8 Best BSN to DNP Programs in North Carolina – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Will a DNP degree help you get the nursing job you’ve always wanted in North Carolina? It certainly can if you see yourself in a highly specialized clinical role or the upper tier of hospital management! BSN to DNP programs in North Carolina will teach you critical thinking and evidence-based practice, skills that are highly prized and much sought after within the Tar Heel State’s professional nursing sector. And nurses who’ve graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree are highly compensated in North Carolina; you can count on averaging $122,630 annually. Find out about the 8 best BSN to DNP programs in North Carolina for 2025 by reading the information below.


WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN TO DNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 8 Best BSN to DNP Programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus).)

1. Duke University - Durham


Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Health Informatics, Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, Nursing Education, and Nurse Anesthesia


Program Details: If you are shortlisting the best online BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina, then you certainly must add Duke University’s BSN to DNP tracks to the top of your list. With more than 20 years of experience in delivering excellent online education, you will be mentored by experts who are well-versed in the online format of teaching.

Further, with a wide range of specializations, here you can choose to complete your BSN to DNP education in your specific area of interest, ranging from a nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthesia to health informatics, education, or leadership.

If you enroll in any of these BSN to DNP specializations, you’ll require completing around 74 credits, the exact credits depending on the specific specialization you choose. On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within 3.5 years. While most of the courses are offered online, there are a few campus visits required for intensives.

Admission Requirements: This BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina follows a holistic admission process. So ensure you highlight your capabilities of being successful in your chosen BSN to DNP specialization. To be considered for admission, foremost you must have an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In addition, Duke requires you to have a valid RN license in NC. In addition, you must have at least one year of nursing experience. Other admission requirements include the submission of official transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal goals statement.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Duke University BSN-to-DNP Students

• At Duke University, if you choose to complete your BSN to DNP program in any of the NP roles, then you have an option of adding a few extra credits in certificate courses which include cardiology, endocrinology, HIV, oncology, orthopedics, palliative care, pediatric mental health, or veterans’ health.
• Duke nursing school shares ties with more than 2000 clinical affiliates across the nation. So, when seeking a suitable site for your clinical training, you’ll have a wide variety of sites to choose from within your geographical location.
• Here, you’ll be trained by a nationally recognized faculty that comprises acclaimed educators researchers, and even Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing.


2. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill


Specialties Offered: Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care – Oncology, Family, Pediatric – Primary Care, & Psychiatric – Mental Health) and Health Care Leadership & Administration


Program Details: Are you aspiring to transform patient care in NC? Do you aim to attain nursing leadership? If you’ve answered yes to both these questions, then you must consider obtaining your doctoral education from one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina such as the one offered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Here, you’ll be prepared to play impactful roles where you’ll solve complex healthcare problems. The school offers multiple DNP options, including nurse practitioner tracks and the healthcare leadership and administration track.

While the NP tracks are offered in the hybrid format, the leadership specialization can be completed entirely online. The NP tracks are offered in practice areas of adult gerontology primary care, family health, pediatric primary care, and psychiatric mental health. Additionally, the adult gerontology track is also offered with an oncology focus. To graduate from any of the NP tracks, you’ll require to complete around 74 credits.

On the other hand, the leadership DNP track, comprising synchronous and asynchronous online courses, requires you to complete around 65 credits. All the DNP tracks can be completed either full-time or part-time, based on your preference.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, you must hold a BSN from an accredited university. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. Besides, you must possess an active RN license, and have at least one year of relevant work experience in nursing. The school also requires you to have completed a statistics course with a minimum grade of B.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill BSN-to-DNP Students

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers several funding options to make your BSN to DNP affordable. To fund your education, you may want to apply for scholarships, grants, fellowships, faculty nurse loan programs, or loans, depending on your eligibility criteria.
• With a national ranking in the U.S. News & World Report’s top DNP programs list, enrolling in this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina can be rather reassuring.
• University of North Carolina nursing school offers several global learning opportunities. As a BSN to DNP student, you can explore learning experiences in other countries to gain a global outlook.


3. University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Greensboro


Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia


Program Details: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers some of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina. With specialization options, including adult-gerontology care and nurse anesthesia, you’ll be able to complete your doctorate in your chosen area of interest.

If you choose the adult gerontology BSN to DNP option, you’ll complete the coursework through the hybrid format and graduate within eight semesters. The coursework comprises 72 credits in DNP core and NP-specific courses.

On the other hand, the nurse anesthesia DNP program is a 107-credit coursework that takes over three years to complete. The nurse anesthesia curriculum comprises rigorous clinical experiences in various areas of anesthesia, including general, regional, and various specialties, and covering all age groups.

Admission Requirements: The prerequisites for admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina include an accredited BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.2. In addition, you must have an active RN license in NC. The nursing school also requires you to have completed undergraduate courses in health assessment, chemistry, and statistics. Also, you must be prepared to submit a GRE score, official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of North Carolina at Greensboro BSN-to-DNP Students

• University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s DNP program ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• At this nursing school, you’ll complete your doctoral education without breaking the bank as the tuition fees are quite affordable. Moreover, with the availability of scholarships and funding options, you can further cut down on your tuition costs.
• All graduates of this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina find suitable placements soon after graduation.
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a close-knit environment where you’ll study in small-sized classes. Further, here the state-of-art classroom and simulation lab enhance your overall learning experience.


4. East Carolina University - Greenville


Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: By obtaining your DNP from East Carolina University, you’ll position yourself as a clinical expert who is prepared to improve health outcomes at all levels of the population. Counted among the best online BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina, the school’s DNP tracks prepare you for three in-demand advanced practice fields, including nurse anesthesia, adult gerontology primary care, and family health.

Regardless of the DNP track you choose, you’ll leave this school, equipped with exceptional skills in interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice, focusing on rural and underserved populations.

If you choose the BSN to DNP-anesthesia track, you’ll require completing a total of 90 credits over 36 months. Whereas, if you choose to complete your DNP in either of the nurse practitioner concentrations, you’ll require completing around 63 credits. Upon completion of your BSN to DNP curriculum, you’ll be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen area of focus.

Admission Requirements: As a potential applicant, you must have a BSN and a GPA of at least 3.2. Additionally, your RN license must be current and unencumbered in NC. Besides, you must be prepared to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a current resume.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential East Carolina University BSN-to-DNP Students

• At East Carolina University nursing school, you’ll be mentored by doctorally prepared faculty members who actively engage in practice, research, and teaching.
• Here, this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina, irrespective of the specialization, allows you to choose elective courses to help you reach your individual professional goals.
• East Carolina University nursing school provides you with plenty of clinical training by taking you through simulations and common patient scenarios before you transition to real-world clinical experiences.


5. Western Carolina University - Cullowhee


Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia and Family Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: If you are seeking to enter one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina that boasts of an excellent employment rate, then Western Carolina University’s DNP program can be a great option. With a 100% placement rate, this BSN to DNP program also reports an impressive pass rate on the national certification exams. Here, you can choose to complete your doctorate in either nurse anesthesia or family health.

No matter your choice, you’ll graduate within three years if enrolled full-time. While the nurse anesthesia track requires the completion of 86 credits, if you choose the FNP specialization, your BSN to DNP coursework will comprise 73 credits. Both specializations include diverse clinical experiences at partner sites across the state.

Admission Requirements: Admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina, regardless of the specialization requires you to have an accredited BSN. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. In addition, you are required to possess an active RN license and have at least one year of nursing experience. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, and all your official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Western Carolina University BSN-to-DNP Students

• Western Carolina University’s BSN to DNP program maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio. Therefore, you can expect individualized attention in the small-sized classes which are offered in person.
• You’ll gain ample clinical practice at Western Carolina University nursing school’s state of art simulation lab which is equipped with METI human patient simulators.
• Western Carolina University’s BSN to DNP program offers optional international learning opportunities. These trips not only offer you enriching experiences but also provide an opportunity to serve communities in other countries.


6. Gardner-Webb University - Boiling Springs


Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: Gardner-Webb University offers another one of the best BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina. With two in-demand fields of family health and mental health, this nursing school’s doctoral training makes you a clinical expert within your chosen area of focus. Both the DNP tracks offer fully online courses with few visits required for campus intensives.

The BSN to DNP-FNP program comprises 79 credits, while the PMHNP track requires the completion of 81 credits. Both these tracks include core graduate courses and specialization-specific courses and lead to the national certification exam. Some of the common core courses you’ll take, teach you advanced practice roles, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. Also, you’ll learn about financial management, interprofessional collaboration, health economics, population health, informatics, program planning & evaluation, and leadership & operations management. Additionally, you’ll also obtain proficiency in the healthcare management of your chosen population focus.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission into this BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina, regardless of the track, your BSN must be from an accredited school and your GPA must be at least 3.0. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal goals statement. Also, you must submit a copy of your unencumbered RN license.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Gardner-Webb University BSN-to-DNP Students

• With faith-based values integrated into your BSN to DNP education, you’ll graduate with a strong commitment to service and health equity.
• Gardner-Webb University nursing school emphasizes interprofessional collaboration. As a DNP student, you’ll explore several learning opportunities where you’ll hone NP skills in a variety of interprofessional healthcare environments.
• At this nursing school, you’ll be able to explore a number of financial aid opportunities and scholarships to make your education rather affordable.


7. University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Charlotte


Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan


Program Details: If you are ready to take your nursing career to the next level, then obtaining your doctoral education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte can be an excellent idea. Counted among the best BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina, its DNP training equips you with evidence-based skills to improve healthcare quality and safety. Combined with the nurse anesthesia specialization, you’ll complete a curriculum that offers a fine balance of theoretical and clinical training.

The BSN to DNP in nursing anesthesia is a full-time program that is offered on-campus. The program comprises 89 credits and requires the completion of at least 2000 hours of clinical practice. Most students complete this program within nine semesters.

The curriculum covers topics such as leadership & planning, community epidemiology, healthcare policy & ethics, healthcare economics, and healthcare informatics. Also, you’ll learn about advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, and the professional aspects of nurse anesthesia. The program also includes courses in nursing research, advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and the principles of nurse anesthesia. Further, toward the end of the program, you’ll complete a DNP project.

Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.3. Also, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in North Carolina. In addition, the school requires you to have completed an undergraduate course in statistics. Besides, you must be prepared to submit three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a statement of purpose.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of North Carolina at Charlotte BSN-to-DNP Students

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte nursing school offers rigorous clinical training at the Atrium Health hospitals.
• This BSN-to-DNP program in North Carolina is student-centric, offering you great support in terms of innovative technology, editing services, and access to its library. Aside from this, should you desire to add interprofessional courses to enhance your learning, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of interprofessional courses.
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte BSN to DNP program’s faculty comprises experts who are leading practitioners and researchers in the nursing field. Also, many of the faculty members have won prestigious awards for excellence in teaching.


8. University of North Carolina - Wilmington


Specialties Offered: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner


Program Details: Do you aim to become a nurse leader? If you are keen on positioning yourself as a nurse leader, then the University of North Carolina’s DNP program can prepare you to play an influential role in today’s complex healthcare environment. Among the sought-after BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina, here you can choose either the psychiatric mental health or family health focus to complete your doctoral education.

The BSN to DNP-psychiatric mental health track is a 70-credit course that can be completed within eight semesters. The program can be completed either full-time or part-time, based on your preference. Similarly, the FNP specialization also comprising 70 credits, can be completed either full-time or part-time.

Both these DNP tracks lay a solid foundation in core topics such as advanced pathophysiology, concepts in evidence-based practice, advanced health assessment, healthcare systems leadership & quality improvement, advanced pharmacotherapeutics, population health, healthcare policy, and healthcare informatics. In addition, you’ll take courses that teach the healthcare management of patients within your chosen population focus.

Admission Requirements: Similar to other BSN-to-DNP programs in North Carolina, to qualify for admission, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be unrestricted and unencumbered in the state where you intend to practice. In addition, you are required to submit your resume, recommendation letters, and official transcripts.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of North Carolina BSN-to-DNP Students

• University of North Carolina nursing school offers ample clinical practice to BSN to DNP students. Before you transition to real-world clinical training, you’ll go through simulation practice at the school’s state-of-art simulation lab that utilizes human patient simulators and standardized patient scenarios.
• Because University of North Carolina nursing school is a designated NLN Center of Excellence, you can expect excellent quality BSN to DNP education, regardless of the specialization you choose.
• At the University of North Carolina nursing school, you’ll be able to apply for scholarships and funding options. The school offers generous funds to make your education affordable.


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