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Prepare for a DNP Degree with a BSN and Master's Degree

With us behind you, you are ready to answer your calling
Why Choose Chamberlain

Largest DNP program in the US

No GRE or entrance exams

100% Online Flexibility

20% Discount for Alumni

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Learn more about our DNP Preparatory Course Portfolio Option

Registered nurses with a BSN and a non-nursing Master’s degree can apply prior learning accomplishments to help expedite the journey from BSN to DNP

Go at your own pace

Complete your portfolio modules back-to-back or one at a time.

Designed for working registered nurses

Our 100% online program allows you to continue working while earning your degree.

Multiple entry points

We have fewer admission requirements than other 3- or 4-year DNP programs.

Community of Support

Journey from BSN to DNP with support from our dedicated, doctoral-prepared faculty.

Admission Requirements

Our admissions team is available to walk you through the application process and answer any questions on DNP program requirements. 

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Minimum Education Requirements

If you’ve earned your BSN and non-nursing master’s degree, here’s what you’ll need to apply

  • A current, active, unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN)
  • A BSN degree and a non-nursing master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency
  • Submit portfolio to demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes through graduate education and/or prior learning accomplishments in a professional practice
  • RNs can satisfy admissions requirements by applying transfer credits (maximum of six semester hours)
  • Completion of Chamberlain's six designated core courses (18 credits) listed below
Core Courses
6 Courses
NR-581: Foundational Concepts for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course examines the professional standards and fundamental historical, theoretical, and ethical underpinnings that guide advanced nursing practice. Exploration of concepts related to person-centered care; health outcomes and equity; communication; interprofessional collaboration; and contemporary issues in healthcare will enhance the professional formation of learners.

NR-582: Leadership and Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course explores advanced nursing leadership theory, roles, and skills, necessary to advance healthcare outcomes across diverse settings. Examination of policy and advocacy at all levels of the system will enable learners to act as definitive change agents in evolving healthcare. 

NR-583: Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course explores the application of healthcare informatics to advanced nursing practice. Examination of concepts surrounding technologies, emerging trends, and ethical and legal considerations involved in healthcare delivery and information management will enable the learner to advance healthcare outcomes and equity across diverse healthcare settings.  

NR-584: Quality and Safety for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course examines quality management and safety principles for advanced nursing practice. Exploration of best practice techniques, policies, processes, tools, and skills will enable learners to apply evidence to engage in continuous quality improvement and advance healthcare outcomes and equity across diverse settings. 

NR-585: Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course introduces research methods for advanced nursing practice. Emphasis on scientific reasoning, problem identification, research design, data collection methods, analysis, interpretation, dissemination, and ethical standards in research will enable learners to apply evidence to advance healthcare outcomes and equity. 

NR-586: Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course emphasizes epidemiological and population health principles for advanced nursing practice. Examination of population health research and data will enable learners promote health, prevent injury and illness, and lead disaster response and recovery to advance healthcare outcomes and equity for diverse populations at the local, national, and global levels. 

Portfolio Requirements

If you choose the portfolio option, the indicators below are used to help you illustrate mastery of each course outcome and are evaluated for portfolio completion: 

  • Learning Achievement Narrative: A summary of how each learning outcome was achieved, how the learning has been integrated into practice and your sources of evidence to validate learning outcome achievements.
  • Valid Sources of Evidence: Submittal of evidence may include but is not limited to the following: continuing education activities, professional certifications, publications or presentations, or letters from employers to verify competency specific to a course outcome.

If you are interested in helping to transform the healthcare system and want to pursue our DNP Preparatory Course Portfolio option, we're here to help 

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DNP Admission FAQs

If I enroll in Chamberlain’s DNP prep portfolio option, how many years will it take me to go from BSN to DNP?

You can go from a BSN to a DNP in approximately three years, depending on how many of the six MSN core courses you have completed at Chamberlain, transferred in and/or satisfied through a portfolio.

Can a BSN go straight to DNP?

Yes, if you have an active, unrestricted RN license plus a master’s degree in any field, and you complete, transfer credits for and/or submit a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the six MSN core courses.

Still have questions? Let us help you.

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Academic Details

Have Questions?

Request information to connect with an admissions representative who can help answer any transfer questions you may have.

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Ready to Apply?

Applications can be submitted through our online application. To apply over the phone or get assistance with your online application, call us toll free at 877.751.5783.

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Many Ways to Save

Explore a wide range of financial aid, grants, employer rates and scholarships available for DNP-prepared students and candidates.

Tuition Reimbursement

Chamberlain University offers special tuition rates to 11,000+ partner locations across the U.S.

Military Rates

Special rates reserved for member of our nation’s military community and their spouses.

Financial Aid & Tuition

More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial aid.

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Accreditation

Accreditation, State Authorizations & Approvals

Chamberlain has university accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Doctor of Nursing Practice program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and National League for Nursing  Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). † Chamberlain continuously earns new approvals from respected agencies across the nation.

The Chamberlain University Doctor of Nursing Practice (delivered via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037.

Practicum option availability varies by state/location. Chamberlain reserves the right to update information as it becomes available. For a complete list, and to learn more, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state.