14 Best Post-Masters DNP Online Programs in 2026
Post-master’s DNP online programs let you advance your nursing career without giving up your current job. Need top-quality education options? You’re exactly where you need to be.
These specialized programs deliver academic excellence through convenient formats. To cite an instance, some programs need minimal campus time – the University of Minnesota asks for just four days each semester. On top of that, students pursuing careers as nurse educators or faculty can access substantial financial aid options through many post-master’s DNP programs.
The programs meet strict nursing profession standards and include clinical components that help you complete the required 1,000 clinical hours for a DNP degree. UMass Chan Graduate School of Nursing stands out with impressive rankings – #2 in Massachusetts and #8 among public nursing schools nationwide. Students at Northern Kentucky University benefit from equal tuition rates regardless of their residence status.
Your nursing future deserves careful consideration, whether you want career growth, better pay, or enhanced clinical expertise. Our expert-rated selection of the 14 best post-master’s DNP online programs will guide your decision-making process.
1. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a complete online post-master’s DNP program. Advanced practice nurses can use this program to enhance their clinical expertise. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and leadership development to improve healthcare outcomes.
Top features
The UWM post-master’s DNP online program needs 32 credits and students can complete it from anywhere in the world. This practice-focused doctoral program targets advanced practice nurses with master’s degrees, including NPs, CNSs, CNMs, and CRNAs. The program has 11 courses and ends with a four-credit, 460-hour leadership immersion experience in clinical or community settings.
Students can choose from specializations like Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nursing System Leadership. The program also offers flexible admission with start dates in Fall and Spring semesters.
The curriculum focuses on three core areas: advanced nursing practice (6 credits), evidence-based practice (9 credits), and systems core (9 credits), plus 8 credits in the DNP Project Core. Students develop skills in healthcare leadership, evidence-based practice implementation, and system management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fully online format available worldwide
- Flexible part-time and full-time study options
- Supportive cohort model for peer collaboration
- CCNE accreditation ensuring program quality
- Scholarship opportunities over $500,000 each year
Cons:
- Competitive admission with 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Statistics course needed within last five years
- One year of RN experience needed
- Personal interview during application process
- Five-year completion time limit for post-master’s students
Pricing
UWM’s online post-master’s DNP program charges a flat fee of $1,000 per credit for all curriculum courses. The total cost comes to about $32,000 for the 32-credit program. Specialty courses outside the College of Nursing might have different campus tuition rates.
Best for
Working advanced practice nurses who want leadership positions in clinical settings will find UWM’s post-master’s DNP program valuable. Nurses who want to implement evidence-based practice changes through scholarly projects will benefit greatly. The online format lets students keep their current jobs while advancing their education.
The program helps practitioners turn research into practice and improve healthcare outcomes through systemic changes and evidence-based innovations.
2. UMass Chan Medical School
Ranked as the #2 DNP program in Massachusetts and #8 among public nursing schools nationwide, UMass Chan Medical School combines academic excellence with clinical application in its post master’s DNP online program. The program equips nurse practitioners and administrators to take advanced leadership roles that reshape the healthcare scene.
Top features
UMass Chan’s post master’s DNP program centers on improvement science, research translation, and organizational systems thinking. The program’s location at Massachusetts’ first and only public academic health sciences center gives students access to a world-class medical school with state-of-the-art simulation facilities.
The program maintains a small faculty-to-student ratio, with 25 full-time faculty members teaching 218 DNP students. Students learn about health inequities, social determinants of health, and diversity inclusion. Graduates can blend knowledge from different disciplines, create shared approaches to health promotion, and guide interprofessional teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- CCNE accreditation backs this highly ranked program
- Students learn in a rich interprofessional environment
- Students can choose hybrid in-class and online formats
- Faculty members stay clinically active and practice as APRNs
- The program boasts an 82% graduation rate
Cons:
- Admission is competitive with an 83.2% acceptance rate
- Out-of-state students pay higher tuition rates
- S. residents must pay a $117 application fee
- Students need a statistics prerequisite with B- or higher preferred
- The application process includes video essay interviews
Pricing
The DNP program uses a simple per-credit pricing structure: in-state students pay $875 per credit while out-of-state students pay $1,197 per credit. Required fees total $1,810. Students who withdraw before completing 60% of the term receive prorated refunds.
Best for
Advanced practice nurses (NPs, CNSs, CRNAs, CNMs) or nurse administrators with master’s degrees who seek leadership positions will find great value in UMass Chan’s post master’s DNP program. The program suits healthcare professionals who thrive in interprofessional settings and want to apply evidence-based practices. Nurses who aim to enhance healthcare quality through system-level improvements will benefit from this program’s focus on clinical practice leadership.
3. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s post master’s DNP program ranks #4 in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list. This recognition shows Minnesota’s dedication to preparing nurse leaders who can create state-of-the-art care models in local, national, and global communities.
Top features
The post-master’s DNP program lets you complete your degree in one or two years with most coursework online. Students come to campus once each semester for core courses, additional programming, and advisor meetings. You’ll need 36 credits to master advanced nursing practice competencies.
The program welcomes nurses who have master’s degrees in APRN specialties (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist), nursing informatics, nursing leadership, or public health nursing. Students learn to review healthcare systems, put research into practice, and shape policy changes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Prestigious #4 national ranking in 2025
- CCNE accreditation ensuring quality standards
- Flexible one-year or two-year completion options
- Diverse specialty options including health innovation and leadership
- Faculty’s dedication to student success
Cons:
- Program doesn’t qualify for F-1 visa
- Each semester needs on-campus attendance
- You need a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- Rolling admissions affect application deadlines
- Program accepts US citizens or permanent residents only
Pricing
Both residents and non-residents pay $1,100 per credit. The 36-credit post-master’s program costs about $39,600, plus some required fees. The School of Nursing offers scholarships after admission.
Best for
Minnesota’s post-master’s DNP program fits advanced practice nurses who want to grow their leadership skills through a mix of online and campus learning. Working professionals love the program’s flexibility and networking opportunities. The program shines for nurses who want to design new healthcare delivery models and apply evidence-based practices in different settings.
4. University of Illinois Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago boasts a national ranking of #17 in U.S. News & World Report and provides a post-master’s DNP program that balances online convenience with clinical excellence. Students can complete all coursework online while the faculty takes care of clinical placement arrangements near their campus.
Top features
The program welcomes APRNs who have earned their master’s degree in nursing specialties offered by the college (excluding nurse anesthesia). Students must complete a DNP project and practicum experience to accumulate the required 1,000 clinical hours for graduation.
Students can complete UIC’s post-master’s program in 2-4 years based on their focus area and enrollment status. The program features 11 DNP specialty concentrations spread across six regional campuses throughout Illinois. Students benefit from a hybrid format that combines online learning with valuable clinical experiences, preparing them to enhance patient care and revolutionize healthcare systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The faculty handles all clinical placements
- Graduates achieve a 92% certification exam pass rate
- Top rankings: #1 in Illinois and #5 in the Midwest
- Students can earn post-DNP certificates to add or switch specialties
- Distinguished faculty includes 42 fellows of the American Academy of Nursing
Cons:
- S. residents must pay a $70 application fee
- Admission is moderately competitive with a 74.2% acceptance rate
- The program doesn’t qualify for F-1/J-1 student visas
- Regional campus students might need to travel to Chicago for certain courses
- Students must live within commuting distance of a UIC Nursing campus
Pricing
Both in-state and out-of-state students pay $1,044 per credit for the DNP program. Additional fees total $150. UIC Aspire offers potential tuition-free education for qualified students, along with other scholarship opportunities.
Best for
MS-prepared APRNs who want doctoral preparation without moving will find UIC’s post-master’s DNP program perfect for their needs. The program excels in clinical placements and offers various specialty options that appeal to nurses pursuing advanced clinical leadership roles. Working professionals appreciate the program’s mix of online accessibility and rigorous academic standards.
5. Duke University
Duke University’s School of Nursing’s post master’s DNP program excels at connecting research with ground practice. The program builds on three distinct hallmarks: translation of evidence to practice, transformation of healthcare systems, and leadership development in a variety of disciplines.
Top features
Students need 35 credit hours to complete the post master’s DNP program. The program combines distance-based coursework with brief on-campus intensive sessions twice per semester. Students learn evidence assessment, system improvements, and ways to boost quality. Duke gives students a chance to publish their DNP project results—hundreds of previous students have achieved this milestone. The program upholds Duke’s academic standards with 100% of faculty holding doctoral preparation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Merit scholarships are reviewed automatically
- DNP projects have excellent publishing prospects
- Students can earn optional certificates in cardiology, HIV, oncology, and palliative care
- Working professionals benefit from the flexible format
- Projects receive dedicated student editor and statistician support
Cons:
- Tough admissions process needs 3.0 GPA and multiple essays
- Campus-only nurse anesthesia DNP program
- Selective acceptance rate of 30.4%
- Students must attend regular on-campus sessions
- Program delivery concerns appear in some student reviews
Pricing
Students pay $2,250 per credit hour for 2025-2026. The 35-credit post-master’s track totals approximately $78,750. Each semester includes a $200 technology fee, $503.50 health fee for fall/spring terms, plus various administrative fees.
Best for
Advanced practice nurses who want prestigious credentials and practical leadership skills thrive in Duke’s DNP program. Research translation and publication prospects make this program perfect for clinicians who want roles in healthcare policy, quality improvement, or nursing education. The distance-based format serves practitioners who need flexibility while getting a top-ranked institution’s education.
6. Rush University
Rush University stands out among post masters DNP online programs. The university’s practitioner-teacher model sets it apart. Faculty members practice at Rush University Medical Center and clinical settings, which brings their expertise directly to students.
Top features
Students can complete Rush’s post master’s DNP program in 2.5 to 3.5 years through full-time or part-time study. The program blends online classes with essential campus visits for orientation, assessments, and project presentations. Students must complete 1,008 clinical hours through specialty practicum, immersion residency, and DNP project experiences.
The program shapes practitioners who turn research into practice and enhance healthcare through evidence-based decisions. Students learn to merge science-based theories, handle organizational concepts, tackle ethical dilemmas, and guide interprofessional teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Active practitioners serve as faculty and enrich learning with clinical experience
- Small class sizes enable close advisor mentorship
- Clinical workshops combine with simulation center experiences
- DNP projects come with strong publishing opportunities
- S. News & World Report ranks it among the best programs nationally
Cons:
- S. residents pay $115 application fee
- Admission process demands detailed personal essays
- You need three professional recommendation letters
- RN experience gives you an edge in admissions
- Campus visits are mandatory throughout the program
Pricing
The DNP program costs $1,436 per credit hour. MSN-APRN entry students (41 credits) pay $58,876, while BSN entry students (68 credits) pay $97,648. A typical post-master’s program costs around $71,800 based on required credits.
Best for
Rush’s post-master’s DNP program fits nurses who want to advance their clinical expertise and leadership skills. Practitioners who value hands-on clinical experience with academic learning will thrive here. The program suits nurses focused on family practice, psychiatric-mental health, and advanced public health nursing. Career prospects look promising. Nurse practitioner jobs should grow 40% from 2021-2031, with median salaries around $113,000.
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham runs a hands-on DNP program ranked 10th nationally by U.S. News & World Report. UAB’s post master’s DNP online program boasts 697 enrolled students and helps graduates turn scientific evidence into real-life practices that improve population health outcomes.
Top features
UAB’s DNP program builds on three pillars: advanced clinical practice, leadership, and practice inquiry. Students complete at least half their coursework online while attending required on-campus meetings for the rest. The program culminates in a scholarly project that serves as the capstone experience. Students must attend a two to three-day intensive campus session between their first and second year. The School of Nursing’s 162 full-time faculty members support student growth throughout their journey.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Top-10 nationally ranked program
- Students learn to champion health regulations and tackle health disparities
- Graduates can step into clinical faculty roles
- Working professionals can access the program remotely
- Students can choose from five distinct DNP degree pathways
Cons:
- Campus visits needed for intensive experiences
- 5% acceptance rate shows moderate competition
- S. residents pay $50 application fee
- Statistics prerequisite needed before starting
- Some applicants must complete GAP analysis
Pricing
UAB charges the same fees whatever your residence status. Distance-accessible DNP coursework costs $723 per credit hour for everyone in 2025-2026. Each course includes a $235 educational support and technology fee. Students should budget about $800 yearly for campus intensive travel, $600 per term for books and supplies, and $92 for yearly background checks.
Best for
UAB’s post master’s DNP program fits nurses who want careers in industry or academia. The program’s emphasis on leadership and health disparities makes it perfect for professionals who want advocacy and policy development roles. Nurses looking to fill faculty shortages through clinical teaching positions will find great value here. Working professionals who can handle occasional campus visits while keeping their jobs will benefit from the program’s flexible format.
8. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama pioneered online education with its post master’s DNP program. Students can earn their degree remotely and continue working in their local area.
Top features
The program stands out with 13 different specialty certification areas, surpassing most nursing programs. Students complete all coursework online and fulfill clinical requirements in their local community with an approved preceptor. Some specialties need brief visits to South’s state-of-the-art simulation building for skills training. Students learn to apply research to quality care, tackle major healthcare issues, and develop leadership skills.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fully online format lets you complete clinical hours locally
- Working professionals benefit from affordable tuition rates
- CCNE accreditation guarantees program quality
- Students can publish their DNP project results
Cons:
- New York and South Dakota residents cannot enroll
- Student feedback about program support varies
- Some clinical skills intensives require campus visits
- Students must find their own clinical placements
Pricing
Graduate nursing courses cost $594 per credit hour. South Alabama charges the same rate for all online students, regardless of their state residency.
Best for
Registered nurses who want specialized certification without moving will find this program attractive. Self-motivated professionals who can arrange clinical placements will appreciate the flexible online format and diverse specialty options. The program combines academic excellence with reasonable costs.
9. University of Arizona
University of Arizona’s hybrid post master’s DNP program ranks #17 nationally. The program combines online coursework with mandatory on-campus clinical immersions.
Top features
Students learn evidence-based practice through online coursework and hands-on clinical placements. The program requires three on-campus clinical immersions in Tucson that help students develop specialty-specific skills. The curriculum helps graduates create nursing practice knowledge, enhance health outcomes, and change clinical practices. Students can choose a dual DNP/MPH degree option that creates a structured 3.5-year program path.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ranks #11 among public universities’ DNP programs
- Students can choose full-time or part-time study
- Faculty mentors guide DNP projects that improve real-life healthcare
- Clinical Placement Coordinators help secure preceptors
Cons:
- Each clinical rotation needs on-campus intensive sessions
- Students need 1,800 hours of RN experience
- Clinical year requires full-time commitment despite previous part-time status
- Clinical experiences might span different geographical locations
Pricing
The DNP program costs $32,274 per year for all students, regardless of residency status. The Family Nurse Practitioner track needs 69 credits, which costs $73,261.60 for full-time students.
Best for
The program suits nurses who want advanced practice roles and need flexible part-time study options while working.
10. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan, one of America’s leading research institutions, offers a post master’s DNP program. Students can complete web-blended coursework with limited campus visits each term. The program ranks #8 out of 146 in Best Nursing Schools and #6 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. A carefully crafted curriculum helps shape tomorrow’s nurse leaders.
Top features
Michigan’s post master’s DNP focuses on transforming evidence into practice while developing healthcare innovators. The program boasts 88 full-time faculty members who guide 129 DNP students. This creates rich mentorship opportunities. Students have flexibility with two and three-year completion plans. Michigan’s specialized concentrations include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, and combined specialty programs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Yearly automatic scholarship consideration
- Access to extensive clinical learning environments nationwide
- Faculty helps with clinical placement instead of self-arrangement
- Joint degree options including Nurse Midwifery/Family NP
- High peer assessment score of 3.9 out of 5
Cons:
- Competitive acceptance rate of 79.6%
- S. residents pay $80 application fee
- Out-of-state tuition costs more than in-state rates
- Each semester requires campus visits
- Student population shows limited diversity with 64% White students
Pricing
Students pay per credit: $1,590 for in-state and $3,248 for out-of-state. Some nursing courses include additional lab fees. The university reviews all students for scholarship support each year. Students should complete their FAFSA and keep scholarship profiles updated in Wolverine Access.
Best for
Nurses aiming for leadership roles in complex healthcare settings will find value in this program. The curriculum serves professionals who want to develop advanced practice expertise while connecting with a prestigious research institution.
11. University of Florida
University of Florida blazed the trail for nursing education in the state by launching Florida’s first nurse practitioner program. Their post master’s DNP program combines academic excellence with a flexible format that works well for healthcare professionals.
Top features
The MSN to DNP program needs 35 credits and students can finish it in five semesters with minimal campus visits. The curriculum helps students turn research into real-world solutions that make patient care better. Students take online classes and visit campus periodically for health assessment, clinical courses, and simulation training. Graduates gain skills to review scientific knowledge, lead teams across disciplines, and influence health policy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible online format that works for professionals
- Projects often end up as published works
- No GRE needed to apply
- Students can earn a Nurse Educator Certificate at the same time
- S. News ranks nurse practitioner as #1 job of 2024
Cons:
- Students need Florida or multi-state RN license and active APRN license
- Few spots open for international students
- Students must pass background check and drug screening
- Clinical work limited to Florida
- Students must verify immunizations
Pricing
Florida residents pay $530.69 per credit while others pay $1255.41 per credit. With 35 credits needed for MSN-DNP students, the total cost runs about $18,574 for state residents and $43,939 for non-residents. Students also pay $400 for course software and $150 to rent doctoral regalia.
Best for
Master’s-prepared nurses who want leadership roles without moving will find this program attractive. The online flexibility and practical focus make it perfect for working APRNs who want to shape healthcare policy and put research into practice.
12. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati stands out with a flexible post-master’s DNP program. The program helps busy professionals through online coursework that fits their schedule, with multiple course offerings each year.
Top features
The program offers specializations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Occupational Health Nursing, Adult-Gerontology, and Psychiatric-Mental Health tracks. Students can take courses twice a year, which helps them progress without delays. The curriculum combines evidence-based practice with specialty-focused training. FNP graduates learn to diagnose and manage conditions for patients of all ages. Students also build skills in healthcare policy, quality improvement, and informatics.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Online format that helps balance work and life
- Nationally ranked program (#43 among DNP programs)
- Multiple specialty options with CCNE accreditation
- Rolling admissions until programs reach capacity
Cons:
- Selective admission with 35.4% acceptance rate
- S. residents pay $145 application fee
- State regulations prevent applications from certain areas
- Some tracks need campus visits for clinical work
Pricing
Program costs vary based on where you live. Most DNP programs cost $836 per credit for Ohio residents and $851 for non-residents. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Nurse Anesthesia tracks have different rates: Ohio residents pay $836, KY/IN residents pay $861, and non-residents pay $1,423 per credit.
Best for
Cincinnati’s DNP program works well for professionals who need flexibility and want high academic standards. The program’s multiple specializations and twice-yearly courses make it perfect for self-motivated learners who want a customized education path.
13. University of Texas at Arlington
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program from University of Texas at Arlington enables MSN-prepared nurses to implement evidence-based findings that improve patient outcomes. The program offers an efficient path to doctoral preparation and works well for professionals who want to continue working while studying.
Top features
The UTA post master’s DNP program offers 100% online, asynchronous coursework tailored for board-certified APRNs and nurses with MSN in Administration. Students learn about leadership in healthcare systems, translational research, healthcare policy, and epidemiology through the 36-credit curriculum. They complete two DNP practicum courses to review evidence-based solutions for healthcare challenges. Most students finish the program in about two and a half years and develop skills in organizational leadership, evidence appraisal, and health policy advocacy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Complete flexibility with fully online format and no campus visits required
- Quick completion through accelerated coursework
- Flexible payment options with pay-by-course structure
- Learning from doctoral-prepared faculty with rich practice experience
- Career advancement opportunities in clinical or policy-setting roles
Cons:
- Students need 3.5 graduate-level GPA for unconditional admission
- The program works best for Texas residents
- Students with 3.0-3.49 GPA may get probationary admission
- Students must have an unencumbered nursing license
- Each credit hour requires five hours of additional study time
Pricing
Each credit hour costs $660, which means $1,980 for a three-credit course. The complete program costs $23,760. Students who maintain continuous enrollment can keep their original tuition rate throughout the program.
Best for
Working APRNs who want to step into leadership roles while keeping their current positions will find this program valuable. The curriculum helps nurses who want to apply research findings to create clinical improvements in their workplace.
14. George Washington University
George Washington University offers a hybrid post master’s DNP program that combines online learning with on-campus sessions for testing and clinical training. Their practice-focused doctorate creates experts in advanced nursing practice in a variety of fields.
Top features
Students need to complete 36 credit hours and 1000 practice hours in this post-MSN DNP program. Scientific findings, leadership development, and evidence-based implementation shape the curriculum. Students learn to review healthcare systems and support equitable healthcare through policy formulation. On top of that, the program builds competencies in interprofessional team leadership and helps improve population health.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Nationally recognized nursing faculty who actively participate with students
- Respectful, supportive online learning environment
- Diverse specialization options including psychiatric mental health and adult-gerontology
- Opportunities for DNP project publications
- Faculty-supported clinical placements
Cons:
- Hybrid format requires on-campus visits for simulation-based learning
- Preferred minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Competitive application process requiring statement of purpose
- Clinical placements primarily in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC region
- Requires 500 pre-DNP clinical hours
Pricing
The program charges $1,630 per credit. A student completing the 36-credit post-master’s program pays approximately $58,680 in tuition. Additional costs include a $350 simulation fee per applicable course, $350 Clinical Learning & Skills Intensive fee, and standard health/technology fees.
Best for
GWU’s program suits nursing professionals who want to improve their leadership skills through a balanced hybrid learning approach. The program’s focus on practical knowledge application makes it perfect for nurses who want to design and implement state-of-the-art solutions that improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve had a chance to look over our top selections, it’s time to make your choice. Find a program that works for you and advance your nursing career today!