Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
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Program at a Glance
- This degree prepares registered nurses who have a master’s degree in nursing to perform at the highest level of nursing with a terminal degree while staying competitive in the rapidly changing health care environment.
- Complete the DNP program online and earn a valuable health care credential while you continue to work.
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
48–57
(32-38 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$700
Doctor of Nursing Practice Overview
Purdue Global's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed to prepare nurses to practice in clinical and leadership roles with a focus on improving patient and health care system outcomes.
- Analyze data and scientific research to improve nursing practice.
- Provide organizational and system leadership to continuously improve quality of health care and foster interprofessional collaboration.
- Evaluate ethical, legal, and societal factors in shaping and developing health policies.
Scholarly Project
The online DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a practice-focused project that is completed over the course of four terms.
Practice Experience
Practice Experiences are designed to integrate practice and theory in the delivery of complex health care within your specialty area. A minimum of 1,000 postbaccalaureate practice hours is required for degree completion.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Note: At this time, residents of the following states and territories may not enroll in this program: Hawaii, Louisiana, New York, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Guam, and Virgin Islands. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Faculty With Real-World Experience
100% of our DNP faculty are doctorally prepared. Many have decades of nursing experience and all bring real-world knowledge to the classroom.
Admission Requirements
Students with a bachelor's degree will need to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path to earn a master's degree before continuing on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
A master's degree with an upper-level major in nursing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from a program accredited by CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA is required. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master's degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Additional requirements apply. Refer to the program-specific policy page in the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
The number of credits required for graduation may range from 48 to 57 credits depending on the number of supervised practice hours you bring into the program at the time of enrollment.
Independent study options are available for students who need additional coursework to achieve a minimum of 1,000 postbaccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program prior to graduation.
See All Nursing CoursesSample Courses
- Scientific Foundations for Practice Doctorate
- Epidemiology and Social Determinants of Population Health
- Ethics, Policy, and Advocacy for Population Health
- Clinical Decision Making for Practice Doctorate
- Transforming the Health Care Organization
Program Requirements
- Core Credits48
- Elective Credits0–9
- Total Credits48–57
Career Opportunities
With the shrinking number of primary care providers, the nursing shortage, and the increasing complexity of patient care, the field of nursing needs clinical experts and leaders with the highest level of scientific knowledge and expertise. The Doctor of Nursing Practice online program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue clinical and leadership positions as advanced nurses in a variety of roles.*
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.
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Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*This program was not designed for initial certification and licensure for advanced practice registered nurse roles. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.