Does DNP pay more than MSN?

Salaries for MSN and DNP holders are comparable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice nurses, which includes those with either a DNP or MSN, earned a median annual salary of $129,480 in 2023. The job outlook for these roles is exceptional, with 38% growth projected from 2022 to 2032.

School of Nursing

Online BSN to DNP Program

Advance your nursing education with USAHS’ online BSN to DNP program. Our Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum builds on your BSN foundation by providing advanced education in key areas like healthcare policy, evidence-based practice and systems leadership. This terminal degree in nursing has the flexibility of online coursework plus hands-on learning experiences. Our BSN to DNP online program allows you to balance your studies with work and life commitments. At USAHS, we’re focused on preparing you for advanced practice nursing roles through personalized support and a rigorous curriculum designed for BSN-prepared nurses. Take the next step and pursue a BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program

Format: Online classes + hands-on learning

Start Dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

Duration: 3.3-4 years* (10-12 trimesters) depending on role specialty and entry path

Role Specialties (BSN Entry): Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive

*Please note, the DNP-FNP program typically takes 3 years and 4 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2022-2023 and 2023-2024); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.

BSN to DNP Role Specialties

USAHS offers applicants seeking to enroll in an online BSN to DNP program the choice of three nursing leadership paths. They each feature flexible coursework, hands-on clinical experiences and multiple start dates per year. Please note that students who complete the FNP role specialty must finish one in-person clinical intensive.

Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)

Online study & one required on-campus clinical intensive
71 credit hours & 1,334 practicum contact hours
12 trimesters (4 years)* Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

FNP Details

*Please note the DNP-FNP program typically takes 3 years and 4 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2022-2023 and 2023-2024); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred, and other factors.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)

Online coursework + one required virtual clinical intensive
77 credit hours + 1,334 practicum contact hours
12 trimesters (4 years)Time to completion may vary by student. The DNP-PMHNP is designed to be completed in 4 years but may be completed in as little as 3 years depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts

PMHNP Details

Nurse Executive
(BSN to DNP)

Online study + optional virtual
immersions
64 credit hours + 1,334 practicum contact hours
10 trimesters (3 years, 4 months) Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts

Nurse Executive Details

Have an MSN?

Have an MSN? If you are seeking a DNP with a new role specialty, you can apply to the BSN-DNP and accelerate your path to completion with transfer credits for core MSN courses.

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Nursing Program Grants

Looking for financial support as you pursue your BSN to DNP? USAHS offers special tuition grants for eligible students.The grant is calculated and applied on a per-credit basis. The total grant amount assumes the completion of the full number of credits in the program. Any transfer credits will reduce the amount of the grant awarded.
This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into USAHS. All prospective students will be subject to the same standard admission and registration process when applying to USAHS. The Grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees. This offer is only valid for eligible new students who enroll and start classes in the above programs at USAHS in Summer 2026. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.

Nurse Practitioner Advance Grant Tuition Savings

DNP FNP: BSN entry $15,000
DNP PMHNP: BSN entry $15,000
PG-Cert PMHNP: $2,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

Nurse Leadership Grant Tuition Savings

DNP Nurse Executive: BSN entry $10,000
MSN DNP: $10,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

DNP Professional Grant

All DNP Programs $2,500

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

Alum Appreciation Grant Tuition Savings

All Alum Nursing $5,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

BSN to DNP FAQs

How long does it take to get a DNP after BSN?

The duration of BSN to DNP programs typically ranges from 3 to 4 years, depending on the chosen role specialty. USAHS’ BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program gives you the opportunity to choose from two pathways: Nurse Executive (3 years, 4 months) and Family Nurse Practitioner (4 years). Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors. The requirements of these BSN to DNP pathways combine online classes with hands-on experience that provide for students to earn their degree while balancing work and life commitments.

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Is a DNP higher than an NP?

A DNP and an NP are different, not hierarchical. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced degree, while Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a certification and licensure. BSN to DNP programs offer a path for all three. An NP can be master’s or doctorate-prepared, while a DNP is always a doctoral degree.

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Is BSN to DNP hard?

Pursuing your BSN to DNP can be challenging but worth it. With the right support and program, earning your BSN to DNP is incredibly rewarding. It can prepare you for higher-level nursing expertise and open doors for better roles in the industry. Often, BSN to DNP programs require effective time management, dedication, and a willingness to prioritize your education while maintaining a healthy life balance.

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Learn More About
Our DNP Program

For more information on the USAHS DNP program including admission requirements, curriculum, tuition, and more, see the DNP program page.

See DNP Program Details

Why USAHS?

Clinical Placement Concierge

Get personalized support from a dedicated clinical placement team to secure a practica placement that aligns with your career goals, specialty interests, and schedule.

Dedicated Support

Your success is our priority. You’ll receive one-on-one faculty mentorship and personalized academic advising designed to keep you supported, engaged, and thriving throughout your journey. Watch Video Meet our Faculty

Built for Working Nurses

Whether you are looking to fast-track your degree or take a lighter courseload, we offer individualized study plans. Learn mostly online and attend one hands-on intensive (where required). Watch Video

Cutting-Edge Learning Technology

Master advanced skills through online coursework and realistic virtual simulations that prepare you with the clinical skills to confidently take the next step in your career. Explore Innovative Learning

Solely Dedicated to Health Sciences

With over 40 years dedicated to health sciences, USAHS helps nursing graduate students advance in clinical expertise, research, and leadership while collaborating with peers across disciplines in patient-centered care. Discover Our Story

Choose Your Role Specialty

Whether you are interested in clinical care or leadership, we offer a variety of popular role specialties through our nursing programs. Choose from FNP, PMHNP or Nurse Executive and tailor your degree to your career goals. (Role availability varies by program.) Find Your Specialty

Getting Started

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? USAHS offers straightforward paths to advance your career by earning a BSN to DNP degree. We make it easy to begin your education journey.

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Information

Explore our informative webinars and virtual campus tours to learn more about USAHS’ BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

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See DNP Program Details

1-on-1 BSN to DNP Consultation

Our enrollment team is ready to guide you through your options for pursuing your BSN to doctorate in nursing.

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Start Your Application

Take the first step toward your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree!

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DNP Student Perspectives

“As a DNP student, I was able to gain access to meetings that I wouldn’t have been invited to — and see behind-the-scenes decisions at the corporate/divisional level.”

Eleanor E.

DNP Student

Online BSN to DNP Program

DNP Resources