Key Takeaways:
- Accelerated DNP programs enable nurses to earn a DNP faster by compressing coursework into shorter timeframes.
- These programs cater to varying educational backgrounds, with durations ranging from 12 months (MSN to DNP) to 3 years (BSN to DNP).
- DNPs are in high demand with promising salary potential, offering career stability and high earnings (average $129,480/year).
- Accelerated DNPs require significant clinical practice hours and often have stringent admission criteria due to their competitive nature.
Are you ready to quickly improve your nursing skills? If you want to fast-track your career and make a real difference in healthcare, an accelerated DNP program might suit you. Imagine getting your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at a record pace. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of accelerated DNP programs, from the benefits to the requirements and everything in between. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and take the next step in your nursing journey.
What are Accelerated DNP Programs?
Accelerated DNP programs are a quicker way to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Like traditional DNP programs, they focus on preparing students for leadership and advanced roles in nursing. But, the curriculum is compressed into a shorter timeframe, with few (if any) breaks. By pursuing these programs, students can earn a doctoral-level degree and reach higher career milestones sooner.
Accelerated DNPs: A Fast Track to High Earnings and Career Stability
The need for highly educated nursing professionals is growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for DNPs is expected to increase by 38% through 2032. Over the next decade, about 29,200 openings for DNPs are expected each year on average. Accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are designed to meet this demand. They are tailored for those who aspire to reach the pinnacle of clinical practice.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, and other specialists with a DNP degree earn $129,480 per year on average. The highest 10% of them earn over $211,820 annually. Not only do these careers provide job stability, but they are also quite lucrative.
How Long Do Accelerated DNP Programs Take?
How much time can you expect to spend earning your DNP in an accelerated program? The length of your DNP program will depend on several factors. These include what kind of program you choose and what prior education and experience you bring to the table. Every school is different, but here are some examples.
Post-Master’s DNP for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
If you are already an APRN, you’ll be able to get your DNP relatively quickly. These programs typically take 12-18 months and require 30-36 credit hours.
Post-Master’s DNP with APRN Specialty (MSN to DNP)
If you’re starting with your MSN but want to add an advanced practice certification like family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll need a little more time. Plan on 18-24 months and 36-45 credit hours for these programs.
Post-Bachelor’s DNP (BSN to DNP)
If you’re starting with your BSN and want to go straight for a DNP, you’re looking at a longer road ahead. Such programs typically take 3-4 years and 70-90 credit hours. But in the end, you’ll have your DNP and advanced practice certification in one fell swoop.
DNP Admission Requirements and Eligibility
You’ll need to meet certain requirements for accelerated DNP programs. These include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing. Most schools also look for a certain GPA, usually from 3.0 to 3.5. Colleges will also need letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement or essay. Some programs have even more requirements.
Getting into accelerated DNP programs can be tough, as many are very competitive. To increase your chances, apply early and make sure your application is top-notch.
Accelerated DNP Curriculum Details
The curriculum for accelerated DNP degrees varies by school. But generally, your studies cover advanced nursing practice extensively. Courses will cover nursing theory, research methods, and health care policy. Students also get to do clinical rotations to gain real-world experience.
Example of an Accelerated 1-Year Online MSN to DNP Program
Alright, let’s get specific. What does an accelerated one-year online MSN to DNP program actually look like? Let’s break it down semester by semester.
Semester 1
In your first semester, you’ll likely take foundational courses in advanced nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and health policy and advocacy. You might also start chipping away at your DNP project and logging some of those clinical practice hours.
Semester 2
As you enter your second semester, you’ll probably take leadership, quality improvement, and population health courses. You’ll keep plugging away at your DNP project and racking up those clinical hours, possibly in your chosen area of specialization.
Semester 3
In your final semester, it’s time to bring it all home. You’ll wrap up any remaining coursework (maybe some electives or specialty-focused classes) and put the finishing touches on your DNP project.
By the end of this whirlwind year, you’ll have your DNP in hand and be ready to take on new challenges in advanced nursing practice. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, an accelerated online DNP program can be a game-changer.
Example of an Accelerated 3-Year Online BSN to DNP Program
Let’s get specific again. What does an accelerated 3-year online BSN to DNP program actually look like? Here’s a sample breakdown:
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll likely focus on foundational coursework in advanced nursing practice, nursing education, and health systems leadership. You might also start logging clinical practice hours and working on your DNP project proposal.
Year 2
As you move into your second year, you’ll likely dive deeper into your chosen specialty area (like family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner). You’ll keep chipping away at those clinical hours and refining your DNP project plan.
Year 3
In your final year, it’s time to bring everything together. You’ll complete your remaining coursework, wrap up your clinical hours, and implement your DNP project. By the end of this intense three-year journey, you’ll have your DNP in hand and be ready to sit for your APRN certification exam.
It’s a lot of work. However, at the end of this intense three-year journey, you’ll have your DNP in hand and be ready to sit for your APRN certification exam.
Want to fast-track your nursing career with a DNP? Accelerated online and hybrid programs let you balance life while advancing quickly. Programs range from 12 months for MSN to DNP and up to 3 years for BSN to DNP. They pack in clinical hours, coursework, and a capstone project but vary by school.
Specialization Options
Depending on the program and college you choose, you may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area. Here’s a list of ten common specializations for nurses pursuing a DNP degree.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Cares for people of all ages, from babies to seniors.
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) – Focuses on treating older adults, especially in serious medical settings like hospitals.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Specializes in caring for children from birth through their teen years.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – Helps patients with mental health issues and emotional problems.
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Works with patients needing anesthesia during surgery.
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) – Focuses on health issues specific to women, like pregnancy and reproductive health.
- Executive Leadership – Prepares nurses to lead and manage healthcare organizations, making important decisions about healthcare services.
- Nurse Midwifery – Provides care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born, along with general women’s health care.
- Informatics Nurse – Uses technology to manage health information, helping to improve patient care through better data use.
- Health Policy – Involves working on laws and policies that affect health care, aiming to improve healthcare systems and policies.
These areas allow nurses to focus on specific types of patients or healthcare services. As a result, they get to improve their skills and knowledge to help different groups of people.
Clinical Experience in Accelerated DNP Programs
Whether you choose a traditional DNP or an accelerated DNP, you will need to log some serious clinical practice hours. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours for DNP programs. This sounds like a lot. But keep in mind that those hours can include a mix of direct patient care, leadership activities, quality improvement projects, and other practice-related experiences.
If you are coming in with an MSN, there’s a good chance you’ve already racked up some clinical hours in your previous program (yes, those hours typically count). The key is choosing a well-rounded DNP program to help you meet that 1,000-hour benchmark.
Shortest Online MSN to DNP Programs
If you’re looking to level up your nursing career with a DNP, you might be wondering about the fastest way to do that. Life is busy. You don’t want to spend years slogging through a program. And many people aren’t in a position to relocate. The good news? There are accelerated online DNP programs that can have you graduating in 12 months or less. While most require at least some on-campus visits, they are generally minimal. Here are a couple of options:
University of Minnesota
Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
The University of Minnesota features a one-year DNP program with only a few campus visits required. Students will need to come to campus once each semester for a four-day session. The remainder of the program is entirely online. The cost is $1,053.00 per credit for both resident and nonresident students. You need a master’s degree in a nursing specialty to apply.
Chatham University
Chatham University offers a low-residency online MSN to DNP program. Students are only required to come to the school’s Pittsburgh campus once at the end of the program. The 27-credit program can be completed in four terms. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it as one of the top DNP programs in the country.
Hybrid MSN to DNP Programs
Maybe you like the idea of an accelerated DNP program but also value some face-to-face learning. There’s something to be said for building in-person relationships with your professors and classmates. This is where hybrid accelerated DNP programs come in. These programs blend online coursework with on-campus intensives, giving you the best of both worlds. And yes, there are some speedy hybrid options out there, too.
Westminster University
Westminster University offers a hybrid MSN to DNP program that can be completed in three semesters of full-time study. The program combines online and traditional residency-style learning. Class sizes are small, so students receive lots of personalized attention. You can also opt to complete this program part-time.
Are There Any Fully Online MSN to DNP Programs With No Campus Visits Required?
There are a handful of MSN to DNP Online Programs that do not require any campus visits. Here are two great options:
University of South Alabama
Online MSN to DNP for Advanced Nursing Practice Roles
The University of South Alabama offers a 36-credit-hour MSN to DNP program, which is entirely online. While there are some residency requirements, you can complete them in your home region with an approved mentor.
Maryville University
Maryville University features a 100% online MSN to DNP with no campus visits required. Students complete their clinicals locally in their preferred setting. Maryville also offers a 36-month MSN to DNP-MP program. No GMAT or GRE scores are required.
Closing Thoughts
Accelerated DNP programs represent a big commitment. But they also offer substantial rewards. If you are an APRN considering advancing your career, now is the time to explore your options. Begin researching accelerated DNP programs. Reach out to reach out to admissions counselors and find out each school’s requirements. Then, start planning your future in a leadership role in nursing. With the right preparation, you can achieve your doctoral degree sooner than you might think.