Don’t have the time or inclination to take the GRE? We’ve assembled a complete list of all the No GRE Online BSN to DNP programs in the country just for you! Choose from a range of well-respected and accredited DNP programs with a huge range of APRN and leadership tracks.
Types of No GRE BSN-DNP Programs
There are plenty of Hybrid & Online BSN to DNP programs in our listings—including CCNE-accredited options—that have veered away from standardized exams. These kinds of doctorates fall into a few broad categories:
- No GRE Required: The School of Nursing doesn’t want to see your GRE or MAT scores. Instead, they’ll ask for a variety of other admissions requirements (see below).
- GRE Optional: Some schools are happy to consider GRE scores as part of your application (e.g. Johns Hopkins). The GRE acts as an extra quality marker, but it’s not required.
- GRE Required for Certain Candidates: If your GPA falls below a certain threshold, or you hold a BSN that is competency-based, universities may want to see GRE scores as proof of your academic skills (e.g. Florida State University, East Carolina University, etc.).
Pros & Cons of No GRE BSN to DNP Programs Online
Upsides of No GRE BSN to DNP Programs
The upsides of avoiding the GRE are clear-cut, especially if you’re a busy RN with a lot of professional commitments. You’ll save money & time. You won’t have to study for yet another exam. And you can focus on collecting materials that will impress the admissions committee (e.g. letters of reference, résumé, personal essay or goals statement, etc.).
Downsides of No GRE BSN-DNP Programs?
There’s only one real downside to limiting your search to “No GRE” DNP programs—you reduce your range of options. If you’re interested in schools like the University of Florida, you’re going to need GRE scores. Having said that, there are plenty of high-quality schools in our listings, including universities with great national rankings in nursing programs (e.g. Duke, Johns Hopkins, UIowa, etc.).
Remember, too, that future employers won’t care about the GRE. Instead, they’ll be interested in whether you attended an accredited, reputable DNP program and got good grades. If you’re thinking of choosing an online program instead of a hybrid one, make sure the clinical training is thorough and certification pass rates are high. See our guide to BSN to DNP Programs for more tips.
Admissions Requirements for No GRE Programs
Once you start digging into the application process, you’ll find that No GRE Online BSN to DNP programs share common characteristics. We’ve mentioned some of them in our listings, but we recommend you check the Admissions link to view a list of the full requirements.
- Accredited BSN: Schools are looking for bachelor’s degrees with CCNE or ACEN accreditation
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 is the standard, though certain schools may ask for 3.2. And UIowa wants to see a 3.5 GPA if you’re interested in dual certification.
- RN license: Your RN license will need to be current, active & unencumbered. Be aware that certain hybrid & online BSN to DNP programs will only accept RN applicants who hold an in-state license. We’ve mentioned this requirement in our listings.
- Work Experience: The standard for non-acute care NP specialties is 1 year of work experience (often optional). Applicants to AGACNP and PNP-AC tracks may need 2 years of full-time work experience in a relevant setting such as an ICU (almost always required).
- Undergraduate Prerequisites: Statistics is a typical prerequisite for No GRE Online BSN to DNP programs, but schools may also ask for proof of credits in areas like health assessment, pathophysiology, and the like.
- References: Schools can ask for up to 3 letters of reference—these may be academic, professional and/or professional in a supervisory role.
- Goals Statement/Personal Essay: You may wish to highlight your clinical expertise, your interest in leadership, and why you’re intent on becoming an APRN.
- Interview: The interview requirement can be non-existent, optional, or mandatory. Most of the time, schools will have a way to conduct video interviews.
One important thing to note—if you’re coming from out-of-state, you need to ensure you are eligible to apply. Because of state restrictions around nursing, Online BSN to DNP programs often have limits on who they can accept. Even schools that participate in NC-SARA may not be able to consider DNP candidates from certain states.
When in doubt, ask the DNP program coordinator. If you’re interested in APRN certification, you should also check that your State Board of Nursing will accept your academic qualification. NCSBN has a list of State Nursing Boards, with website links & contact info.
Hybrid vs. Online No GRE BSN-DNP Programs
Our listings contain 2 types of No GRE BSN to DNP programs:
- Online: If it’s labeled as “online,” it means that the majority of your studies will be through distance learning. However, keep in mind that these kinds of DNP programs are rarely 100% online (especially ones with APRN tracks). Universities may expect you to visit campus for clinical intensives, orientations, and/or your DNP project defense.
- Hybrid: If it’s labeled as “hybrid,” it means that you need to visit the campus on a regular basis (e.g. once per week). Hybrid BSN to DNP programs often start out with a fair amount of campus coursework for the MSN portion, before transitioning into online study once you reach the DNP level and your capstone project.
We talk about these aspects in our listings, but it always pays to check with the DNP program coordinator. Ask them how often you will need to visit campus and how meals & accommodation are handled. Talk to alumni to see if the in-person networking & clinical opportunities are worth the price of your time.
No GRE BSN-DNP Program Listings
Baylor University | Waco, TX
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Baylor’s GRE Requirement
All of Baylor’s Online BSN to DNP tracks have no GRE or MAT requirement. Applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least one year of relevant, full-time professional nursing experience.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework in Baylor’s NP tracks is online, with on-campus immersions scattered through the degree. Baylor will work with you on clinical placement; 100% of DNP students find spots at clinical sites within 125 miles of their home. See the FAQs and State Authorization sections for more info.
Chatham University | Pittsburgh, PA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Chatham’s GRE Requirement
Chatham’s Online DNP program has no GRE requirement. Better yet, there is no application fee and no statistics prerequisite. A minimum 3.0 GPA is expected—candidates in the BSN to DNP Executive track must also provide a résumé, 2 professional letters of reference, and an admissions essay.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
There is only 1 campus residency in this Online BSN to DNP—a 2-day intensive where students present scholarly posters on their proposed capstone projects. Chatham is a NC-SARA approved institution and it accepts DNP Executive candidates from 49 states.
Creighton University | Omaha, NE
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Creighton’s GRE Requirement
GRE scores are not required for Creighton’s Online DNP programs. However, candidates should have a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, appropriate work experience, and an RN license that must include Nebraska eligibility.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework for Creighton’s BSN to DNP is online, but some campus visits are required. Talk to the program coordinator or attend a virtual Information Session for details. Creighton will accept Online DNP candidates from most states, but there are a few exceptions (e.g. New York)—see the BSN to DNP section for a full list.
Delta State University | Cleveland, MS
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
DSU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for DSU’s Online BSN to DNP. Candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least 1 year of continuous clinical nurse experience within the past 3 years, and a grade of “C” or better on a graduate-level pathophysiology course and an introductory course in statistics.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
BSN to DNP coursework is online. However, there are 1-3 on-campus visits per semester and clinicals must be completed in Mississippi or Arkansas.
Duke University | Durham, NC
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Duke’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for Duke’s Online BSN to DNP. However, applicants are welcome to submit their scores. BSN to DNP candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing, as well as an undergraduate statistics course, on their transcript.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework for Duke’s DNP is primarily online. The MSN portion of your program will include 2-5 day campus intensives in certain courses; the DNP portion has an 2-day campus orientation and 2-3 day executive sessions for 900-level credits (4 sessions in total). Duke is authorized to offer the Online MSN portion of the BSN to DNP in most states, but there are a few exceptions. See the State Authorization section for details.
Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Duquesne’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for the Online BSN to DNP program. In addition to standard requirements like a résumé and references, candidates will need to provide proof of a minimum 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher (or a graduate statistics course with a grade of “B” or higher).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework is 100% online with an initial on-campus residency. Depending on the course, there may be additional campus visits. There is also an optional Study Abroad Residency where students can study international healthcare systems in Italy or Ireland. Duquesne accepts online candidates from most states, but there are exceptions (e.g. Louisiana)—see the FAQ section for details.
East Carolina University | Greenville, NC
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
ECU’s GRE Requirement
If you have a GPA above 3.4, the GRE is not required for Online BSN to DNP applicants. Otherwise, candidates must provide proof of a minimum 3.2 GPA and GRE scores. A graduate-level inferential statistics course within the past 5 years is strongly recommended (but not required). ECU also expects BSN to DNP candidates to have an RN license in North Carolina or a compact state and submit an e-Portfolio of their past work.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
ECU’s BSN to DNP is hybrid. The majority of classroom work is online, but there are campus components. Most importantly, all students in AGACNP and FNP tracks must maintain unencumbered registered nurse licensure in North Carolina throughout the DNP and fulfill their clinical placements in North Carolina.
Elms College | Chicopee, MA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Elms’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for the Elms College BSN to DNP, but candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit a professional portfolio that includes their résumé. Because this is a hybrid program, applicants must have a current RN license in Massachusetts.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Elms uses a blended model for the BSN to DNP—students attend on-campus, face-to-face sessions throughout the semester (late afternoon or evening). Nurses within the Elms College geographic area fulfill their practicums in local hospitals—see the FAQ section for details.
Florida International University | Miami, FL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
FIU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required. But FIU states up-front that admissions to NP tracks in the BSN to DNP are highly competitive. Candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, a current Florida RN license (out-of-state students must obtain one prior to admission), and a BSN from a ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
FIU uses a hybrid model—post-BSN to DNP programs are a combination of online courses and on-campus classes in Miami. FIU has a designated clinical department to help you secure clinical placements. See the FAQs section for more details.
Florida State University | Tallahasee, FL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
FSU’s GRE Requirement
FSU has a GRE requirement for candidates who have a 3.0-3.4 GPA. However, it will waive that demand if you have a BSN with a 3.5 GPA from an accredited institution. If your degree is from an accredited institution that is competency-based (i.e. no GPA), you must submit a GRE/MAT score. AGACNP candidates should have at least 1-2 years of RN/direct patient care experience in an acute care management setting. Bear in mind that the PMHNP track is only open to MSN candidates.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
FIU’s Online BSN to DNP combines asynchronous study with 3-5 synchronous classes per semester. In addition, FNP and AGACNP students are required to attend 5 in-person sessions on the main campus—an initial orientation, clinical exams, and a final DNP Research Expo. Use the Licensure Search tool to see if the NP program meets your state’s educational requirements for licensing.
Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
GSU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE or MAT is required for admission to the Online BSN to DNP. But GSU will want to see a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as an undergraduate statistics course & health appraisal/physical assessment course with a grade of “C” or better. Proof of Georgia RN licensure is required. AGACNP candidates must have at least 1 year of critical care RN work experience within the last 3 years.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
GSU’s program is primarily online, with synchronous & asynchronous sessions and occasional campus learning days for clinical specialty courses (2-3 days each semester). However, all NP students must complete their clinical practicums with a qualified preceptor within 250 miles of GSU’s Statesboro campus. So it’s really a degree for Georgia-based nurses.
Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
JSU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE or MAT is required for JSU’s Online BSN to DNP. Candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA and an unencumbered RN license in the U.S.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The majority of coursework is online, but DNP students may be required to visit the campus for certain experiences (e.g. exams)—ask the DNP program coordinator for more info. As of 2020, only residents of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee were eligible to apply for BSN-DNP tracks.
Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
JHU’s GRE Requirement
GRE scores are accepted, but not required. All Online BSN to DNP candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of “B” or better on an undergraduate statistics course. Applicants to acute care NP tracks must have one year of full-time experience in an appropriate acute care setting; one year of full-time RN experience is preferred for CNS and primary care NP tracks (e.g. FNP).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework for the BSN to DNP is primarily online, with 7 on-site immersions (~1 per semester). Immersions include course competency assessments, standardized clinicals, leadership development, and networking opportunities. JHU works with students to select clinical sites & preceptors. JHU is an NC-SARA institution, but—as of 2020—DNP students could not fulfill clinical activities in Louisiana, Minnesota, New York and Oregon.
Marymount University | Arlington, VA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Marymount’s GRE Requirement
No GRE or MAT scores are required for admission. But Marymount will want to see a 3.0 GPA, 1 year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse, and a professional video introduction.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The vast majority of your coursework for the Online BSN to DNP will be online. There are 2 on-campus residencies; these take 2-3 days. Marymount has a “guaranteed placement” policy—clinical placement coordinators will help you secure clinical sites and preceptors. The university can’t accept DNP students from certain states—check the State Authorization Map before applying.
Maryville University | St. Louis, MO
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Maryville’s GRE Requirement
There is no GRE, MAT, or statistics requirement for this Online BSN to DNP. Instead, Maryville is interested in candidates with a minimum 3.25 GPA and a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
This Online BSN to DNP is 100% online, with 24/7 coursework and no campus visits required. Maryville can assist with clinical placements, but it’s up to students to find preceptors and sites. According to the State Authorization section, Maryville is an NC-SARA institution. If you have any questions about online learning & APRN licensure, ask the DNP program coordinator.
Messiah University | Mechanicsburg, PA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Messiah’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for Messiah’s Online BSN to DNP with a Christian faith perspective. However, candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA in nursing coursework. Messiah will also want to see proof of 500 hours as an RN in direct patient care within 1 year prior to admission and a grade of “B” or better in undergraduate statistics, research, and health assessment.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework for the Online BSN to DNP is a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning. There are 2 on-campus sessions during the summer, with 3 days per session. In the State Authorization section, Messiah states that it is an NC-SARA institution; you can use its Professional Licensure & Certification database to search for info by state.
Nebraska Methodist College | Omaha, NE
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
NMC’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission. All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and provide proof of undergraduate credits in a variety of subjects (e.g. statistics, health assessment, anatomy & physiology, etc.).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
NMC uses a mixture of synchronous & asynchronous learning for its online courses; synchronous meetings occur in the late afternoon/evening. There will be occasional campus visits for the program orientation, summer intensive, and certain courses (e.g. Population Health). Students are expected to secure their own preceptors. Non-Nebraska residents should check the section on State Authorization.
Northern Illinois University | DeKalb, IL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
NIU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is needed for this Online BSN to DNP. Instead, NIU will expect to see a current Illinois RN license and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of your BSN.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The majority of the Online BSN to DNP is online, but there are number of face-to-face experiences (e.g. health assessment, FNP internships, skills courses, etc.). Because of that—and the Illinois RN requirement—this program is best-suited to locals. See the FAQs section for more info.
Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
NSU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required. If you’re interested in non-NP tracks, admissions requirements are fairly broad: a minimum 3.0 GPA, an RN license in the U.S., and an accredited BSN. However, any applicant to an NP track must have a current, unrestricted Florida RN license and live within 150 miles of the program campus. NP applicants must also have an overall GPA of 3.0 + 12 months of active independent clinical practice or an overall GPA of 2.75 + 24 months of practice.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The BSN to DNP in non-clinical specialties (e.g. informatics) consists of online coursework and one 2-3 day summer institute at the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. DNP students in APRN tracks can take core courses online, but remaining courses are hybrid, with a mix of online & on-site study. If you wish to pursue APRN licensure, read the section on Professional Licensure Disclosure.
Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City, OK
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
OCU’s GRE Requirement
The GRE is not required for admission. Applicants should have a minimum 3.0 GPA, RN licensure in the U.S. (or the international equivalent), and credits in BSN-level health assessment and statistics courses. FNP and PMHNP candidates will need at least 1 year of professional nursing experience or the equivalent; AGACNP candidates will need 2 years of adult acute care experience, preferably in an intensive care or ED setting.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
This is a program for folks who are close to Oklahoma City—the Hybrid BSN to DNP contains 3-day intensives prior to each fall, spring & summer semester. In addition, core NP courses meet once per week on campus. International students must reside in Oklahoma City and participate in on-campus learning experiences throughout the year.
Palm Beach Atlantic University | West Palm Beach, FL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
PBA’s GRE Requirement
If your GPA is 3.0 or above, no GRE is required. Anyone with a lower GPA must provide acceptable GRE scores of 50th percentile on both verbal and quantitative sections and 4.0 on the analytical writing section. Candidates should also have a current & active Florida RN license (or proof of application to the Florida Board of Nursing) and at least 1 year of RN work experience or current employment as an RN.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
PBA’s Hybrid BSN to DNP is aimed at Florida residents. The faith-based curriculum is delivered in a mix of online coursework and monthly, in-person classes at the West Palm Beach campus. DNP students are expected to locate their own clinical preceptors & practicum sites.
Regis College | Weston, MA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Regis’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required. But all candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, a BSN from a regionally accredited institution & accredited nursing program, and a prerequisite course in statistics. If you’re applying for the AGACNP, you may need acute care work experience.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The program page states that coursework for Regis’s Online BSN to DNP is 100% online. However, the graduate catalog notes that courses are offered through face-to-face, hybrid, weekend, and online formats. So we recommend you ask the DNP program coordinator for clarification. Out-of-state students should review the section on Graduate Nursing Licensure.
South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
SDSU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission. BSN to DNP applicants will be expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and 1,500 hours of documented nursing practice experience prior to the first clinical course.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The Hybrid BSN to DNP is a combo of face-to-face delivery and online & hybrid components. Due to state regulations, the College of Nursing is unable to accept applicants from several states. Talk to the program coordinator and view the Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement for more details.
Stockton University | Galloway, NJ
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Stockton’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is necessary for admission. However, candidates will be expected to have a minimum 3.2 GPA with a minimum grade of “B” in all nursing courses OR a minimum 3.3 GPA in at least 2 graduate nursing courses if the undergraduate GPA is under 3.2. All BSN to DNP entrants must have a New Jersey RN license and prerequisites in health assessment, nursing research, and statistics.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Stockton’s Hybrid BSN to DNP is designed for New Jersey RNs—the program is a mix of online coursework and in-person experiences. Ask the DNP program coordinator about who is responsible for arranging preceptors & clinical site placements.
Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
TCU’s GRE Requirement
TCU only accepts Online BSN to DNP candidates from Texas and New Mexico. No GRE is required, but TCU is looking for a minimum 3.0 GPA and current Texas or New Mexico RN licensure. 1 year of full-time experience is preferred for applicants to the FNP, PMHNP, and CNS tracks. 2 years of experience as an RN in an ED or critical care setting is required for AGACNP candidates.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework in TCU’s Online BSN to DNP is delivered through distance learning. There are on-campus intensives for skills development; 1-3 depending on your choice of specialty. Clinical practicum experiences can be completed close to home when possible. See the Graduate Nursing FAQ section for more info.
Union University | Jackson, TN
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission. UU is looking for candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of their bachelor’s degree and certain undergraduate prerequisites (e.g. statistics, pathophysiology, etc.). In addition, candidates must have a current, unencumbered RN license in their state & be eligible for RN licensure in Tennessee.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
UU’s BSN to DNP is blended, with a mix of online, asynchronous coursework and in-person sessions on the Jackson, Germantown, or Hendersonville campuses. So this program is directed solely at Tennessee residents. If you have a full work schedule, you may wish to ask the DNP program coordinator how much campus time is involved in the Executive Leadership track.
University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UC’s GRE Requirement
GRE scores are optional, but not required. A minimum 3.25 GPA is recommended, but UC will consider candidates that fall below that threshold. Applicants to NP tracks must have a minimum of one year of relevant RN work experience before applying, a prerequisite in statistics, and a science GPA of 3.0 or higher. Work experience and the science GPA are recommended—but not required—for Nursing Administration students.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
All Online BSN to DNP tracks at UC have an on-campus requirement—you’ll attend an orientation, summer workshop, and DNP defense; periodic meetings on campus may be involved with certain specialties. Because of state restrictions, UC cannot accept Online BSN to DNP students from a number of states (e.g. Arizona, Louisiana, etc.).
University of Iowa | Iowa City, Iowa
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UIowa’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for online or hybrid options. All candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and a prerequisite course in upper-level statistics. (If you wish to pursue dual certification, you should have a minimum 3.5 GPA.) PNP-AC and AGACNP candidates are expected to have work experience in relevant settings. With other tracks, work experience is helpful, but not absolutely necessary.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Any UIowa BSN to DNP program involving clinical training is going to be hybrid. In some semesters, you will have no on-campus courses. In others, you may have to visit campus for clinical training, orientation, and enrichment days. Practicum placements are arranged by the College of Nursing; preceptors & providers will be in the state of Iowa. The Online BSN to DNP in Health Systems is online. Check out the DNP FAQs section for further info.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Lafayette, LA
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UL Lafayette’s GRE Requirement
As of 2019, no GRE is required for admission. All candidates must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, prerequisites in undergraduate statistics & physical assessment across the lifespan, and current RN licensure.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The majority of coursework in the full-time Online BSN to DNP is delivered through distance learning. There will be campus activities prior to the start of the program and at the end for the DNP project presentation. Clinical hours must be completed in Louisiana, so this is a program aimed at locals.
University of Maryland | Baltimore, MD
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UM’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission. Instead, UM wants to see candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA and an RN license from Maryland or a compact state. Ideal applicants will have at least one year of RN clinical experience.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
All of UM’s BSN to DNP tracks are hybrid. Core courses are usually offered in a blended format (part online, part face-to-face); the majority of specialty courses take place on campus in Baltimore. Campus courses are held 1 day per week. Students are not required to find their own preceptor or clinical site—UMSON faculty will do that for you. If you live in Washington D.C., you’ll need a Maryland RN license to participate in clinical rotations in Maryland. See the FAQ section for more info.
University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UNC’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for this program. UNC is looking for candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA, 1 year or more of clinical RN experience, and a current Colorado RN license (or eligibility for Colorado RN licensure).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
In this Hybrid BSN to DNP, you’ll begin by visiting the Greeley campus 1 day per week for the first 8 semesters (Thursdays); coursework in the remaining 6 semesters is online. A clinical placement coordinator is available to help FNP students locate clinical placements and qualified preceptors.
University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
- Online BSN to DNP: AGACNP
- Online BSN to DNP: AGPCNP
- Online BSN to DNP: Adult Gerontological CNS
- Online BSN to DNP: Dual Role (FNP/AGACNP)
- Online BSN to DNP: Executive Nursing Administration
- Online BSN to DNP: FNP
- Online BSN to DNP: NNP
- Online BSN to DNP: PNP-AC
- Online BSN to DNP: PNP-PC
- Online BSN to DNP: PMHNP
- Online BSN to DNP: WHNP
USA’s GRE Requirement
GRE and MAT scores are not required for admission. USA candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA on all BSN work and 2 years of nursing experience—in an area appropriate to their designated specialty track—prior to enrolling in NP clinical courses.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
The vast majority of the Online BSN to DNP is delivered through distance learning. However, all NP students are required to attend a 3-5 day Clinical Orientation before they begin clinical courses. Additional campus visits may be required; these will be listed on the specialty track’s webpage. Faculty can assist with practicum placements, but it’s up to the student to secure sites & preceptors. Due to state restrictions, USA was not accepting applications from South Dakota or New York as of 2020.
University of South Carolina | Columbia, SC
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
USC’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred for undergraduate coursework (applicants who attended a BSN with pass/fail grades will not be considered competitive candidates). In addition, all BSN to DNP applicants must have 2,400 hours of work experience within the past 2 years.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Most of the Online BSN to DNP can be completed through distance learning, but there are 2-3 on-campus immersion courses for NP tracks; each course will require coming to campus 1-2 times. The initial student orientation is online. The College of Nursing offers assistance with clinical placements. Out-of-state students should check the FAQs and State Authorization section for more details.
University of Toledo | Toledo, OH
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
UT’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required if you hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. Applicants with an international degree must submit general subject GRE scores. All candidates must have an Ohio RN license (or the eligibility to obtain one) and a minimum 3.0 GPA. An undergraduate statistics course is recommended but not required. AGACNP candidates will need to have 1 year of full-time work experience in a relevant setting.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
UT’s BSN to DNP program is hybrid. Some courses can be taken online in asynchronous or synchronous formats; other courses require visits to the UT Health Science Campus. The initial orientation is mandatory. Check out the BSN to DNP FAQs section for more details.
University of Tulsa | Tulsa, OK
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
TU’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission. Candidates to BSN to DNP tracks should have an Oklahoma RN license. A minimum 3.0 GPA is recommended. Nurse Anesthesia candidates must also provide proof of 1 year (2,080 hours) of work experience within the past 2 years in an ICU or Coronary Care Unit (or the equivalent in part-time hours).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Coursework in TU’s Hybrid BSN to DNP is a mixture of asynchronous online components and campus study. Lab courses and courses using the Human Patient Simulation lab at TU’s Oxley Health Sciences Facility are always face-to-face. Clinical sites & preceptors will be selected for you by program directors and nursing faculty. See the Graduate Program FAQ section for more info.
University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
U of U’s GRE Requirement
No GRE is required for admission, but all candidates should have a minimum 3.0 GPA. U of U would also like to see an upper-division physiology/pathophysiology prerequisite. Priority admission is given to Online BSN to DNP students living in the Intermountain West region (e.g. Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico).
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
U of U offers distance learning for 5 NP specialties. Students are required to visit the campus up to 5 times per semester for an initial orientation, intensive educational experiences, exams, and to defend their synthesis or scholarly project. U of U can help with clinical placement, but it can only guarantee clinical sites along the Wasatch Front. Students who live outside of the Intermountain West Region may have to help cover the cost of faculty site visits & clinical supervision.
Walsh University | North Canton, OH
No GRE BSN-DNP Programs Offered
Walsh’s GRE Requirement
No GRE or MAT is required for admission. But Walsh will want to see proof that you’ve completed an undergraduate or graduate statistics course. 2 years of RN experience is preferred, but not required.
Online Format and On-Campus Requirements
Walsh’s Online BSN to DNP is offered using a distance learning methodology. The Nurse Educator track is 100% online; the FNP track includes 2 on-campus intensives. A placement coordinator will assist you with finding clinical preceptors and practicum sites—see the section on Clinical Placement. Walsh can’t accept DNP students from certain states—check the State Authorization Map before you apply.