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.
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.
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
*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
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
DNP FNP: BSN entry $15,000
Criteria
Available to all eligible students
No application is needed
Nurse Leadership Grant Tuition Savings
DNP Nurse Executive: BSN entry $10,000
MSN DNP: $7,500
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?
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.
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.
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.
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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