Washington, DC, is facing a nursing shortage that can have a high impact on patient care. The DC area has nine designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and eight Medically Underserved Areas, as well as a significant shortage of school nurses.
Washington, DC DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Washington, DC: 4
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 11
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: $96,00 to $116,000+ for BSN to DNP programs; about $58,680 to $70,000+ for MSN-to-DNP options
Washington DC DNP Programs at a Glance (2026)
| Quick Fact | 2026 Detail |
|---|---|
| Featured Washington DC DNP Schools | 4 institutions (full directory below) |
| DNP Track Types Covered | BSN-to-DNP entry, MSN-to-DNP advancement, Post-Master’s DNP Certificate, Executive DNP |
| Practice Authority | Full — Washington DC NPs can practice autonomously; DC has had full practice authority since 2014 |
| Licensing Board | DC Board of Nursing |
| Typical Program Length | 3–4 years BSN-to-DNP; 18–24 months MSN-to-DNP; 12–18 months Post-Master’s DNP Certificate |
| Required Clinical Hours | 1,000+ (AACN DNP Essentials) |
| Washington DC NP Mean Annual Wage | $140,000 (BLS OES, May 2024) |
| AACN 2025 Alignment | All DNP programs aligned with the AACN Essentials and 2025 DNP position statement |
| National NP Growth (2023–33) | +46% — BLS Occupational Outlook |
| Certifying Bodies | AANPCB, ANCC, PNCB |
2026 Updates — What Changed for Washington DC DNP Programs
- BLS wage refresh (May 2024 data) — DC NP mean annual wage was $140,000. GWU Hospital, MedStar Georgetown, Howard Hospital, and Children’s National anchor DC-metro clinical placements.
- AACN 2025 DNP Position Statement — The AACN reaffirmed its position that the DNP is the appropriate terminal degree for advanced practice nursing. CCNE-accredited programs continue to align curricula with the 2025 Essentials.
- Washington DC-specific update — DC has been a full-practice-authority jurisdiction since 2014. GWU, Georgetown, Catholic, and Howard anchor academic-medical-center DNP preparation across the district. Many programs also serve the broader DMV region.
- WHNP → WHGRNP rebrand — NCC has expanded the Women’s Health NP scope to include gender-related care; track currency varies by school.
- 4 Washington DC schools tracked — current Washington DC DNP-track institutions verified against CCNE and ACEN directories.
Educational Routes to Earning a DNP in Washington DC
There’s no single path to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Five route types appear across Washington DC schools listed on this page — each suits a different starting credential and timeline.
1. BSN-to-DNP (Direct Doctoral Entry)
For BSN-prepared RNs who want to enter the doctoral path directly without first earning a separate master’s degree. Typical length: 3 to 4 years full-time, 1,000+ clinical hours, and an APRN specialty (FNP, AGNP, PMHNP, PNP, etc.). This is the fastest-growing entry path, aligned with the AACN’s 2025 DNP position statement.
2. MSN-to-DNP (Post-Master’s Advancement)
For nurses who already hold an MSN-NP and want to add doctoral preparation without changing specialties. Typical length: 18 to 24 months part-time, focused on advanced systems leadership, evidence-based practice, and a doctoral capstone project. Many MSN-to-DNP programs accept clinical hours from the prior master’s, requiring fewer additional hours overall.
3. Post-Master’s DNP Certificate
For existing MSN-NP holders who want a credentialed doctoral certificate without a full DNP degree. Typical length: 12 to 18 months. Provides AACN Essentials coursework alignment without the full doctoral capstone. The NP Certifications hub covers credential combinations in depth.
4. Executive DNP (Leadership Track)
For nurses pursuing administrative, health-system, or population-health roles rather than direct clinical practice. Typical length: 24 to 36 months. Curriculum emphasizes nursing administration, quality improvement, informatics, and policy. Suited for current nurse managers, CNOs, and policy-track candidates.
5. Direct-Entry RN-to-DNP (Non-Nursing Bachelor’s)
For career changers with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The student earns an accelerated BSN (12 to 16 months), then enters the BSN-to-DNP track. Total time-to-DNP: typically 4.5 to 5.5 years from the start of accelerated BSN. DC’s flagship direct-entry options include Georgetown’s Master of Science in Nursing entry pathway and George Washington’s Accelerated BSN-to-DNP program.
DNP Programs in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is home to four universities that offer DNP programs with a variety of specialty focuses and entry points. These programs all have strong online components with varying on-campus requirements.
Online DNP Programs in Washington, DC
All DNP programs in Washington, DC, are primarily online; however, on-campus requirements vary by program. We cover the details below to help you choose the program that’s right for you.
Washington, DC Online BSN to DNP Programs
George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the Catholic University of America all offer DNP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses in various NP specialties. These schools also offer an MSN to DNP program, which we cover below.
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1100
Tuition: $1,630 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Students interested in pursuing a DNP at George Washington University have several options. The University offers several tracks for BSN-prepared nurses, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (72 credit hours), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (72 credit hours), Family Nurse Practitioner (72 credit hours), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (74 credit hours).
All of these programs take four years to complete. They include 1,100 hours of direct and indirect practice. The AGNP programs and the FNP track include on-campus requirements, such as a Clinical Learning and Skills Intensive, which must be completed prior to starting clinical courses, as well as a series of simulation-based learning events. PMHNP students must attend a single on-campus simulation learning event.
GWU also has three Post-master’s DNP options: a 43-credit Executive Leadership track, a 36-credit Nursing Practice track, and a 39-credit Health Policy track. These programs do not have any on-campus requirements and can be completed in two years.
Key highlights:
- Multiple tracks for both BSN- and DNP-prepared nurses
- BSN programs have minimum on-campus requirements
Additional considerations:
- BSN programs are part-time
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $2,652 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Georgetown University offers a variety of DNP options, including four DNP tracks for nurses with a BSN degree with specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. These programs are offered full- and part-time, with full-time students completing the program in as little as 33 months. While these programs are distance-based, they do have some on-campus requirements.
The post-master’s track is also offered primarily online and includes on-campus executive sessions. This degree focuses on executive leadership and can be completed in under two years.
Key highlights:
- Four post-BSN tracks and one post-master’s track are available
- All tracks are available primarily online, but on-campus learning is required
Additional considerations:
- Multiple clinically-focused options for BSN-prepared nurses to choose from
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Catholic University of America
- Washington, DC
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,440 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
BSN-prepared students have various options at the Catholic University of America, with credit and clinical hour requirements varying by specialty. There are four tracks available:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (69 to 71 credits, 1,060 clinical hours
- Family Nurse Practitioner (69 to 71 credits, 1,060 clinical hours)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (67 to 69 credits, 1,060 clinical hours)
- Dual Primary and Acute Pediatric Care Nurse Practitioner (71 to 73 credits, 1,150 clinical hours)
These programs are typically completed in 36 months, with most classes offered online. However, there are two to three on-campus requirements, depending on the specialty.
This university also offers a post-master’s DNP option, which typically requires 38 credits and 520 clinical hours, with a focus on leadership in complex healthcare environments. This program is primarily online, but it may also have in-person requirements.
Key highlights:
- Four BSN to DNP tracks
- All programs are offered primarily online, but have on-campus requirements
Additional considerations:
- Credit and clinical hour requirements vary per speciality
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Washington, DC Online MSN to DNP Programs
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- Blended
Modality: Blended format
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $32,058 per year + fees
Program Overview:
Howard University offers an MSN to DNP program designed for nurses who already hold a master’s degree. The first option is a 38- to 41-credit generic DNP, and the second is a 78-credit PMHNP DNP. Both take about three years to complete.
These programs are offered in a blended format, featuring both synchronous and asynchronous online classes, and in-person clinical hours are required. While 1,000 hours are required, hours accumulated during master’s programs are transferable.
Key highlights:
- Classes are primarily online with in-person clinicals
- Hours accumulated during master’s programs count toward the 1,000-hour requirement
Additional considerations:
- PMHNP program prepares nurses for a new specialization
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Washington, DC
To complete your DNP in the shortest time possible, consider the programs listed below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
Full-time students at Georgetown University can finish their DNP programs in as little as 33 months.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest MSN program is also at Georgetown and can be completed in just under two years.
Best DNP Programs in Washington, DC
The best program in Washington, DC, is the one that meets your professional, personal, and financial needs, but some programs stand out, specifically those at George Washington University. This school offers four clinically focused NP tracks, including three post-master’s tracks, providing students with numerous options when choosing their next career move.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Washington, DC
The most affordable DNP programs are those offered by the Catholic University of America, at $1,440 per credit plus fees.
FAQs
How much do DNP make in DC?
According to ZipRecruiter, a DNP in Washington, DC, earns an average annual salary of $126,541.
Does Georgetown have a DNP program?
Yes, Georgetown offers a BSN to DNP track, along with four NP specialization tracks to choose from, as well as a general post-master’s track.
Are there online or hybrid DNP programs available in Washington, DC?
All DNP programs in Washington, DC, are offered in either online or hybrid formats.