrates research translation, cutting-edge technologies, and leadership methodologies, enabling nurses to assume pivotal roles in reshaping healthcare delivery and organizational effectiveness.

• Terminal practice degree
• Two specialized tracks
• Innovative simulation labs
• Interdisciplinary approach
• High employment demand
• Technology-focused curriculum
• Cultural competence emphasis
• Leadership skill development
• Research translation focus
• Advanced clinical preparation

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a robust 70-credit hybrid pathway for advanced practice nursing. With 1,040 comprehensive clinical hours, students develop exceptional skills to serve diverse patient populations across adolescent, adult, and geriatric domains. The program's distinctive concentrations in Emerging Technological Innovations and Health Equity provide unparalleled flexibility, preparing graduates to address complex mental health challenges through innovative, patient-centered approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Focus on underserved populations
• Two optional specialty concentrations
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

North Carolina A&T State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice reimagines healthcare leadership through an innovative hybrid program. Focused on transformational nursing strategies, the curriculum integrates advanced technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence to address systemic healthcare inequities. Students develop critical leadership competencies while exploring complex healthcare challenges, emphasizing diversity, social justice, and technological adaptation. The program prepares nurses to become change agents who can navigate and transform contemporary healthcare landscapes.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Transformational Nursing Leadership concentration
• Health equity focus
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• UNC system approved program
• Multiple simulation lab facilities
• High-demand career opportunities

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program cultivates expert clinicians committed to health equity and social justice. The comprehensive 70-credit curriculum develops advanced practice nurses capable of serving diverse patient populations across multiple age groups. Through 1,040 intensive clinical hours, students gain profound clinical expertise, preparing for professional certification and meaningful community healthcare contributions. The program's holistic approach emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and comprehensive patient care.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Optional concentration options
• Advanced practice preparation
• Interprofessional team training
• Diverse patient population focus
• AANC Board Certification preparation

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a cutting-edge 70-credit hybrid pathway emphasizing technological innovations. Students complete 1,040 clinical hours, developing advanced skills to serve diverse patient populations from adolescents to elders. The optional concentration in Emerging Technological Innovations distinguishes this program, preparing graduates to leverage advanced healthcare technologies while addressing complex mental health needs in underserved communities.

• 70 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Practice across diverse settings
• Focuses on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration

Appalachian State University's innovative hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program revolutionizes nursing education with a strategic focus on rural healthcare. The four-year, part-time curriculum uniquely prepares family nurse practitioners through flexible online coursework and intensive clinical training. Specifically targeting the Nursing Education concentration, this program empowers nurses to become advanced educators addressing critical healthcare workforce shortages. Students will develop comprehensive skills in curriculum development, clinical instruction, and educational leadership, positioning themselves at the forefront of transforming nursing education and improving healthcare access in underserved communities.

• Hybrid DNP program launching Fall 2026
• Three specialization concentrations available
• Part-time, four-year program structure
• Online coursework with on-campus sessions
• Focuses on rural healthcare needs
• Initial cohort of seven students
• Projected 77 students by 2030
• Requires BSN and nursing license
• One year clinical experience required
• Training at Hickory campus location

Appalachian State University's DNP in Nursing Education represents a pioneering approach to addressing healthcare workforce challenges in rural North Carolina. This meticulously designed hybrid program provides a specialized pathway for nurses seeking advanced educational roles. By combining online flexibility with immersive on-campus clinical experiences, the curriculum cultivates sophisticated teaching competencies and healthcare pedagogical strategies. Graduates will be equipped to develop innovative nursing curricula, implement advanced educational technologies, and mentor future generations of nursing professionals, ultimately contributing to solving regional healthcare educational gaps.

• Hybrid DNP program format
• Nursing Education concentration
• Part-time 4-year program
• Online with on-campus intensives
• Rural healthcare focus
• First DNP at App State
• BSN required for admission
• High-tech clinical simulation
• Addressing nursing shortages

Appalachian State University's Family Practice DNP concentration offers a transformative educational experience targeting advanced nursing practice in rural healthcare settings. This comprehensive hybrid program prepares family nurse practitioners to deliver sophisticated, patient-centered care through an integrated curriculum blending online learning with intensive clinical training. Students develop advanced diagnostic, treatment, and population health management skills specifically tailored to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. The program's strategic design emphasizes practical expertise, leadership development, and evidence-based practice, positioning graduates as critical healthcare innovators.

• Hybrid DNP program
• Family Practice concentration
• Part-time, 4-year format
• Rural healthcare focus
• Online with on-campus intensives
• BSN and clinical experience required
• First DNP at Appalachian State
• High-tech simulation training
• Multiple concentration options
• Addressing nursing workforce shortage

Appalachian State University's Public/Policy Health DNP concentration provides a strategic pathway for nurses committed to systemic healthcare transformation. This innovative hybrid program cultivates advanced leadership skills in healthcare policy, population health management, and community-driven interventions. Through comprehensive online coursework and immersive clinical experiences, students develop sophisticated analytical capabilities to address complex healthcare challenges. Graduates emerge as influential change agents prepared to design policy frameworks, implement comprehensive health strategies, and drive meaningful improvements in healthcare accessibility and equity across rural and underserved regions.

• Hybrid DNP program
• Rural healthcare focus
• Part-time, 4-year format
• Online with on-campus intensives
• Public/Policy Health concentration
• Addresses nursing shortages
• Requires BSN and clinical experience
• High-tech simulation training
• Projected 77 students by 2030

Appalachian State University's Healthcare Administration DNP concentration offers a cutting-edge educational pathway for nurses seeking executive leadership roles. This dynamic hybrid program equips advanced practitioners with comprehensive skills in strategic management, organizational leadership, and healthcare systems optimization. By integrating online learning with intensive clinical training, students develop sophisticated competencies in healthcare administration, financial management, and transformative leadership strategies. Graduates are positioned to drive organizational innovation, implement effective healthcare delivery models, and address critical challenges in rural healthcare infrastructure and patient care systems.

• Hybrid DNP program
• Focuses on rural healthcare
• Health Care Administration concentration
• Part-time, four-year format
• Online with on-campus intensives
• Requires BSN and nursing license
• Addresses regional healthcare needs
• Prepares family nurse practitioners

Duke University's Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers a transformative two-year distance-based program for advanced practice nurses targeting leadership development. This innovative curriculum combines online coursework with on-campus intensives, enabling working professionals to enhance their careers without practice interruption. Graduates develop sophisticated skills in research translation, patient outcome improvement, and healthcare innovation. The program strategically prepares nurses for elevated career opportunities, with projected job growth of 38% by 2032, offering compelling professional advancement potential through flexible, comprehensive learning experiences.

• Two-year distance-based program
• Hybrid online and campus learning
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• Opportunity to publish DNP project
• Flexible for working professionals
• Leadership and innovation focus
• Nationally ranked nursing program
• Merit-based scholarship options
• Career growth potential

Duke University's Executive Leadership DNP provides a strategic 21-month program targeting experienced nurse executives seeking transformative healthcare leadership training. Meticulously designed for working professionals, this hybrid curriculum blends online learning with interactive campus intensives, emphasizing advanced healthcare management, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. Participants develop sophisticated leadership competencies positioned to drive organizational change and pursue high-level administrative roles with substantial career growth potential and competitive compensation prospects.

• 21-month hybrid program
• Online and campus intensives
• Designed for working professionals
• Leadership focused curriculum
• Top 3 Nursing School Ranking
• Experienced nurse executive focus
• Interprofessional collaboration training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Merit scholarship opportunities
• Master's degree prerequisite

Duke University's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program delivers a comprehensive on-campus educational experience preparing advanced clinical practitioners across patient lifespans. Ranked #3 in Best Nursing Schools, this rigorous curriculum emphasizes research translation, innovative leadership, and specialized anesthesia skills. Students engage in cutting-edge simulation laboratories and diverse clinical rotations, developing sophisticated practice competencies. The program demands a master's degree, active nursing licensure, and demonstrable healthcare leadership experience, positioning graduates as expert anesthesia providers with exceptional clinical expertise.

• On-campus Nurse Anesthesia program
• #3 DNP Nursing Program
• Comprehensive clinical rotations
• Advanced simulation training
• Research-focused curriculum
• Expert faculty with clinical experience
• Leadership development focus

Duke University's Executive Leadership DNP concentration transforms experienced nursing professionals into strategic healthcare executives. This prestigious hybrid program meticulously integrates advanced clinical expertise with comprehensive management training, empowering nurses to drive organizational innovation and lead complex healthcare systems effectively. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum cultivates sophisticated leadership skills, emphasizing evidence-based practice, systemic improvement, and transformative healthcare management strategies.

• Hybrid program format
• Executive Leadership concentration
• Advanced nursing practice
• Professional development focus
• Healthcare leadership emphasis