BSN-to-DNP Programs in New Hampshire – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Throughout New Hampshire, a DNP is the degree of choice for advanced nurse clinicians and healthcare nurse executives. Graduates of BSN-to-DNP programs in New Hampshire can count on having their choice of employment, whether in patient care delivery or administrative management, and the number of DNP jobs is expected to increase by 51 percent in just one decade. Nurses with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees make outstanding salaries, too, averaging $140,830 a year. Many BSN-to-DNP programs offer part-time enrollment options, so you won’t have to quit your job to pursue your professional dream. Could a DNP be your next career move? Read this list of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Hampshire and find out.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Hampshire (Online & Campus) for 2026.
1. University of New Hampshire - Durham
Specialties Offered: Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Clinical Nurse Leader
The BSN-to-DNP program is designed for working nurses who need flexibility without sacrificing quality education. The program is delivered 100% online, so you can complete your coursework from anywhere while maintaining employment and other responsibilities. Each pathway offers the option to enroll part-time or full-time, enhancing the program’s flexibility. The Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs admit students in the spring each year. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Leader pathways admit students each fall.
The nurse practitioner pathways require between 72 and 78 credits, depending on the specialty you choose to pursue. Each of these options includes 750 hours of direct patient care clinicals and 500 hours of indirect clinicals, which you will complete via the DNP Scholarly Project. The Clinical Nurse Leader pathway is a 60-credit program that includes 1,000 clinical hours.
Admission Requirements: To be considered a viable candidate for the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of New Hampshire, you must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a Registered Nurse. You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a Personal Statement, including answers to essay questions, a resume, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended.
Why Choose This Program
• The University of New Hampshire has an excellent reputation for providing excellence in nursing education. The DNP program is ranked among the top 10 in New England by U.S. News & World Report.• The healthcare industry is ever-changing and evolving. As a nurse educator, I feel that lifelong learning is essential. One of the things that impresses me about the University of New Hampshire program is that 98% of students enroll in some form of advanced learning. Some graduates go on to earn dual certifications or become nurse educators and leaders, which are awesome ways to advance healthcare.
• When you pursue the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of New Hampshire, you will learn from faculty who are renowned for their contributions to nursing education and research. For example, Marcy Ainslie was named Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing for national leadership in nursing education and competency. She led a team of 81 nursing experts in developing the nation’s first Competency Implementation Guide for Nurse Practitioner Faculty. Also, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Jing Wang, was awarded a National Institute of Health R21 Grant to explore AI-assisted technology to help improve the lives of dementia patients and their caregivers.
• Finding a quality BSN-to-DNP program is crucial if you want to succeed in your career. One thing I recommend prospective students do when searching for a program is to check the success rates of graduates. A few things that indicate success are certification exam pass rates and job placement rates. At the University of New Hampshire, graduates of the post-baccalaureate DNP program have outstanding first-time pass rates on national certification exams. They also have excellent job placement rates. In fact, many students secure employment offers before graduating from the program.
2. Rivier University - Nashua
Specialties Offered: Systems Leadership
Rivier University offers another of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in New Hampshire, with the option to specialize in Systems Leadership. The program is a practice-focused, online doctoral pathway designed to prepare nurses for top leadership roles in diverse healthcare systems. The program features a blended learning format that combines online coursework with four campus-based immersion sessions and extensive clinical and leadership practicum experiences. You will develop advanced competencies in organizational leadership, systems thinking, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement.
The curriculum requires completion of 61-69 credits. You will study Evidence-Based Leadership Practices, Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution, Interpretation of Quantitative Research for Healthcare, and Health Information Systems. Students are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours to earn the DNP.
Admission Requirements: Applicants for the post-baccalaureate to doctorate program must have at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a non-nursing master’s degree and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. You are required to submit a completed DNP online application. Additionally, you must provide a current CV or resume, two letters of recommendation, one from a direct supervisor who professional who can address your leadership potential and/or clinical expertise, a Statement of Purpose, and official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. Candidates with a 3.2 or higher grade point average are preferred. However, if your GPA is less than 3.2, you may be considered for admission after interviewing with the Graduate Nursing Faculty.
Why Choose This Program
• At Rivier University, you will benefit from the guidance and instruction of full-time faculty who are experts in their field. Their experiences combine personal insight with a practical, relevant education, designed to prepare you for practice as a leader in nursing.• As a nurse educator, one thing I believe is truly important for nurses and other healthcare professionals is community involvement. At Rivier University, the BSN-to-DNP program emphasizes community service and professional involvement. This approach to teaching Systems Leadership will help you develop the skills and commitment you need to impact community health.
• As a graduate of the BSN-to-DNP Systems Leadership program at Rivier University, you will be positioned for a broad range of nursing roles and job placement sites. For example, you may work in leadership roles in direct patient care settings, work to educate patients and/or the public on critical health issues and improve patient and population health outcomes. Graduates of this program have excellent job placement rates at top facilities, including medical and surgical hospitals, research facilities, public health services, and independent practices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP Programs In New Hampshire?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In New Hampshire?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Hampshire?
| Hourly | $67.71 |
| Weekly | $2,708 |
| Monthly | $11,740 |
| Annual | $140,830 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In New Hampshire?
| Hourly | $49.81 |
| Weekly | $1,993 |
| Monthly | $8,630 |
| Annual | $103,610 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In New Hampshire?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.36 | $2,254 | $9,770 | $117,230 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.53 | $2,661 | $11,530 | $138,390 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.09 | $2,964 | $12,840 | $154,110 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.54 | $3,542 | $15,350 | $184,170 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Hampshire By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Dover-Durham | $64.57 | $11,190 | $2,583 | $134,300 |
| Manchester | $67.75 | $11,740 | $2,710 | $140,920 |
| Portsmouth | $70.13 | $12,160 | $2,805 | $145,880 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In New Hampshire VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In New Hampshire
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $226,590 | -$85,760 | -37.85% |
| Dentist | $197,450 | -$56,620 | -28.68% |
| Optometrist | $161,030 | -$20,200 | -12.54% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $140,830 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $139,560 | +$1,270 | +0.91% |
| Veterinarian | $138,450 | +$2,380 | +1.72% |
| Physician Assistant | $138,100 | +$2,730 | +1.98% |
| Audiologist | $101,460 | +$39,370 | +38.80% |
| Radiation Therapist | $96,500 | +$44,330 | +45.94% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,220 | +$45,610 | +47.90% |
| Dental Hygienist | $92,840 | +$47,990 | +51.69% |
| Occupational Therapist | $87,690 | +$53,140 | +60.60% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,430 | +$56,400 | +66.80% |
| Chiropractor | $81,030 | +$59,800 | +73.80% |
Nearby States
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in Education. Darby has worked as a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare environments, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student mentoring across nursing and allied health programs.
Popular Related Articles