Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program
Next Start Date | July 5
$60 Application Fee Waived
Apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program
There’s still time to apply to Chamberlain's DNP program, we will waive your application fee* when you by apply July 5.
- Chamberlain has the largest DNP program in the US
- Personalized advising and support
- Detailed graduation plan
Choose between Healthcare Systems Leadership, Educational Leadership and Advanced Practice Leadership focus areas.
*Application fee waiver not permitted in Georgia.
DNP Programs at a glance:
- Lead practice change
- Advance expertise in a variety of topics
- Lead healthcare services that result in quality improvement and increased patient safety
- Care for vulnerable, culturally diverse populations
- Be a mentor and role model to other nurses aspiring to lead and change healthcare
What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice?
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-master’s degree designed to prepare registered nurses for the highest level of professional nursing practice. Through online DNP programs, you will be prepared to work in leadership roles in a variety of healthcare delivery settings, paving the way for healthcare services that result in quality improvement and increased patient safety.
What is the difference between a DNP and PhD?
A DNP is a doctorate degree in nursing that can help advance your career on the clinical/practice side, while a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing focuses on teaching and research.
What can I do with a DNP?
A DNP degree prepares you for a wide range of roles in a variety of healthcare settings. To learn more call 877.751.5783 to speak to a representative or request more information.
DNP Curriculum
What will I learn?
Admissions
DNP Program Requirements: How do I get in?
Our admission representatives are available to answer your questions about admission requirements and walk you through the application process. Call 877.751.5783 to speak to a representative or request more information.
* Chamberlain reserves the right to admit candidates with equivalent educational qualifications, from institutions outside the U.S. that are not recognized by the Department of Education or CHEA, as determined by an independent transcript evaluation.
** 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 NR-500, NR-501, NR-505, NR-512 and/or NR-506, applicants or students must successfully document and provide sufficient evidence, to reflect attainment of each course outcome. 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 student support advisor immediately upon admission for more details.
*** 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.
Tuition & Expenses
What types of financial assistance are available for DNP programs?
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.
Chamberlain grad? Save on tuition for your DNP Degree
Earning your DNP is closer than you think, Chamberlain alumni are eligible to save $115 per credit hour, increasing your total savings to $4,600.
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.
For a complete list, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state.
DNP Degree FAQs
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 practice into a high-level leadership position, become a clinical educator or expand your practice, 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 admissions representative, who can walk you through the DNP program requirements and process.
Online DNP programs usually consist of 32 to 40 credits and at least 512 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 12 courses. The first eight courses are didactic and the last four are practicum courses.
The focus of the DNP degree practicum is completing a practice-change project of your choosing - this can be a process improvement, quality improvement or something else that impacts patient outcomes within the healthcare setting. Many students will use their current workplace, where they can benefit from the impact of their DNP project.
No. Coursework is completed 100% online.
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 admissions 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.
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 admission representative provide you with a comprehensive full course tour.
At Chamberlain, we require our faculty to hold a DNP or Ph.D. in nursing to teach at the master’s level and above. While you can teach at Chamberlain with a DNP degree, requirements may vary by educational institution - so if you have a specific school in mind, explore their requirements for faculty.
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 five designated Chamberlain courses (15 credit hours) prior to being admitted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. See the admission requirements below for more details.
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.