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 Pediatric Primary Care DNP program trains advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive healthcare to children from infancy through adolescence. This rigorous three-year program emphasizes clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Graduates are prepared to diagnose, treat, and manage pediatric conditions, promoting child health in diverse clinical settings. The program focuses on well-child assessments, disease prevention, and complex pediatric care management. Graduates are prepared for national certification.
- 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 provides comprehensive training for advanced practice nurses to deliver healthcare across the lifespan. This three-year hybrid program combines rigorous coursework with extensive clinical experiences. Students develop advanced clinical skills, focusing on evidence-based practice, policy influence, and clinical reasoning. Graduates are prepared for national certification and equipped to provide high-quality primary care in various outpatient settings.
- 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 in Organizational Leadership prepares nurses for executive healthcare roles. This 36-credit-hour hybrid program offers flexible online and executive formats to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum develops systems-level thinking, strategic leadership skills, and expertise in addressing complex healthcare challenges. Graduates learn to influence healthcare systems, drive innovation, and promote patient safety through evidence-based practice.
- 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) DNP program equips nurses with the skills to provide compassionate mental healthcare. This three-year program emphasizes psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and prescriptive practices across the lifespan. Combining neuro-biological science and psychosocial theory, the curriculum prepares graduates for national certification and leadership roles in mental health policy.
- 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) DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare to women throughout their lives. This hybrid program incorporates innovative simulation training and emphasizes leadership skills, diverse patient care, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are prepared for national certification and can influence public policy and healthcare systems, specializing in reproductive and women's health.
- 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 trains advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive women's healthcare. This three-year program emphasizes clinical competency, cultural sensitivity, and woman-centered care. Students develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating women across their lifespan, integrating advanced clinical skills with leadership and research training. Graduates are equipped to address complex medical needs and promote holistic health approaches.
- 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 Adult/Gerontology Primary Care DNP program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare to adults from late adolescence through older adulthood. This three-year hybrid program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and health policy. Students gain extensive clinical experience in diverse outpatient settings, focusing on holistic patient care, chronic illness management, and disease prevention.
- 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) DNP program trains advanced practice nurses to care for critically ill adult patients. This three-year hybrid program combines didactic coursework with over 1,000 clinical practice hours. Students gain expertise in complex medical environments, focusing on stabilizing patient conditions, preventing complications, and providing holistic treatment in acute and critical care settings. Graduates are prepared for national certification and high-demand healthcare roles.
- 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/Nurse-Midwifery DNP track provides comprehensive training in women's healthcare across the lifespan. This hybrid program emphasizes primary care, reproductive health, and newborn management through innovative clinical training, including state-of-the-art simulation. Graduates are prepared for national certification and can practice in diverse settings. The program also focuses on leadership and policy development.
- 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 University of Utah's Dual Women's Health/Midwifery DNP track prepares advanced practice nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare. This hybrid doctoral program combines clinical training and leadership development, offering mentorship and high-fidelity simulation experiences. Graduates are eligible for dual national certification as Certified Nurse-Midwives and Women's Health Nurse Practitioners, with expertise in primary care, reproductive health, and newborn management.
- 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 with Executive Leadership concentration empowers advanced healthcare professionals to revolutionize healthcare systems. This innovative program strategically prepares nurses to navigate complex organizational challenges, develop cutting-edge leadership strategies, and implement transformative healthcare practices. By combining advanced clinical knowledge with sophisticated management techniques, graduates emerge as visionary leaders capable of driving systemic improvements, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting organizational excellence in dynamic healthcare environments.
- 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 offers seasoned nursing professionals an accelerated pathway to advanced leadership roles. Tailored for working nurses with existing master's credentials, this comprehensive online program cultivates high-level strategic thinking and organizational transformation skills. Participants develop expertise in policy development, quality improvement methodologies, and interdisciplinary healthcare management. The flexible curriculum enables students to immediately apply advanced leadership principles within their current professional contexts, positioning graduates for impactful executive-level healthcare roles.
- 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 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health challenges comprehensively. Utilizing a hybrid learning model, the program equips students with sophisticated clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and therapeutic intervention skills. Graduates develop nuanced understanding of mental health treatment across diverse populations, integrating evidence-based practices with compassionate patient care. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, enabling nurses to become transformative practitioners who can innovate mental health treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
- 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 Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to specialized patient care. This hybrid program integrates sophisticated clinical training with leadership development, enabling graduates to deliver holistic, patient-centered healthcare across diverse settings. Participants gain advanced skills in family health management, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based interventions. The curriculum emphasizes innovative practice approaches, preparing nurses to address complex healthcare challenges, improve population health outcomes, and assume leadership roles in evolving healthcare environments.
- 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 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides an advanced educational pathway for nurses seeking specialized mental health expertise. This hybrid program cultivates sophisticated clinical skills, diagnostic precision, and therapeutic intervention strategies essential for modern psychiatric nursing practice. Participants develop comprehensive understanding of mental health treatment across demographic spectrums, integrating cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners capable of addressing complex psychological challenges and driving innovative mental health treatment approaches.
- 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 is a hybrid 12-month program designed for nurse practitioners aiming for a terminal degree. It focuses on transforming healthcare leaders through evidence-based practices, technology, and social justice. The program boasts small class sizes and a curriculum that covers epidemiology, healthcare policy, leadership, and advanced theory. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in interdisciplinary teams, policy advocacy, and research, enhancing career prospects with leading healthcare providers. Highlights include its CCNE accreditation, flexible full-time or part-time options, and a scholarly project component.
- 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 offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program, a rigorous 3-year hybrid program preparing nurses to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). With a 100% job placement rate, the program combines online learning with on-campus instruction and extensive clinical rotations across 35+ sites. Students complete an average of 900 clinical cases, benefiting from an on-site anesthesia simulation lab and mentorship from experienced faculty. Graduates can expect salaries between $120,000-$180,000, with opportunities in various healthcare settings. The program meets requirements in all 50 states and includes an optional Ghana service-learning experience.
- 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 - 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
- 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
Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah
- Doctorate - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Dual Women's Health/Midwifery Track
Concentration: Women's Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery
Concentration: Nurse-Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Family Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Nurse Midwifery DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Post-MS to DNP
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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
- Doctorate - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Website
- 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
Westminster University
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 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 - Website
- 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