Online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's) Program
*Please visit our program offerings by state page to see whether the MSN to DNP program is available in your area.
Effect Meaningful Change as a DNP-Equipped Nurse Leader
Become a nurse leader and a change agent equipped with knowledge, skills and abilities to negotiate the complex and rapidly evolving health care environment.
Marymount’s online post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) is designed for the working nurse who possesses a master’s degree in nursing and desires to acquire the practice-focused skills and knowledge needed to influence health care policy and lead interprofessional teams to improve quality amongst individuals and populations with a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Program Features At a Glance
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
- Top 15% nursing program for veterans and Top 15% nursing program for non-traditional students (College Factual)
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Supportive, responsive Student Success Advisors
- Total Credit Hours: 30-39
- Total Clinical Hours: 1000 total clinical hours (500 can be transferred in from clinical hours completed during prior APRN master’s degree program)
- MSN-prepared nurses who are not APRNs are invited to apply
Admissions Requirements
- MSN with 3.0 GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
- Two letters of recommendation
Why a Doctor of Nursing Practice?
In 2004, the AACN membership endorsed a position stating the DNP is the most appropriate degree for advanced-practice registered nurses (APRNs) to enter practice. Today, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and other authorities are calling for a rapid increase in the number of nurses holding doctoral degrees to meet the nation’s demand for faculty, researchers, advanced clinicians and leaders. And the latest recommendation from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) is to make the DNP degree the standard, entry-level degree for nurse practitioners.
Compared to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, the DNP allows you to play a larger role in patient care, leadership and quality improvement. As the highest level of education available in the nursing field, the DNP is the ideal option for nurses who aspire to leadership roles.
Convenient, Online Format for Working Professionals
All courses are taught online with virtual lectures, small cohorts and no on-campus experience with this program, to accommodate the schedules of working professional nurses. You will advance in your career path by earning your clinical doctorate to transform healthcare in the following ways:
- Advocate for change in healthcare policy
- Evaluate quality outcomes at the individual and population levels
- Lead teams, systems and practices with confidence
- Apply theories of professional leadership, personal leadership, skill building, quality improvement and ethical values
"I would absolutely recommend Marymount University to someone considering a nursing degree. The personal attention you receive is unmatched."
- Angeline Thomas
