How Long Is a DNP Program?

Nursing

How Long Is a DNP Program?

Written by: University of Tulsa • Dec 16, 2025

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of clinical education in nursing, preparing nurses for leadership roles and career advancement. DNP programs are gaining popularity, with data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) showing a 70% increase in the number of programs between 2013 and 2023.

Licensed registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s or master’s degree who are interested in a DNP degree should consider the return on investment. That entails asking a couple of key questions: How long is a DNP program? What are the benefits of such a program? This guide provides answers to both.

What Is a DNP Program?

A DNP program is an advanced level of study for RNs. Similar to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, the DNP is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest level of education in this specialty. However, a PhD in Nursing is for those interested in academia or research, while a DNP focuses on nursing practice.

Earning a DNP is ideal for RNs who want to improve their clinical expertise, gain experience in developing health policies, and expand their knowledge of evidence-based practice to manage health conditions. Graduates from such a program may become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and pursue clinical leadership roles, such as Nurse Practitioner (NP).

How Long Does It Take to Complete a DNP Program?

Determining how long it takes to complete a DNP program depends on the student’s previous nursing education and available time. Other factors to consider are the school’s enrollment options, admission requirements, and program format. Based on those different factors, students can generally complete a DNP program in anywhere from one to five years.

Coursework

Most DNP programs consist of advanced coursework, a clinical practicum, and a research project. The curriculum builds upon the content learned in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, expanding on key areas, such as systems leadership and quality improvement.

For example, a DNP program may consist of around 70 credits of coursework, accompanied by 1,000 practicum hours, and a final capstone project.

BSN-to-DNP Pathway

Some institutions offer DNP programs for RNs who hold a BSN. These programs often integrate master’s- and doctoral-level instruction and may offer areas of concentration or tracks, such as public health, technology, leadership, or nurse practitioner.

In addition to the core coursework, students may be required to complete specific clinical training hours and provide proof of work experience.

Full-time students can generally complete a BSN-to-DNP program in three to four years, whereas part-time students may require up to five years.

Benefits of Earning a DNP

Individuals considering a DNP degree should be able to dedicate the time and cover the additional expenses required to attend graduate school. However, multiple benefits can make the investment worth it.

Career Growth

Due to their education, doctoral candidates may pursue high-level roles in administration, clinical practice, consulting, mentorship, advanced nursing practice, and health care policy. Positions include the following:

Research manager
CNS
Nurse midwife
Chief nursing officer (CNO)
NP

Higher Income Potential

Higher salaries often accompany higher levels of career advancement, and this is the case in nursing. Looking at specific roles from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of an RN was $93,600 as of May 2024. APRNs can earn more than double that amount, depending on the specialty. As a group, the median annual salary for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and NPs was $132,050 as of May 2024.

Promising Career Outlook

Nurses who advance their careers may also experience a strong job outlook. According to the BLS, RNs have a projected career growth of 6% between 2023 and 2033, which is higher than the national average of 4%. APRNs have a projected career growth of 40% in that same time frame, which is 10 times the national average. NPs in particular have a projected job growth of 46% — even higher than the average for APRNs.

Additionally, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that 70% of the nursing workforce works in primary care. This may mean that nurses who pursue NP programs focused on primary care — such as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), DNP program — may be well positioned for a stable career with many opportunities.

Advanced Clinical Expertise

Nurses who complete a DNP program, especially those specializing in areas such as family practice or anesthesia, are equipped with increased expertise for diagnosing, treating, and managing more complex health conditions. These may include chronic pulmonary disorders, diabetes, infectious diseases, congestive heart failure, and cancer.

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career With a DNP

RNs seeking to advance have multiple options. Pursuing a terminal degree in the field, such as a DNP, is one way to develop a high level of skill and expertise that positions graduates for coveted roles in administration or education, or as advanced practice nurses.

The University of Tulsa offers an online FNP, DNP program for BSN-educated RNs. The program prepares students to become nursing leaders in their fields and includes courses on health care informatics, advanced assessment, organizational leadership, advanced nursing theory, and more. It takes about three years to complete.

Now that you understand how long a DNP program is and the program’s benefits, explore how TU’s FNP, DNP program can prepare you for your future.

Recommended Readings

Tips for Completing a Capstone in Nursing

Types of Nurses and Their Salaries

Why a BSN Is Important in Nursing

Sources:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, AACN Fact Sheet - DNP

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, About the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care

American Nurses Association, The Levels of Nursing Practice

American Nurses Association, Understanding the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree

Indeed, 13 Doctorate in Nursing Practice Jobs You Can Pursue