While the United States as a whole is experiencing a nursing shortage, New Hampshire is projected to have the sixth-worst healthcare professional shortage in the country, with a deficit of approximately 4,200 people by 2030.
DNP-prepared nurses can offer significant insights into policy that can help alleviate some of these needs, work directly with patients as practitioners offering hands-on primary care, and share their experiences and insights in educating the next generation of nurses.
Below, we detail the DNP programs available in New Hampshire and regionally to help you determine which one is right for you.
New Hampshire DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in New Hampshire: 3
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 7
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 1
- Average Tuition Costs: About $820 per credit; about $59,000 for BSN to DNP or $27,000 for MSN to DNP
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in New Hampshire
Three schools in New Hampshire offer DNP degrees. Of these, only one, the University of New Hampshire, gives options for BSN-prepared nurses.
Online DNP Programs in New Hampshire
All of the DNP programs in New Hampshire offer classes primarily online, though some have on-campus, in-person requirements. Learn more about the DNP options for BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses below.
New Hampshire Online BSN to DNP Programs
In addition to offering the only BSN to DNP programs in the state, the University of New Hampshire also offers an MSN to DNP program that can be completed in as little as 18 months.
University of New Hampshire
- Durham, New Hampshire
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $800 per credit + fees for residents; $880 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of New Hampshire offers several options for nurses interested in pursuing a DNP. BSN-prepared nurses have four options: BSN to AGACNP DNP track (76 credits), BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader DNP track (60 credits), BSN to FNP DNP track (80 credits), and BSN to PMHNP track (80 credits). Each program takes about four years to complete, though the exact length of time will vary depending on each student’s previous experience and education, and whether they attend full- or part-time. The FNP, AGNP, and PMHNP programs require 750 hours of hands-on clinical hours, while the Clinical Nurse Leader program requires 500.
UNH also offers a 33-credit MSN to DNP option that students can complete in as little as 18 months, depending on their previous education and experience. This program provides asynchronous classes, making it a convenient option for working professionals.
Each of these programs features online, asynchronous courses, and there are opportunities for on-campus learning and other events throughout the program.
Key highlights:
- Asynchronous classes make these programs a good fit for those working full-time
- On-campus intensives for some specialties
Additional considerations:
- Clinical hours for BSN-to-DNP programs vary by specialty
- RNs with a master’s degree in any field are eligible to apply
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
New Hampshire Online MSN to DNP Programs
Colby-Sawyer College and Rivier University also offer MSN-to-DNP options, detailed below.
Colby‑Sawyer College
- New London, New Hampshire
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 28
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $750 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Colby-Sawyer College offers an MSN to DNP program in the Advanced Leadership track. This track uses an online, asynchronous format with classes offered in 8-week or 15-week blocks. There are five core classes and three Scholarly Project courses, allowing students to complete the program in either 20 or 32 months.
Key highlights:
- Students spend three semesters working on a clinical practicum project
- Students can apply up to 500 clinical hours from their MSN-level work to meet the 1,000-hour requirement
Additional considerations:
- Whether courses are eight or 15-week blocks depends on the year and the specific course
- No on-campus visits required
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Rivier University
- Nashua, New Hampshire
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus visits
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $918 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
MSN-prepared nurses have two DNP tracks to choose from at Rivier University. The Professional Practice Track is designed for MSN-prepared nurses who have passed a certification exam. It takes about 2.5 years to complete full-time, and students complete a clinical project that encompasses 500 hours.
Another option is the Systems Leadership Track, designed for BSN-prepared nurses with an MSN in a non-clinical focus, such as education or leadership, or a master’s degree in a field outside of nursing. Students with an MSN can get credit for previous practicum hours, and those who have 500 hours to transfer into the program can complete it in about 2.5 years.
The Systems Leadership Track also offers a BS-to-DNP bridge option. In this program, students can work to earn the required 1,000 clinical hours required to complete a doctorate. It takes approximately five years to complete full-time.
Courses for this program are offered entirely online, but there are four face-to-face on-campus meetings required.
Key highlights:
- Two concentrations: the Professional Practice Track and the Systems Leadership track
- A BSN-to-DNP bridge option is also available
Additional considerations:
- The BSN-to-DNP programs are only for MSN-prepared nurses who have passed a certification exam
- Courses are online, but four on-campus meetings are required
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Regional Options
University of Southern Maine
- Portland, Maine
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 30 to 33
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $931 per credit + fees for NEBHE Tuition Break Program
Program Overview:
Another option for New Hampshire residents is the DNP program at the University of Southern Maine. Classes are offered online, but visits to the Portland, Maine, campus are required throughout the program, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Concord, New Hampshire’s capital. The University of Southern Maine participates in the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program, which means that residents of New Hampshire will pay a discounted tuition rate.
This DNP program is designed for nurses who are already practicing as APRNs. Students can complete it in two years full-time or up to four years part-time.
Key highlights:
- Accepts between 200 and 600 direct contact hours from master’s level work
- Member of the NEBHE and offers discounted tuition to students from New England, including those from New Hampshire
Additional considerations:
- The program is designed for nurses who are already practicing as APRNs
- Mostly asynchronous, but on-campus visits are required
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in New Hampshire
The lengths of these programs can vary based on previous education and clinical experiences, but if you’re interested in completing your DNP in the shortest time possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP programs at the University of New Hampshire take about four years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The University of New Hampshire also offers the shortest MSN-to-DNP option. Students can finish this program in as little as 18 months.
Best DNP Programs in New Hampshire
The best program for you depends on which one is most suitable for your goals and circumstances, but some programs stand out in New Hampshire.
Rivier University offers a few DNP tracks for MSN-prepared nurses, but if you have a BSN with an MSN in another specialty or a master’s in another field. For nurses with a master’s-level education in a field other than nursing, this can be a rewarding option. This school also offers a bridge program for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field, which can help them complete their DNP in a shorter time.
The BSN to Clinical Nurse Leader DNP track at the University of New Hampshire is also an interesting option that allows nurses to pursue a career delivering patient care without working as a nurse practitioner.
Cheapest DNP Programs in New Hampshire
While fees and other costs can vary, Colby-Sawyer College is the most affordable option when considering the cost per credit, at $750 per credit plus fees. The University of New Hampshire is a close second, with a tuition rate of $800 per credit.
FAQs
Does SNHU have a DNP program?
Southern New Hampshire University does not offer a DNP program; however, the school does provide a BSN program, an accelerated RN to MSN program, and MSN tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Quality & Safety, Nurse Executive Leadership, Nursing Education, and Population Health.
Can nurse practitioners practice independently in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire grants full practice authority to its nurse practitioners, allowing them to practice, diagnose, treat, and prescribe certain medications without the supervision of a doctor.
Is New Hampshire a good state for nurses?
There are several reasons why New Hampshire is an ideal state for nurses. First, New Hampshire is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means if you’re licensed in NH, you can practice in almost 40 other states without needing a new license, and vice versa. New Hampshire also has no sales tax and no local or state taxes, which can help reduce the cost of living. There is also a high demand for nurses in the state, making it easier to find a nursing position that suits your preferences and career goals.