Top BSN to DNP Programs | 2025

U. of M. is one of the nation’s largest public research institutions, and a DNP from here gives you access to the entire U. of M. medical system. There are five DNP programs available, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Primary Care Family NP,  Nurse-Midwifery, and Nurse-Midwifery and Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (combined). 

Vanderbilt is a prestigious school, and its DNP program is one of the best in the country. One of the hallmarks of this program is that it can be done remotely, so you can keep the job and location you are currently at. However, students are required to be on campus once each semester for a three—to four-day intensive session.

Students can choose from ten NP specializations in the BSN to DNP track, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Emergency NP, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Pediatric Acute Care NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Women’s Health/Gender-Related NP,  and Women’s Health Gender-Related NP/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP. 

This BSN-DNP program is one of the fastest and most affordable programs available, with students having the option to complete their degree online in as little as 40 months. The DNP program is 100% online with no campus visits required and students can choose from 5 different NP concentrations. All clinicals can be completed locally to the student at an approved site. 

South Alabama’s program allows a BSN student to complete an MSN specialty and a DNP all in one. Students are required to complete a two-day orientation, including a Virtual Orientation Site requiring the completion of online modules and a DNP Orientation Webinar, which is a one-day live event. Students are not required to come to campus. 

Students can choose between 13 different tracks including a variety of NP concentrations as well as nursing administration and nursing informatics. The program can be completed in 10 semesters of full-time study or 12 semesters of part-time study. 

Berkley School of Nursing at Georgetown University has a reputation for offering one of the best nursing programs in the country, and its BSN-DNP program* is no exception. It offers full or part-time enrollment, and students can complete the program in 33 months. Students have four specialization options to choose from, with two on-campus executive sessions required during the program. Students will complete more than 1,000 clinical hours throughout the program, complete a scholarly project, and participate in community service activities. 

Application deadline:

• Round 1: March 13th
• Round 2: November 6th
• Round 3: January 9th
• Round 4: March 13th
• Round 5: June 5th

The Sinclair School of Nursing’s DNP program is ideal for working students who are looking for a primarily online format. Students are required to attend a five-day in-person campus orientation and then additional campus visits are required throughout the program. Plus, out-of-state and in-state students pay the same rate, and they offer a number of nursing scholarships to help students finance their degrees. 

Students can choose from six concentrations, including several NP and CNS specializations. 

The University of Pittsburgh offers multiple full-time and part-time DNP specialty tracks for Clinical Nurse Specialists, Health Systems Executive Leadership, Nurse Anesthesia, and Nurse Practitioners. 

While many people may be more familiar with the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, this MI-based school offers two specialty DNP tracks (Family NP and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP) with coursework that is all online (although some students might have to visit campus for a few course components).

It’s also a very affordable program, with one of the lowest tuition fees in the country and scholarships available. There are some limits on states, so check that your state is on the list of accepted students before you apply. 

UConn offers a wide variety of BSN to DNP specializations, each preparing students to sit for national certification exams. Each of the programs do require a minimum of one on campus intensive and while the coursework is entirely online, students should also expect to complete a specific number of in-person clinical hours with an approved preceptor.

Application Deadline:

• Family NP: January 15th
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: April 15th
• Nurse Leader: April 15th
• Neonatal: July 20th, December 7th, April 8th

Ohio University offers DNP programs for direct patient care, as well as indirect, through a Health Executive Leadership track. Students are expected to attend on-campus intensives several times throughout the course of the program. Taught by expert faculty, Ohio University online is also a gold-ranked military-friendly university offering significant discounts to military and their spouses.