DNP Programs in South Carolina

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers comprehensive advanced nursing education for healthcare professionals seeking to elevate their clinical expertise and leadership skills. Designed for both post-master's and BSN-prepared nurses, the program provides flexible online learning paths with specialized concentrations including Clinical Expert, Healthcare Leadership, Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health. Students can choose full-time or part-time options, with curricula ranging from 33 to 74 credit hours, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare technology, population health, and advanced clinical competencies.

• Multiple DNP concentration options
• Online didactic coursework
• Full-time and part-time plans
• Minimum 1000-1112 clinical hours
• Advanced leadership focus
• Post-master's and BSN pathways
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Healthcare technology integration

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) in Family Nursing Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive patient care across complex health systems. Ranked #1 nationally, this innovative program equips students with evidence-based skills to improve patient outcomes through online coursework and select on-campus immersions. Graduates gain national certification and expertise in primary care, positioning themselves for impactful roles in healthcare settings like urgent care, family practices, and outpatient clinics.

• Nationally ranked nursing program
• First four D.N.P. programs nationwide
• Clinical Simulation Center training
• Online and on-campus learning
• Evidence-based practice focus

The Executive Healthcare Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals to assume high-level leadership roles in healthcare. This comprehensive program offers flexible entry paths for nurses with diverse educational backgrounds, including BSN and master's degrees. Students develop critical skills in healthcare policy, organizational leadership, technology integration, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum focuses on transforming healthcare systems through strategic leadership, advanced technological applications, and population health management. Graduates gain expertise in executing innovative interventions, translating research into practice, and leading interprofessional teams in complex healthcare environments.

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Two entry point options
• 36-60 credit hours
• Leadership focused curriculum
• Advanced healthcare technology integration
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Interprofessional team preparation
• National certification eligibility

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. This pioneering program integrates neuroscientific principles with evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, enabling graduates to address complex clinical challenges. Students develop sophisticated skills in trauma-related care, health policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Nationally ranked and designed for ambitious nursing professionals, the program equips candidates to sit for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certification, opening doors to transformative healthcare roles.

• Nationally ranked online program
• Top-tier faculty mentorship
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional collaboration focus

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in complex healthcare settings. Ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report, this flexible online program equips students with cutting-edge skills to manage acute and critical patient care. Graduates develop advanced analytical, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning capabilities, positioning themselves for high-demand roles in hospitals, outpatient practices, and specialized medical environments.

• Nationally ranked online program
• Advanced practice clinical preparation
• Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
• Evidence-based project collaboration
• Prepares for national certification

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care offers an advanced pathway for nurses seeking specialized expertise in complex patient management. Ranked #1 nationally for online graduate nursing programs, this program equips healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills to provide expert care in acute and critical settings. Students develop advanced analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice techniques while preparing for national certification as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners.

• Nationally ranked online program
• Clinical Simulation Center training
• Evidence-based research focus
• National certification preparation
• Advanced clinical practice training

The University of South Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Clinical Expert prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in complex healthcare environments. This rigorous online program empowers nursing professionals to develop advanced clinical skills, implement evidence-based practices, and drive systemic improvements in patient care. Graduates gain comprehensive leadership training, research evaluation capabilities, and the expertise to transform healthcare delivery. The program's nationally ranked curriculum offers flexibility for working professionals, enabling them to enhance their clinical scholarship while maintaining current employment.

• Nationally ranked online program
• Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
• One of first four DNP programs nationally
• Flexible online curriculum
• Evidence-based practice focus

The University of South Carolina's Executive Healthcare Leadership: Nursing Practice D.N.P. prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare environments through strategic leadership. Designed for experienced nurses with a B.S.N., master's degree, or healthcare administration background, this online program develops critical executive skills. Students gain expertise in leadership, decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration, positioning themselves for high-level roles in healthcare administration and management.

• Online graduate program ranked #1
• Innovative Clinical Simulation Center
• First nationally recognized D.N.P. program
• Leadership skills development
• Multiple career pathway options

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares advanced practice nurses to become expert clinical leaders. The hybrid post-baccalaureate track offers specialized concentrations in Family, Adult/Gerontology, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, along with a Health Systems Leadership option. Students complete 74 credit hours over nine semesters, integrating evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and healthcare policy. The program demands 1,000 clinical hours and requires a transformative DNP project focused on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

• Hybrid post-baccalaureate format
• 74 credit hour program
• 1,000 clinical hours required
• Multiple specialty concentrations
• Evidence-based practice focus
• DNP project required
• Leadership development emphasis
• Online and on-campus options

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced practice nurses to become expert clinical leaders through a comprehensive hybrid program. Designed for both post-baccalaureate and post-masters students, this 74-credit hour program integrates evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership skills. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on primary care, empowering nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Students complete 1000 clinical hours and a transformative DNP project, positioning graduates for sophisticated healthcare roles that drive systemic improvements and innovative patient care strategies.

• Hybrid 74-credit hour program
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• 1000 total clinical hours
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership and policy training
• Comprehensive DNP project required
• Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to become expert clinical leaders who can transform healthcare through evidence-based practice and innovative research. Designed as a hybrid program, students can choose concentrations in Family, Adult/Gerontology, or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, along with a Health Systems Leadership track. The comprehensive curriculum spans 74 credit hours for post-baccalaureate students, requiring 1000 clinical hours and a transformative DNP project. Graduates emerge equipped to lead systemic healthcare changes, develop strategic health promotion strategies, and apply cutting-edge research to improve patient outcomes.

• Hybrid 74-credit DNP program
• Multiple specialty concentration options
• 1000 total clinical hours required
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Healthcare leadership emphasis
• Post-baccalaureate and post-masters tracks
• Minimum 3.25 GPA requirement
• Graduate teaching assistantships available

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to become expert clinical leaders. This rigorous 74-credit hybrid program equips students with cutting-edge skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Students develop comprehensive expertise through extensive clinical rotations, completing 1000 total clinical hours and a transformative DNP project that addresses real-world healthcare challenges. Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, the program offers flexible learning with both on-campus and virtual coursework, making advanced nursing education accessible and impactful.

• 74-credit hybrid program
• 1000 total clinical hours
• Pediatric NP concentration
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership skill development

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program empowers healthcare professionals to become advanced practice nursing leaders. This comprehensive 74-credit hybrid program prepares students to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice, leadership, and innovative clinical strategies. With concentrations in Family, Adult/Gerontology, Pediatric Nursing, and Health Systems Leadership, students complete 1000 clinical hours and develop a capstone DNP project aimed at improving patient outcomes. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning formats and potential financial support through graduate teaching assistantships.

• 74-credit hybrid program
• Multiple nursing concentrations
• 1000 total clinical hours
• Graduate assistantships available
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership skill development
• Capstone DNP project required

Clemson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced program designed to transform nursing professionals into expert clinical leaders. The hybrid post-baccalaureate program prepares nurses to integrate cutting-edge research, evidence-based practice, and healthcare innovation across various specialties including Family, Adult/Gerontology, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks. Students complete a comprehensive 74-credit curriculum spanning nine semesters, with 1,000 clinical hours and a transformative DNP project focused on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

• 74-credit hybrid program
• 1,000 total clinical hours
• Multiple specialty tracks
• Online and on-campus options
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership development emphasis
• DNP project requirement
• Graduate assistantships available

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Advanced Practice concentration equips experienced nurses to elevate their clinical leadership skills. Designed for practicing Advanced Practice Nurses, this hybrid 39-credit program transforms healthcare professionals through a comprehensive curriculum. With just 18 months of study, nurses can enhance their expertise, develop scholarly projects, and potentially boost their earning potential to $90,000-$110,000 annually. The program requires a Master of Science in Nursing and offers personalized learning with small cohorts and experienced faculty.

• 39 total credit hours
• Hybrid learning format
• 18-month program duration
• MSN required for entry
• 500-600 clinical hours
• Advanced practice focus
• Scholarly project component
• Small cohort learning
• Potential $90-110k salary range

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Executive Leadership concentration equips healthcare professionals to step into high-level leadership roles. This rigorous 42-credit hour hybrid program transforms experienced nurses into strategic executives, with potential salaries ranging from $80,000 to $200,000. Designed for MSN degree holders, the program requires 800 clinical hours and includes a scholarly project, preparing graduates for roles like chief nursing executive or clinical coordinator in hospitals, insurance companies, and accreditation boards.

• 42 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• MSN required for entry
• 800 additional clinical hours
• Executive leadership focus
• 18-month program duration
• Potential $80k-$200k salary range
• On-campus residency semester
• Small cohort learning
• Scholarly project component

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in mental health care across diverse populations. This comprehensive 77-credit hour program blends online learning with critical campus intensives, offering a rigorous curriculum that includes 750 clinical hours and a guided scholarly project. Graduates gain expertise in treating mental and behavioral health disorders, positioning themselves for high-demand roles with competitive salaries ranging from $95,000 to $115,000. The program requires a BSN and recommends 1-2 years of nursing experience, making it ideal for professionals seeking to elevate their clinical skills and leadership potential.

• 77 total credit hours
• Mostly online hybrid format
• 750 clinical training hours
• 3-year program duration
• BSN degree required
• National certification preparation
• Covers all population age groups
• Competitive salary potential

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive 75-credit hour pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This hybrid program prepares professionals to tackle complex healthcare challenges across all population age groups. With 750 clinical hours and an additional 500-600 hours for scholarly project completion, students gain extensive hands-on experience. Graduates can expect competitive salaries ranging from $90,000 to $110,000, positioning themselves at the forefront of primary care practice. The program emphasizes practical skills development through small cohorts and experienced faculty mentorship.

• 75 total credit hours
• Hybrid program format
• 750 clinical practice hours
• Mostly online curriculum
• BSN required for admission
• 1-2 years nursing experience recommended
• National certification exam preparation
• Targeted to family nurse practitioners
• 3-year program duration
• Small cohort learning environment

Anderson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Executive Leadership concentration transforms experienced nurses into strategic healthcare leaders. This rigorous 42-credit hybrid program empowers nursing professionals to advance into top executive roles across healthcare settings. Designed for Master's-prepared nurses, the program requires 800 clinical hours and focuses on developing scholarly leadership skills. Graduates can expect career opportunities as chief nursing executives, with potential salaries ranging from $80,000 to $200,000. The program's first-semester campus residency ensures personalized faculty mentorship and collaborative learning.

• 42 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• MSN degree prerequisite
• 800 additional clinical hours
• First semester campus residency
• Executive leadership focus
• 1-2 years nursing experience recommended

Francis Marion University's BSN to FNP/DNP track offers a comprehensive doctoral pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice. This intensive 70-credit hour program transforms BSN-prepared nurses into expert Family Nurse Practitioners with a doctoral-level education. Completed in three calendar years, the program provides a seamless transition through fully online and hybrid courses, ensuring flexibility for working professionals. Students gain advanced clinical expertise through 1,080 clinical hours, preparing them for national certification exams and leadership roles in healthcare.

• 70 credit hour program
• 1,080 total clinical hours
• Fully online with hybrid courses
• Three-year full-time track
• Eligible for AANP/ANCC certification

Embark on a transformative journey in pediatric healthcare with MUSC's Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program. This comprehensive track prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver exceptional care for children from pre-natal through 21 years old. Students gain expertise in preventive health, acute illness management, and chronic condition treatment. The program emphasizes holistic, family-centered care across community and clinical settings. Graduates become skilled professionals ready to improve pediatric health outcomes, with eligibility for national certification upon completion.

• Comprehensive pediatric primary care training
• Pre-natal to 21 years focus
• National certification eligibility
• Online DNP program
• Expert faculty mentorship

The Medical University of South Carolina's Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a cutting-edge online program designed for ambitious nurses seeking advanced practice leadership. Ranked #22 nationally for DNP programs, this comprehensive degree prepares nurses to transform healthcare through evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Students can choose from four specialized tracks: Adult-Gerontology, Family, Pediatric, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The program welcomes new graduates, requires no GRE, and offers flexible learning with 100% asynchronous online coursework, complemented by on-campus learning intensives. With nationally recognized faculty and a robust curriculum integrating health policy, clinical management, and innovative healthcare technologies, graduates are equipped to drive meaningful change in complex healthcare environments.

• #22 National DNP Ranking
• 100% Online Asynchronous
• Four Clinical Specializations
• No GRE Required
• 4-Year Flexible Study Plan
• Mental Health Curriculum
• Nationally Recognized Faculty
• Welcome New Graduates
• 76 Credit Hour Program
• Clinical Leadership Focus

The Medical University of South Carolina's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice training. This innovative program prepares students to provide primary healthcare across all life stages, from infancy to elderly care. Students gain expertise in treating acute and chronic conditions while developing holistic, integrated care skills. The curriculum includes specialized training during on-campus intensives, covering techniques like contraception insertion and basic medical procedures. Graduates will be equipped with versatile skills for diverse healthcare settings, including pediatric practices, skilled nursing centers, hospitalist roles, and specialty care environments.

• Online Post-BSN DNP program
• Lifespan healthcare education
• Interprofessional learning environment
• Clinical hours in primary care
• Specialized procedural training
• Flexible employment opportunities
• Optional nurse educator courses

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program at MUSC prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health workforce shortages. With projected job growth of 45% and an estimated shortage of 250,000 professionals by 2025, this program offers a compelling career pathway. Students gain comprehensive skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, with flexible specialization options in patient populations and service delivery. The curriculum integrates holistic, interprofessional training in medication management and psychotherapy, including specialized modalities like trauma-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Online Post-BSN DNP Track
• 45% Job Growth Projection
• Multiple Clinical Specialization Options
• Interprofessional Learning Environment
• National Certification Eligibility
• Diverse Clinical Placement Opportunities
• Optional Psychotherapy Certificate

The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner DNP program at MUSC prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive primary care across the lifespan, from adolescence through advanced age. Designed for experienced nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise, this online program equips students with specialized skills to address complex healthcare needs in diverse settings like medical homes, internal medicine offices, and rural clinics. Students develop advanced diagnostic and patient care capabilities, focusing on holistic health management and chronic disease treatment.

• Online DNP program
• Primary care specialist track
• Broad patient age range
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Expert faculty leadership

The Medical University of South Carolina's Post-MSN to DNP program offers advanced practice nurses a comprehensive pathway to enhance their clinical expertise through a fully online, flexible format. Designed for working professionals, this terminal doctorate degree focuses on advanced clinical practice, leadership, health systems design, evidence-based practice, and applied research. Nurses can deepen their specialty knowledge while maintaining their current professional roles, with courses delivered asynchronously to accommodate busy schedules.

• Fully online program format
• Terminal nursing practice doctorate
• For current advanced practice nurses
• No GRE scores required
• Preferred 3.0 GPA
• National certification required
• Active APRN license needed
• Practice improvement project
• Asynchronous course delivery

The Post-BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals for a critical role in addressing nationwide mental health workforce shortages. With projected 45% job growth and an estimated 250,000 professional deficit by 2025, this specialized program offers exceptional career opportunities. Students receive comprehensive training in psychiatric medication management and psychotherapy, learning holistic approaches to mental health treatment. The curriculum provides specialized clinical experiences across diverse settings, including telehealth, school-based care, and trauma treatment centers. Graduates are eligible for board certification and can work with various populations, from children to adults, in multiple healthcare environments.

• 45% projected job growth
• Specialized psychiatric training
• Interprofessional learning environment
• Optional psychotherapy certificate
• Diverse clinical placement opportunities