Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program
100% online coursework plus a Practicum Component
Next Start Date | July 07
Complete in: As little as 2 years
Next Start Date: July 07
Accreditation: CCNE & NLN CNEA
Curriculum: 3 Elective Focus Areas
Take Your Nursing Career to the Next Level
Chamberlain University offers the largest Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the United States. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to help transform healthcare. What is a DNP degree? A DNP, as in any nursing practice program, will provide you with tools to influence healthcare outcomes in significant ways. You’ll benefit from:
- 100% online coursework plus a Practicum Component
- Earn your degree in as few as two years
- Learn from 100% doctorally prepared faculty who are accomplished nurse leaders
- Personalized advising support and an average class size of 13 students
- Our Practicum Commitment® is available to help you successfully secure a practicum site or preceptor if needed.
- Up to 20% tuition savings for new students and Chamberlain alumni
Our DNP program is designed for RNs who hold a master’s degree — whether in nursing or in another field — who want to take the evolution of nursing to the next level. Through our program, you’ll benefit from a practice-focused curriculum that puts knowledge into action.
DNP Programs at a glance
- Lead clinical practice change to influence healthcare outcomes
- Advance expertise in a variety of topics
- Understand the foundations of practice change and quality improvement
- Build leadership skills that result in quality improvement and increased patient safety
- Provide primary care for vulnerable, culturally diverse populations
- Become a mentor and practice nursing leadership for future generations of nurses
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The Practicum Commitment® ensures that we’ll find one preceptor or site located within 100 miles and/or geographically accessible to achieve program outcomes
Connect
We’ll provide you with an available preceptor’s contact information
Apply
You connect with the preceptor to secure their commitment and submit your practicum application
Want to know more? We're here to help
Chamberlain Practicum Commitment®
Dedicated support when you need it most
The Practicum Commitment™ is designed to ensure that you receive the essential practicum experiences needed on your path to completing your DNP. To help prepare you for Doctor of Nursing Practice practicum courses, you will be paired with our Experiential Learning Team who will provide resources throughout the process, including coaching sessions and tips on how to approach a potential site. We are committed to helping you successfully secure any needed practicum sites to complete your degree.
Our new Practicum Commitment® is supporting you by:
- Comprehensive practicum readiness tools
- Streamlined contracting procedure for sites, preceptors, and Chamberlain
- Dedicated team of Academic Support Advisors, available for student assistance
DNP Elective Focus Areas
The program begins with online doctorate in nursing core courses. You’ll take your elective courses in tandem with your didactic coursework, learning from top nurse educators as you prepare for the highest level of professional practice.
After completing your coursework, you’ll move on to your five-part project and practicum — the capstone of your degree.
Healthcare Systems Leadership
Doctor of Nursing Practice students in this focus area study the application of translational science to identify problems, propose solutions and implement change across healthcare systems.
This elective focus area is designed for:
- Registered nurses with an MSN
- Nurse executives, informaticists and healthcare policy leaders
Educational Leadership
This DNP program focus area prepares you to significantly impact nursing practice and patient outcomes by designing, implementing and evaluating educational initiatives across various settings. Be empowered to lead in educational settings.
This elective focus area is designed for:
- Nurse educators
- Nursing informatics specialists
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Nursing academics or continuing education
Advanced Practice Leadership
In this DNP program focus area, students examine leadership development and the application of translational science in the direct care of populations across the illness-wellness continuum.
This elective focus area is designed for:
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
- Nurses who want to lead, analyze and influence a nursing practice
DNP Degree Program Support Explained
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Become the Nurse Leader You’re Meant to Be
A DNP program with 24/7 support.
Chamberlain’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for working nurses who are ready to become transformative leaders in healthcare. Our online coursework component gives you the flexibility you need, AND there’s 24/7 access to support resources. As the largest DNP program in the country, we prioritize you and your success.
- Engaged, responsive faculty
- Dedicated team of educational support advisors
- Comprehensive practicum readiness tools
Still have questions?
Let us help you.
Request information to connect with an admissions representative.
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Registered nurses with a BSN and a non-nursing Master’s Degree who want to pursue a DNP degree with us, can learn more about our DNP Preparatory Portfolio option.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Admission Requirements
What’s the first step?
Get started on earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with our simple and streamlined admission process and choose one of six program starts per year. At Chamberlain we offer options for entry into our DNP program no matter where you are in your educational journey.
Registered nurses with a BSN and a non-nursing Master’s Degree who want to pursue a DNP degree with us can learn more about our DNP Preparatory Portfolio option.
- 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 (NCSBN)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for your nursing master’s degree
No MSN? You can still apply!
If you are a registered nurse with a BSN and a master’s degree in a field other than nursing, the following is required before applying:
- 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)
- The ability to complete the six designated MSN core nursing courses (18 credits) at Chamberlain, transfer in the equivalent courses and/or submit a portfolio demonstrating your achievement of course outcomes
Core Courses
DNP Admission Criteria FAQs
What if I have nurse licensure outside the U.S. that is not affiliated with NCSBN?
Chamberlain requires 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 (NCSBN).
Chamberlain reserves the right to admit candidates with nurse licensure from countries outside the U.S. that are not affiliated with NCSBN but where equivalent standards can be demonstrated. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis according to the general academic principles of integrity outlined by the Academic Standards Committee.
How do I complete a Chamberlain portfolio?
Chamberlain provides qualified DNP Preparatory applicants and students with the opportunity to receive course waivers through completion of a Chamberlain portfolio. To complete the Chamberlain portfolio process for NR581, NR582, NR583, NR584, NR585, and NR586, applicants or students must successfully document and provide sufficient evidence, to reflect attainment of each course outcome. The faculty will assess each course portfolio submitted to determine if attainment is achieved for each course outcome. In order to receive a course waiver, evidence of all course outcomes must be met. Students interested in this portfolio process should contact their academic support advisor immediately upon admission for more details.
Students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a non-nursing master’s degree may submit a portfolio for any or all of the courses listed above to earn qualifying course waivers. Find out more about our DNP Preparatory Course - Waiver Portfolio option or request more information
What if I have a degree in nursing at the master’s level or higher from an institution outside the U.S.?
Chamberlain requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a degree in a discipline other than nursing at the master’s level or higher. You must also have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an institution accredited by either a regional accrediting agency or an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)*
Chamberlain reserves the right to admit candidates with equivalent educational qualifications, from institutions outside the U.S. that are not recognized by CHEA, CCNE, or CNEA as determined by an independent transcript evaluation.
Earning your DNP is closer than you think.
Save 20% on tuition for a total savings of up to $6,640 — plus, there are never any application fees for alumni. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Tuition & Expenses
DNP Degree Program Costs
Our Enrollment representatives can help you identify all of your financing options, and refer you to an expert financial aid advisor to pursue you funding options. With more than 90% of Chamberlain students receiving some form of financial assistance, your DNP degree is within reach.
See Scholarships & Grants to learn about eligibility and scholarship opportunities. View tuition and expenses information for the DNP degree program.
Financial Aid Options
Chamberlain’s DNP degree program can help prepare you for expanded roles within your organization. Chamberlain proudly partners with healthcare institutions, community colleges, associations and organizations to provide accessible educational opportunities for registered nurses.
See if your institution has partnered with Chamberlain, which may provide you with a group-specific tuition rate. We also offer a scholarship to DAISY Honoree Award recipients.
Tuition & Financial Aid Resources
Many ways to save
Explore a wide range of financial aid available to Chamberlain DNP program students. View all financial aid options.
DAISY Honoree Scholarship
5% Tuition Savings for DAISY Award Recipients
Doctor of Nursing Practice New Student Grant
Up to 20% tuition savings for new or readmit DNP students
Nursing Excellence Grant
Save $320 from Student Services Fees per session (Up to $3,840) for Chamberlain alumni seeking a DNP degree
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.
DNP Degree FAQs
What is a DNP degree?
A DNP degree, otherwise known as the Doctor of Nursing Practice, is designed to help prepare experts in the nursing field. If you want to expand your clinical practice into a high-level leadership position or become a clinical educator, this could be a great option for you. The DNP is a terminal degree, meaning you will have completed the highest level of nursing education. If you’re exploring how to become a DNP, we encourage you to speak with an enrollment representative, who can walk you through the DNP program requirements and process.
How long is a DNP program?
Online DNP programs with practicum commitment usually consist of 32 to 40 credits and at least 1,024 clinical practice hours. Chamberlain’s DNP program is two years full-time, taking one course at a time each 8-week session for a total of 13 courses. The first eight courses are didactic and the last five are practicum courses.
What does the DNP practicum entail?
The focus of the DNP degree practicum is completing a practice-change project in partnership with their organization's practicum location and their organizational needs. This can be a process improvement, quality improvement or something else that impacts patient care outcomes. Many students will use their current workplace, where they can benefit from the impact of their DNP project. The student must have a current and unrestricted license in the state in which they plan to complete a practicum.
Are campus visits required to earn a doctorate degree in nursing?
Coursework is completed 100% online with a practicum component.
How often will I go to class?
There are no mandatory login times for our Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Most DNP online classes require that you log in two to three times per week.
Chamberlain has several resources to help you become acclimated and comfortable with the online classroom of our Doctor of Nursing Practice program. You can also ask your enrollment representative for a personal tour of the DNP online environment. We also have a view series, Online Classroom Demonstration, to learn about what you can expect when you log into your class.
How do I go to class?
You go to class by logging into your course from a device connected to the internet such as a computer, tablet or smartphone. Request more information to have an enrollment representative provide you with a comprehensive full course tour.
Can I teach with a DNP degree?
Requirements may vary by educational institution - so if you have a specific school in mind, explore their requirements for faculty.
I am a registered nurse but I hold a non-nursing master's degree. Am I able to complete the DNP program?
Yes! Chamberlain provides registered nurses with the opportunity to enroll in preparatory coursework to prepare for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a master’s degree in a field other than nursing must transfer in or complete at least six designated Chamberlain courses (18 credit hours) prior to being admitted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program.
Can I transfer any prior courses/credits into the DNP degree program?
Chamberlain does not accept transfer of credit toward the didactic courses to protect the integrity of our CCNE-accredited DNP program. We will review and consider hours earned in your MSN degree program for transfer of credit towards the practicum credit and hour requirement. If you are a Chamberlain graduate seeking a DNP degree, now you can add an advanced degree AND save up to 20% on tuition with our alumni tuition rate. Speak with an enrollment representative to help you understand your transfer credit and tuition requirements.
Can a DNP be called a doctor?
After you graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, your professional title will be doctor in an academic setting, but not in a clinical setting.
How many years does it take to earn a DNP?
Chamberlain’s DNP program takes two years to complete and launches you into a new phase of leadership. Prior to entering the DNP program, you will need a BSN and an MSN, or a BSN and a master’s degree in a field other than nursing. Completion times vary, but it can take five years or more years to earn both degrees prior to starting our two-year DNP program.
Is a DNP the same as a nurse practitioner?
No. Someone who completes the DNP program graduates with a doctoral degree and is prepared for roles in advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership. A nurse practitioner is a nurse who has earned a master’s degree and completed additional clinical training that qualifies them to be certified in one or more specialties. A DNP is a higher level of education.
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