The highest educational credential in the field of nursing is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Nurses progressing through DNP degrees have the choice to concentrate their studies on advanced practice nursing or organizational/educational leadership. Advanced practice nurses who've obtained DNPs often work as nurse practitioners or university nursing faculty. They can also be found working in executive roles like nursing administration and leadership and as clinic or hospital directors.
In Utah, post-master's DNP programs generally require the completion of 28 to 38 credit hours in addition to supervised clinical hours. BSN to DNP students need to complete between 66 to 75 unit hours with a number of supervised clinical hours.
Expected Learning Outcomes for DNP Programs:
- Integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences to provide the basis for advanced nursing practice
- Provide, manage and evaluate care of individuals and populations using evidence-based concepts related to physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, as well as community, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic dimensions of health
- Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment and decision-making, systems thinking, and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care
- Develop and evaluate initiatives that will improve the quality of care delivery
- Analyze and communicate critical elements necessary to the selection, use, and evaluation of healthcare information systems and patient care technology
- Actively engage in interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at improving healthcare delivery, care coordination, and policy
- Demonstrate professionalism, value lifelong learning and recognize the need to adapt practice to changing social, political, and global healthcare environments
2025 Best DNP Programs in Utah
Utah offers top-tier Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that prepare advanced nursing professionals for leadership roles. At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the best DNP programs across the state, considering factors like academic quality, clinical experiences, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis helps prospective students find the most outstanding educational opportunities in Utah. These programs equip nurses with advanced clinical skills, research knowledge, and healthcare leadership training to make significant impacts in patient care and healthcare systems. View our detailed ranking methodology.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for children from infancy through young adulthood. Students develop expertise in well-child assessments, disease prevention, and complex pediatric care management. The rigorous three-year doctoral program emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical skills, and healthcare leadership, positioning graduates as critical healthcare providers who can diagnose, treat, and promote child health across various clinical settings.
- Three-year doctoral program
- Pediatric care from infancy to adulthood
- Clinical experiences in multiple settings
- Certification exam eligibility
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Comprehensive pediatric healthcare skills
- Professional leadership development
Doctorate - Family Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Family Primary Care DNP track prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare across all life stages. Students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, policy influence, and clinical reasoning through an intensive three-year program. Graduates are eligible for national certification, enabling them to deliver high-quality primary care in diverse outpatient settings. The hybrid program combines rigorous coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic techniques with extensive clinical experiences.
- Three-year doctoral program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
- National certification preparation
- Lifespan patient care focus
- Policy and leadership training
- Advanced clinical skills development
Doctorate - Post-MS to DNP
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Post-MS to DNP Organizational Leadership program prepares nurses to become high-level healthcare executives and transformative leaders. This specialized doctoral pathway enables practicing nurses to develop advanced systems-level thinking, strategic leadership skills, and expertise in addressing complex healthcare challenges. Students learn to influence healthcare systems, drive innovation, and promote patient safety through evidence-based practices. The flexible hybrid program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, requiring 36 credit hours and offering executive and online learning formats.
- Minimum 36 credit hours
- Full-time or part-time options
- Online and executive formats
- No required on-campus attendance
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for APRNs and non-APRNs
- Systems-level leadership training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Final DNP Scholarly Project
Doctorate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) doctoral program equips advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills to deliver compassionate mental health care. Students develop expertise in psychiatric assessment, mental health diagnoses, treatment planning, and prescriptive practices across the lifespan. The three-year program combines neuro-biological science and psychosocial theory, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for national certification and can influence mental health policy at local, national, and global levels.
- Three-year doctoral program
- Compassionate client-centered care
- Psychosocial and neuro-biological focus
- Policy and leadership development
- Interprofessional clinical training
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- National certification preparation
Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) doctoral program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for women across their lifespan. Students develop leadership skills, engage with diverse patient populations, and gain expertise in evidence-based practice through innovative simulation training. The hybrid program offers unique opportunities to influence public policy and healthcare systems while providing specialized reproductive and women's health care. Graduates are eligible for national certification, positioning them as critical healthcare providers in various clinical settings.
- Doctoral level women's health specialty
- Hybrid program with campus requirements
- National certification preparation
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Interprofessional training opportunities
- Option for dual certification
- State-of-the-art simulation center
- Clinical partnerships in Salt Lake City
Doctorate - Nurse Midwifery DNP
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Nurse Midwifery DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive women's healthcare. This three-year doctoral program focuses on developing clinically competent and culturally sensitive nurse midwives who deliver evidence-based, woman-centered care. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat women across their lifespan, with a strong emphasis on empowerment and holistic health approaches. The program integrates advanced clinical skills, leadership training, and research methodologies to produce innovative healthcare providers capable of addressing complex medical needs.
- Three-year doctoral program
- Woman-centered healthcare focus
- Evidence-based clinical training
- Advanced nurse midwifery specialty
- Leadership and research integration
- Comprehensive women's health curriculum
- Clinical competency development
Doctorate - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult/Gerontology Primary Care prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for individuals from late adolescence through older adulthood. Students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and health policy while gaining extensive clinical experience across diverse outpatient settings. The rigorous three-year program emphasizes holistic patient care, chronic illness management, and disease prevention, positioning graduates as highly skilled primary care providers ready to make significant impacts in healthcare delivery.
- Three-year doctoral program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focuses on Adult/Gerontology care
- Evidence-based practice training
- Clinical experiences included
- Policy development skills
- Comprehensive healthcare approach
- Advanced nursing practice
Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive, specialized care for critically ill patients across the adult lifespan. Students gain expertise in complex medical environments, learning to stabilize patient conditions, prevent complications, and provide holistic treatment in acute and critical care settings. The rigorous three-year hybrid program combines extensive didactic coursework with over 1,000 clinical practice hours, positioning graduates for high-demand healthcare roles and national certification.
- 3-year hybrid doctoral program
- 850+ direct patient care hours
- Advanced practice clinical rotations
- Prepares for ANCC/AACN certification
- Multiple clinical specialty options
- Distance learning available
- Covers acute/critical care environments
Doctorate - Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery
Concentration: Nurse-Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Dual Women's Health/Midwifery track offers a comprehensive doctoral program preparing advanced practice nurses to provide holistic women's healthcare across the lifespan. Students develop expertise in primary care, reproductive health, and newborn management through innovative clinical training. The program combines evidence-based practice, leadership skills, and hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation centers. Graduates are eligible for national certification and can practice in diverse inpatient and outpatient settings, making significant contributions to women's healthcare.
- Dual Certification Track
- Hybrid Learning Model
- National Certification Preparation
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Training
- Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Focus
- Leadership and Policy Development
- Faculty Practice Partnership
- Clinical Shift Requirements
- Mentorship Opportunities
Doctorate - Dual Women's Health/Midwifery Track
Concentration: Women's Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Dual Women's Health/Midwifery Track at the University of Utah prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. Students develop expertise in primary care, reproductive health, and newborn management through a rigorous doctoral program that combines clinical training and leadership development. The hybrid program offers unique mentorship opportunities, high-fidelity simulation experiences, and prepares graduates for national certification as Certified Nurse-Midwives and Women's Health Nurse Practitioners.
- Dual certification track
- Doctoral level program
- Hybrid learning model
- On-campus simulation training
- Faculty practice partnership
- National certification preparation
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- Leadership skill development
- Interdisciplinary training approach
Weber State University
Ogden, UT - Public 4-Year - weber.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Weber State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Executive Leadership concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals an opportunity to elevate their nursing career to the highest level. This comprehensive program equips nurses with strategic leadership skills, advanced clinical expertise, and innovative healthcare management techniques. Designed for experienced nurses seeking top-tier professional development, the program focuses on transforming healthcare systems, implementing evidence-based practices, and developing high-level organizational leadership capabilities.
- Online DNP program
- Executive Leadership concentration
- Nationally accredited nursing school
- Advanced nursing career pathway
- Post Master's to DNP option
Doctorate - Post Master's to DNP Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Weber State University's Post Master's to DNP Executive Leadership program prepares advanced nursing professionals to drive systemic healthcare improvements. Designed for working nurses, this comprehensive online program develops expert leaders who can transform patient care at organizational levels. Ideal for RNs with a master's degree in nursing, public health, health administration, or business, the program offers flexible learning with one on-campus meeting. Graduates gain advanced skills in policy development, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary healthcare leadership, positioning themselves for high-impact roles in complex healthcare environments.
- Online flexible coursework
- Part-time, 5-semester program
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Accommodate diverse nursing backgrounds
- DNP Project in workplace/community
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Preceptor tuition benefits available
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Weber State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex healthcare challenges. This hybrid program equips students with comprehensive clinical and leadership skills, focusing on mental health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and specialized interventions. Designed for experienced registered nurses, the program transforms professionals into expert nurse leaders capable of delivering high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings. Applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution, possess an active RN license, and have minimum clinical experience.
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced mental health practice focus
- Interprofessional clinical preparation
- Expert nurse leadership development
- Multiple clinical setting opportunities
- BSN required for admission
- Two years RN experience needed
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Weber State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. This hybrid program prepares nurses to take on leadership roles, emphasizing clinical expertise and evidence-based practice. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility and advanced training in family health management, enabling graduates to address complex healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes across diverse populations.
- Hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- ACEN accredited program
- Advanced clinical training
- Flexible for working professionals
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Weber State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced healthcare professionals a transformative pathway to specialize in mental health treatment. This hybrid program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive psychiatric care, addressing critical mental health needs across diverse patient populations. Graduates develop advanced clinical skills, diagnostic expertise, and therapeutic interventions crucial for modern psychiatric nursing practice. The program leverages Weber State's nationally recognized nursing school and provides flexible learning options for working professionals seeking to elevate their clinical expertise.
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Hybrid Program Format
- Post BSN to DNP Track
- Advanced Psychiatric Specialization
- Comprehensive Mental Health Focus
Westminster University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - westminstercollege.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Westminster University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced practice nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. The hybrid 12-month program empowers practitioners to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practices, technology integration, and social justice principles. Designed for nurse practitioners seeking a terminal degree, the program offers small class sizes and comprehensive curriculum covering epidemiology, healthcare policy, leadership, and advanced theory. Graduates gain expertise in interdisciplinary healthcare teams, policy advocacy, and research, positioning themselves for expanded career opportunities with top employers like Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health.
- Hybrid 3-semester program
- Terminal degree for nurses
- Small class sizes
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- CCNE accredited program
- Yearly fall semester entry
- Full-time or part-time options
- Scholarly project component
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Westminster University's Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program prepares experienced nurses to become highly skilled and compassionate certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). This rigorous 3-year, 9-semester program offers comprehensive training with small class sizes, extensive hands-on clinical experiences, and a 100% job placement rate within three months of graduation. Students benefit from a hybrid learning model, with the first two semesters fully online, followed by on-campus instruction and clinical rotations across 35+ affiliated sites. Graduates can expect competitive salaries ranging from $120,000-$180,000 annually, with opportunities in diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, surgery centers, and academic institutions.
- 3-year doctoral program
- Hybrid online and on-campus learning
- 900 average clinical cases
- 100% job placement rate
- Salary range $120k-$180k
- 35+ clinical site affiliations
- On-site anesthesia simulation lab
- Optional Ghana service-learning
- Mentorship from experienced faculty
- Meets requirements in all 50 states
Choosing a DNP Program
Choosing to pursue a DNP degree is a life changing decision. Before prematurely jumping into anything, there a few considerations that would be wise to address.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Program Cost— Remember that tuition and fees will fluctuate based on school chosen. For example:
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions:
- $881 per credit hour regardless of residency
- University of Utah:
- In-state tuition runs approximately $543 per unit hour
- Out-of-state tuition runs approximately $1,358 per unit hour
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions:
- Online Options— Of the two universities with DNP programs in Utah, one delivers the program to students in an online or hybrid online/in-class format:
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions— Post-master's Family Nurse Practitioner where courses are delivered in a hybrid format
- Accreditation— DNP programs in the state of Utah are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Clinical Residencies— Residencies and fellowships where DNP students get hands-on training are important to the learning process. Many schools have affiliations with local hospitals and healthcare facilities in which students can complete a residency; your school of choice should be able to provide you with further information.
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
- At least one year of clinical experience is preferred
- An applicant must hold a current unencumbered RN license in his/her state of residence
- Be a registered nurse with a BSN or MSN degree in nursing from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent)
- Provide a statement of professional goals to include current intellectual and professional interests and personal motivations as to why the student is applying to the degree program
- Resume/CV including detailed employment history, career history, extracurricular activities, etc.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from each prior undergraduate and graduate institution from which a degree was earned
Certification
Utah DNP programs allow successful students to sit for state board certification after completing the programs. DNP tracks offered at universities in Utah allow students to become certified as:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Licensing
In Utah, after completion of the DNP track, students will need to be licensed by the Utah State Board of Nursing. Requirements for licensure consist of the following:
- Complete an application
- Pass a criminal background check
- Provide transcripts from all educational institutions
- Submit verification of specialty certification
- Complete fingerprinting
Utah BSN to DNP Program Options
Of the 2 universities with DNP programs in Utah, both programs deliver BSN to DNP pathways to students:
- Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions— Post-baccalaureate DNP pathway for Family Nurse Practitioners
- University of Utah— Offers both BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP
Related Education Paths
- Utah Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Utah FNP Programs
- Utah CRNA Programs
- Utah CNM Programs
- BSN to DNP
- RN to NP
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Utah
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Utah
Ogden, UT
Weber State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Executive Leadership concentration
- Nationally accredited nursing school
- Advanced nursing career pathway
- Post Master's to DNP option
- Doctorate - Post Master's to DNP Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible coursework
- Part-time, 5-semester program
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Accommodate diverse nursing backgrounds
- DNP Project in workplace/community
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced mental health practice focus
- Interprofessional clinical preparation
- Expert nurse leadership development
- Multiple clinical setting opportunities
- BSN required for admission
- Two years RN experience needed
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- ACEN accredited program
- Advanced clinical training
- Flexible for working professionals
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Hybrid Program Format
- Post BSN to DNP Track
- Advanced Psychiatric Specialization
- Comprehensive Mental Health Focus
Salt Lake City, UT
Weber State University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online DNP program
- Executive Leadership concentration
- Nationally accredited nursing school
- Advanced nursing career pathway
- Post Master's to DNP option
- Doctorate - Post Master's to DNP Executive Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible coursework
- Part-time, 5-semester program
- Practice-focused doctoral degree
- Accommodate diverse nursing backgrounds
- DNP Project in workplace/community
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Current RN license needed
- Leadership-oriented curriculum
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program delivery format
- Advanced mental health practice focus
- Interprofessional clinical preparation
- Expert nurse leadership development
- Multiple clinical setting opportunities
- BSN required for admission
- Two years RN experience needed
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
- ACEN accredited program
- Advanced clinical training
- Flexible for working professionals
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- ACEN Accredited Nursing Program
- Hybrid Program Format
- Post BSN to DNP Track
- Advanced Psychiatric Specialization
- Comprehensive Mental Health Focus