Credits required
30-72
Cost per-credit*
$353.50
Delivery
Hybrid
Duration
2-6 years
(part-time)
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-to-DNP & Post-Master’s Options | Nevada’s Most Affordable Program
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Why Pursue an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree?
The University of Nevada, Reno’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a CCNE-accredited doctoral degree designed to prepare nurses for the highest level of professional nursing practice. Delivered through the Orvis School of Nursing, this flexible and rigorous degree program supports nurses seeking advanced clinical and leadership roles across the healthcare system. Whether you're looking to become a nurse practitioner, nurse executive or policy leader, the DNP online program offers accessible pathways to expand your impact and improve health outcomes.
As part of the University’s Orvis School of Nursing's commitment to quality, the DNP program is approved for clinical placements in all Nevada counties, including military bases. With hybrid and fully online formats, this doctoral nursing program can be completed by professionals who are continuing to serve in critical healthcare roles.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include additional student fees or differential fees, if applicable. Please note everyone's net tuition costs are specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Two Pathways to a Terminal Degree in Nursing
Whether you’re progressing from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or building on a Master of Science in Nursing, the University of Nevada, Reno offers degree options that match your academic and professional experience.
BSN to DNP Track
The BSN to DNP program is designed for RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and are seeking preparation for nurse practitioner certification as well as leadership training. This hybrid degree program blends online coursework with 2–3 required campus visits for orientation and project defense.
Credits
68–72
Duration
5–6 years
(part-time)
Format
Hybrid
This BSN to DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for licensure and clinical leadership, aligning with the highest standards in the field of nursing.
Available Specializations
| Specialization | Type |
|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Primary Care |
| Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | Mental Health |
| Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP) | Inpatient/Critical Care |
| Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP) | Adult/Geriatric Primary Care |
| Pediatric Acute Care NP (PNP-AC) | Pediatric Acute Care |
| Nurse Executive / Clinical Nurse Leadership | Organizational Leadership |
| Clinical Education Leadership | Academic Leadership |
Post-Master’s DNP Track
Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, this 100% online Doctor of Nursing Practice program allows students to further develop their influence in policy, education, and executive leadership. It’s ideal for those who already hold a degree from an accredited MSN program and want to complete the DNP through focused, flexible coursework.
Credits
30
Duration
2–3 years
(part-time)
Format
100% Online
Available Tracks
| Track | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Advanced Practice | Certified APRNs |
| Nurse Executive | Health Systems Leadership |
| Health Policy | Policy Analysis & Advocacy |
| Clinical Education Leadership | Faculty & Academic Development |
What Our Students Say about Our Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree
Career Outcomes
The DNP program prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing roles across clinical, academic and organizational settings. Whether you are becoming a licensed APRN, influencing national health policy, or leading change in healthcare delivery, the DNP equips you to improve health outcomes and shape the future of care.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Qualify for national nurse practitioner certification exams (e.g., ANCC, AANP)
- Serve as Chief Nursing Officers, Directors of Clinical Operations, or Health Policy Analysts
- Teach in MSN, DNP and related programs
- Lead system-wide quality improvement and safety initiatives
- Influence organizational strategy and population health programs
Earning a doctoral degree in nursing represents the culmination of training for the highest level of nursing practice and healthcare leadership.
Admission Requirements
Admission criteria are based on your educational background and intended track.
BSN-to-DNP Applicants
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Completion of graduate-level statistics with a B or higher
- Active RN license
- No GRE required
- Submission of transcripts, résumé and personal statement
Post-Master’s DNP Applicants
- Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (some tracks may require a 3.5 GPA)
- National certification required for APRN applicants
- Submission of required documents and materials
These program requirements ensure DNP students are academically prepared to succeed in this rigorous degree program.
Tuition
The program is priced to support accessibility for working professionals pursuing a doctoral education in nursing.
BSN-to-DNP
- Credits: 68–72
- Cost per Credit: $353.50
- Estimated Total: $24,038–$25,452
Post-Master’s
- Credits: 30
- Cost per Credit: $353.50
- Estimated Total: $10,605
Additional fees apply.
- Military benefits: Active duty/veterans pay in-state tuition rates
- Financial aid: Available to qualifying students
- Credit transfer: Up to 6 credits may transfer with advisor approval
Curriculum & Learning Outcomes
The online DNP program curriculum is rooted in clinical and leadership excellence. The program consists of core courses, specialty-specific content and a culminating DNP scholarly project. Students gain the ability to translate research into practice, improve health systems, and lead with evidence-based precision.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology and health assessment (BSN-to-DNP only)
- Healthcare finance, policy and organizational analysis
- Interprofessional collaboration and systems thinking
- Leadership and innovation in healthcare
- The DNP Forum & Role Transformation
- Capstone DNP project defended during final campus visit
This science in nursing degree helps nurses develop skills to lead, educate, and transform the delivery of care across a wide range of settings.
Clinical Requirements
The DNP program is designed to prepare students for both practice-based and systems-level leadership. BSN-to-DNP students complete clinical hours in alignment with their chosen certification and Board of Nursing standards. These hours are integrated into the program of study and conducted at approved Nevada-based sites. Post-Master’s students fulfill clinical expectations through applied experiences embedded within leadership, education, or policy courses.
Faculty & Student Support
The Orvis School of Nursing’s DNP program is led by faculty who hold terminal DNP or PhD degrees. Students benefit from:
- Personalized mentorship from DNP/PhD-prepared faculty
- Academic advising tailored to the online format
- 24/7 technical support
- Access to digital library resources and writing tools
This online program is designed to support the needs of busy professionals who want to complete the DNP while maintaining their careers.
Accreditation & Licensure
This CCNE-accredited DNP program is aligned with the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and complies with Nevada licensure requirements. The program is approved for clinical placements in all Nevada counties, including military bases.
To explore certification and licensure information, visit the APRN Licensing Page.
More in Nursing
Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
If you're ready to complete the DNP and lead with confidence, the University of Nevada, Reno offers flexible, affordable and respected degree options to support your growth. The DNP program is designed to prepare nurses for clinical and organizational leadership, policy influence and innovation across the healthcare system.
Why choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your Online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
Earning your online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree through the University of Nevada, Reno means gaining the expertise, credentials and experience to advance in the highest levels of nursing practice. This flexible and rigorous program, taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty, prepares nurses for advanced clinical and leadership roles. Whether pursuing a BSN-to-DNP or Post-Master's DNP, you can complete your doctoral education online, on your time and join a network of DNP-prepared professionals ready to lead and transform healthcare. Apply now or connect with an enrollment advisor to take the next step in your nursing career.
Benefits of Learning Online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule
Frequently asked questions
If you are in the BSN-to-DNP pathway, expect to attend campus two to three times for orientation and your DNP scholarly project defense. Post-Master’s students complete their program 100% online.
No. Students complete a DNP scholarly project that demonstrates their ability to apply evidence-based strategies to clinical or systems-level challenges.
Yes. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program can be completed part-time and is designed for working professionals.