The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the premier degree for clinical nursing practice. Nurses that graduate from a DNP program with an executive leadership track have a number of options ranging from clinical leadership to hospital administration.
In North Dakota, most of the post-master's DNP programs will require successful completion of 28 and 38 credit hours, depending on factors including the type of track selected. BSN to DNP students are expected to complete 66 to 75 unit hours with a number of clinical hours devoted to a preceptorship.
Competencies that DNP students will have mastered after completing programs will include the following:
- Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
- Advanced quantitative research methods and evidence-based practice
- Provide leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care arenas
- Health care policy for advocacy in health care
- Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry
- Advanced health and physical assessment
- Inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes
- Advanced pharmacology
- Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and more
- Critique and selectively translate science to guide clinical decision-making and program development
- Appraise and utilize current technologies to advance the quality and accessibility of care
2025 Best DNP Programs in North Dakota
North Dakota offers excellent Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for advanced nursing professionals seeking to elevate their careers. At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top DNP programs based on academic quality, student outcomes, and clinical preparation. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support services. These programs provide nurses with advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and the expertise needed to transform healthcare delivery. Whether you're interested in practice-focused or research-oriented tracks, North Dakota's DNP programs offer robust educational pathways for ambitious nursing professionals. See our ranking methodology.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - Public 4-Year - und.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a comprehensive online program designed for experienced nurses seeking advanced professional development. Tailored for post-master's nurses, the program offers two distinct tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership. Students can expect a rigorous curriculum emphasizing evidence-based research, healthcare policy, informatics, and systems-focused practice. With a competitive admission requirement of a 3.0 graduate GPA and active RN licensure, the program prepares nurses to lead transformative healthcare initiatives through a scholarly DNP project.
- Fully online post-master's program
- Two specialized tracks available
- Minimum 80 graduate credit hours
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Requires active RN licensure
- Comprehensive DNP project required
- Advanced research and policy focus
Doctorate - Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner track offers advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to specialized primary care expertise. This rigorous 83-credit program prepares nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare across diverse populations. Designed for registered nurses with at least one year of work experience, the program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA. Students engage in advanced coursework covering pharmacology, health promotion, clinical management, and evidence-based research, complemented by extensive clinical practicums. Graduates emerge as skilled healthcare leaders equipped to address complex health challenges and provide comprehensive family-focused care.
- 83 total credit program
- Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
- One year RN experience required
- Advanced clinical practicums
- Leadership and research focus
- Multiple clinical specialty courses
- Comprehensive health assessment training
Doctorate - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Unlock a rewarding career in mental health with the University of North Dakota's comprehensive online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This flexible program prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose, treat, and support patients across their lifespan. With 100% online coursework and 85 credit hours, students can complete the program in 8 full-time or 11 part-time semesters. Graduates are eligible for the national certification exam and can expect strong job prospects, with a projected 40% growth in advanced practice registered nursing roles. Tuition and financial aid options are available to support your educational journey.
- 100% Online Doctoral Program
- 85 Total Credit Hours
- 8-11 Semester Completion
- No Campus Visits Required
- Clinical Placement Support
- CCNE Accredited Program
- National Certification Eligible
- 40% Job Growth Projection
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Advanced Practice Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers advanced nursing professionals a rigorous online pathway to enhance leadership and clinical expertise. This post-master's program provides two specialized tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership, each designed to elevate healthcare outcomes. Requiring 36-37 graduate credits, the program focuses on evidence-based research, health policy, informatics, and systems-focused practice. Applicants need a master's nursing degree, current RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Unique program features include a comprehensive scholarly DNP project, emphasizing critical thinking and professional development in complex healthcare environments.
- Online post-master's DNP program
- Two specialized nursing tracks
- 36-37 graduate credit hours
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
- Comprehensive DNP project
- Advanced research and leadership focus
- Requires active RN licensure
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to elevate their leadership and clinical expertise. This online program provides two distinct tracks: Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership, enabling nurses to develop high-level skills in healthcare system transformation. With a rigorous curriculum covering evidence-based research, health policy, informatics, and organizational systems, graduates are prepared to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and healthcare delivery. The program requires a master's degree in nursing, active RN licensure, and offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a transformative healthcare leader.
- Online DNP program
- Two specialized tracks
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 80 graduate credit hours
- Master's degree prerequisite
- Active RN licensure needed
- Scholarly DNP project required
- 36-37 total credits
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive online program designed for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. In just 8-11 semesters, students can transform their nursing career by developing skills to provide holistic patient care across all life stages. The 83-credit program prepares graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions while emphasizing preventive care and patient education. With a focus on evidence-based practice, students learn advanced diagnostic techniques, pharmacological management, and interdisciplinary healthcare approaches.
- 100% online coursework
- 83 total credit hours
- 8-11 semesters to complete
- Accredited by CCNE
- Two campus visits required
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Prepares for certification exam
- Personalized clinical placement support
- Flexible asynchronous learning
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Dakota's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Nurse Anesthesia concentration provides advanced clinical training for experienced nurses seeking specialized expertise in anesthesia care. This rigorous 94-credit program prepares students to become highly skilled nurse anesthetists through comprehensive coursework and extensive clinical practicums. Candidates must have at least one year of critical care nursing experience and hold an unencumbered RN license. The program features intensive training in advanced pharmacology, physiology, anesthesia principles, and clinical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to deliver high-quality patient care in complex medical settings.
- 94-credit Post-Baccalaureate DNP
- Critical care nursing experience required
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Extensive clinical practicum components
- Advanced pharmacology and physiology training
- Comprehensive health assessment curriculum
- Requires professional interview
- Minimum one year RN experience
- Background check required
- Specialized nurse anesthesia focus
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu
Doctorate - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mary's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program provides advanced nursing professionals with comprehensive clinical preparation and leadership skills. Designed for ambitious nurses seeking greater professional autonomy, the program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and interprofessional care management. With a rigorous curriculum spanning approximately 2.7 years, students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, servant leadership, and cultural competence. The program prepares graduates for diverse high-level healthcare roles while integrating Benedictine values of human dignity and spiritual integrity.
- 100% 2024 FNP exam pass rate
- Online with campus institutes
- 2.7 year program length
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE accredited program
- Customizable concentration options
- Advanced clinical leadership focus
- Multiple career path opportunities
Doctorate - MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership
Concentration: Nursing Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
The MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership program empowers experienced nurses to elevate their careers by developing advanced leadership skills. Designed for MSN-prepared professionals, this 20-month online degree prepares nurses to serve in clinical, organizational, and educational systems. Students gain expertise in healthcare policy, evidence-based decision-making, and interprofessional team management. With a competitive tuition of $685 per credit, the program offers flexible learning and one campus visit. Graduates can pursue high-level roles like Chief Clinical Officer or Health Policy Specialist, with a projected 20% job growth in medical and health service management.
- 20-month online program
- One campus visit required
- $685 per credit tuition
- CCNE Accredited
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Leadership career focus
- Advanced nursing practice
- Evidence-based curriculum
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND - Public 4-Year - ndsu.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares advanced nursing professionals specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner roles. With a 100% first-time certification exam pass rate, the program offers comprehensive clinical training through face-to-face instruction and synchronous classes. Students learn from experienced faculty with over 100 years of combined clinical expertise, emphasizing evidence-based healthcare strategies and holistic patient care approaches.
- On-campus DNP program
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- 100% certification exam pass rate
- Face-to-face synchronous instruction
- Eight experienced FNP faculty members
- CCNE Accredited program
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
- Clinical placement assistance
- Advanced nursing care preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
North Dakota State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an intensive on-campus educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Aspiring family nurse practitioners benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing evidence-based healthcare and strategic problem-solving. The program boasts a 100% first-time certification exam pass rate, with faculty offering personalized mentorship and robust clinical placement support. Students learn from experienced faculty with over 100 years of combined clinical expertise, preparing them to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
- On-campus DNP program
- 100% FNP certification rate
- Face-to-face instruction
- CCNE accredited program
- Faculty-secured clinical placements
- Synchronous class options
- Evidence-based curriculum approach
Choosing a DNP Program
The thought of choosing a DNP program may seem challenging, but with a bit of research and the following key factors in mind, selecting a great program can be easy.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Tuition for DNP programs in the state of North Dakota can vary from program to program
- If you are a resident of the state:
- North Dakota State University: $347/per unit hour
- University of North Dakota: $320/per unit hour
- If you are a non-resident of the state:
- North Dakota State University: $939/per unit hour
- University of North Dakota: $855
- If you are a resident of the state:
- Online Options— Of the universities offering DNP programs in the state of North Dakota, one delivers the program to students in an online format. The University of North Dakota’s program follows an online delivery format. Students are, however, required to attend an intensive on-campus experience one weekend each semester.
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of North Dakota are accredited by the Commission on Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies— Clinical residencies and fellowships are often a requirement of DNP programs, and many schools have relationships with area healthcare facilities that offer them. Find out more about residencies in North Dakota by consulting with the DNP faculty at the school of your choice.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
- Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two of the required references are to be from professional colleagues that address clinical competence and ability to succeed in graduate study
- Admission interviews with nursing faculty
- Documentation of health status, criminal background check, and more
- Degree requirements must be completed within seven years after admission
Certification
DNP programs in North Dakota permit students to sit for state board certification after successfully completing the programs. DNP tracks offered at universities in North Dakota allow students to become certified in the majority of advanced practice nursing specialties.
Licensing
In North Dakota, students who've successfully completed the DNP track will need to be licensed by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure include:
- Completing an application
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
North Dakota BSN to DNP Program Options
Of the universities offering DNP programs in the state of North Dakota, one delivers a BSN to DNP pathway to students. North Dakota State University offers both BSN to DNP and post-masters DNP pathways.
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in North Dakota
- North Dakota Nurse Practitioners Association
- North Dakota Board of Nursing
- North Dakota Nurses Association
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