If you’re a nurse, there are many reasons to pursue a DNP in Rhode Island. Because Rhode Island is a full practice authority state, nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients independently, prescribe medication without the oversight of a physician, and even open a private practice.
In addition to delivering hands-on patient care, DNPs can also play essential roles in education, leadership, and legislation, helping to educate the next generation of nurses and increase the number of people entering and remaining in the profession.
Below, we detail the DNP programs available in Rhode Island and regionally to help you find the program that suits your personal and professional needs.
Rhode Island DNP Programs Quick Facts:
- Universities Offering DNP Programs in Rhode Island: 3
- CCNE Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 3
- ACEN Accredited DNP Programs in the state: 0
- Average Tuition Costs: Between $19,000 and $39,000
Table of Contents
DNP Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island College, the University of Rhode Island, and Salve Regina University all offer DNP programs for students who have already completed an MSN, though they have varying specialties and on-campus requirements.
Rhode Island MSN to DNP Programs
If you’re interested in a program that includes on-campus learning, consider the following program at Rhode Island College.
Rhode Island College
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $528 per credit + fees for residents, $792 per credit + fees for Northeast Neighbors, $1,028 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Rhode Island College is designed for nurses who have already completed an MSN degree or BSN-prepared nurses who have a master’s in a related field. This degree does not prepare nurses for a new specialty; instead, it focuses on system-level and clinical leadership roles within existing specialities. Classes are delivered in a hybrid format, with some on-campus learning required. The standard completion time for this 32-credit program is three years; however, full-time students can complete it in two years.
Key highlights:
- Classes are offered in a hybrid format, and some courses may require visits to the Providence campus
- Open to BSN-prepared nurses with a master’s in a related field
Additional considerations:
- Discounted tuition rates for Northeast Neighbors residents, which include MA, CT, ME, NH, VT, NY, NJ, and Pike County, PA.
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online DNP Programs in Rhode Island
Online DNP programs offer convenience and flexibility. They can be a good choice for professionals who intend to keep working full-time while pursuing their degree.
Rhode Island Online MSN to DNP Programs
The University of Rhode Island and Sale Regina University offer MSN to DNP programs that are primarily online. Learn more about these programs below.
University of Rhode Island
- Kingston, Rhode Island
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 42
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $918 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Rhode Island offers an MSN to DNP program that is entirely online. It consists of 42 credits, 500 hours of clinical practicum, and the completion of a practice improvement project, and takes two years to complete. Students must already hold a master’s degree in nursing and focus on leadership at the policy and health systems levels.
Key highlights:
- Entirely online with no on-campus requirements
- Practical experiences can be completed locally
Additional considerations:
- Does not offer qualifications in an additional speciality
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Salve Regina University
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $772 per credit + fees for nurses from partner institutions; $848 per credit + fees for others
Program Overview:
Salve Regina’s online MSN to DNP program utilizes a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, allowing for flexibility and providing an opportunity for students to build relationships and network with their peers and faculty. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 20 months.
Key highlights:
- Online with synchronous and asynchronous learning
- Can be completed in only 20 months
Additional considerations:
- Tuition discount for nurses affiliated with partner institutions
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Regional Options
Students in Rhode Island who are interested in pursuing a DNP also have several regional options, including the University of Massachusetts, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Saint Joseph.
University of Massachusetts
- Amherst, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $825 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The DNP programs at the University of Massachusetts meet the licensing requirements for Rhode Island, making these programs another option for Rhode Island students. These programs do have some on-campus requirements. The Amherst campus is about a two-hour drive from Providence.
Students with either a BSN or a DNP can enter the DNP Public Health Nurse Leader program. BSN-prepared students can complete the program in four to five years, either full-time or part-time; MSN-prepared students can complete it in two to three years. Additionally, 504 practicum hours are spent completing a population health project.
UMass also offers an MSN to DNP option. This track is designed for APRNs and can be completed in two or three years. It includes one on-campus practicum in the final semester.
Key highlights:
- Both BSN- and MSN-prepared students can apply to the unique public health nurse speciality track
- Can be completed in two to three years
Additional considerations:
- Students must attend on-campus learning occasionally, which can be a bit of a commute for Rhode Island residents
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Connecticut
- Storrs, Connecticut
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1200 comprehensive fee per credit
Program Overview:
The University of Connecticut offers some of the only regional programs for nurses with a BSN who wish to pursue a doctorate. While these programs are primarily online, some on-campus learning is required. The Storrs campus is about a 1-hour and 20-minute drive west of Providence.
UConn offers a 64-credit BSN to DNP in Nursing Administration & Leadership that takes over four years to complete. In this program, BSN-prepared nurses complete an MSN in administration and leadership and then proceed to complete the doctoral-level courses. Most of the classwork is online, but the program has multiple on-campus intensives. There is also a 24-credit MSN to DNP Nursing Administration & Leadership track for nurses who have already obtained an MSN. It takes two years to complete.
Key highlights:
- Multiple on-campus intensives required
- Administration and leadership focused
Additional considerations:
- One of the few BSN to DNP options regional to Rhode Island
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Saint Joseph
- West Hartford, Connecticut
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,111 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Saint Joseph is one of the only schools in the region offering a clinical DNP option for BSN-prepared students. This hybrid program requires visits to the West Hartford campus, which is just under a two-hour drive west of Providence.
The BSN to DNP program consists of 65 credits, completed over 10 semesters. Evening classes take place from 4 to 6:30 pm, with on-site clinical placements in Connecticut. This program offers two tracks to choose from: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
The University of Saint Joseph also offers an MSN to DNP in Clinical Leadership, which is 45 to 46 credits and is presented in a hybrid format. Some courses may require students to meet on campus or participate in live online classes. Students can choose to complete the clinical leadership program or add a specialization in family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Key highlights:
- Hybrid format with on-campus requirements and evening classes
- Two BSN to DNP tracks to choose from: FNP or PMHNP
Additional considerations:
- Clinical placements for the BSN to DNP program take place in the state of Connecticut, so applicants must consider commute times and licensing requirements
Accreditation:
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Rhode Island
The lengths of these programs can vary depending on a number of factors, including previous experience and education, but the programs listed below are the shortest in Rhode Island.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
There are no BSN-to-DNP programs in Rhode Island.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest MSN to DNP program in Rhode Island is at Salve Regina University and can be completed in 20 months.
Best DNP Programs in Rhode Island
All of the DNP programs in Rhode Island are designed for nurses who already have an MSN, but one program that stands out is the one offered by Rhode Island College. This MSN to DNP program uses a hybrid structure rather than one that is primarily online, and also admits BSN-prepared students with a master’s degree in a related field.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Rhode Island
The most affordable program in Rhode Island is the one offered by Rhode Island College, which is $528 per credit plus fees for residents.
FAQs
Are there online or hybrid DNP programs available in Rhode Island?
Yes, all DNP programs in Rhode Island use either a hybrid or online format, although the in-person requirements vary from one program to another.
How long does it take to complete a DNP program in Rhode Island?
On average, those starting a DNP program with a BSN degree typically complete it in about three or four years, while most MSN-to-DNP programs take between two and three years.
What’s the average cost of a DNP program in Rhode Island?
The total cost depends on whether the program is for BSN- or MSN-prepared students and whether the school is private or public, but, in general, a DNP program in Rhode Island will cost between $19,000 and $39,000. This amount includes tuition only, and additional costs and fees may apply.