7 Accredited Online DNP Programs in Nursing Education
Want to reach the pinnacle of your nursing career? Online doctorate programs in nursing education help you become a leader while you keep working.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) wants to double the number of nurses with doctorates. This makes a DNP in nursing education a smart career move right now. On top of that, these online DNP programs give you amazing flexibility with all coursework available online, and you can finish your degree in just 2 years. You can even do your clinical work at your current workplace, which helps you balance your studies with your job.
These programs come with solid credentials from respected organizations like CCNE and ACEN. Many schools sweeten the deal with financial perks – new students can save 20% on tuition, and special loan programs exist for nurse faculty. You can choose what works best for you: graduate in 24 months with full-time study or take a slower pace over 3 years. These seven accredited nursing programs let working nurses advance their careers without putting their lives on hold.
1. Ohio State University – Online Doctor in Nursing Education
Ohio State University leads nursing education innovation with its groundbreaking Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program. This program is the first of its kind in the United States. The program represents the most important advancement in preparing nurse educators at the doctoral level.
Program Overview
Ohio State University’s Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program earned pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) in 2023. The program launched its first application cycle in August 2022. The first group of students began their studies in January 2023. The DNE program tackles the urgent need for doctorally prepared nurse educators who can help nursing programs accept more future nurses.
This program differs from traditional DNP programs that focus on advanced practice. Students can complete the 50-credit hour curriculum in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time), with all courses delivered online. The program keeps students engaged through synchronous components. About 50% of each course requires participation in live sessions.
Curriculum and Specializations
The DNE program offers two specialization tracks that match your career goals:
Academic Nursing Education Track – This track serves nurses with master’s degrees who want to teach in college or university-level nursing programs that prepare nurses for clinical practice at all levels.
Nursing Professional Development Track – This track helps master’s-level nursing professional development practitioners who want to educate nurses in healthcare settings to improve healthcare outcomes.
The curriculum focuses on evidence-based teaching principles, wellness and resilience, and effective use of technology in healthcare education. Students work toward a hands-on, evidence-based final project that shows their mastery of doctoral-level concepts. Weekly synchronous online classes meet once per course, with times ranging from morning to evening (9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET).
Clinical Hours and Practicum
The DNE program has substantial immersion experiences instead of traditional clinical rotations. Students must complete 450 immersion hours throughout the program. These hours spread across five courses and students track them through the Typhon system.
Students can complete their immersion hours at their current workplace with proper approval from their advisor and employer. These experiences build competencies in nursing education and end with a final project. A qualified nurse educator with a doctoral degree and at least two years of education experience supervises each immersion experience.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Ohio State University Practice Doctorate in Nursing Program, which has the DNE track, holds initial accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). The Ohio State University College of Nursing earned recognition from the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence for Creating Environments that improve Student Learning and Professional Development.
The program’s pre-accreditation status lasts three years. The status reflects the program’s ability to meet full accreditation standards within that timeframe. This accreditation confirms that graduates meet national standards for nursing education expertise.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program’s tuition and fees depend on your semester credit hours. Current cost estimates appear on the Ohio State Online website.
Several financial aid options help students manage costs. The College of Nursing provides scholarships each spring semester through private donors. Full-time, continuously enrolled students often receive preference for these scholarships.
Doctoral students can ask for support through the Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). This program provides up to $35,500 yearly for up to five years. Students who become full-time faculty members at accredited colleges or universities after graduation can get up to 85 percent of their loan principal and interest forgiven.
Admission Requirements
DNE program candidates must meet these requirements:
- A Master of Science in Nursing from a CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA accredited program
- An active, unencumbered RN license in their state of practice
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in their last relevant degree
- 3,500 direct care practice hours as an RN or APRN within the past five years
The application needs official transcripts, a current resume/CV, a purpose and goals statement, and a recorded online video interview. The review process looks at academic readiness and professional experience along with leadership potential, evidence-based practice experience, and communication skills.
The program accepts students once yearly for autumn semester. Applications typically open August 1 of the prior year.
2. Arkansas State University – DNP in Nursing Education Online
Arkansas State University has a specialized DNP with an education emphasis. This program prepares you to lead in nurse education while reaching the highest level of clinical nursing practice. You’ll balance nursing expertise with educational theory to affect healthcare through direct practice and by training future nurses.
Program Overview
Arkansas State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice with Emphasis in Education runs completely online. The program works well for nurses who want to advance their careers. This post-master’s program will help you lead innovative improvements in healthcare systems at every level. You’ll gain knowledge to expand in a variety of nursing fields, with a focus on nurse education leadership.
You’ll become skilled at creating and delivering innovative lessons to educate patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The curriculum blends research projects with immersive internships. This approach lets you apply educational theories in ground settings as you work with supportive faculty.
Curriculum and Specializations
You’ll need to complete 36-39 credit hours, with 9 hours focused on education courses. The education concentration works alongside the DNP core to prepare you for nurse education.
The education concentration has three vital courses:
- HP 6043 – Measurement and Evaluation in Health Sciences (3 credit hours)
- NURS 6623 – Curriculum Development in Health Professions (3 credit hours)
- NURS 6853 – Teaching in Advanced Nursing Roles (3 credit hours)
These specialized courses build your expertise in designing effective training for nursing and healthcare professions. The curriculum also covers healthcare informatics, policy, leadership, finance, and translational research—essential skills for modern nurse educators.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
The DNP program requires at least three clinical internship courses with 540 clinical clock hours. These hands-on experiences are vital to connect your theoretical knowledge with ground application. A-State’s program lets you complete clinical requirements at your current workplace, which keeps your degree relevant to your career goals.
Your internships will connect you with experts in nursing and related disciplines to apply new skills. You’ll also need to spot gaps in patient care or organizational effectiveness and develop solutions.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits A-State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. This accreditation proves the program meets high academic and professional standards. Your degree will be recognized and respected in the field.
The ACEN Board of Commissioners gave the doctorate of nursing practice programs “continuing accreditation” in their latest decision. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing also approves A-State’s School of Nursing, which further confirms your education quality.
Tuition and Financial Aid
A-State offers affordable tuition at $282 per credit hour. Each credit hour has $50 in required fees:
- Information Technology Fee: $20
- Library Fee: $6
- Academic Excellence Fee: $10
- Student Identity Compliance Fee: $10
- Access and Security Fee: $4
Graduate programs have a one-time $85 graduation fee and a non-refundable $30 application fee. All U.S. residents pay the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition.
Admission Requirements
The DNP in Nursing Education program needs these qualifications:
- A completed online application with fee
- An MSN degree from a CCNE, COA, ACEN, or CNEA accredited program
- A current unencumbered RN license
- A graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
MSN graduates without certification eligibility from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Associated of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) can also apply. You’ll need strong English skills to meet academic and clinical goals.
U.S. and international students must apply by August 20th. Classes typically start in January.
3. Ball State University – Online DNP Nurse Educator Track
Ball State University’s online DNP program specializes in educational leadership for nurses. The program runs completely online and combines advanced clinical practice with educational expertise. You’ll learn to guide the next generation of nursing professionals.
Program Overview
Ball State University has created a complete DNP Nurse Educator Track that working nurses will find valuable. You can choose between BS-DNP and MS-DNP paths based on your educational background. The program works for professionals at different career stages and lets you study entirely online.
You won’t need to write a traditional dissertation. Instead, nursing faculty will guide you through a scholarly project. This hands-on approach applies doctoral-level concepts to ground nursing education challenges. The program fits your schedule with part-time and full-time options available whatever your work commitments.
Curriculum and Specializations
You’ll need to complete 76-78 post-baccalaureate credits. The curriculum has three main components:
- DNP Core (24 credits): Has courses in healthcare informatics, epidemiology, theory-based models of care, and leadership in health policy.
- DNP Scholarship/Research Core (14 credits): Covers statistics, research methods, and the three-part DNP project.
- Nurse Educator Cognate (38 credits): Specialized courses focused on nursing education.
The nurse educator cognate features courses in curricular design, teaching in nursing, program evaluation, and advanced clinical concepts. You’ll build clinical expertise through advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology courses.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
The DNP Nurse Educator Track requires 810 clinical and practicum hours spread across several courses: NUR 618, NUR 634, NUR 787, and NUR 788. You must complete 1,000 clinical and practicum hours total between your master’s program and the DNP program.
The program lets you complete clinical requirements at your current workplace. This blend of education and professional practice will help your career growth directly.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Ball State University’s DNP program. The Indiana State Board also accredits the School of Nursing’s baccalaureate program.
These accreditations confirm your degree’s quality and value to employers.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Ball State University charges online graduate students about $10,208 for standard credit loads. You’ll also pay these fees:
- University Technology Fee: $300
- Online Fees: $550
The School of Nursing charges extra fees: $150 for fall and spring semesters and $90 for summer semesters. Clinical courses cost an additional $400 each.
Admission Requirements
The DNP program has specific requirements:
- A degree from a CNEA or CCNE accredited baccalaureate nursing program
- A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- An active registered nurse license in your state
- Recent clinical experience
- Health clearance and background check approval
You’ll need to submit all previous transcripts and three recommendations from qualified professionals. The program doesn’t require GRE scores.
Competition for admission is strong. Meeting basic requirements doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in. The Admission and Progression Committee reviews applications fully before deciding.
4. Nova Southeastern University – DNP in Nursing Education
Nova Southeastern University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program features a specialized track in nursing education. The program helps you develop advanced leadership skills and strengthens your teaching abilities for academic or clinical settings.
Program Overview
Working professionals pursuing terminal degrees in nursing education can benefit from NSU’s fully online DNP program. You’ll learn to teach, lead, and conduct practical, evidence-based research. The Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing at NSU ranks No. 133 out of 159 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice according to U.S. News. The program’s 75% acceptance rate attracts students who want to develop both clinical expertise and educational leadership skills.
The program welcomes post-MSN nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, and nurse managers/executives. Students build on their master’s-level knowledge through an integrated approach to evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking.
Curriculum and Specializations
Students must complete 36 total credits. The online curriculum features Virtual Intensive days during each project course that last 1-2 days. Core courses include:
- NSG 7300: DNP Roles, Leadership, Collaboration (3 credits)
- NSG 7400: Nursing Science for Clinical Practice (3 credits)
- NSG 7020: Healthcare Policy and Advocacy (3 credits)
- NSG 7350: Leadership in Complex Healthcare Systems (3 credits)
- NSG 7131: Epidemiology Advancing Global Health (3 credits)
The program has four project courses that blend didactic learning with practicum experience. These courses will give you skills to design and implement educational programs for nursing students or healthcare staff.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
Students must complete 1,000 practice hours after their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You need to verify 500 clinical hours from your MSN program before starting NSG 7431 Project I. Students without 500 verified hours must take NSG 7460 Scholarly Inquiry in Clinical Practice until they meet the prerequisite hours.
Each project course requires practicum hours: Project I needs 2 credits (150 hours), Project II requires 2 credits (150 hours), Project III demands 2 credits (150 hours), and Project IV calls for 2 credits (150 hours).
Accreditation and Recognition
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. This accreditation confirms the program’s quality and its ability to prepare graduates for advanced nursing practice.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The DNP program costs $835 per credit. With 36 credits required, total tuition reaches $30,060, plus additional fees. Students pay an annual NSU services fee of $900.
Admitted students must pay a $500 acceptance fee to secure their spot in the class. This amount gets deducted from your tuition but becomes non-refundable if you withdraw.
Admission Requirements
DNP program applicants must:
- Have an MSN from a regionally or internationally accredited university
- Hold an MSN accredited by NLNAC or CCNE
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 MSN GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Have a current, unrestricted US RN license
- Submit a curriculum vitae
- Provide an APA 7th edition writing sample
- Document all supervised post-baccalaureate practice hours
- Complete a program director interview
Submit applications through NursingCAS, the centralized application service. The program accepts students in fall (apply by August 1) and winter (apply by December 19).
5. University of North Georgia – Online DNP Nursing Education
The University of North Georgia offers a fully digital Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a focus on education. Experienced nursing professionals can boost their teaching skills while continuing their careers.
Program Overview
UNG’s online DNP program features a unique Nurse Educator track that prepares you for advanced teaching roles. Students can complete this 38-credit hour program in 5 semesters full-time or 8 semesters part-time. The classes run asynchronously with some courses offering optional live sessions. The program serves registered nurses with master’s degrees who want a terminal practice doctorate and follows the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines. The program’s success shows in its 100% job placement rate for graduates moving into educational leadership roles.
Curriculum and Specializations
The DNP Nursing Education track combines advanced nursing practice with educational expertise. Full-time students take courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Population Health, along with specialized education courses like Curriculum Development in Nursing Education (NURS 6060) and Instructional Design & Teaching Strategies (NURS 6150). The program concludes with a DNP Project over several semesters that lets you apply evidence-based practice to improve nursing education. UNG now has three DNP tracks available: DNP General, DNP Nurse Educator, and DNP Nurse Executive Leader.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
Students need 500 clinical hours from their master’s program. Those who don’t have these hours must take additional professional development courses (NURS 8320/8321). The program merges clinical practice with educational theory through DNP project courses that apply evidence-based concepts to ground educational settings.
Accreditation and Recognition
The ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) accredits the clinical doctorate nursing program at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. The program received its Initial Accreditation from the ACEN Board of Commissioners. This recognition confirms the program meets quality standards for nursing education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The DNP program costs $16,128 for all students whatever their residency status. University services add $670 in fees. Students should budget $36,238 total for housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses.
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Nursing with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- A valid, unencumbered RN license
- Two years of RN experience and current healthcare employment
- Three professional recommendations
- A professional writing sample
- Your application submitted by May 1 for fall enrollment
UNG stands out by not requiring entrance exams. Recent admission stats show the program’s selectivity – they accepted 20 out of 21 applicants, with 8 students who ended up enrolling.
6. Regis College – MSN to DNP Nurse Educator Program
Regis College’s MSN to DNP Nurse Educator program offers a tailored approach. Registered nurses can earn their terminal practice degree while gaining specialized teaching expertise.
Program Overview
The 36-credit program helps master’s-prepared nurses advance their careers in nursing education. Working professionals can complete their degree through a fully online format while keeping their current jobs. You’ll work with a faculty advisor to create a learning path that lines up with your career goals – a unique feature of the Regis approach. The program builds expertise in scholarship, clinical practice, and compassionate patient-centered care. This prepares you to shape healthcare delivery through better patient outcomes, policy development, and nursing education.
Curriculum and Specializations
Students complete 27 core credits leading to a Scholarly Practice Project, plus nine elective credits. Core courses cover Cultural Perspectives in Healthcare, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Advanced Research Methods, and Informatics in Healthcare. The education concentration includes courses like Seminar in Teaching and Learning, Instructional Methods in Nursing Education, and Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education. Each education course requires 24 fieldwork hours, adding up to 144 hours of hands-on educational experience.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
Students spend 400 hours on their Scholarly Project across four sequential courses. These hours let you develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based practice or quality improvement project you choose. This approach is different from traditional DNP programs that need 1,000 clinical hours, as it focuses on educational leadership rather than expanded clinical practice.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) has accredited Regis College’s graduate nursing programs. The latest review led to accreditation with conditions until April 2025, with the next follow-up report due February 2027. The program also meets the criteria set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition costs $1,425 per credit hour, with a total program cost of $51,300. Students can access several financial aid options. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program offers a great benefit – it forgives 85% of your loan if you teach full-time for four years after graduating. Students from Boston’s MetroWest region might qualify for MetroWest Health Foundation scholarships up to $4,000.
Admission Requirements
Qualified applicants need:
- A master’s degree in nursing
- A minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- An active, unencumbered RN license
- Two essays and an updated resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- A completed hours verification form
Students don’t need GRE scores, but submitting them could strengthen applications with GPAs under 3.5.
7. Chamberlain University – DNP Educational Leadership Online
Chamberlain University’s DNP program prepares nurse leaders through a specialized Educational Leadership track that combines advanced practice knowledge with teaching expertise.
Program Overview
You can complete Chamberlain’s DNP in Educational Leadership in about 2 years. The program is fully online and gives you the skills to design, implement, and review educational initiatives in healthcare settings of all types. The curriculum benefits nurse educators, nursing informatics specialists, and clinical nurse specialists who want to advance their careers.
Curriculum and Specializations
The MSN to DNP pathway needs 30-40 credits and has two dedicated educational leadership focus courses: NR-720 Topics in Healthcare Systems Leadership I (3 credits) and NR-721 Topics in Healthcare Systems Leadership II (2 credits). Core coursework in healthcare informatics, scientific underpinnings, and health policy complements these courses.
Clinical Hours and Practicum
A five-part project and practicum experience awaits you at your chosen location. Chamberlain’s Experiential Learning Team helps secure practicum sites and preceptors when needed. This hands-on approach lets you apply theoretical knowledge effectively.
Accreditation and Recognition
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) have accredited the program. The National League for Nursing has recognized Chamberlain as a Center of Excellence™ in Nursing Education.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Each credit costs $765. Students can access several financial aid options:
- Commitment to Completion Grant™ (savings up to $9,164)
- Special rates for military-affiliated students
- 20% tuition reduction for Chamberlain graduates
Admission Requirements
You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license, a nursing master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, and official transcripts.
Next Steps
A doctorate in nursing education helps advance your nursing career and fills the vital need for qualified nurse educators. These seven accredited programs each bring their own benefits to the table. They all share one great advantage – you can study online. This means you can keep working while earning the highest academic credential in nursing.
You can choose from many specializations to match your career goals. Whether you want to teach in academic settings or lead professional development in healthcare organizations, there’s a program for you. On top of that, you can complete most clinical requirements at your current workplace. This naturally connects your academic learning with hands-on practice.
Money doesn’t have to hold you back from advancing your education. Many programs offer big tuition cuts. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program can even forgive up to 85% of loans if you commit to teaching afterward. These benefits make doctoral education more available than ever.
Your program’s accreditation is vital. CCNE and ACEN accreditations show employers your degree meets tough national standards. This becomes especially valuable as you move into leadership roles in nursing education.
Right now is the perfect time to pursue a DNP in nursing education. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing wants to double the number of doctorally prepared nurses by 2025. This creates amazing opportunities for nurses with terminal degrees. Healthcare systems and academic institutions need qualified educators to train tomorrow’s nursing professionals.
Programs take between 30-78 credits and you can finish in as little as two years. Your completion time depends on your previous education and study pace. You’ll quickly move into roles where you can use your advanced knowledge to improve nursing education and healthcare outcomes.
Getting your doctorate shows your dedication to personal growth and the nursing profession’s future. These accredited online programs give you the knowledge, credentials, and experience you need. You’ll help shape nursing education and contribute to healthcare innovation for years to come.