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Doctor of Nursing Practice Tracks

The online DNP program offers two pathways for registered nurses to earn their DNP depending on whether they currently have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Both pathways for the online DNP program integrate evidence-based practice with strong analytical and leadership principles, preparing nurses to lead at the highest level of professional nursing practice. Each pathway requires at least one two to four day on-campus experience as part of the curriculum. All students must have at least 1000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours in order to earn their DNP.

BSN to DNP — A direct path for RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • The BSN-DNP - Executive Leadership Track includes 64 total credit hours, 819 total clinical hours, and a minimum of 181 DNP Project hours.
  • The BSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner track includes 83 total credit hours and 1323 total clinical hours.
  • The BSN-DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track includes 85 total credit hours and 1323 total clinical hours.

MSN to DNP — Built for master’s-prepared nurses who want to advance their roles

  • The MSN-DNP - Executive Leadership Track includes 43 credit hours, 252 clinical hours, and a minimum of 248 DNP Project hours.
  • The MSN-DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner track includes 65 credit hours and 756 FNP clinical hours.
  • The MSN-DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track includes 67 credit hours and 756 PMHNP clinical hours.

Admissions Criteria and Prerequisites

Applicants who have exceeded two prerequisite retakes (two separate prerequisite course repeats or one prerequisite course repeated twice) within the past 7 years are not eligible to apply. Successfully completed (with a grade of C+ or better) a three-credit course in statistics. If you do not meet this requirement, please contact an admission counselor to discuss other options for fulfilling this requirement.

MSN to DNP applicants must have completed at least 500 clinical hours in their master’s program in order to be admissible to the DNP program. Verification of these hours is required if the MSN was not earned at Simmons University.