What is a DNP degree?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP is a terminal degree designed for working nurses who possess a Master of Science in Nursing. An MSN to DNP is an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs and the curriculum explores topics such as evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership.

What can you do with a doctorate in nursing?

Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will help you reach the highest levels of nursing in leadership or patient care. A DNP prepares you to: advocate for change in healthcare policy, evaluate quality outcomes for individuals and populations, confidently lead teams, systems and practices, understand and direct evidence-based practice.

Can you be referred to as a doctor if you earn a DNP?

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nurses who earn a DNP are entitled to have their achievements recognized and acknowledged as “doctors” just like other professionals. It is crucial that DNP graduates clearly display their credentials to ensure patients understand their preparation as nursing providers.

What’s the difference between a DNP and MD?

Both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) require extensive studies and overlapping responsibilities. Doctors generally treat symptoms and illnesses whereas doctoral-prepared NPs focus more on holistic care such as health education and promotion, disease prevention and counseling.

When will I need to come to campus?

No clinical rotations are required for the DNP. However, you will complete a project within a health system/setting.

Are Marymount University's online programs accredited?

Yes, Marymount's online nursing programs are CCNE accredited, excluding our certificate programs.

How long does the online MSN to DNP program take to complete?

It takes seven consecutive semesters or 28 months to complete the program.

How much does the MSN to DNP program cost?

The online MSN to DNP program costs $1,190 per credit hour, for a total tuition investment of $46,410 maximum, depending on experience.

Is financial aid available to online students?

Please contact an admissions advisor by scheduling an appointment to learn if you qualify for financial assistance.

Online MSN to DNP Program | Post-Master's DNP

Top Nurse Faculty icon

No GRE or GMAT icon

100% pass rates icon

Your Questions Answered

Submit your information to access a comprehensive digital program guide. One of our dedicated admissions advisors will contact you shortly to discuss next steps.

Access Your Guide

What would you like to study?

I have or will have at least a bachelor’sbachelor’smaster's degree, as required for Marymount University’s online programs.

I am a licensed RN

Step 1 of 2

Continue to Step 2

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Country

Zip Code

Submitting this form constitutes your express written consent to be called and/or texted by Marymount University Online at the number(s) you provided, regarding furthering your education. You understand that these calls may be generated using an automated technology, including by way of example, auto-dialer and click-to dial technologies. Calls may be recorded for quality assurance and training purposes. Privacy Policy.

« BackStep 2 of 2

Program Features	Admissions Requirements	Curriculum	FAQs	Faculty Profiles

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.

Access Course Guide

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