Accelerated online doctor of nursing programs, otherwise known as DNP programs, help students graduate faster than traditional programs, allowing them to enter the job market for high- and senior-level healthcare/nursing careers more quickly. Furthermore, accelerated nursing degrees are the best option for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Accelerated nursing doctorates, such as accelerated BSN to DNP programs, are typically more intensive and condensed than traditional DNP programs. But thanks to its fast and accelerated approach to learning, students can save on tuition costs as they will no longer have to pay for the additional years required in a traditional program.
While the speed that an accelerated DNP program can be completed is extremely important to students, the reputation of the school and the accreditation that it has received is even more important. After all, if employers won’t recognize the program, it is of no value to your nursing career.
We ensured that all programs on the list are fully accredited, providing you with high-quality and valuable collegiate nursing education. Additional factors that were considered in this ranking included cost, financial assistance, networking opportunities, and student satisfaction.
Each DNP program in this ranking has undergone an in-depth evaluation to ensure that it meets the highest standards.
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
University of Miami’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Miami’s accelerated DNP program offers a unique opportunity for nurses looking to advance their careers. Specifically designed for individuals who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, this BSN to DNP program allows online nursing students to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree without the need for a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
Miami’s accelerated nursing doctorate program provides a streamlined and efficient pathway to achieving the highest level of clinical nursing. The curriculum is carefully crafted to encompass advanced nursing courses, research methods, leadership and management skills, healthcare policy, and specialized clinical training in a chosen area of advanced nursing practice.
Students must successfully finish all didactic coursework, engage in a two-semester capstone project, complete a minimum of 560 clinical placement hours (440 clinical hours after obtaining a bachelor’s degree or through portfolio review), and pass a comprehensive examination during the final semester.
Did You Know: Miami is one of the leading institutions for nursing professionals interested in conducting research.
Degree: Hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 1 year
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at Miami’s program website
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
73%
Student body
34K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
University of Cincinnati’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice online program at the University of Cincinnati is designed for experienced registered nurses. The program offers several specializations, including Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Nurse Anesthesia, Nursing Systems Leadership, Pediatric Acute Care, Psych-Mental Health, Public Health, and Family Nurse Practitioner.
By enrolling in online courses, students have the opportunity to complete their DNP degree within 18 months or four semesters. This accelerated timeline allows students to progress through the program while balancing their other commitments.
The curriculum of the University of Cincinnati’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program includes three practicum courses, totaling 500 hours, that are project-based rather than didactic. These practicum courses provide students mentorship and hands-on opportunities to identify, develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate their DNP projects. Each practicum course involves at least two DNP project team meetings and the development and assessment of a project timeline.
Did You Know: Students have access to scholarships, graduate assistantships, and other funding options intended to help and support them as they pursue their academic goals and develop professionally.
Degree: MSN to DNP
Duration: 18 months/4 semesters
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at UC’s program website
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
91%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1475/34
Northeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Northeastern University’s accelerated online DNP program equips future nurse leaders with a comprehensive skill set through a curriculum focused on advanced coursework in various areas such as leadership, practice inquiry, population health, informatics, and health policy. DNP students enrolled in online courses can collaborate with professionals from different disciplines and take on leadership roles to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare.
While some of the program’s coursework can be completed online, students must still meet on-campus to complete residency requirements. The coursework comprises 30 credits, but a gap analysis determines the precise graduation requirements. The DNP program concludes with a research project in which you use your doctorate knowledge to address a healthcare problem.
After finishing this online DNP program, graduates can advance their careers and consider leadership positions as a clinical expert, nurse executive, or head of a healthcare organization.
Did You Know: Online students can collaborate on their studies with academics from other Northeastern departments and institutions and Boston-area nurses.
Degree: Hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 16 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at NU’s program website
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
78%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/27
University of New Hampshire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of New Hampshire offers a fast-paced online DNP program that takes about 18 months to complete. This program provides an opportunity for individuals seeking to impact the healthcare field significantly.
Despite being a shorter program, the University of New Hampshire’s DNP program ensures that students are equipped with the necessary tools to drive change in healthcare. Through rigorous coursework, students learn how to design and implement programs that enhance healthcare delivery.
The DNP program offers two cohorts per year, starting in January and August and is designed to accommodate working professionals, as it offers asynchronous online classes that can be accessed at their convenience.
Students are expected to fulfill several requirements to complete the program successfully. These include completing all DNP coursework, accumulating 1,000 advanced practice clinical hours (possibly up to 500 clinical hours being carried over from the master’s program), creating a scholarly paper suitable for publication, and delivering a successful presentation of their DNP Project.
Did You Know: There are various opportunities for on-campus visits, such as the doctoral symposium and graduation.
Degree: 100% Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 18 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at UNH’s program website
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/26
Samford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Samford University offers an accelerated online Doctor of Nursing Practice program for advanced practice nurses and nurse administrators seeking to earn a doctorate in 12 months. The curriculum of the DNP program at Samford University is tailored to the specific areas of advanced practice or administration.
Students will deepen their expertise in their chosen field through advanced coursework. The program typically requires the completion of around 37 to 39 credits. However, there is an option to take additional electives, increasing the total number of credits to 48.
For those focusing on administration, the coursework delves into administrative and organizational theory, strategic management, and information systems. On the other hand, the advanced practice track covers topics like vulnerable populations, emerging diseases and health trends, and policy for population health.
Did You Know: Samford University’s accelerated online DNP program is known for its efficiency and commitment to Christian values.
Degree: Online DNP in Nursing Administration and Advanced Practice
Duration: 12 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at Samford’s program website
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
23%
Student body
31K
Colorado Technical University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Colorado Technical University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program aimed at licensed RNs with a Master’s in Nursing who wish to advance their education to the doctoral level. It features an innovative curriculum and a student-centered approach to teaching.
Online students learn from the same on-campus faculty dedicated to nurturing competent, caring, and accountable professionals who can effectively serve diverse client populations in a dynamic healthcare environment.
One of the criteria for graduation is the completion of 1,000 documented, supervised post-baccalaureate clinical hours (500 hours must be completed at CTU). A final project that intends to assist students in applying evidence-based practice and research findings to a practice change initiative within their specialty area of nursing is one of the additional requirements for earning the degree.
Students can use their knowledge and abilities in the real world and promote healthcare practice through their final project.
Did You Know: Starting dates for the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at CTU are in January, April, July, and September each year.
Degree: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 21 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at Colorado Tech’s program website
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
59%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
St. Catherine University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
St. Catherine University online is an affordable and accelerated option for RNs with master’s degrees seeking to earn a doctorate. In addition to offering affordable tuition, students can take advantage of the university’s various funding opportunities.
Students can complete several courses online, with only two on-campus sessions required per semester. Students must complete 33 to 35 credits, finishing the program within 18 months.
The program focuses on social justice and leadership, equipping graduates to impact healthcare and improve health outcomes for diverse populations positively. In addition to core graduate-level courses, the curriculum offers elective options from the nurse educator program, allowing students to explore teaching opportunities.
Clinical training in systems change is also a requirement, totaling 540 hours. Graduates of this program gain advanced knowledge in evidence-based practice, outcome evaluation, healthcare economics and finance, and principles of epidemiology and biostatistics.
Did You Know: The university has strong partnerships with reputable healthcare organizations, providing quality clinical sites and potential employment prospects.
Degree: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 18 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at St. Kate’s program website
Tuition + fees
$7K
Student body
4K
Thomas Edison State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers another fast and affordable Doctor of Nursing Practice focusing on systems-level leadership. It is a 36-credit curriculum that covers various courses, including Organizational and Systems Leadership, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, role development, health, healthcare policy, and politics.
With no requirement for on-campus attendance, this program is particularly suitable for those with demanding work schedules.
Applicants must possess an MSN degree to be considered for TESU’s online DNP program. Students must enroll in two 3-credit courses per term for six consecutive terms to graduate early.
However, those who cannot meet the demand of fast-paced classes can enroll in one 3-credit course per term and finish the degree in 36 months. Either way, students will graduate prepared to run healthcare settings.
Did You Know: TESU is known for offering various opportunities for career enhancement through individual guidance and support.
Degree: Online DNP - Systems-Level Leadership
Duration: 18 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at TESU’s program website
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
73%
Student body
9K
Maryville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Seasoned nurse practitioners seeking high-paying nursing positions can pursue Maryville’s fast and accelerated online BSN to DNP program. Students gain a lot of clinical experience during the curriculum and use what they learn in practical situations.
A DNP project, an academic project with a strong focus on practice, is the program’s capstone and enables students to show off their knowledge of a particular nursing specialty field.
Students can further tailor their DNP degree by adding one of Maryville’s five nurse practitioner concentrations:
Regardless of which concentration you choose to pursue, you’ll gain the abilities, expertise, and experience necessary to become a systems leader and maximize your influence on the healthcare industry as you grow your career.
Did You Know: Maryville accepts applicants without GRE or GMAT scores.
Degree: Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 40 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at Maryville’s program website
Student body
1K
Frontier Nursing University offers an 18-month online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree designed to help registered nurses pursue leadership roles in the field. The curriculum is typically created for certified nurse practitioners and midwives with an MSN. Since most of the training is provided online, students can continue working while enrolled in the program.
The curriculum focuses on advanced nursing, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy and advocacy, leadership and management, and quality improvement. Students in the program can participate in immersive clinical experiences where they can use their knowledge and abilities in the real world. Additionally, they finish a DNP project that identifies a practice issue or healthcare gap, performs research, puts forward evidence-based remedies, and assesses results.
Did You Know: The Doctor of Nursing Practice program includes three on-campus components: two immersive experiences and an additional orientation.
Degree: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Duration: 12-18 months
Learn more about the accelerated nursing doctorate at Frontier’s program website
The job outlook for accelerated DNP graduates is highly promising. The healthcare industry has an increasing demand for advanced practice nurses with the necessary skills and expertise to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirms that healthcare occupations are projected to grow 13 percent until 2031. As a result, DNP graduates have numerous opportunities available to them.
Upon completing an accelerated online DNP program, graduates can pursue careers in various healthcare settings. These may include hospitals, clinics, private practices, research institutions, academia, and healthcare administration.
The versatility of the DNP degree allows graduates to assume diverse roles, such as nurse practitioners, nurse executives, nurse educators, clinical leaders, healthcare consultants, and policy advocates.
The comprehensive curriculum of accelerated online DNP programs equips DNP graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy, and population health. This expertise enables them to make significant contributions to the field of nursing and healthcare.
DNP graduates are well-prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, effectively lead healthcare teams, and influence policy decisions. These valuable competencies make them highly desirable candidates in the job market.
Bottom Line: Healthcare occupations are in high demand. Graduates of accelerated DNP programs are uniquely positioned for leadership positions in the fields of nursing and healthcare.
The salary for graduates of DNP programs vary based on factors such as specific job roles, geographic location, years of experience, and the type of healthcare organization or setting. Generally, DNP graduates can expect to earn higher salaries than those with a master’s degree in nursing.
Holders of a DNP degree can work in academia as clinical instructors, nursing educators, or nursing program professors. They are essential in developing the curriculum, training the next generation of nurses, and researching to advance nursing theory and practice.
Median Annual Salary: $50,710
DNP graduates can work in government agencies, healthcare organizations, or professional groups to influence healthcare policy, advocate for patient rights, and contribute to defining healthcare rules and changes thanks to their in-depth grasp of healthcare systems and policies.
Median Annual Salary: $53,591
DNP-prepared registered nurses can participate in research projects that explore evidence-based methods, assess healthcare outcomes, and enhance nursing knowledge. To address healthcare issues and improve patient care, they can work in research facilities, academic settings, or interdisciplinary collaborations.
Median Annual Salary: $63,845
DNP graduates in healthcare institutions and organizations frequently fill leadership positions. They can be employed as nurse executives, directors of nursing, or administrators, directing teams and overseeing healthcare operations to enhance patient care outcomes.
Median Annual Salary: $90,577
As a DNP graduate of an accelerated program, you can pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) careers options such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. You can manage patient care, diagnose and treat illnesses, administer medications, and provide primary and specialized healthcare services as an APRN.
Median Annual Salary: $101,118
DNP holders can work as consultants or healthcare managers, offering their knowledge in population health management, patient safety, quality improvement, and healthcare informatics. They can help organizations implement best practices, improve patient outcomes, and optimize healthcare delivery systems.
Median Annual Salary: $103,557
Bottom Line: Graduates of accelerated DNP programs are qualified for positions in education, research, leadership, healthcare policy, and more. Even better, these positions command a higher than average salary.
The duration for online accelerated DNP programs varies on several factors, including the availability of courses, number of courses allowed per semester, duration of each class, and transfer credit. Although the specific period may vary, these programs typically last between 18 and 24 months. Some programs can even provide alternatives for completion in just a year.
Back to TopThe curriculum combines advanced nursing training, clinical practice opportunities, and research-focused components. Several essential features are present in many accelerated DNP programs, while the specific courses and prerequisites may differ based on the university and concentration selected.
All accelerated DNP programs require students to finish core courses regardless of specialization. These courses explore topics in population health, leadership and management, informatics, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice.
These courses highly depend on your chosen concentration. They delve deeply into the specialized information and abilities required for advanced practice in a particular demographic or specialization.
Clinical courses are integral parts of accelerated online DNP programs. While schools allow students to perform clinical rotations in their area, others would often require students to complete experiences under the supervision of a department’s faculty or healthcare partners. Regardless, these experiences allow students to use their knowledge and abilities in real-world healthcare settings.
Some programs may offer elective classes so that students can customize their education to fit their unique interests or professional aspirations. These electives can give students further information and training in administration, informatics, education, or healthcare policy.
A DNP project at the end of the program is a defining feature of DNP programs. A specific topic or issue within the realm of nursing is the subject of this project. Making a significant difference in healthcare delivery or patient outcomes entails using evidence-based research, implementing changes, and assessing results.
When researching online DNP programs, nurses must verify the institution’s accreditation status and the program they are considering. Accreditation is a rigorous process that evaluates the quality of education, faculty qualifications, and institutional mission. Regional accreditation ensures that universities meet the highest standards in educating students.
In addition to regional accreditation, specialized accrediting agencies focus on evaluating online schools. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission reviews online institutions and grants accreditation to those that adhere to best practices in distance learning.
Choosing schools that hold accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Accreditation (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is essential for nursing programs. These programmatic accrediting agencies evaluate both traditional and online nursing programs.
Graduates from accredited nursing programs can obtain their state license and practice as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Prospective students must ensure that any accelerated online DNP programs they consider have CCNE or ACEN accreditation.