Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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Program at a Glance
  • This degree prepares advanced practice registered nurses to perform at the highest level of nursing, while staying competitive in the rapidly changing health care environment.
  • Complete the DNP program online and earn a valuable health care credential while you continue to work.
  • Our degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
COURSE EFFORT 15–18 Hours per Week
COURSE LENGTH 10-Week Terms
Course Details
CREDITS REQUIRED 48–60
COST PER CREDIT $700
Ways to Save
How Do I Get Started?

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

October 16
January 8
March 25
June 10

Doctor of Nursing Practice Overview

Purdue Global's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed to prepare nurses to practice in clinical and leadership roles with a focus on improving patient and health care system outcomes.

  • Analyze data and scientific research to improve nursing practice.
  • Provide organizational and system leadership to continuously improve quality of health care and foster interprofessional collaboration.
  • Evaluate ethical, legal, and social factors in shaping and developing health policies.

Scholarly Project

The online DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a practice-focused project that is completed over the course of several terms. This project demonstrates your ability to synthesize scientific knowledge, develop new systems, and produce real-world outcomes in your practice settings. The scholarly project is completed under the guidance of a DNP Faculty Mentor.


See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.

Note: At this time, residents of the following states may not enroll in this program: Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program.

Practicum Experience

Practicums are designed to integrate practice and theory in the delivery of complex health care within your specialty area.


A minimum of 1,000 postbaccalaureate practice hours is required for degree completion.

CCNE Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Purdue Univeristy Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).

Career Opportunities

With the shrinking number of primary care providers, the nursing shortage, and the increasing complexity of patient care, the field of nursing needs clinical experts and leaders with the highest level of scientific knowledge and expertise. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed to prepare graduates to pursue clinical and leadership positions as advanced nurses in a variety of roles.*

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

  1. Active Learning
  2. Active Listening
  3. Critical Thinking
  4. Social Perceptiveness
  5. Speaking

Top Jobs With This Degree

Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2016–2028) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

Sequence of Study

If you possess a bachelor's degree in nursing, upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Nursing—DNP Path you will complete the DNP.

The DNP is also open to those who possess a master's degree in nursing. If your master's-level population focus differs from your chosen doctoral-level focus, consider completing one of our post-master's certificates prior to beginning DNP coursework.

Faculty With Real-World Experience

Our faculty has decades of nursing experience and brings real-world knowledge to the classroom. Many hold doctorates or advanced nursing certifications; all faculty members possess at least a master’s degree.

The number of credits required for graduation may range from 48 to 60 credits depending on the number of supervised practice hours you bring into the program at the time of enrollment.

Independent study options are available for students who need additional coursework to achieve a minimum of 1,000 postbaccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program prior to graduation.

Sample Courses
  • Scientific Foundations for Practice Doctorate
  • Epidemiology and Social Determinants of Population Health
  • Ethics, Policy, and Advocacy for Population Health
  • Clinical Decision Making for Practice Doctorate
  • Transforming the Health Care Organization
See All Nursing Courses
Credit Breakdown
  • Core Credits48
  • Elective Credits0–12
  • Total Credits48–60

Ways to Save

  • Financial Aid

    Learn How to Apply For and Receive Financial Aid

    Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.

    Financial Aid FAQ

  • Transfer Credits

    Finish What You Started

    Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

    Save Time and Money on Your Degree

  • Corporate Partner Benefits

    Purdue Global, Your Employer, and You: a Great Partnership

    Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions and could earn college credit for corporate training programs.

    Employee Savings and Benefits

  • Military Tuition Reduction

    We Offer an Affordable Education for Military Students

    For undergraduate programs, tuition is reduced 55% per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans. Tuition reductions are also available for graduate programs and military spouses.

    Tuition Savings for Military

Program Cost Estimator

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Maine residents will pay $420.00 per credit for all graduate programs, with the exception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Tuition does not include University fees and associated program fees. View tuition and fee information or contact an Admissions Advisor for more information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

View Nursing Faculty Directory
grad hat icon 97% Faculty members who have advanced degrees
diploma icon 45% Faculty members who hold a doctorate
tablet icon 231 Faculty publications in 2018–2019
student at desk icon More Than 50,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2018–2019

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2019. 2018–2019 academic year.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. This program was not designed for initial certification and licensure for advanced practice registered nurse roles. Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet the requirements for any specific state for licensure or certification. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.