A doctor of nursing practice or DNP degree is the highest level of education someone can achieve in this field. Many NP programs offer DNP options, but there are other areas where nurses can pursue this terminal degree, including education, business, and leadership.
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DNP Programs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a variety of options for nurses who wish to pursue a DNP. Many are clustered around major cities, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but there are universities all across the state that offer some type of DNP program.
Online DNP Programs in Pennsylvania
All of the DNP programs in Pennsylvania have an online component, with most of them offering primary distance learning and some requiring on-campus intensives or face-to-face coursework. Below are the DNP options available in the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania Online BSN to DNP Programs
Some universities offer BSN to DNP tracks that don’t require students to complete a separate MSN degree. Most of these schools also offer post-master’s DNP options, too. We cover those below.
Duquesne University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online with on-campus requirements
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,765 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Duquesne University’s BSN to DNP Executive Nurse Leadership is 56 credits and can be completed in four years. There are also two options for post-MSN degrees: the MSN to DNP Clinical Leadership and the MSN to DNP Executive Nurse Leadership and Health Care Management. Both of these options are 35 credits and take two years to complete.
All DNP classes at Duquesne University are delivered online, and although the number of credits and course content vary, the programs have similar requirements and structure. Students are required to participate in two on-campus visits throughout the program. The first is a two- or three-day orientation at the downtown Pittsburgh campus, which will include sessions focusing on scholarly writing and presentation skills. Students will also meet their faculty mentors at this time and learn more about the required Practice Project. At the end of the program, students return to campus to present their projects to faculty and classmates.
These programs also all require students to complete 1,000 practicum hours. (Note: Nurses who practice as NPs are automatically granted 500 hours. Those with advanced practice certification may also be granted 500 hours.) These programs allow students to complete these hours in various ways, including attending conferences, reading and reviewing case studies, and going on a mission trip where they provide nursing care.
Misericordia University
- Dalla, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $870 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Misericordia University is located in the northeast corner of the state. It offers multiple online options for nurses wishing to pursue a DNP.
Bachelor’s prepared nurses can enter the BSN to DNP track, which awards an MSN with a specialization as either an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner or family nurse practitioner before continuing into post-master’s courses. Credits and clinical hours depend on specialization.
Nurses who already have a master’s degree have two DNP options. Each requires applicants to be board-certified as either a registered nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or certified clinical nurse specialist. The 27-credit MSN to DNP track and the 36-credit MSN to DNP Education track are offered part-time and can be completed in two calendar years.
Pennsylvania State University
- State College, Pennsylvania
- Online with in-person intensives
Modality: Online with in-person intensives
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,027 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Penn State, the online DNP programs are offered through Penn State World Campus and taught by the university’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing faculty. The BSN to DNP Leadership track is designed for nurse administrators, and the MSN to DNP Leadership track is for nurse administrators and advanced practice nurses. Total credits vary depending on prior education and experience, but these programs generally require 61 credits for the BSN path and between 38 and 46 credits for the MSN path.
Students in these programs complete most courses online but must attend in-person intensives and deliver a DNP project oral presentation. Those in the BSN track are considered full-time students and take at least three courses in the fall and spring and must complete all required clinical hours.
Students in the MSN to DNP program take at least two courses a semester in the fall and spring, with additional courses offered in the summer. This track also requires 1,000 clinical hours, though 550 may be transferred from MSN-level courses.
Thomas Jefferson University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online with in-person requirements
Modality: Online with in-person requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,298 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
In addition to multiple NP doctorates, Thomas Jefferson University offers DNP programs in other specialties, including an option for BSN-prepared nurses.
The BSN to DNP track requires BSN-prepared nurses to complete master’s level work as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family/individual across the lifespan, neonatal nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, or women’s health gender related nurse practitioner. The student completes the coursework, receives an MSN, and enters the DNP program directly. This option takes four to six years to complete with online courses and some in-person requirements.
MSN-prepared nurses can enter the 32-credit MSN to DNP Clinical Practice track. Classes are offered online, and the program takes two to five years to complete. There is also a 32-credit MSN to DNP Leadership option that can be completed in two to five years.
Widener University
- Chester, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,030 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Widener University offers two entirely online DNP programs. The 73-credit BSN to DNP track focuses on Health Systems Leadership and requires 1,061 clinical hours. Students following the recommended course sequence can complete the program in 14 semesters or under five calendar years.
This university also offers a 37-credit MSN to DNP option with 560 clinical hours. Students generally complete this program in eight semesters or just under three calendar years.
Widener offers flexible programs for working professionals, allowing students to progress at their own pace. While each program has a recommended course load, students have a seven-year time limit to complete the program.
Pennsylvania Online MSN to DNP Programs
The 19 online post-master’s DNP programs below are designed for nurses in Pennsylvania who already have a master’s degree and significant clinical or supervisory experience. Note that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education requires all DNP graduates to complete 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, so that is what all of these programs require. Clinical hours provided in the program are noted in the program overview.
DeSales University
- Center Valley, Pennsylvania
- Online with in-person residencies
Modality: Online with in-person residencies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $975 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Nurses certified and practicing in the scope of the nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist roles have two options at DeSales. The 35-credit MSN to DNP Clinical Leadership track can be completed in seven semesters full-time or ten semesters part-time. Students must complete 525 residency hours plus a scholarly project and portfolio. There is also a 68-credit, 525-residency-hour MSN to DNP + MBA Clinical Leadership track that can be completed in 12 semesters full-time or 18 semesters part-time. This dual DNP/MBA program is the only one of its kind on the East Coast.
DeSales also offers options for nurses with an MSN in health administration, health policy, clinical informatics, clinical leadership/clinical nurse leader, or public health. The MSN to DNP Executive Leadership track is 41 to 48 credits with 525 residency hours and can be completed in seven semesters full-time. Part-time options are also available, allowing students to complete the program in either ten or thirteen semesters. This specialization also offers a unique dual MSN to DNP + MBA Executive Leadership track that is 63 to 68 credits with 525 residency hours. It can be completed in as little as 12 months full-time or 17 semesters part-time.
All of these programs offer online coursework, but in-person on-campus residency weekends are required.
Carlow University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $950 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP Systems Leadership program at Carlow University uses an online, synchronous format. Students work through their courses as a cohort, sharing a class schedule with the same group of students throughout the program. In addition to online courses, students must complete a scholarly project to meet graduation requirements.
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania
- Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $593 per credit + fees for residents, $871 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers several options for students wishing to pursue a DNP.
The 33-credit MSN to DNP track is offered entirely online through all four of the university’s campuses. It offers rolling admission, and students can start the program during any semester and attend classes full-time or part-time.
Another option is the MSN to DNP Advanced Practice track. This program is available online and consists of 29 credits completed over two years. Coursework is flexible, with asynchronous core classes and synchronous clinical courses. The program also includes 500 required clinical hours. To be considered for this track, applicants must have completed graduate-level advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology courses. MSN-prepared nurses who complete a nurse practitioner program are likely to meet these requirements.
The third option at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is the MSN to DNP Nurse Executive track. This program consists of 29 credits completed over two years with flexible, 100% online coursework. A total of 1,000 clinical hours are required, with 500 built into the curriculum. Students must also complete an evidence-based quality improvement project throughout the program.
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,115 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP option at Drexel University is designed for advanced practice nurses and offers an alternative to research-focused programs. Drexel’s program is 45 credits, but it is organized into four 10-week quarters rather than two semesters, allowing students to take more classes in a shorter period. This program also requires 1,000 clinical hours and a DNP project.
Gannon University
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 23 to 32
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $900 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Gannon University’s MSN to DNP program is 23 to 32 credits, depending on the number of clinical hours qualified applicants completed while pursuing their MSN degrees. It is designed for nurse administrators, nurse educators, and advanced practice nurses with an active certification. This part-time program is offered online, and students are required to complete an evidence-based clinical project to meet graduation requirements. Students can build on projects from MSN-level work or develop something new.
The DNP program at Gannon offers rolling admissions and multiple start dates. All applicants undergo a gap analysis, and the program can be completed in four to six semesters.
Gwynedd Mercy University
- Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 39
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1026 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Gwynedd Mercy University can be completed in two to three years of part-time study. All classes are online and consist of both synchronous and asynchronous courses and include a total of 400 hours of clinical experience. Students in this program must also complete an evidence-based scholarly project. This program is designed for current nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or certified nurse midwives.
Holy Family University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,200 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Holy Family University, MSN-prepared nurses have two options for pursuing a DNP degree.
Advanced practice nurses can enroll in the MSN to DNP Leadership for the Advanced Practice Nurse track, while those with other MSN degrees can choose the MSN to DNP Leadership track.
The MSN to DNP Leadership track is 35 credits with 1,000 clinical hours, and the MSN to DNP Leadership for the Advanced Practice Nurses is 36 credits with 500 clinical hours and 500 transfer clinical hours accepted.
Each program can be completed full or part-time, with classes beginning in the fall or spring.
La Roche University
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 26
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,056 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at LaRoche University is designed for MSN-prepared nurses with at least one year of professional experience as a registered nurse. In this 26-credit program, students will work closely with faculty, network with other nursing professionals, and research various areas, including chronic diseases and public health. Students can complete this program in three semesters full-time or six semesters part-time.
La Salle University
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online with on-campus intensives
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,135 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At La Salle University, the MSN to DNP can be completed either part-time or full-time. Part-time students take three credits a semester; full-time students take six. Classes are delivered online, with yearly on-campus immersions.
This program requires 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours, 500 of which are included in the plan of study and the remaining 500 from previous experience and MSN programs. Those who need additional hours can complete them throughout the program practicum, and they can occur at the student’s place of employment or at a facility where the student is licensed to practice. The Le Salle DNP program is practice-focused with a strong clinical component and a final Scholarly Project.
Messiah University
- Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 1,000
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $940 per credit, no fee tuition
Program Overview:
Messiah University has two post-master’s DNP tracks. For those interested in pursuing careers in leadership, there’s the MSN to DNP Nursing Leadership track. This option is suitable for various specialties, including nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse leaders, and nurses working in other fields. It is 34 to 39 credits, and an accelerated course plan is available.
The MSN to DNP Nursing Educator track is designed for advanced practice nurses, nurse educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse leaders, and nurses in other fields who wish to pursue a career in nurse education. This option is 26 to 35 credits.
These programs each require 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours and the completion of a scholarly project. Both DNP options offer year-round entry and can be completed in as little as two years.
Neumann University
- Aston, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $860 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Neumann University prepares nurses for leadership roles in nursing education, healthcare practice, and healthcare system administration. Depending on course load, students can complete this program in seven to ten semesters. All classes are online, and full and part-time options are available, making this a flexible option for working professionals.
This program requires 1,000 post-BSN practicum hours and accepts 500 transfer hours from MSN-level education. An additional 504 practicum hours are included in the program. Nurses who did not complete 500 clinical hours in their master’s programs will complete the necessary hours in additional practicum courses throughout the DNP program.
Pennsylvania Western University
- Clarion and Edinboro, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 27
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $671 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Penn West’s 27-credit MSN to DNP track is a flexible online program that can be completed in as little as five semesters part-time. This program uses a cohort model, with courses beginning in May of every year. Those with master’s degrees in other disciplines, including MBAs or MHScs, can apply if they also have a BSN. A thousand clinical hours are required in total, but MSN-level hours are accepted.
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Online with in-person requirements
Modality: Online with in-person requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: Varies, between $77,373 and $70,197 for the entire program + fees
Program Overview:
At Penn, MSN-prepared nurses have two DNP tracks to choose from.
The MSN to DNP option offers online courses and is flexible enough for students to balance school and a full-time career. This program consists of ten course units designed to be completed in 21 months. Classes are asynchronous, though some courses may have synchronous components. There are also two all-day virtual online intensives. The first is for first-year students and takes place at the beginning of the program, and the second is for second-year students to prepare for project development.
The MSN to DNP Executive Leadership has 11 course units. All classes are offered online, but students must attend a one-week on-campus intensive, during which they will attend the Wharton Nursing Leaders Program. This program can be completed while working full-time from any location.
Both programs require a DNP Scholarly Project and 1,000 clinical hours.
University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,255 per credit + fees for residents; $1,534 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP Health Systems Executive Leadership at Pitt’s Main Campus is designed for nurses with at least two years of management experience. Students can complete this program in six terms or two calendar years for full-time students; part-time options are also available.
Classes for this program are entirely online, and no campus visits are required. While 1,000 credits are required to complete this program, hours accumulated during master’s-level programs may count toward this total. There are 420 practicum hours built into the program, but additional practicum classes may be needed, depending on the type of master’s degree the student has completed.
University of Scranton
- Scranton, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $772 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At the University of Scranton, the 30-credit MSN to DNP Leadership program features online classwork and is designed to balance full-time careers with full-time academic commitments. Full-time students can complete the program in 21 months, while part-time students can take up to six years, depending on course load.
Students must complete a scholarly capstone project and 1,000 clinical hours. Advanced practice nurses receive credit for the clinical hours they accumulated in their master’s programs.
Villanova University
- Villanova, Pennsylvania
- Online with on-campus requirements
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 29
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,430 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Villanova’s 29-credit MSN to DNP track is a flexible, online synchronous program that offers three options: full-time, part-time, and flex.
Full-time students complete the program in five continuous semesters, meeting online two nights a week, while part-time students complete it in eight continuous semesters, attending classes one or two nights a week. The flex program is the most flexible of all the options, with students taking classes one or two nights a week for eleven consecutive semesters. Online synchronous courses are generally offered on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Students must also attend on-campus residencies for one day in the fall and spring and one to three days in the summer. Advanced practice nurses can transfer 500 clinical hours toward the 1,000-hour requirement; the remaining 500 are included in the program.
Waynesburg University
- Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
- Online with on-campus requirements
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $845 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Waynesburg is 36 credits and can be completed within three or four years. Courses are a mix of eight and 16 weeks in length, and students attend class year-round. This program offers flexible course scheduling that allows students to continue working while completing their studies. Portions of this DNP program are offered online, but on-campus visits are required.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- West Chester, Pennsylvania
- Online with on-campus requirements
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 35
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $671 per credit + fees for residents; $684 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at West Chester University focuses on three components: the science of nursing, leadership, and practice. This program uses a cohort model that can be completed in as little as nine consecutive semesters. All classes are online, with the exception of the first class, which takes place on campus over one weekend at the beginning of the program. This DNP has rolling admission, but the program starts in the fall semester.
Wilkes University
- Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 32
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $1,025 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Wilkes University’s MSN to DNP track features 100% online classwork delivered in 12-week courses. It has three start dates a year, so students don’t have to wait until a specific semester to get started. Full-time students can complete the program in six terms, which takes just under two years.
This program requires 1,000 clinical hours, including clinical hours amassed when completing MSN programs. Students who do not have at least 400 hours from their master’s and postgraduate programs can take an electric practicum course to complete the required number of hours.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Pennsylvania
The lengths of these programs vary, in some cases quite significantly. If you’re interested in completing a DNP in as short a time as possible, consider one of the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
For students with a BSN, the shortest DNP options are Misericordia University, which takes three years to complete, and Widener University, which takes just under three years.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
Most post-MSN programs take about two years, but some take less time. The program at Carlow University is the shortest, with some students finishing in as little as 15 months. La Roche University’s program takes a year, and the programs at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Scranton take 21 months. Pennsylvania Western University and Villanova University’s programs are just a little long, with some students completing them in just under 2 years.
Messiah University also offers an accelerated track for its MSN to DNP Nursing Leadership program.
Best DNP Programs in Pennsylvania
Choosing the best program in Pennsylvania can be difficult because what is best for you depends on your needs and wants. Some of the most interesting options include the MSN to DNP + MBA Clinical Leadership and MSN to DNP + MBA Executive Leadership tracks at DeSales University.
If you’re interested in working in nursing education, consider a DNP program with an education focus, like those at Misericordia University and Messiah University. Alternatively, if you’re interested in pursuing a management or executive position, look into the leadership and executive programs at schools like Duquesne University, Pennsylvania State University, Thomas Jefferson University, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Holy Family University, Messiah University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus, or the University of Scranton.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Pennsylvania
Tuition for these programs varies widely. The most affordable is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, which is $593 per credit + fees for residents and $871 per credit + fees for non-residents.
Some other affordable looking at per-credit costs include Misericordia University, DeSales University, Carlow University, Gannon University, Messiah University, Neumann University, Pennsylvania Western University, University of Scranton, Waynesburg University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, all of which are under $1,000 per credit, but do have associated fees that will increase the cost, except Messiah University, which is $940 a credit and has no additional fees.Tuition for these programs varies widely. The most affordable is Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, which is $593 per credit + fees for residents and $871 per credit + fees for non-residents.
Some other affordable looking at per-credit costs include Misericordia University, DeSales University, Carlow University, Gannon University, Messiah University, Neumann University, Pennsylvania Western University, University of Scranton, Waynesburg University, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, all of which are under $1,000 per credit, but do have associated fees that will increase the cost, except Messiah University, which is $940 a credit and has no additional fees.