Fastest Online BSN to DNP Programs

Discover the shortest online BSN to DNP programs in the country! All of the doctorates featured in this guide are 3 years or under for full-time students. Explore plans of study, learn about program availability, and find out how much time you’ll need to budget for clinicals & campus visits. Willing to consider commuting? Check out the list of hybrid/blended BSN to DNP offerings. Wondering how it all works? Skim through the overview of how accelerated BSN to DNP programs are structured.

Shortest Online BSN to DNP Programs

Honorable Mentions: Online BSN to DNP Programs Under 4 Years

In our research, we unearthed a few Online BSN to DNP programs that just missed our threshold of 3 years. If you’re willing to stretch your schedule to 3+ years, you might also want to consider the following schools.

Accelerated Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs

Are you willing to consider regular trips to campus? In our research, we unearthed a number of accelerated Hybrid BSN to DNP programs that are 3 years or less. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve classified any program with “per semester” visits (or more) as hybrid/blended.

• Delta State University (Florida): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• East Tennessee State University (Tennessee): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• Jacksonville University (Florida): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• Johns Hopkins University (Maryland): Hybrid BSN to DNP (Advanced Practice Program)
• Missouri State University (Missouri): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• Murray State University (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• Purdue University (Indiana): Hybrid Post-BSN DNP
• Sacred Heart University (Connecticut): Hybrid BSN to DNP – FNP
• University at Buffalo (New York): Hybrid Post-BS to DNP
• University of California Irvine (California): Hybrid DNP-FNP
• University of Delaware (Delaware): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of Indianapolis (Indiana): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of Kentucky (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN-DNP
• University of Louisville (Kentucky): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of Michigan (Michigan): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (North Carolina): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro (North Carolina): Hybrid Post-BSN DNP
• University of St. Thomas Houston (Texas): Hybrid BSN to DNP
• University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (Wisconsin): Hybrid DNP (Post-Baccalaureate)
• Upstate Medical University (New York): Hybrid BS-DNP
• Weber University (Utah): Hybrid Post BSN to DNP – FNP
• Winston-Salem State University (North Carolina): Hybrid BSN-DNP

If you can make time for classes, it’s worth considering accelerated hybrid BSN to DNP programs in your home area. Full-time study can be challenging when you’re on your own. A blended program will give you opportunities to hone your skills, make valuable career connections, and receive in-person support on your DNP project.

How Long Are Online BSN to DNP Programs?

Standard Online BSN to DNP Programs

Universities will often offer Online BSN to DNP programs in two kinds of formats:

• Part-Time: Approximately 4-8 years. Usually 3-6 credits/1-2 courses per semester.
• Full-Time: Approximately 3-4 years. Typically 9+ credits/3+ courses per semester.

Part-time Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are standard in the world of distance learning. Many RNs want to continue working during their studies and can’t handle a heavy course load. So you’ll see a lot of Schools of Nursing offering online doctorates that can be spaced out over 4+ years.

Accelerated Online BSN to DNP Programs

“Accelerated” is a broad term for any full-time Online BSN to DNP that takes ~3 years or less to finish. Schools like to throw this term around, so we recommend you check the plan of study or the University Catalog to learn more about what’s required. Generally speaking, accelerated BSN to DNP programs that appear in our Fastest Online BSN to DNP rankings fall into two broad categories:

• 9 Semester Programs: Many NP programs take 9 semesters—including summers—to complete. In addition to coursework, Schools of Nursing will pack a lot of clinical practicums and DNP residencies into those semesters.
• 8 Semester Programs: But you’ll also find Online BSN to DNP programs in our rankings that are 8 semesters in length. These are the fastest options in the country. In some cases, you might be taking up to 4 courses per semester.

Accelerated BSN to DNP programs are challenging! If 2-4 courses per semester sounds like too much, remember that almost all of the Schools in our listings will also offer longer programs with part-time schedules (e.g. 1-2 courses per semester; 4+ years).

Where is the Fastest Online BSN to DNP Program?

The fastest Online BSN to DNP programs in our rankings are listed as 3 Years/8 Semesters. This will work out to ~33 months of coursework. Schools that fall into this category include:

• Concordia University Wisconsin
• Georgetown University
• Pennsylvania State University
• University of Florida
• University of North Carolina Wilmington
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Some of these programs are designed for in-state RNs, so check the fine print before applying.

Accelerated Online BSN-DNP Program Requirements

Accelerated BSN to DNP programs are just like any other BSN to DNP program—they all have the same baseline requirements (e.g. current & unencumbered RN license, accredited BSN, RN work experience, etc.). If you need a rundown on these elements, have a look at our section on What is a DNP Degree? Here are a few extra points worth mentioning:

• BSN to DNP Specialties: The most common specialties in our Fastest Online BSN to DNP rankings are the FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, and leadership tracks. You’ll occasionally run into a School of Nursing that offers more variety (e.g. NNP, CNS, etc.), but these options may be limited to in-state RNs. Leadership and CNS specialties will have the fewest credits.
• 1,000+ Clinical Hours: Post-BSN students are required to complete 1,000+ hours of clinical practice to earn an accredited DNP. Those hours will include clinical practicums in your chosen specialty (e.g. FNP) and DNP residency hours/immersions. Schools will often go over the 1,000 hour limit—LOYNO has 1,260 hours—but they’ll never go under. If you’re an online student, you’ll usually be allowed to complete these hours in your local community.
• Online Format: Unless you opt for a BSN to DNP in Leadership or Executive Leadership, it’s rare to find a 100% Online BSN to DNP program. Almost all programs will require a few campus visits for orientations, clinical training, DNP project planning & defense, and the like. So you don’t get blindsided by these commitments, we’ve noted them in our shortest rankings.
• State Availability: Considering an accelerated Online BSN to DNP that’s not in your state? Talk to the DNP Program Coordinator and check with your State Board of Nursing before you make any decisions. Because of distance learning regulations, you may not be eligible to apply. You also want to make sure that your Doctor of Nursing Practice will be accepted when you pursue national APRN certification & state licensure.

Example of an Accelerated 3-Year Online BSN to DNP Program

Every doctorate in our fastest rankings has a unique structure—check the plan of study or sample calendar to learn how Schools of Nursing have chosen to organize coursework & clinicals. Having said that, most accelerated BSN to DNP programs follow a similar pattern. Here is a hypothetical 3-year schedule for a full-time online student who wants to become a Family Nurse Practitioner in 8 semesters.

Year 1 | Semesters 1-3

• 3 courses per semester
• On-campus or virtual orientation
• MSN-level coursework
• Credits in the “3 Ps”: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Physical/Health Assessment
• Campus visit for health assessment skills lab
• Initial clinical practicum in your local community

Year 2 | Semesters 4-6

• 3-4 courses per semester
• Advanced FNP & primary care coursework
• Clinical practicums in your local community
• Campus visit for DNP proposal
• Initial DNP project work

Year 3 | Semesters 7-8

• 2-3 courses per semester
• DNP project work
• DNP immersion
• Clinical practicum in your local community
• Campus visit for DNP project defense