According to the Nebraska Center for Nursing, the state is projected to have a shortage of 5,436 nurses, which encompasses RNs, LPNs, and APRNs, by 2025. This shortage underscores the need for highly educated nursing professionals to improve, if not reform, the healthcare system.
To help fill the gaps, organizations such as the Nebraska Nurses Foundation offer scholarships for those pursuing a DNP or any other higher degree in nursing through the Gail Graham Higher Education Scholarship.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career or want to address the provider shortage in the state, these DNP programs in Nebraska can help you achieve your professional or personal aspirations.
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DNP Programs in Nebraska
As a terminal degree, a DNP provides nurses with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and career options. Here are some available DNP programs in Nebraska, based on level of education and modality.
Nebraska BSN to DNP Programs
There is one university in Nebraska that offers an on-campus/hybrid BSN-DNP program:
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 61-80
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Resident tuition: $682 per credit for 61-80 credits — starting at $41,602 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,231 per credit for 61-80 credits — starting at $75,091 plus other fees
Program Overview:
UNMC’s BSN-DNP program is open to nurses who have obtained their BSN from an accredited school with a 3.0/4.0 GPA. Preference is given to those who have worked for at least a year. Tracks offered include AGPCNP, AGACNP, FNP, PNP (Primary and dual Primary-Acute), PMHNP, WHNP, and Nurse Leadership. The curriculum may be completed in 4 years.
Nebraska MSN to DNP Programs
Similarly, there is one university that offers an in-person/hybrid post-master’s DNP:
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Campus + Hybrid
Modality: On-campus and Hybrid
Credit Hours: 32
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Resident tuition: $682 per credit for 32 credits — $21,824 plus other fees
Non-resident tuition: $1,231 per credit for 32 credits — $39,392 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The MSN-DNP track is for nurses who have an MSN in nursing administration or an APRN clinical specialization. Likewise, they must be a graduate of an accredited school and have a GPA of 3.0/4.0 to qualify. The 2-year program has a once-a-year admission process, with the program officially starting in May.
Online DNP Programs in Nebraska
Nurses who prefer the flexibility of online learning may obtain their DNP degree from any of the institutions below:
Nebraska Online BSN to DNP Programs
There are three BSN-DNP options for those who want to complete their degree online:
Clarkson College
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 71-73
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $5,964 per semester
Program Overview:
Clarkson’s BSN-DNP is designed to help nurses improve their competencies and advance themselves in their respective organizations. It also covers a final DNP project that focuses on client-centered healthcare practice. Specialty tracks offered are AGACNP, PMHNP, and FNP. The program may be completed in 10–11 semesters (full-time) to 15–18 semesters (part-time).
Creighton University
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 69-74
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $1,025 per credit for 69-74 credits — starting at $70,725 plus other fees
Program Overview:
Creighton’s flexible online BSN-DNP is for compassionate and skilled nurses who want to become influential leaders in their respective health systems. Students may choose to specialize in any of the following tracks: AGACNP, FNP, NNP, PNP-Acute and Primary dual track, PMHNP, and Nursing Administration/Leadership. The program, which boasts a 99% certification rate over the last 5 years, may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Nebraska Methodist College
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 75
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $850 per credit for 75 credits — $63,750 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NMC’s online BSN-DNP offers a curriculum that is anchored on scientific knowledge and nursing practice. It concludes with a scholarly project that is designed to help the student address a nursing practice issue. While preference is given to applicants with a 3.0 GPA, those with lower GPAs may be considered. The program may be completed anywhere from 36 months (full-time) to 4–5 years (part-time).
Nebraska Online MSN to DNP Programs
Here are three online MSN-DNP programs available in Nebraska:
Clarkson College
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 71-73
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $5,964 per semester plus other fees
Program Overview:
Clarkson’s post-master’s DNP is designed to help nurses further improve their knowledge so they can optimize the care and service delivery in their healthcare systems. It also requires the completion of 300 clinical hours and a DNP scholarly project. Full-timers may complete the program in 4 semesters, while part-timers may do so in 10–11 semesters.
Creighton University
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 27-40
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $1,025 per credit for 27-40 credits — starting at $27,675 plus other fees
Program Overview:
The MSN-DNP program is for master’s-prepared nurses who want to enhance their knowledge and achieve new career heights. Students may choose to specialize in Nursing Administration & Leadership, as well as post-graduate general tracks in either AGACNP, FNP, NNP, PNP-Acute, and PMHNP. These practical, interdisciplinary tracks are imbued with Jesuit principles that the university champions.
Nebraska Methodist College
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
GRE/GMAT Requirement: None
Tuition: $850 per credit for 34 credits — $28,900 plus other fees
Program Overview:
NMC offers an APRN-DNP program, which provides nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and CRNAs with the opportunity to obtain their terminal degree in 24 months. The curriculum is designed to expand the student’s knowledge through courses in leadership, innovation, and healthcare policy. It also culminates with a research project that bridges theory with nursing practice.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Nebraska
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
Nebraska Methodist’s BSN-DNP program is the quickest to finish at 36 months.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN-DNP programs offered by the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Clarkson College, and Nebraska Methodist College may be completed in 24 months/4 semesters.
Best DNP Programs in Nebraska
The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s DNP program is the only local school in the US News & World Report’s Best DNP Nursing Program list. It is ranked 57th nationally.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Nebraska
For residents, the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s DNP programs are the most affordable. The BSN-DNP costs start at $41,602 plus other fees, while the MSN-DNP program cost starts at $21,824 plus other fees.
Non-residents may find it cheaper to study at Clarkson College, where the BSN-DNP program cost starts at $59,640 plus other fees. Its MSN-DNP program cost, meanwhile, starts at $23,856 plus other fees.
Nebraska Direct Entry RN to DNP Programs
There are no direct-entry RN-DNP programs in the state of Nebraska. However, students have the option to take an RN-BSN program followed by a BSN-DNP program. Another option is to go for the RN-MSN route, followed by an MSN-DNP.