DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Simmons University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is strategically designed for experienced Master's-prepared RNs seeking advanced clinical expertise and healthcare leadership opportunities. The program emphasizes evidence-based research and transformative healthcare innovations through a flexible online format accommodating working professionals. Rigorous admission standards include a preferred 3.5 GPA and substantial clinical experience, with multiple annual start dates allowing seamless professional development. Students can leverage potential credit waivers for Simmons MSN alumni while exploring leadership and clinical specialization tracks.

• Online doctoral nursing program
• MSN prerequisite required
• Minimum 500 clinical hours
• Two years RN experience
• May/September start dates
• 3.5 GPA preferred
• Leadership and clinical tracks
• Rolling admission process
• $50 application fee

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) represents an innovative 104-credit pathway for non-nurses transitioning into advanced healthcare roles. The comprehensive three-year program enables students to progressively earn an MSN, become registered nurses, and attain doctoral-level Family Nurse Practitioner certification. With access to 850+ clinical training sites and 1,492 total clinical hours, graduates develop robust skills in primary care delivery, healthcare leadership, and evidence-based practice, positioning themselves as versatile healthcare professionals.

• 104 total credit program
• 3-year completion time
• Hybrid learning format
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 1492 total clinical hours
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• MSN and DNP degrees offered
• Pre-licensure and post-licensure curriculum
• Comprehensive clinical rotations
• World-class hospital partnerships

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) offers a transformative 108-credit hybrid program designed for individuals without prior nursing backgrounds. This comprehensive three-year curriculum enables students to earn both MSN and DNP degrees while gaining extensive expertise in mental health diagnosis, treatment, and management across patient lifespans. With 1,492 clinical training hours across 850+ sites, graduates are equipped to provide compassionate psychiatric care, prescribe medications, and implement advanced mental health interventions.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• Non-nurse pathway to PMHNP
• MSN and DNP awarded
• Eligible for NCLEX and PMHNP certification
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced clinical training
• Leadership and research focus

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) provides a comprehensive 104-credit pathway for non-nurses aspiring to become advanced practice registered nurses. This innovative three-year program integrates rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experiences, enabling students to earn both MSN and DNP degrees. With a 90% NCLEX pass rate and access to 850+ clinical training sites, graduates develop advanced primary care skills, leadership competencies, and evidence-based practice techniques essential for delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare across diverse settings.

• 104-credit, 3-year program
• 1492 total clinical hours
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• Hybrid and on-campus formats
• DNP and MSN degrees
• Pre-licensure and post-licensure tracks

Simmons University's Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) offers a groundbreaking 108-credit hybrid program transforming non-nurses into specialized mental health professionals. The three-year curriculum provides a seamless progression from initial MSN to RN licensure and advanced psychiatric specialization. With 1,492 clinical hours across 850+ training sites, students develop comprehensive skills in mental health diagnosis, treatment, and management. The program prepares graduates for PMHNP certification, emphasizing clinical excellence, leadership, and compassionate care across patient lifespans.

• 108 total credits, 3-year program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,492 total clinical hours
• Non-nurse entry pathway
• 850+ clinical training sites
• 90% NCLEX pass rate
• Full-time and part-time options
• MSN and DNP degrees conferred
• Clinical rotations in diverse settings
• Preparation for PMHNP certification exam

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is designed for nurses aiming to excel in primary care. This program offers a deep dive into advanced health assessment, patient management, and evidence-based practices, catering to patients across all life stages. With a blend of scholarly research and practical clinical experiences, graduates are well-prepared to lead in diverse healthcare settings. The program's flexibility allows for completion in four to five years, making it ideal for working professionals. Highlights include comprehensive clinical practicum and a strong focus on health policy and ethics.

• Online DNP with FNP concentration
• Four or five-year study plans
• Comprehensive clinical practicum
• Advanced health assessment training
• Scholarly research component
• Health policy and ethics focus
• Diverse patient population coverage
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Accredited nursing program
• Advanced pharmacology training

Focusing on Public Health Nurse Leadership, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst's online DNP program equips nurses to address population health challenges. This program is tailored for those seeking to influence healthcare policy and reduce disparities, offering pathways for both bachelor's and master's prepared nurses. With 69-75 credits and 504 hours of community placements, students gain hands-on experience in assessing and intervening in public health issues. The curriculum is designed to prepare leaders capable of navigating the complexities of today's healthcare environment, emphasizing leadership and innovation in public health.

• Online DNP Program
• BS and MS Entry Pathways
• 69-75 Total Credits
• 504 Community Placement Hours
• Leadership in Public Health
• Addresses Healthcare Disparities
• Fully Accredited Nursing Program

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers an online DNP program with a concentration in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, preparing nurses to provide specialized mental health care. This flexible program, designed for working professionals, spans four to five years and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and an active RN license. Students engage in 560-728 clinical hours, gaining experience in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The program stands out for its focus on psychiatric care across diverse populations, offering a CCNE-accredited curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience.

• Fully online DNP program
• 4-5 year study plans
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Active RN license needed
• 560-728 clinical hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Focuses on psychiatric care
• Flexible clinical placement

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UMass Lowell is designed for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. This CCNE-accredited program can be completed in two to three years and offers a flexible online format with five brief on-campus intensives. No GRE is required, and competitive tuition rates are available, with potential for up to 85% coverage through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, and organizational leadership, fulfilling the 1,000 clinical hour requirement.

• Two-year full-time or three-year part-time
• Five two-day on-campus intensives
• No GRE required
• Affordable tuition rates
• CCNE accredited program
• 85% tuition coverage possible
• Distinguished nursing faculty
• Meets 1,000 DNP hour requirement
• Online with in-person components
• Leadership and policy focus

UMass Lowell's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), prepares nurses for leadership roles. This program blends online learning with in-person components, offering flexible pathways for working professionals. Students develop skills in evidence-based practice, health policy, and organizational leadership, focusing on improving patient care and addressing healthcare disparities. Post-baccalaureate and post-master's entry options are available.

• Hybrid program format
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• 3 flexible DNP pathways
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Leadership and policy focus
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Cultural competency training
• Multiple enrollment options
• Advanced nursing leadership skills

The hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UMass Lowell, specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, offers flexible pathways for nurses at all levels, including direct entry from a BS and fast-track options. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, policy, and innovative patient care strategies. This CCNE-accredited program offers both part-time and full-time study options with a blend of online and in-person learning.

• Three DNP pathway options
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Online and hybrid delivery
• Part-time and full-time options
• Scholarly project focus
• Leadership skill development
• Adult Gerontology concentration
• 75-credit BS to DNP pathway
• Flexible learning formats

UMass Lowell's hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GPCNP) concentration prepares nurses for leadership roles. The program offers flexible post-baccalaureate and post-master's pathways, focusing on policy, research, and cultural competency to address healthcare disparities. Admission requires a bachelor's in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure in Massachusetts, and two recommendations.

• Hybrid program format
• 3 DNP pathway options
• Cultural competency focus
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Leadership skill development
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Massachusetts RN license required
• Two recommendation letters needed
• Part-time and full-time options

The hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UMass Lowell prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership. The program offers flexible pathways and covers research, policy, leadership, and informatics. A bachelor's in nursing, 3.0 GPA, RN license, and recommendations are required for admission. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and advanced practice nursing skills.

• Hybrid program format
• Multiple enrollment pathways
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Focus on healthcare leadership
• Cultural competency training
• Scholarly project requirement
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Professional certification prep
• Advanced practice focus

Endicott College's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program stands out for its hybrid format, blending online coursework with immersive practice experiences. This 73-credit program is meticulously designed for nurses aiming to ascend into leadership roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and interprofessional collaboration. Over three years, students delve into organizational leadership, population health, and healthcare informatics, preparing to significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare quality. With Massachusetts projecting a 14.3% rise in DNP-level positions, graduates are well-positioned for advancement. The program also supports students through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program and requires a minimum 3.3 GPA for admission.

• Hybrid program format
• 73 credit comprehensive curriculum
• Practice immersion experiences
• Strong Massachusetts job market
• Leadership-focused doctorate
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Scholarly practice project focus
• GPA requirement 3.3+
• Multiple clinical practice tracks
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program available

MCPHS University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is tailored for advanced practice nurses aiming to lead in healthcare innovation and policy. This two-year program emphasizes organizational and systems leadership, preparing graduates to improve patient outcomes and drive systemic changes. With a curriculum that allows for customization through a wide range of electives, students can delve into specialties such as healthcare business, public health, and health informatics. The program culminates in a scholarly research project, ensuring students are ready to contribute meaningfully to the nursing field.

• Two-year online program
• Customizable course selection
• Leadership and policy focus
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
• Scholarly research project required