Online MSN to DNP Program

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Program at a Glance

Earn both your master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing seamlessly.
Specialize in a pathway that aligns with your career.
Complete courses online and continue working while you study at your convenience.
The master’s degree and DNP are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

15 Hours per Week

10-Week Terms

Course Details

60–90

$420

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How Do I Get Started?

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

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)—DNP Path Overview

We offer a direct path toward earning both a master's degree in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. If you possess a bachelor’s degree in nursing, completion of this MSN to DNP program is required to move on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

The Master of Science in Nursing program offers a balanced core curriculum and specialized courses in organizational theory, health care finance, human resources, and information and health care technologies

Degree Pathways

Choose from five pathways designed to provide further knowledge in your chosen specialty:

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner: Focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing patients’ acute and chronic health conditions.
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner: Promote holistic health care to members of the adult and older adult population through assessment, diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment of chronic health problems.
Executive leader: Focus on the principles of personnel management, policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the use of information technology.
Family nurse practitioner, primary care: Promote holistic health care to adults and children in a family systems context through the assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic health problems.
Nurse educator: Learn to effectively teach patients/families, provide staff development, evaluate programs, and instruct undergraduate nursing students.

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

Note: At this time, residents of the following states and territories may not enroll in this program: Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program. Residents of the District of Columbia may not enroll in the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner concentration.

Faculty- and preceptor-guided practicum or clinical practice experiences in your community provide knowledge and mentoring specific to your area of interest.

Put your knowledge to work with a mentor in the health care organization of your choice.

All clinical or practicum hours completed in the master’s program apply toward your doctorate.

Contact an Admissions Advisor for information on the number of clinical or practicum hours required in your specialty area.

The master's degree in nursing program at Purdue University Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).

Career Opportunities

Purdue Global's Master of Science in Nursing allows you to study online and earn the credentials to pursue career advancement in roles such as administration, education staff development, and advanced practice nursing.^*

Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:

Active Learning
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking

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 (2018–2030) 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.

Prepare for Industry Certifications

Upon completion of the MSN to DNP program, you may be eligible to pursue industry-recognized certifications in your selected specialty area*:

Nursing credentials demonstrate your adherence to a higher standard and may be a condition for employment in nursing.

As of October 2020, 91% is the average pass rate for nurse practitioner students who graduated in 2019 and are known to have attempted the AANP or ANCC exam.^†

Current information and techniques are taught by practicing professionals who have advanced degrees in nursing.

Academic advisors and faculty offer personalized academic support as you earn your master's in nursing online.

The online MSN to DNP program includes the core curriculum, concentration or population focus area courses, and an evidence-based project proposal.

Once you complete the master’s degree courses, you’ll move on to Purdue Global’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Advanced Nursing Roles
Scientific and Analytic Approaches to Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
Epidemiology and Health Promotion
Health Policy, Ethical, and Legal Perspectives of the Health Care System
Promoting Optimal Models and Systems for Health Care Delivery

See All Nursing Courses

Each option includes a guided practicum or clinical experience:

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
Executive leader

Family nurse practitioner, primary care
Nurse educator

Core Credits30
Elective Credits51 or 60
Total Credits81 or 90

Core Credits30
Elective Credits30
Total Credits60

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.

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Transfer Credits

Finish What You Started

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

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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

Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.

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98% Faculty members who have advanced degrees

48% Faculty members who hold a doctorate

264 Faculty publications in 2019–2020

More Than 45,000 Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2019–2020

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2020. 2019–2020 academic year.

Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing program and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

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NOTES AND CONDITIONS

^*Graduates of a nurse practitioner pathway who pass the relevant certification exam may be academically eligible for licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse in any state in which the program is available for enrollment. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please refer to Licensure and State Authorization for additional information on licensure, state authorizations, and program availability.. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams.

Please note that most states require nurses to be nationally certified and to have completed an accredited graduate nursing program in order to obtain licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse. Each national certification provider and state Board of Nursing will have eligibility requirements in addition to these educational requirements, such as passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they are eligible for state Board of Nursing approval and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse in their state. Students can obtain additional information from their state's Board of Nursing, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

^†Purdue Global School of Nursing, October 2020.