School of Nursing

Online BSN to DNP Program

Advance your nursing education with the 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. With 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.

See DNP Program Requirements & Program Details

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: 2.3-4 years* (7-12 trimesters) depending on role specialty and entry path

Role Specialties (BSN Entry): Family 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 (2021-2022 and 2022-2023); 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 two nursing leadership paths. Both 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 & 1,035 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 (2021-2022 and 2022-2023); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred, and other factors.

Nurse Executive
(BSN to DNP)

  • Online study + optional virtual
    immersions
  • 64 credit hours + 1,000 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

Learn More About Our DNP Program

Nursing Program Grants

Looking for financial support as you pursue your BSN to DNP? USAHS offers special tuition grants for eligible students.

Nurse Practitioner Advance Grant Tuition Savings

Nurse Practitioner Advance Grant Tuition Savings

DNP FNP: BSN entry $15,000

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

Nurse Leadership Grant Tuition Savings

Nurse Leadership Grant Tuition Savings

DNP Nurse Executive: BSN entry $10,000
MSN DNP: $7,500

Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed

Alum Appreciation Grant Tuition Savings

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.

Why USAHS?

Personalized Support As You Pursue Your BSN to DNP

At USAHS, we're committed to your success as you advance your nursing education by earning your BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice. Our BSN to DNP programs offer one-on-one advising and a clinical concierge service to secure ideal practicum placements. Faculty mentorship and technology support ensure you're equipped for success in your doctorate in nursing studies.

Innovative Learning Experiences

Applicants pursuing their BSN to DNP degree at USAHS get access to our cutting-edge teaching methods, including case-based learning and virtual simulations. While primarily online, some role specialties require one on-campus clinical intensive, blending convenience with hands-on experience.

Strong Alumni Network

Join a vibrant community of healthcare leaders. BSN to DNP graduates at USAHS benefit from ongoing professional development, career advancement opportunities, and lifelong learning resources.

Flexible Study Options

When earning your BSN to doctorate in nursing with USAHS, you’ll benefit from pathways that offer customizable study plans. Whether you're seeking an accelerated track or a more balanced approach, our advisors will help you tailor your BSN to DNP program to fit your lifestyle and career goals.

Online Learning with Hands-On Components

Experience the best of both worlds while pursuing a BSN to DNP at USAHS. Enjoy the flexibility of online coursework complemented by optional virtual immersions and, for some specialties, a required on-campus clinical intensive in our state-of-the-art facilities.

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.

Get More<br>Information

Get More
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

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

Start Your Application

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

Apply Now

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

Eleanor E.

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