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

Looking for the best DNP programs in North Dakota? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs based on key factors like quality, cost, and student support. We make it easy to find a program that fits your needs. Check out our list to start your journey toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree today. Learn how we rank programs here.

#1

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 online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program caters to experienced, post-master's nurses. Offering Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership tracks, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, informatics, and healthcare policy. Applicants need a 3.0 graduate GPA and an active RN license. The program culminates in a scholarly DNP project, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.

  • 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 online post-baccalaureate DNP program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, prepares RNs with at least one year of experience for advanced primary care. This 83-credit program requires a 3.0 undergraduate nursing GPA. Coursework includes pharmacology, health promotion, and clinical management, along with substantial clinical practice. Graduates are equipped to address complex health challenges and deliver family-centered 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

The University of North Dakota's online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a flexible path for advanced practice nurses. This 85-credit program can be completed in 8 full-time or 11 part-time semesters. The curriculum prepares graduates for national certification and addresses the growing demand for mental health professionals. No campus visits are required, and clinical placement support is provided.

  • 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 online post-master's DNP program offers Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership tracks. Requiring 36-37 graduate credits, this program focuses on evidence-based research, health policy, and informatics. Applicants need a master's in nursing, active RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. A scholarly DNP project provides practical experience in complex healthcare settings.

  • 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 online DNP program, with Advanced Practice Nursing and Leadership tracks, prepares nurses for healthcare system transformation. The curriculum covers evidence-based research, health policy, and informatics. A master's degree in nursing, active RN license, and a 3.0 GPA are required. The program includes a scholarly DNP project and comprises 80 graduate credit hours (36-37 credits for post-master's entry).

  • 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 online DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced clinical training in 8-11 semesters. This 83-credit program emphasizes holistic patient care across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions, focusing on preventative care and patient education. The curriculum covers advanced diagnostic techniques, pharmacology, and interdisciplinary 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 hybrid DNP program, specializing in Nurse Anesthesia, offers advanced clinical training. This 94-credit program requires at least one year of critical care nursing experience and an active RN license. Coursework includes advanced pharmacology, physiology, and anesthesia principles, complemented by extensive clinical practicums. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required, and applicants must undergo a professional interview and background check.

  • 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
Show 6 More Programs ˅
#2

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 is tailored for nurses aiming to advance their clinical expertise and leadership capabilities. This hybrid program blends online coursework with campus institutes, offering a flexible yet rigorous path to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. With a focus on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, students are prepared to address complex healthcare needs. The program boasts a 100% FNP exam pass rate in 2024, CCNE accreditation, and a tuition of $685 per credit. Graduates emerge ready to take on high-level roles in various healthcare settings, armed with a deep understanding of health promotion and disease prevention.

  • 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

Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the University of Mary's MSN to DNP: Nursing Organizational Leadership program is an online pathway to executive roles in healthcare. Concentrating on nursing organizational leadership, the program equips students with the skills to influence healthcare policy, lead interprofessional teams, and implement evidence-based practices. Over 20 months, participants engage in a curriculum that emphasizes leadership and management, with just one required campus visit. At $685 per credit, this CCNE-accredited program offers a cost-effective route to advancing your career in healthcare leadership, with a projected 20% growth in medical and health service management roles.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

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 in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. The program distinguishes itself through a remarkable 100% first-time certification exam pass rate and comprehensive clinical training. Leveraging face-to-face synchronous instruction, students benefit from faculty with over 100 years of combined clinical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based healthcare strategies, holistic patient care approaches, and advanced clinical skills development, positioning graduates as highly competent family nurse practitioners ready to excel in diverse healthcare environments.

  • 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 provides an intensive Family Nurse Practitioner pathway designed to cultivate advanced nursing leadership. Through a rigorous curriculum, students engage in evidence-based healthcare learning and strategic problem-solving techniques. The program's exceptional 100% first-time certification exam pass rate underscores its commitment to academic excellence. Faculty offer personalized mentorship and secure clinical placements, ensuring students develop comprehensive skills to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across complex healthcare settings. Graduates emerge as skilled, compassionate family nurse practitioners prepared to address contemporary healthcare challenges.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

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
  • 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

RELATED EDUCATION PATHS

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in North Dakota

Jump to City:

Bismarck, ND

University of Mary

  • Doctorate - BSN to DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 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

Grand Forks, ND

University of North Dakota

  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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 - Website

    • 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
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 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
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

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