21 Best (FASTEST) MSN-to-DNP Online Programs For Nurses
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Are you interested in helping shape the nursing profession’s future? With a fast-track Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you’ll be in an ideal position to do just that rather quickly. DNPs use their expertise to become nurse managers, nurse educators, and clinical nurse researchers who analyze and interpret data to solve healthcare delivery challenges. An online MSN-to-DNP degree will enable you to earn your doctorate no matter where you’re located without interfering with any of your existing professional or family responsibilities.
Many online MSN-to-DNP programs can be completed in a comparatively short period of time. So, what are the best shortest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses? The guide below to the 21 best fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses will help you find the program that’s right for you.
WHAT ARE THE BEST (FASTEST) MSN-TO-DNP ONLINE PROGRAMS FOR NURSES IN THE NATION?
(Based on our
Ranking Methodology, the following are the 21 best fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses in the nation. These MSN-to-DNP programs are for nurses who have an MSN degree. You can complete these programs in 20 months or less.)
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: If you are searching for one of the best fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, then applying to University of Minnesota is an excellent idea. The program builds on your master’s in nursing education and takes your nursing career to the highest possible level. Within hardly any time, you’ll be equipped with the clinical expertise to lead change within the healthcare system. The program is offered online with limited on-campus requirements. The program comprises 37 to 38 credits. The program covers topics such as nursing informatics, nursing research, quality improvement, health policy leadership, and the economics of healthcare.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: University of Minnesota’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program for nurses can be completed within as little as one year. The one-year track is full-time and intensive. For students who prefer the slower pace of part-time study, the program can be completed within two years.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for University of Minnesota’s MSN-to-DNP, a master’s degree in nursing with a GPA of 3.0 is required. Also, applicants must have a certification in either of the APRN specialties, nursing informatics, nursing leadership, or public health nursing. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN license. Also included is the submission of essays, a resume, and professional references.
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Program Details: The University of Arizona’s fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses offers a quick pathway to healthcare leadership. Leveraging your MSN experience, the program helps you obtain proficiency in solving issues related to individual health and population health. Offered in a small-sized cohort format, with an average size of ten, the MSN-to-DNP program offers a rigorous curriculum. The program is primarily online, however, requires attendance of one on-campus residency. To graduate, students must complete a total of 35 credits in doctoral courses.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Among the best fastest online MSN-to-DNP programs for nurses, the University of Arizona’s MSN-to-DNP is offered part-time as well as full-time. The full-time program takes 1.5 years to complete whereas the part-time coursework allows you to graduate within 2.5 years. While the full-time coursework requires you to take 2 to 3 courses per semester, the part-time program allows a slower pace of 1 to 3 courses per semester.
Admission Requirements: For admission into University of Arizona’s MSN-to-DNP, you must have an MSN and an active certification either as an NP, a nurse midwife, a nurse anesthetist, or a clinical nurse specialist. You can also apply if you have an MSN with experience in nursing informatics. To qualify for admission, a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. To complete the application, you must submit your references, transcripts, CV, and an online application.
Program Length: 4 Semesters
Program Details: The University of Cincinnati offers one of the best fast-track MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses and it is for valid reasons that this doctoral program stands out. Students are trained to be proficient in evidence-based practice, leadership, and transformation of health systems. The program is taught by expert faculty members who have either a DNP or a PhD. The MSN-to-DNP coursework comprises 38 to 39 credits. The coursework covers topics such as the essentials of research methods, informatics, planning, management & program evaluation, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and biostatistics for evidence-based practice.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The full-time coursework of the University of Cincinnati’s MSN-to-DNP takes four semesters to complete. If you opt for part-time study, you can stretch the duration of the program for up to five years.
Admission Requirements: University of Cincinnati’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program for nurses offers a rolling admission process, so you must apply early. To be considered for admission, applicants must have an MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, active certification either as an NP, CNS, CRNA, or nurse-midwifery is required. To complete your application, submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation is required.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: If you are a working graduate nurse who wants to pursue a terminal nursing degree, then the University of Florida’s MSN-to-DNP program is an excellent choice. Another one of the best fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, here, the fully online coursework allows working professionals to juggle a full-time job alongside earning a doctorate. The MSN-to-DNP program is a 35-credit coursework that also includes 528 hours of clinical practice. Some of the classes you attend include quality improvement, health policy, research methods & evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, health systems leadership, and health promotion. The program ends with a residency in advanced nursing practice.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The University of Florida’s MSN-to-DNP program takes as little as five semesters to complete.
Admission Requirements: University of Florida’s fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses is open to APRNs who have a master's degree in nursing. To apply, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their master's degree. Also, a current RN license in Florida is required. The program also requires the submission of official transcripts, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: The University at Buffalo’s MSN-to-DNP program can quickly take your advanced practice nursing career to the highest level of clinical expertise. Among the renowned fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, the program prepares graduates for innovative practice and transformative evidence-based care. This fully online program comprises 36 credits and 400 non-clinical hours. The program starts with DNP foundational core courses, followed by the analytical core for evidence-based practice and the DNP advanced practice core. Some of the topics covered include healthcare policy, organization & leadership, informatics, evidence-based research, and program evaluation.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The University at Buffalo’s MSN-to-DNP program is offered part-time. The program can be completed within 5 to 7 semesters.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for University at Buffalo’s fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses, an active RN and APRN license is required. Also, your GPA in your MSN must be at least 3.25. The program also requires you to submit an online application along with a fee. Additionally, submission of documents such as official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and three references are required.
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: To prepare exceptional leaders in healthcare, the University of New Hampshire offers an excellent fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses. The program is designed for master-prepared nurses who want to advance to leadership roles such as field executive officer, chief nursing officer, director of nursing, and director of quality & safety, to name a few. The program comprises 33 credits, with the coursework mainly including core DNP courses and the DNP scholarly project. The program also includes 500 hours of clinical training. Some of the courses in the program include healthcare finance management, epidemiology, information systems, evidence-based practice methods, health systems policy, and quality & safety.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The University of New Hampshire’s MSN-to-DNP can be completed within 18 months. There is also a part-time option that takes 28 months to complete.
Admission Requirements: As one of the well-known fastest online MSN-to-DNP programs, the University of New Hampshire’s MSN-to-DNP takes in promising candidates who fulfill the admission requirements. The program accepts applications from master’s prepared APRNs who have an unencumbered and active license in the United States. Applicants must also be prepared to submit their transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: Whether you desire to impact change or want to climb the career ladder, a doctoral degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut is an excellent way forward. By offering one of the fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, the school empowers advanced nurses to practice at the highest level of professional expertise. The MSN-to-DNP program comprises 32 to 38 credits and 750 hours of clinical training. The coursework includes topics such as evidence-based practice, quality & organizational systems, health services statistics, health policy & advocacy, and information systems.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete the MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Connecticut all it takes is five semesters.
Admission Requirements: To apply to University of Connecticut’s fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program, you must foremost have a master's degree in nursing or a related field. If suppose your master's is not in nursing, then at least the bachelor’s degree must be in nursing. Besides, the admission requirements also include the submission of three letters of recommendation, a current resume, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of purpose.
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: If you want to build your clinical expertise at the doctoral level, then enrolling in the MSN-to-DNP program at Georgetown University is an excellent idea. The program is designed to position you for leadership at the systems level. Emphasizing topics such as organizational theory, health policy & advocacy, healthcare quality & safety, and economics & finances, the program prepares you to improve health outcomes at all levels of the population. This fast online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses also includes classes in evidence-based practice and healthcare informatics. The 30-credit coursework prepares graduates for quality & safety initiatives, economic & financial principles, and ethical & legal challenges in health care.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Georgetown University’s MSN-to-DNP program can be completed within as little as 20 months of part-time study.
Admission Requirements: As one of the fast-track MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, Georgetown University enrolls promising candidates who can successfully manage the rigors of an intensive study plan. To qualify for admission, applicants must have an MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an APRN and RN license in the U.S. is required. To apply, you must be prepared to submit a professional resume, transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Program Details: Old Dominion University’s MSN-to-DNP is designed for master’s prepared advanced nurses who want to quickly take their careers to the highest possible level. The program makes you a leader who is capable of innovative research and expert practice. The MSN-to-DNP coursework focuses on various doctoral topics such as healthcare policy, organizational & systems leadership, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based research, informatics, and patient advocacy. The program combines online and on-campus classes.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Being one of the shortest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, Old Dominion University’s MSN-to-DNP can be completed within as little as 1.5 years. While the full-time program is demanding, there is also a part-time program that takes 2.5 years to complete.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Old Dominion University’s fast MSN-to-DNP online program, you must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN and APRN license in their state of practice. The admission requirements also include the submission of transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an essay, and a current resume.
Program Length: 4 Semesters
Program Details: For advanced nurses aspiring to transform healthcare, Augusta University offers an excellent short online MSN-to-DNP program for nurses. The program prepares graduates with skills to become expert clinical leaders. Emphasizing healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, systems management, population health, healthcare policy, and safe quality care. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to transform healthcare at the individual as well as at the population level. To graduate, students must complete a total of 37 credits.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Another one of the shortest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, Augusta University’s MSN-to-DNP takes as little as four semesters to complete. While the four-semester program is full-time, there is also a part-time plan that spans seven semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Augusta University’s MSN-to-DNP, applicants must be master's prepared advanced practice nurses who carry an active APRN and RN license. The admission checklist also includes the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: If you are passionate about rural healthcare, then by graduating from Frontier Nursing University’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to improve the health of rural and underserved populations. Frontier Nursing’s MSN-to-DNP is not only 100% online but also quite affordable. The coursework comprises 30 credits and requires 360 hours of clinical practice. Besides a fully online coursework, the program also includes one three-day campus immersion. The MSN-to-DNP is designed for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete Frontier Nursing University’s MSN-to-DNP all it takes is 18 months.
Admission Requirements: Another one of the shortest online MSN-to-DNP programs for nurses, Frontier Nursing’s MSN-to-DNP offers a rolling admission process, so you can apply anytime throughout the year. The program is open to nurse practitioners and nurse midwives who have an accredited MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. Other requirements include transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: If you want to become an advanced clinician, then you must consider obtaining your doctoral education from Maryville University. Here, you’ll leverage your master's in nursing to build the knowledge and skills that propel you to the highest level of clinical practice. Among the reputable fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, the program comprises a total of 33 credits. The doctoral core covers several topics such as the principles of epidemiology & biostatistics, advanced health policy, graduate statistics, quality & patient safety, and organizational & systems leadership.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Maryville University’s MSN-to-DNP can be completed within as little as 20 months.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Maryville University’s short MSN-to-DNP online program for nurses, foremost you must have an accredited MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an active RN and APRN license is required. To complete the application, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: If you want to become an agent of change, then Mercer University’s quick online MSN-to-DNP program will prepare you for a fulfilling career as a doctorally prepared advanced practice nurse. The program covers several topics such as clinical epidemiology, population health, healthcare economics & finance, informatics & patient care technology, outcomes measurement & program evaluation, project development, organizational & systems leadership, and healthcare policy. To graduate, completion of 38 credits and 540 clinical hours is required.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete Mercer University’s MSN-to-DNP, it takes five semesters of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other shortest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, Mercer’s MSN-to-DNP is open to MSN-prepared nurses who have an active and unencumbered APRN & RN license. To qualify for the program, you must have an MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0. In addition, the submission of official transcripts, admissions cover letter, nursing license, curriculum vitae, and three professional letters is required. The program prefers applicants who have a strong academic background or leadership experience.
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Program Details: Nova Southeastern University’s MSN-to-DNP comprises a total of 36 credits. The program is one of the more affordable fastest online MSN-to-DNP programs for nurses. Grounded in the principles of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking, the program prepares highly skilled clinicians. The coursework includes courses in leadership, collaboration, healthcare policy & advocacy, complex healthcare systems, and epidemiology & public health. In addition, the program also teaches you healthcare information & systems outcomes management and biostatistics.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Nova Southeastern’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program for nurses can be completed within just five semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Nova Southeastern’s MSN-to-DNP, a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. Also, a current RN and APRN license is required. The program also requires the submission of a curriculum vitae, two reference letters, a resume, and a personal goal statement.
Program Length: 1.5 Years
Program Details: Delta State University prepares family nurse practitioners for the highest level of clinical expertise. Counted among the well-known fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, Delta State’s coursework comprises 31 credits and 420 hours of clinical practice. Designed for family nurse practitioners, the program covers topics such as epidemiology, population health, healthcare policy & economics, leadership & role development, business management & quality care, and information management. Toward the end of the program, students complete a DNP project.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Delta State University’s MSN-to-DNP is offered full-time and part-time. While the full-time coursework takes 1.5 years, if you enroll part-time, the duration to complete this program depends on the number of courses you take each semester.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Delta State’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program, applicants must have an MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, completion of a course in statistics is required. Besides, a copy of an active and unencumbered RN license is needed. Additionally, applicants must possess an active FNP license. The program also requires completion of a pathophysiology course of grade C or higher. To complete the application requirements, the submission of transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation are required.
Program Length: 16 Months
Program Details: Chatham University is highly ranked by the U.S. News & World Report for offering one of the best doctoral programs in the nation. Another one of the shortest online MSN-to-DNP programs for nurses, the competency-based MSN-to-DNP is majorly online and requires limited visits to the campus. The program comprises 27 credits in doctoral core courses. The topics covered include evidence-based practice, population health, ethics and health policy, financial management, advanced nursing leadership in healthcare systems, and informatics.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete Chatham University’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program, all it takes is 16 months of full-time study. There is also a part-time option where the duration depends on the number of courses you take each semester.
Admission Requirements: Chatham University’s MSN-to-DNP is open to MSN-prepared registered nurses who have a GPA of at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have an active RN and APRN license. To fulfill the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit two letters of recommendation, an essay, official transcripts, and a current resume.
17. University of Mary - Bismarck, ND
Specialties Offered: Nursing Organizational Leadership
Program Length: 20 Months
Program Details: If you want to reach the highest level of nursing practice and leadership, then the University of Mary’s MSN-to-DNP can help you reach your goals and advance in your nursing career. One of the sought-after shortest online MSN-to-DNP programs for nurses, the University of Mary’s program opens up several career opportunities such as that of health policy specialist, chief clinical officer, and many such impactful leadership roles. The program builds on your MSN education and along with doctoral knowledge equips you with skills in nursing organizational leadership. The MSN-to-DNP in nursing organizational leadership comprises a total of 32 credits.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: To complete the University of Mary’s fast online MSN-to-DNP program in nursing organizational leadership, it will take you just 20 months.
Admission Requirements: Whether you are an MSN-prepared registered nurse or a nurse administrator, nurse educator, nurse informatics, or NP, to qualify for the University of Mary’s MSN-to-DNP, you must have an accredited MSN with a GPA of 3.0. In addition, an active RN license is required. If you are already certified in an area of advanced nursing, an active and unencumbered license in your area of specialization is also needed. The admission requirements also include the submission of official transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Program Length: Four Semesters
Program Details: Gannon University’s DNP prepares exceptional leaders who impact healthcare within their area of practice. The program is 100% online and effectively prepares you with doctoral knowledge by earning just 26 credits. The coursework covers several topics such as evidence-based theory, transcultural influences on healthcare, healthcare informatics, leadership, and epidemiology. The program also includes a DNP project which requires students to complete an immersion experience.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Gannon’s fast-track online MSN-to-DNP program barely takes four semesters to complete.
Admission Requirements: Just like the other fastest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses, to qualify for Gannon’s program, you must have an accredited MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0 and preferably 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Aside from this Gannon’s program also requires an active RN license and certification in an area of advanced nursing practice. Applicants must also be prepared to submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and an essay.
Program Length: One Year
Program Details: If you want to enroll in one of the shortest MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses that also offers a faith-based learning environment then, Francis Marion University’s MSN-to-DNP is an excellent choice. Guided by values of compassion & service, the 30-credit MSN-to-DNP program is intended to teach you doctoral-level topics in nursing. In addition to online didactic courses, the program includes at least 360 hours of clinical practice. The entirely online coursework covers topics such as knowledge development, epidemiological evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, project development, and health policy & leadership. Towards the end of the program, students must complete a capstone and a DNP residency.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: One of the quickest routes to earning a DNP, Francis Marion University’s MSN-to-DNP can be completed hardly within one year of full-time study.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Francis Marion’s fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program, you must have an MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, an active and unencumbered RN license is also required. To complete the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume.
Specialties Offered: Leadership and Leadership for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Program Length: Leadership (5 Semesters) and Leadership for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) ((3 Semesters)
Program Details: Holy Family University’s DNP prepares you for leadership roles in clinical and non-clinical areas of healthcare. Designed for APRNs, the program offers a leadership specialization. Emphasizing evidence-based practice, research, measurement of aggregate outcomes, and transformation of healthcare systems, the program prepares leaders who are committed to health improvement. This fast-track MSN-to-DNP online program for nurses is not only online but also offers courses in the eight-week format to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The MSN-to-DNP program at Holy Family University takes as little as five semesters. For APRNs who enter the program, the duration is even shorter, barely three semesters.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for Holy Family University’s short online MSN-to-DNP program, you must have an MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, an RN license is required. For APRNs, an active and unencumbered APRN license is also required. The program also requires the submission of transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation.
Specialties Offered: Systems-Level Leadership
Program Length: 18 Months
Program Details: If you are looking for fast-track MSN-to-DNP online programs for nurses that are also high-quality and affordable, then Thomas Edison State University’s MSN-to-DNP is an excellent option. The program is a 36-credit coursework that emphasizes evidence-based practice and health improvement. The MSN-to-DNP in systems-level leadership covers topics such as biostatistics & epidemiology, population health, organizational & systems leadership, healthcare policy & politics, and health economics & finance. To suit the needs of working professionals, the program is offered entirely online with no on-campus visits required.
How Fast Can You Complete This Program: Thomas Edison State’s MSN-to-DNP can be completed either part-time or full-time. The full-time program takes 18 months, whereas the part-time can be completed within 36 months.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for Thomas Edison State’s fast online MSN-to-DNP program, you must have an MSN with a GPA of 3.0. Also, a valid RN license in the United States is required. Other admission requirements include the submission of references, a personal goal statement, an essay, and a resume. Applicants must also have relevant work experience.
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