The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest degree a nurse can earn. It differs from a Ph.D. in that it is more of a clinical and educational focus, as opposed to the research-based practice. Earning a DNP demonstrates that the nurse is an expert in his or her field, whether working as a clinician or in an executive role.
DNP programs begin with foundation courses then branch into the different specialties. Specialties can include nurse practitioners, midwives, nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists. Specialties can also include more administrative roles such as nurse executive, nurse administrator, nurse leader, or in informatics. While different programs have a varying curriculum, DNP student outcomes are standard. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) describes their position on DNP program content and recommends that practice-focused doctoral programs include seven areas of content, to include:
- Scientific underpinnings for practice
- Advanced nursing practice
- Organization and system leadership, quality improvement, and system thinking
- Analytic methodologies related to evaluation of practice and application of evidence-based practice
- Utilization of technology for the improvement of healthcare
- Health policy development, implementation, and evaluation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration for improving population and individual healthcare outcomes
2025 Best DNP Programs in Oregon
Looking for the best DNP programs in Oregon? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your nursing career goals. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Start your search with confidence, knowing our rankings are based on solid research. Find a program that matches your needs and moves you closer to your dream nursing role. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - ohsu.edu
Doctorate - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Primary and Acute Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University offers a comprehensive Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Dual D.N.P. program uniquely designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced pediatric care expertise. This innovative three-year hybrid program prepares nurses for certification in both primary and acute care, spanning children's health from birth to 21 years. Students gain specialized skills through high-quality clinical training at nationally ranked children's hospitals, with flexible mostly online coursework. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, RN license, and offers competitive tuition rates with numerous scholarship opportunities.
- Dual Primary and Acute Care Track
- Three-year Hybrid Program
- 111 Total Credit Requirement
- 25 Practicum Course Credits
- 7 D.N.P. Project Course Credits
- Out-of-State Clinical Options
- Tuition: $699 Resident/Resident
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Nationally Ranked Training
Doctorate - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) at OHSU empowers advanced practice registered nurses to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership potential. This flexible online program allows working professionals to earn the highest clinical practice doctorate in just two to four years. Designed for licensed APRNs, the program offers sophisticated coursework, small class sizes, and personalized faculty mentorship. With a competitive per-credit cost of $687 for residents, students can advance their careers while maintaining professional commitments. Admission requires a master's degree, current APRN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Fully online doctoral program
- Two to four year completion
- 46 total credit requirements
- 1:15 teacher-student ratio
- Flexible practicum experiences
- $687 per credit for residents
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Current APRN license needed
Doctorate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to deliver comprehensive family-centered care. Students complete a rigorous 3-year curriculum covering 115 credits, including 1,000 clinical hours and a specialized project. The hybrid program prepares advanced practice nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage health conditions across patient lifespans. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, and clinical reasoning, graduates emerge as highly skilled primary care providers ready to address complex healthcare challenges.
- 3-year Doctor of Nursing Practice
- 115 total program credits
- 1,000 clinical practice hours
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- RN license prerequisite
- Hybrid program format
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced clinical reasoning focus
- Comprehensive primary care training
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program at Oregon Health & Science University provides comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals. Over three years, students develop expertise in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, gaining over 1,000 clinical hours across diverse healthcare settings. The program costs $699 per credit for Oregon residents, with scholarship opportunities available. Admission requires a B.S. in nursing, active RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across patient lifespans, addressing complex psychological challenges with evidence-based, compassionate care.
- 3-year Doctor of Nursing Practice
- 1,000+ clinical practice hours
- Flexible online/hybrid learning
- Multiple campus options
- High certification exam pass rate
- Small 1:15 student-teacher ratio
- Statewide Oregon program access
- Diverse clinical placement settings
Doctorate - Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University's top-ranked Nurse-Midwifery Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Ranked second nationally, the three-year program offers extensive clinical training with over 1,000 supervised hours across diverse settings. Students gain expertise in prenatal care, childbirth, gynecologic services, and ultrasound techniques. Graduates emerge as independent practitioners equipped to address women's health holistically, with strong leadership skills and policy understanding. Tuition ranges from $699-$908 per credit, with numerous scholarship opportunities available.
- Top-ranked Nurse-Midwifery program
- 1,000+ clinical training hours
- Independent practice in Oregon
- Ultrasound training included
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- 116 total credits needed
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Clinical placements provided
- CCNE and ACME accredited
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oregon Health & Science University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary care across patient lifespans. Students gain expert skills in health assessment, disease management, and patient-centered care through a flexible hybrid program. With a curriculum covering advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical practice, graduates are equipped to provide high-quality healthcare in diverse settings. The three-year program offers competitive tuition, robust scholarship opportunities, and strong clinical placement support, making it an attractive pathway for nursing professionals seeking career advancement.
- Three-year DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- Diverse clinical opportunities
- Small class sizes
- High certification exam pass rate
- Statewide distance learning
- 1:3 faculty-to-student ratio
- Clinical placements arranged
- Multiple campus options
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
University of Portland
Portland, OR - Private 4-year - up.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Portland's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive 3-year, 72-credit program preparing advanced nursing professionals. Graduates gain expert skills to independently diagnose, manage health conditions, and promote wellness across patient lifespans. The hybrid program combines online coursework with monthly on-campus immersions, enabling working healthcare professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. Graduates are eligible for national certification through prestigious nursing credentialing boards.
- 72-credit DNP program
- Hybrid learning format
- 3-year full-time study
- National certification preparation
- Independent practice focus
Doctorate - DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Portland's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive primary care. Spanning 72 credits, this hybrid program combines online learning with monthly on-campus immersions, offering students a flexible and rigorous educational pathway. Graduates gain 900 hours of direct clinical experience, preparing them to sit for national certification exams and practice independently across diverse healthcare settings. The program emphasizes integrative health, leadership development, and addressing health disparities with cultural humility.
- 72-credit hybrid program
- 900 hours clinical experience
- Online with monthly immersions
- National certification preparation
- Focus on integrative health
- Independent practice skills
- Leadership in healthcare systems
- Social justice oriented
George Fox University
Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
George Fox University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) through a comprehensive hybrid learning model. This innovative three-year program addresses critical healthcare needs in Oregon, offering students advanced clinical training with 90 semester credit hours. Students benefit from personalized mentorship, state-based clinical rotations, and cutting-edge simulation facilities. The program costs $1,800 per semester credit hour and prepares graduates to meet 2025 doctoral education standards while filling a crucial shortage of anesthesia care providers in rural communities.
- 3-year hybrid DNP program
- 90 semester credit hours
- $1,800 per credit hour
- 25-30 students per cohort
- Oregon-based clinical rotations
- Advanced simulation facilities
- Interprofessional learning experiences
- Mentorship-focused curriculum
- Prepares for 2025 doctoral standards
Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Visit Website
George Fox University is pioneering advanced nursing education with its upcoming Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program, launching in 2028. Located in Newberg, Oregon, the program aims to address critical healthcare needs, especially in rural communities. The innovative curriculum will be housed in a state-of-the-art simulation space, ensuring students receive comprehensive, hands-on training to become exceptional servant leaders in mental health nursing.
- DNP Program Launching 2028
- Rural Community Healthcare Focus
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Facility
- Advanced Practice Nurse Training
- Located in Newberg, Oregon
Choosing a DNP Program
When selecting a DNP program, many factors should be considered. The choice is very individualized, based on the nurse’s home and work schedule as well as financial needs. There are two accredited DNP programs based in Oregon, and the following considerations may assist students in selecting the one that is right for them.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Cost– One DNP program in Oregon costs around $600 per credit, while the other charges $1221 per credit. These figures do not represent the total cost- university fees and other expenses are not included. Both schools offer financial aid options, and some DNP tracks allow for part-time study which may assist in offsetting the costs.
- Online Option– Both schools offer online or hybrid learning. It is understood that most nurses must still work while attending school, so schools strive to make earning a DNP as achievable as possible by offering distance learning to students. When campus visitation is required, classes are often in “intensive” formats, so students only need to visit campus once or twice a semester.
- Accreditation– The two nationally-recognized accreditation bodies for nursing programs in the United States are the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation by one of these entities ensures the highest educational standards are met and ensures the graduate meets licensing requirements for the state of Oregon. Both DNP programs in Oregon are accredited by the CCNE.
- Residency Options– To meet DNP requirements; students must complete a minimum of 1,000 practice hours before graduating. MSN-DNP students may be able to carry over clinical hours from their MSN program (depending on the school). Students must also complete a DNP project that identifies a clinical or healthcare-related concern and proposes evidence-based solutions.
Another type of residency option available to DNP graduates in Oregon is a post-graduation clinical residency at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic. Those who graduated from a DNP-FNP track are eligible. It is a 12-month, salaried program. Five slots are open to FNPs, and it has two locations.
The University of Portland offers a hybrid DNP program to both BNS and MSN-prepared nurses. The DNP-FNP program is 78 credits and is usually completed in nine semesters (based on full-time status). The school offers online learning as well as “immersions” on certain weekends throughout the semester. For students who enter the DNP program with an MSN, 45 credits are needed to graduate. For more information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the university’s website.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission requirements for the two DNP programs in Oregon vary. Admission criteria depend on the student’s entry point (i.e., BSN or MSN applicants), specialty track of interest, and residency/ licensure status. General admission requirements may include:
- An MSN or BSN degree from an accredited school
- RN or APRN license
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (specific requirements may vary)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Interview with faculty
- Writing sample (such as a statement of purpose or essay)
Certification
Specialty certification is required for APRN licensure in Oregon. Graduates of DNP programs, if not already certified and depending on their learning track, are eligible to sit for certification exams. Oregon recognizes the following NP specialties in which graduates can be certified:
- Acute care
- Adult/Gerontology (acute and primary care)
- Adult
- Family
- Geriatric
- Neonatal
- Nurse-midwife
- Pediatric (acute and primary care)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Women's Health
Additionally, Oregon recognizes Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Clinical Nurse Specialists as well. However, it's important to note that not all DNP graduates choose clinical practice as their specialty. Some may choose Informatics or administration. While not required for licensure, non-practitioner DNP graduates can become board certified in areas such as:
- Informatics Nursing
- Nurse Executive
- Nurse Executive-Advanced
- Public Health Nursing-Advanced
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provides examples of specialty certification in both practice and non-practice roles.
Licensing
Not all DNP graduates need to be licensed. For example, MSN-DNP graduates, unless changing their specialty or practice, do not require re-licensing. New practitioners must become licensed. As stated earlier, specialty certification may be one requirement for APRN licensure in Oregon. Other requirements include:
- Current RN or APRN license
- Provide proof of graduation from a DNP program (must be within two years of application)
- Possess an MSN or DNP degree
- Complete an application/ pay any fees
- Complete application for prescriptive authority
Oregon BSN to DNP Program Options
Both DNP programs in Oregon offer BSN-DNP options. The course of study is around three to four years, and students must complete around 78 credits. A master's degree is earned along the way, while the last part of the program focuses on DNP outcomes.
The Oregon Health & Science University offers BSN students options to earn a DNP while becoming advanced practitioners. The school offers tracks in:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
For more information, students are encouraged to visit their website or review the current student handbook.
Related Education Paths
- Oregon Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Oregon FNP Programs
- Oregon CRNA Programs
- Oregon Nurse Midwifery Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Oregon
- Nurse Practitioners of Oregon
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- American Medical Informatics Association/Nursing Informatics
- American Association of Nurse Executives
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Oregon
Newberg, OR
George Fox University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid DNP program
- 90 semester credit hours
- $1,800 per credit hour
- 25-30 students per cohort
- Oregon-based clinical rotations
- Advanced simulation facilities
- Interprofessional learning experiences
- Mentorship-focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- DNP Program Launching 2028
- Rural Community Healthcare Focus
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Facility
- Advanced Practice Nurse Training
- Located in Newberg, Oregon
Portland, OR
George Fox University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid DNP program
- 90 semester credit hours
- $1,800 per credit hour
- 25-30 students per cohort
- Oregon-based clinical rotations
- Advanced simulation facilities
- Interprofessional learning experiences
- Mentorship-focused curriculum
- Doctorate - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- DNP Program Launching 2028
- Rural Community Healthcare Focus
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Facility
- Advanced Practice Nurse Training
- Located in Newberg, Oregon