10 Best DNP Programs in North Carolina – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

For any registered nurse in North Carolina, attaining your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a huge step. But DNP programs in North Carolina make it easier by offering online coursework that you can pursue at your own pace without sacrificing your existing commitments to your job or your family. Whether you’re interested in expanding your clinical expertise, or you want to become an administrative leader in the world of healthcare delivery, this could well be the path for you. DNP-prepared nurses in North Carolina make $122,630 annually on average. Interested in learning more? Check out this list of the 10 best DNP programs in North Carolina for 2025.


WHAT ARE THE BEST DNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 10 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus).


1) Duke University - Durham


Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, and PhD to DNP

If completing your doctoral education from one of the best DNP programs in North Carolina is high on your priority list, then you surely must know about Duke University's DNP pathways. Here, you can achieve your doctorate either starting as an entry-level nurse who is prepared with a BSN or as a Ph.D. prepared nurse who seeks both the terminal degrees of practice and research in nursing. As a Duke graduate, you will be trained to provide effective direct and indirect patient care in a diverse global community.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia

This BSN to DNP track is a good idea if you seamlessly want to earn two degrees of an MSN and DNP in conjunction with an advanced practice specialization. To earn your APRN certification, you can choose from the several nurse practitioner tracks or enroll in the Nurse Anesthesia track. To be eligible for this pathway you must have completed your BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have an unencumbered RN license in the state you plan to complete your clinicals. To graduate, you must earn a minimum of 74 credits over a period of three to four years.

MSN to DNP:
If you have completed your master's in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0, then you are eligible to apply for this MSN to DNP pathway. The program starts in fall and spring and offers a study plan tailored to your educational background. Nevertheless, a minimum of 35 credits must be completed in graduate core courses, which most students complete within two years.

PhD to DNP:
Are you among the few who aspire to attain the highest level of knowledge and skills in both, research and practice areas of nursing? If so, you can achieve your goal with this pathway. To qualify for this program, you must have completed your MSN in an advanced practice specialty.


2) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill


Programs Offered:

DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)

University of North Carolina is a DNP school in North Carolina that pioneers innovative research and active service towards the local and global communities. Its focus on the management and prevention of chronic illness has contributed towards improving health outcomes for the state's diverse population. Equipped with a Biobehavioral Laboratory that not many schools boast of, here you can expand on your knowledge and skills in biobehavioral science with ample practical training.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Oncology Focus, Family, Pediatric - Primary Care, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Health Care Leadership and Administration

As an RN prepared at the baccalaureate level, you can earn a DNP within three years of full-time study. Depending on your interests, you can either choose to enroll in any of the NP concentrations or take the Health Care Leadership & Administration track. Graduation requires completing 66 to 75 credits in the graduate core, advanced practice, and specialty-specific courses. While the leadership track which prepares you for healthcare leadership is offered completely online, for any of the practitioner tracks you will take the coursework in a combination of on-campus and online learning.

MSN to DNP:
This MSN to DNP program is meant for advanced practice nurses keen on transforming healthcare delivery while retaining their current specialization. Graduation requires completing 36 credits and a total of 1000 clinical hours post your BSN. Also, you must complete an evidence-based DNP project towards the end of your coursework.


3) University of North Carolina at Greensboro - Greensboro


Programs Offered:

DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)

If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, enrolling into an affordable North Carolina Doctor of Nursing degree that boasts of an impressive placement rate can be a prudent step. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers one such DNP program that prepares you for success with competitive tuition rates that can further be reduced by several scholarship opportunities. Here, you will be taught in a close-knit environment by a nationally acclaimed faculty who bring in their expert insights to the classroom.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Anesthesia

This post-BSN to DNP track prepares you for advanced roles either in adult-gerontology primary care or anesthesia, depending on what you choose. Depending on the track you enter, credit requirements range from 70 to 100 and take around three years to complete on a full-time basis. Upon completion of this pathway, you will be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen specialty.

MSN to DNP:
With this MSN to DNP, you can expand your nursing knowledge to be able to impact healthcare in the present as well as in the future. Delivered in the hybrid format, you can complete this program within five semesters. To qualify for admission, you must have an MSN with an unencumbered RN license. Upon enrollment, you will complete DNP core courses and a three-credit elective course.


4) University of North Carolina-Charlotte - Charlotte


Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and Dual DNP

University of North Carolina has contributed to the state's healthcare needs by producing competent advanced practice nurses. Its DNP program is offered as a dual degree in collaboration with Western Carolina University, providing you the advantage of mentorship from both the nursing schools. To train you to work in any type of healthcare environment this North Carolina Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides clinical practice in a variety of advanced practice settings.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan

The BSN to DNP track is offered to BSN graduates who have an active RN license. This program is offered in partnership with Carolinas Medical Center and offers clinical experiences at the Atrium Health facilities. To earn your degree, you must complete 89 credits and 2000 clinical hours, through a full-time coursework.

Dual DNP:
You can enter this program either as a BSN graduate or as an APRN prepared at the masters' level. Primarily offered as a full-time schedule, a part-time track is also available with limited seats. The hybrid format of the program requires you to attend immersions alternating between the UNC-C and WCU campuses. The 42-credit program spans across five semesters and also requires completing 500 hours of clinical practice.


5) University of North Carolina at Wilmington - Wilmington


Programs Offered:

DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)

Out of all the DNP programs in North Carolina, the University of North Carolina stands out for producing doctorally prepared nurses who are committed to health equity and serving the underserved and vulnerable populations. The school's partnerships with the New Hanover County Health Department and MedNorth Health Center provides DNP students with several learning opportunities to participate in healthcare research and community healthcare. You can earn the terminal degree by entering either the BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP pathway.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

You can graduate with advanced practice skills to provide care either for mental health patients or for individuals & families across the lifespan. Depending on the specialty track you enroll in, you will complete a coursework that integrates components of psychosocial, biophysical, and analytical sciences.

MSN to DNP Tracks:
Nurse Executive Leadership Concentration and Post APRN Concentration

This MSN to DNP offers two tracks, Post APRN Concentration for licensed APRNs aspiring to become clinical leaders and the other for MSN graduates who desire to become a Nurse Executive Leader. To be eligible for the post APRN track you must be an APRN prepared at the masters' level. Whereas for the leadership track you must have preferably completed your masters in nursing leadership or alternatively have a BSN with either an MBA, MPH, MHA, or MMHC. To graduate, you are required to earn a total of 33 to 36 credits, depending on the track you choose.


6) East Carolina University - Greenville


Programs Offered:

DNP (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)

East Carolina University offers DNP education designed to prepare you for promising roles in healthcare. With an option for electives, you can additionally enhance professional skills in your specific area of interest. If premier options in online DNP programs in North Carolina is what you are seeking, then you need to know that ECU delivers online courses using the latest distance learning, to the extent of even offering an innovative virtual clinic.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Nurse Anesthesia, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner

To qualify for this BSN to DNP track you must have a BSN and an active RN license in NC. The DNP program prepares you for specialized roles in anesthesia, adult-gerontology primary care, or family health, so you can choose the track that matches your interest. Depending on the track and the schedule you enroll, you must complete 63 to 90 credits over a period of three to four years.

MSN to DNP Tracks:
Advance Practice Registered Nurse, Nursing leadership and Nurse Anesthesia

Whether you are already an APRN or an MSN graduate, this MSN to DNP program opens up three tracks for you to attain the terminal nursing degree. While the Advance Practice Registered Nurse track is meant for APRNs who want to earn the DNP degree while retaining their current specialization, the Nursing Leadership and Nurse Anesthesia tracks are open to RNs prepared at the master's level. To graduate you are required to complete credits anywhere close to 36.


7) Western Carolina University - Cullowhee - Cullowhee


Programs Offered:

Nurse Anesthesia and Post-MSN to DNP

Western Carolina University has been training nurse leaders through a fine combination of rigorous didactic sessions, state-of-art simulation learning, and clinical practice at varied clinical sites. This North Carolina DNP program offers highly affordable advanced nursing education that offers quality evidence-based training. The program is offered with full-time and part-time options and is delivered in a hybrid format.

Nurse Anesthesia:
If you are keen on gaining specialized skills in anesthesia, then this DNP program which is offered in conjunction with the nurse anesthesia track will be a rather suitable choice. To be eligible for this program you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The BSN to DNP pathway spans across 36 months and makes you eligible for the Nurse Anesthesia certification exam. Along with a rigorous evidence-based curriculum you will go through clinical experiences in surgical, cardiovascular, cardiac intensive care, and pediatrics or neonatal intensive care. To graduate, you require completing about 90 credits.

Post-MSN to DNP:
The post MSN to DNP offered as a dual degree in collaboration with University of North Carolina at Charlotte is open to APRN graduates who are prepared with a master's degree in nursing. The program trains you for leadership positions in an interdisciplinary healthcare environment. The curriculum is a 42-credit coursework that takes two years to complete and comprises courses in foundations & applications, health care policy & ethics, economics & financial aspects of healthcare, leadership & project, community epidemiology, global health & social justice.


8) Gardner-Webb University - Boiling Springs


Programs Offered:

Post-BSN to DNP and Post-MSN to DNP

If you are seeking faith-based nursing education, then Gardner Webb University's DNP program must on your shortlist as this nursing school prepares nurse leaders who are committed to compassionate nursing care and community service. Here, you will be prepared with evidence-based knowledge for direct and indirect patient roles. Program graduates are successfully working to improve health outcomes by effectively collaborating with leaders and institutions at the local and national level.

Post-BSN to DNP Tracks:
Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

One of the few online DNP programs in North Carolina, with this program you will take the entire coursework through the distance format while visiting the campus only once every semester for on-campus intensives. To qualify for this program, you must have a BSN and an active RN license. You can choose between two areas of emphasis, depending on whether you are interested in family healthcare or in the care of mental health patients. To graduate, you require completing 79 to 81 credits, after which you will be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen population foci.

Post-MSN to DNP:
Leadership Track

If you have completed your MSN and are keen on playing pivotal roles in nursing education or practice, you may want to consider enrolling in this 36-credit program. The coursework mainly entails completing courses in nursing leadership theory, research, statistics, epidemiology, informatics, healthcare policy, economics, and teaching.


9) Winston-Salem State University - Winston-Salem


Programs Offered:

DNP

Do you want to complete your DNP in North Carolina from one of the well-known research and educational institutions? Well, then Winston-Salem State University may be the nursing school you may be looking for. The college has earned acclaim for its graduate nursing education and research initiatives that have produced several nurse leaders who are serving the state's and nation's vulnerable populations. By graduating from this HBCU, you will demonstrate enhanced evidence-based skills, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment towards reducing health disparities.

Depending on at what point you enter, you can complete this DNP within three years after a BSN or take just 18 months if you enter after completing your masters in nursing. The coursework is mainly offered online, with face to face sessions scheduled four times per semester. The post-BSN curriculum requires completing 78 credits and 1182 clinical hours, whereas as a post-MSN student you must earn 33 credits and 510 hours of clinical practice. Some of the DNP core courses that you complete include research & evidence-based practice, organizational & systems leadership in healthcare, health care quality, improvement & evaluation, healthcare finance, and epidemiology & social determinants of health.


10) Lenoir-Rhyne College Hickory


Programs Offered:

BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP

Among all the practice-focused DNP programs in North Carolina, the doctoral program offered by Lenoir-Rhyne College is specifically designed keeping the working nurse in mind. With an online coursework, you can juggle other life's responsibilities while pursuing a doctorate. The program also includes immersions as part of your training so that you can enjoy several opportunities to form meaningful bonds with faculty and peers. Here, you will graduate with advanced practice skills to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.

BSN to DNP Tracks:
Family Nurse Practitioner

This BSN to DNP pathway prepares you to take the FNP certification exam and play roles where you will manage illnesses and prevent disease for a diverse patient population. The 72-credit coursework includes MSN core, advanced practice, DNP core, and FNP-specific courses. Also, you must complete 1000 hours of clinical practice at varied primary care settings.

MSN to DNP:
The MSN to DNP track is open to MSN graduates prepared with an advanced practice nursing credential. If you are keen on acquiring the highest level of nursing knowledge while retaining your current specialization, then this program is right for you. By completing 33 credits and 340 clinical hours you will expand on your nursing knowledge by taking courses in legal, ethical & policy issues, healthcare finances, nursing informatics, translational research, leadership & interdisciplinary collaboration and finally completing the program with a DNP scholarly project.


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