DNP Programs in Pennsylvania

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Educator represents an innovative online program empowering experienced nurses to revolutionize healthcare education. Tailored for post-master's professionals, this fully accredited curriculum equips nurses with advanced pedagogical skills and leadership strategies. The program emphasizes transformative teaching methodologies, enabling graduates to shape future nursing professionals through comprehensive academic and clinical training. Designed with flexibility, the 100% online format supports working nurses seeking to expand their educational expertise while maintaining professional commitments.

• 100% online coursework
• $940 per credit
• 27-35 total credits
• 3-year completion time
• CCNE accredited program
• Post-master's degree track
• No additional tuition fees
• Leadership in nursing education

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice featuring a Nursing Leadership concentration offers a transformative online pathway for healthcare professionals seeking strategic management roles. This meticulously crafted program develops advanced leadership competencies, preparing nurses to navigate complex healthcare environments with innovative problem-solving skills. Focused on organizational dynamics and systemic improvements, the curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Graduates emerge as visionary leaders capable of implementing meaningful change across diverse healthcare settings, driving organizational excellence and patient-centered care.

• 100% Online Coursework
• $940 Per Credit
• 2-Year Program Completion
• 34-39 Total Credits
• No-Fee Tuition
• Post-Master's Degree Program
• Nursing Leadership Focus
• Accelerated Course Option

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner provides a comprehensive online program designed for advanced clinical practice. Emphasizing holistic patient care across all life stages, the curriculum integrates comprehensive medical knowledge with compassionate healthcare delivery. Students develop expert-level assessment, diagnostic, and treatment skills while exploring interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare. The program uniquely blends professional expertise with a Christian faith perspective, preparing graduates to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare environments.

• Online DNP-FNP program
• $940 per credit
• 86 total credit hours
• 3-year completion option
• Post-BSN to DNP pathway
• Christian faith perspective
• No-fee tuition option
• Accelerated study available

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership represents a cutting-edge online program designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. This comprehensive curriculum focuses on developing strategic management capabilities, organizational innovation, and evidence-based leadership practices. Tailored for experienced nurses, the program equips students with advanced skills to drive systemic healthcare improvements, implement transformative strategies, and lead complex medical initiatives. Graduates emerge as visionary leaders prepared to navigate increasingly sophisticated healthcare landscapes with expertise and strategic insight.

• 100% online program
• $940 per credit
• 34-39 total credits
• 2-year completion
• Post-master's degree track
• No-fee tuition option
• Nursing leadership focus

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner offers an advanced clinical pathway for healthcare professionals seeking comprehensive patient care expertise. The program prepares nurses to deliver holistic, patient-centered care across all life stages, integrating sophisticated medical knowledge with compassionate practice. Students develop advanced clinical skills through a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, diagnostic reasoning, and evidence-based interventions. The program's flexible design supports both post-BSN and master's degree holders, facilitating seamless professional advancement.

• Online DNP-FNP program
• $940 per credit
• 86 total credits
• 3-year completion path
• Post-BSN and master's options
• Christian faith perspective
• Lifespan patient care focus
• Accelerated study available

Messiah University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nurse Educator concentration provides an exceptional online program for master's-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. This comprehensive curriculum develops critical teaching competencies, preparing graduates to influence nursing education through innovative pedagogical strategies. Emphasizing academic and clinical training, the program equips nurses with sophisticated instructional skills, curriculum development expertise, and transformative educational approaches. Graduates emerge as influential nursing educators capable of shaping future healthcare professionals' learning experiences.

• 100% online coursework
• $940 per credit
• 27-35 total credits
• 3-year program completion
• CCNE accredited
• Post-master's DNP track
• Nursing education focus
• No additional tuition fees

The University of Pittsburgh's BSN to DNP Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program trains nurses to provide specialized care for children. Students develop advanced clinical skills, pediatric assessment techniques, and expertise in managing complex health conditions. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership, preparing graduates to contribute significantly to children's health.

• Doctoral-level pediatric nursing
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Comprehensive pediatric healthcare training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Leadership in pediatric care

Ranked 11th nationally, Pitt's DNP program offers tracks in Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthesia, and Health Systems Executive Leadership. This program caters to both BSN and MSN-prepared nurses with flexible full-time and part-time options. No GRE is required, and some programs are available online at in-state tuition rates.

• Multiple DNP track options
• Full-time and part-time formats
• BSN and MSN entry paths
• No mandatory GRE requirement
• Some online program options
• Research-driven curriculum

Pitt's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan. Graduates diagnose, treat, and manage patient health with a holistic approach. The program emphasizes autonomous practice, medication prescription, and patient education, focusing on reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes, especially in underserved communities.

• Nationally accredited program
• Six NP specialty areas
• Blended clinical and teaching approach
• Autonomous healthcare practice
• Growing job market projection
• Distance education options
• Comprehensive DNP project required

The online DNP in Health Systems Executive Leadership at the University of Pittsburgh prepares nurses to transform healthcare systems. The program equips students with leadership skills to redesign and optimize healthcare delivery, addressing emerging market challenges. Graduates gain knowledge in strategic management and organizational innovation for systemic healthcare improvements.

• Online DNP program
• CCNE accredited program
• Executive leadership focus
• Complex clinical systems expertise
• Designed for healthcare transformation

Pitt's DNP Nurse-Midwife program prepares nurses for comprehensive women's healthcare, specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive wellness. This three-year program (full and part-time options) prepares graduates for national certification. Students gain clinical experience at premier facilities and learn family-centered care, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills.

• Top 10 DNP Nursing Program
• ACME Full Accreditation
• Three-year Full/Part-time Options
• Clinical Rotations at Top Hospitals
• National Certification Preparation

The University of Pittsburgh's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) BSN to DNP program trains nurses in adult and geriatric healthcare. Focusing on chronic condition management and patient wellness, students gain advanced clinical skills through coursework and practicum experiences. This program prepares graduates for leadership in primary care settings.

• BSN to DNP concentration
• Full-time onsite program
• 88 total credit program
• National certification preparation
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Advanced diagnostic skills focus
• Gerontology health management
• Leadership development courses
• Three-year completion timeline

The University of Pittsburgh's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) BSN to DNP program prepares nurses for the care of critically and chronically ill adults. The three-year curriculum blends clinical training with coursework, enabling graduates to provide specialized care, lead initiatives, and contribute to research.

• Full-time onsite Pittsburgh program
• 79 total credit curriculum
• Prepares for national certification
• Clinical emphasis options available
• Three-year DNP track
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Synchronous distance options
• Acute care specialization

The University of Pittsburgh's DNP in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner trains nurses to provide complex care for critically ill adults and elderly patients. Graduates become autonomous providers, prescribing medications, interpreting tests, and developing treatment plans. The program emphasizes holistic care, disease prevention, and health management.

• DNP Entry-Level Certification Track
• Six NP Specialty Areas
• CCNE Accredited Program
• National Certification Exam Eligibility
• Comprehensive Scholarly DNP Project

Pitt's Nurse Anesthesia DNP program equips nurses with comprehensive anesthesia care skills. Students develop clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and organizational expertise. This program prepares graduates to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice, scholarly projects, and simulation training.

• Doctoral-level nurse anesthesia training
• National leader in simulation education
• Prepares students for CRNA certification
• Structured clinical learning experiences
• BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP pathways

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-PCNP) DNP concentration at Pitt prepares nurses to provide healthcare for adolescents through adults. This program develops advanced clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice expertise. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, it offers flexible online and onsite learning.

• Flexible online and onsite study
• MSN to DNP pathway
• Minimum 41 credits required
• Full-time or part-time options
• Nationally certified NPs eligible
• Comprehensive DNP project required
• Advanced clinical leadership focus
• Adolescent through adult healthcare

Pitt's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a distance education pathway for advanced practice. This program prepares nurses to become primary care providers for adolescents through adults, emphasizing evidence-based practice and complex health management. Students utilize virtual learning and clinical partnerships.

• Distance education format
• Virtual classroom interactions
• Clinical partnerships established
• CCNE accredited program
• Comprehensive DNP curriculum
• Advanced practice preparation
• Flexible learning environment

DeSales University's BSN-DNP Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner program offers an accelerated doctoral pathway for BSN graduates seeking comprehensive primary care expertise. Designed to be completed in 15 semesters, the program integrates advanced clinical training with leadership development across diverse healthcare settings. Students complete 76 credits, including 675 clinical hours and 525 residency hours, preparing them to provide holistic patient care from childhood through geriatric stages. The hybrid learning format enables flexible education, with competitive tuition and potential employer reimbursement options.

• 15-semester full-time curriculum
• 76 total program credits
• 675 clinical hours
• 525 residency hours
• Hybrid learning formats
• Certification exam preparation
• Advanced pharmacology training
• CCNE accredited program
• Flexible course options

The Clinical Leadership DNP at DeSales University cultivates advanced nursing professionals capable of transforming healthcare systems. This online program strategically develops nurses' capabilities to analyze complex health policies, implement evidence-based practices, and drive organizational innovation. Accommodating working professionals through part-time and full-time tracks, the curriculum spans 35-94 credit hours, enabling completion within two to four years. Graduates emerge as strategic leaders equipped to influence healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and navigate increasingly complex medical environments.

• Online flexible program format
• 35-94 credit hours
• Two to four year completion
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership and clinical focus
• Multiple track options available
• Post-MSN and Post-BSN pathways
• Doctoral level nursing preparation

DeSales University's BSN-DNP Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track provides an intensive pathway for nurses seeking specialized behavioral health expertise. This comprehensive 85-credit program prepares advanced practitioners to deliver sophisticated mental health interventions across diverse clinical settings. Students develop deep understanding of psychopathology, psychotherapy techniques, and psychopharmacological approaches through 675 clinical hours and 525 residency hours. The hybrid learning format supports working professionals, with flexible instruction modes and a strong focus on advanced mental health leadership and clinical practice.

• Flexible learning formats
• 26 total courses
• 675 clinical hours
• 85 total credits
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Certification exam eligibility
• Diverse healthcare settings training
• Advanced psychopharmacology focus
• One free course for DSU graduates

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP at DeSales University prepares experienced nurses to deliver exceptional care in complex acute medical environments. Designed for professionals with 24 months of acute care experience, this online program develops advanced clinical reasoning skills and evidence-based practice competencies. Students learn sophisticated physical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and professional role development strategies. The program typically spans 3-4 years, equipping graduates to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to adult and geriatric patients in challenging healthcare settings.

• Online DNP program format
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care specialty
• 3-4 year completion timeline
• Requires 24 months acute care experience
• CCNE Accredited program
• Prepares for certification exam
• Advanced clinical practice focus

DeSales University's Executive Leadership DNP track transforms experienced nurses into strategic healthcare executives. This innovative online program uniquely integrates advanced nursing science with critical business skills, preparing leaders to drive organizational transformation. Students develop expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and leadership methodologies through a flexible curriculum accommodating full and part-time learners. Completed in two to four years, the program cultivates professionals capable of navigating complex healthcare environments, implementing systemic improvements, and pioneering patient-centered care innovations.

• Online flexible format
• 35-94 credit hours
• Full and part-time options
• CCNE accredited program
• Business curriculum integrated
• Leadership-focused tracks
• 2-4 year completion time

Duquesne University's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a comprehensive online program designed to cultivate advanced nursing leadership. Focusing on transformative healthcare delivery, the program provides two specialized tracks that enable nurses to develop sophisticated skills in policy, organizational management, and patient care improvement. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework and practical residency experiences, learning to advocate for patients and implement strategic approaches to enhance clinical outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and innovative healthcare system management, preparing graduates to drive meaningful changes in complex medical environments.

• Fully online DNP program
• Two specialized track options
• 35-56 total credit hours
• Three doctoral residency experiences
• Optional international study opportunity
• Collaborative business skills training
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership and project development
• Transcultural healthcare perspectives
• Advanced writing skill development

Duquesne University's DNP in Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management provides a sophisticated pathway for nursing professionals seeking high-level leadership roles. Strategically blending nursing expertise with advanced business skills, the program covers critical domains including healthcare finance, organizational behavior, and ethical leadership. Offering flexible online formats for both post-master's and post-bachelor's nurses, the curriculum develops comprehensive competencies to drive healthcare transformation. Graduates emerge equipped with sophisticated skills to implement evidence-based practices, lead complex healthcare organizations, and navigate intricate professional challenges with strategic insight.

• Online post-master's and post-bachelor's options
• 2-4 year program length
• 35-56 total credit hours
• Leadership and management focus
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• RN license required
• Doctoral Practice Project
• Specialized writing residency
• Executive-level career preparation
• Healthcare policy integration

Duquesne University's DNP in Clinical Leadership represents an intensive two-year online program targeting ambitious nursing professionals seeking advanced practice roles. Specifically designed to enhance clinical leadership capabilities, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement methodologies, and systems leadership. Students develop comprehensive expertise in managing nursing staff, influencing healthcare policy, and driving patient care innovations. With a focused approach on transcultural care, social justice, and advanced analytical methods, the program prepares nurses to address complex healthcare challenges, elevate patient outcomes, and implement transformative clinical strategies.

• Online two-year DNP program
• 35 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• BSN and Master's degree needed
• Leadership experience preferred
• Practice-focused terminal degree
• Comprehensive healthcare leadership training

Duquesne University's Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management DNP program offers an innovative approach to healthcare leadership development. By integrating clinical expertise with strategic business acumen, the online program prepares nurses to lead organizational change and improve patient outcomes. Unique collaborations between the School of Nursing and Palumbo-Donahue School of Business provide students with comprehensive skills in healthcare policy, financial management, and executive leadership. The flexible post-bachelor's and post-master's pathways accommodate nurses at different career stages, emphasizing evidence-based practices and advanced leadership competencies.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• Two entry pathway options
• Collaboration with business school
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership and management skills
• Optional international study residency
• 56 credits post-bachelor's track
• 35 credits post-master's track
• Three residency experiences
• Specialized leadership project required

Thomas Jefferson University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers a comprehensive online program designed to elevate nursing professionals into transformative healthcare leaders. Through a flexible curriculum, students develop advanced skills in systemic change, policy development, and evidence-based clinical practice. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time learners, enabling working healthcare professionals to advance their careers seamlessly. With a strong emphasis on inter-professional leadership training, graduates emerge as expert practitioners equipped to drive meaningful improvements across diverse healthcare environments and policy domains.

• Online and on-campus formats
• Full-time and part-time options
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Doctoral project integration
• Inter-professional leadership training
• Multiple DNP specializations available
• Nationally recognized faculty mentorship

The Executive Leadership DNP at Thomas Jefferson University empowers experienced nurses to revolutionize healthcare delivery through strategic leadership development. Tailored for master's-prepared professionals, this online program cultivates advanced executive skills focused on systemic transformation. Students learn to implement innovative technologies, design strategic interventions, and lead interprofessional teams effectively. The 32-credit curriculum integrates evidence-based methodologies, experiential learning, and comprehensive leadership training, positioning graduates as influential change agents capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges and driving organizational excellence.

• Online flexible 2-3 year format
• Develops advanced executive leadership skills
• Interprofessional collaboration opportunities
• Evidence-based leadership focus
• Tailored experiential learning
• 32 total credit program
• Practicum and project seminars
• Aligns with AACN 2021 essentials

Thomas Jefferson University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides an intensive online pathway for nursing professionals seeking doctoral-level expertise. Designed as a post-baccalaureate entry option, the program enables students to complete their degree within 4-6 years, earning an MSN midway and preparing for national certification. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration, with a specialized focus on acute care for adult and geriatric populations. Graduates develop sophisticated technological and leadership capabilities to deliver high-quality, patient-centered healthcare interventions.

• Online DNP program
• 4-6 year completion time
• Adult-Gerontology specialization
• MSN degree midway
• National certification eligible
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Interprofessional team skills

Thomas Jefferson University's Family/Individual Across the Lifespan DNP program offers BSN-prepared nurses a comprehensive online pathway to advanced clinical practice. This rigorous doctoral program equips students with holistic healthcare skills applicable to patients of all ages. Through an innovative curriculum combining scholarly research, leadership training, and clinical practice, students develop the expertise to address complex health challenges. The program prepares graduates for national certification, emphasizing interprofessional team leadership and evidence-based practice to create impactful, patient-centered healthcare professionals.

• Online program format
• 4-6 year completion time
• Multiple specialty track options
• Doctoral-level advanced practice
• National certification preparation
• Interprofessional team leadership
• Evidence-based practice focus