6 Best (1-YEAR) MSN-to-DNP Programs – (Online & Campus-Based)
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you an advanced practice RN interested in taking on leadership roles? A one-year MSN-to-DNP program will prepare you for executive positions at the very highest echelons of healthcare management. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice, you’ll make a high salary and enjoy a tremendous degree of professional autonomy. Your nursing expertise will be highly sought after, too. Whether you prefer learning in a classroom environment or your professional and personal commitments make distance learning optimal, you’ll have many wonderful choices when it comes to programs.
Are you curious what are the best 1-year MSN-to-DNP programs? The guide below to the 6 best 1-year (campus-based and online) MSN-to-DNP programs is a great foundation.
What are the Best 1-Year (Campus-Based And Online) MSN-to-DNP Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 6 best 1-Year MSN-to-DNP programs. The following list includes both campus-based and online 1-Year MSN-to-DNP programs. You can complete these programs in 1 Year or less.)
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: If you are a registered nurse with a master’s degree considering earning a clinical doctorate, the University of Minnesota has an excellent option to consider. The program, which is one of the best 1-year MSN-to-DNP programs in the nation, is a three-semester program delivered almost 100% online. Students are admitted to the program once per year in the fall semester.
This post-master's DNP program features a
35-credit curriculum. You will study in classes, including Nursing Informatics and Digital Health Technologies, Health Policy Leadership, Nurses Leading Change and Innovation to Transform Care, and Theoretical and Scientific Foundations of Nursing Interventions.
All students in the MSN-to-DNP program complete a total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours. The number of clinical hours you need will be determined by the school and depend upon your verified MSN clinical hours. You will also be credited 160 clinical hours toward the 1,000 required hours for completing the DNP project.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The post-master's DNP program at the University of Minnesota is a one-year program designed to be completed in three semesters of continuous study.
Admission Requirements: The 1-year MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Minnesota is open to applicants who hold a master's degree in nursing and a master's degree specialty certification in the APRN specialties of nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife, or a specialty in nursing informatics, nursing leadership, or public health nursing. Candidates must have a minimum of 120 preceptor-supervised practicum hours from their master's granting nursing program. You must possess a valid, unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete clinical practicum courses.
Along with an application for admission, you must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. You must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for your most recently earned degree. Additionally, you must provide a current curriculum vitae or resume, an admission essay, and three professional references.
Why Choose This Program
•
U.S. News & World Report ranks the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at the University of Minnesota as one of the best in the nation!
• At the University of Minnesota, you will have an advisor assigned to you who mentors you throughout the program, ensuring you have the resources and tools you need to succeed.
• The university reports high student satisfaction rates among respondents for its post-graduation surveys. Respondents report high satisfaction rates regarding faculty availability and responsiveness, program format, and delivery of content.
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: Francis Marion University offers another of our featured best 1-year MSN-to-DNP online programs. The university accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students to the program in the fall semester of each year. Because the program is delivered exclusively online, it is an excellent option for working professionals.
When you pursue your post-master's DNP at Francis Marion University, you will complete
30 credit hours and a minimum of 360 clinical hours. The three-semester pathway features a rich curriculum with classes like Doctoral Research and Epidemiological Evidence-Based Practice and Doctoral Health Policy, Finance, and Leadership.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the program at Francis Marion University in one year. The program follows a three-semester plan, including one summer semester.
Admission Requirements: You can begin the application process for the 1-year MSN-to-DNP program at Francis Marian University by completing the Graduate Studies online application. Candidates must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned at an accredited nursing school and must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative college GPA from your master's nursing program. You must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended, three letters of professional recommendation, a resume or CV, an admission essay, and a copy of verification of your current, unrestricted RN license.
Why Choose This Program
• Francis Marian University has a variety of
university scholarships available to nursing students, which could help offset or eliminate the expense of earning your DNP.
• Among post-graduate respondents, nearly all graduates of the MSN-to-DNP one-year program report being employed in their new role within three to six months of graduation.
• FMU has a low student-to-faculty ratio, with most classes having no more than a 15:1 ratio, which means opportunities for more individualized help and guidance when you need it.
Specialties Offered: Leadership for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Program Details: If you are an MSN-APRN living in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware and are interested in earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and specializing in Leadership, Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has an excellent program. The program is one of the top 1-year MSN-to-DNP programs in the country. Students are admitted to the program each spring and fall semester. Online didactic courses and in-person clinical practicums in your hometown make it easier to earn your degree while continuing to work or handle other personal obligations.
The online post-master's to DNP Leadership for APRN track is a
26-credit hour program designed to prepare you for leadership roles in diverse settings, from point-of-care positions to executive boardrooms. In this program, you will study Informatics, Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Practice for the DNP, and Systems Leadership, Health Economics, and Policy.
All DNP students must accomplish a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, 500 of which must be completed through the program. Upon admission to the program, a GAP analysis of your master’s program clinical hours will determine the number of clinical hours you must accomplish through the program.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Full-time students can complete the MSN-to-DNP online program in as few as three semesters.
Admission Requirements: Admission to the 1-year MSN-to-DNP program at Holy Family University is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and have an overall college GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. You must have an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in your state of residence. In addition to completing an application for admission, you must provide a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Goals Statement and potential scholarly project essay, and copies of all college or university transcripts. Some candidates are asked to participate in an admission interview with program faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• Holy Family University offers opportunities for discounted tuition. With a cohort of 10-12 people at your place of employment, you may qualify for reduced rates, making it easier to pursue your degree.
• The 2023-2024 academic year marks Holy Family University’s
50 Years of Excellence in Nursing Education milestone. This long history of educating nurses is a testament to the school’s dedication to nursing education and the profession.
• The 12-month MSN-to-DNP program is taught by faculty who are renowned scholars, practitioners, and researchers. Their diverse areas of expertise make them excellent sources of learning and guidance as you earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: The University of Miami is home to another excellent 12-month MSN-to-DNP program. The program offers two semesters of entry, the fall and spring semesters. The hybrid learning format consists primarily of online classes. Students visit campus three to four weekends per semester for laboratory simulations, testing, and collaboration with advisors and faculty.
At the University of Miami, you will complete between
39 and 47 credits. The program includes didactic coursework, a two-semester DNP Capstone Project, and clinical practicums. The curriculum includes 560 hours of clinical practicum. However, based on the number of hours you achieved in your master’s nursing program, you may need additional clinical hours to complete the 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours that are required.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Miami takes 12 months to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the 12-month MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Miami, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from a CCNE- or NLN-accredited nursing program. You must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended and have a master’s program GPA of at least 3.0.
You must provide two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals with a doctorate in nursing. Additionally, you must submit a Statement of Professional Goals, a current resume or CV, a copy of any national certification, and documentation of master’s clinical hours.
Why Choose This Program
• You may be able to complete your clinical requirements at your place of employment, making meeting the clinical practicum requirements easier. (Please note, if approved to complete practice immersion or scholarly project experiences at your place of employment, those hours cannot count toward regular work hours.)
• The MSN-to-DNP program features a cohort model, which means you will progress through the program, from start to finish, with a group of peers with whom you can develop lasting friendships and professional relationships.
• The University of Miami incorporates state-of-the-art simulations during your campus visits and has clinical partnerships with leading health systems, such as UHealth and Jackson Health.
Program Length: 3 Semesters
Program Details: You can find another excellent 1-year MSN-to-DNP program at Union University. The program admits one cohort in the fall of each academic year. The accelerated blended learning format combines online learning with campus-based intensives and clinical practicums.
The program features a
38-credit hour curriculum, which includes classes such as Organizational Leadership and Management, Healthcare Policy and Economics, and Epidemiology. In addition to rich course immersion, you will complete 660 clinical hours. Clinical hours are awarded through the development, implementation, and completion of a DNP Scholarly Project. If additional clinical hours are needed to meet the minimum 1,000 post-bachelor's requirement, program faculty will assist you in identifying and arranging clinical sites and preceptors in an area as close to your home as possible.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Students on a full-time enrollment can complete this accelerated MSN-to-DNP program in as few as 12 months.
Admission Requirements: Candidates who wish to pursue the 12-month MSN-to-DNP program must have a current unencumbered Tennessee or Compact State RN license and a current unencumbered Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in their state of residence. You must be a graduate of an ACEN- or CCNE- accredited and state-approved master's nursing program and have a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
You must complete the Union University College of Nursing Supplemental and NursingCAS applications. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended, proof of MSN degree completion, current RN license, completion of an undergraduate Statistics course, and a copy of your current CV must be submitted directly through NursingCAS. Additionally, you must provide three letters of professional or academic recommendation and a Personal Statement.
Why Choose This Program
• Union University boasts an approach to education that is “excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed,” making it an excellent place to pursue your degree.
• At Union University, you will have access to industry-leading professionals in the classroom and in clinical settings who will work with you to promote your success in the program and following graduation.
• The blended format means you have the freedom to study when and where you want, as well as opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers in person, giving you the benefits of both online and campus-based learning.
Program Length: 12 Months
Program Details: Westminster University offers another great option for anyone interested in pursuing a 12-month MSN-to-DNP program. The program is presented in a hybrid education model, combining online and residency-style learning. The university accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis and admits students to the program each fall semester.
The
30-credit program features classes, including Biological Systems, Homeostasis, and Pathology, Advanced Theory and Ethics in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Statistics for Clinical Practice, and Epidemiology and Population Health. The program includes 480 clinical hours, which you will earn through the development and dissemination of your DNP Scholarly Project. Students must complete at least 1,000 post-bachelor's clinical hours. Therefore, if your master’s nursing program awarded fewer than 520 clinical hours, you may be required to complete additional hours before the DNP is awarded.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The MSN-to-DNP program at Westminster University is a 12-month, three-semester program when pursued on a full-time basis.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the 12-month MSN-to-DNP program at Westminster University, you must complete an online application and pay a $50 application fee. Candidates must have an active, unrestricted RN license, APRN license, and national nurse practitioner certification. You must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended and show completion of an MSN degree at an accredited nursing school. Additionally, you must submit a Professional Statement, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a professional resume.
Why Choose This Program
• Westminster University is proactive in creating an atmosphere conducive to your success by offering small class sizes where you will have access to faculty and advisors.
• The university reports high retention rates for students in the one-year MSN-to-DNP program, which indicates students are satisfied with the program and successful.
• At Westminster University, you will have opportunities to participate in research projects alongside faculty in the program.
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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.