A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is the highest level of education one can achieve in the field of nursing. Nurses who wish to pursue this terminal degree have many options in Virginia. There are multiple concentrations, including administration, healthcare systems leadership, nursing leadership and organizational science, and advanced practice programs, as well as options for both bachelor’s and master’ s-prepared nurses.
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DNP Programs in Virginia
Virginia offers a variety of DNP programs with various starting points. All of these programs offer some online component, but each program is slightly different in its specialization and coursework.
All DNP programs require 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours, per the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Hours accrued during master’s programs count toward this total. The clinical hours listed in the summaries below include the number of credits each DNP program has built into the curriculum to help satisfy the 1,000-hour requirement.
Virginia BSN to DNP Programs
Most of these programs are primarily, if not complete, online, but George Mason University offers a hybrid option that requires students to be on campus for some courses throughout the program.
George Mason University
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $589 per credit + fees for residents; $1,520 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
In addition to several BSN to nursing practitioner doctorate programs, George Mason University offers a BSN to DNP Nursing Administration track. This hybrid program is 72 credits long and has 1,000 total practicum hours.
GMU also offers an MSN to DNP Nursing Administration option for nurses who have completed their master’s-level education. This program has a total of 72 credits, with 30 transfer credit hours accepted from master’s level work. It also includes two practice inquiry project courses where students will develop and produce a scholarly project.
Classes for both of these programs are hybrid, with in-person components being held on the Fairfax campus.
Online DNP Programs in Virginia
Online programs are convenient and flexible and can often be a good choice for nurses who hope to continue working while pursuing this degree. The two schools below, James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University, offer online BSN to DNP programs and MSN to DNP options.
Virginia Online BSN to DNP Programs
James Madison University
- Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $25,400 – $29,210 + fees for residents; $41,480 – $47,702 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
In addition to the nurse practitioner programs, James Madison University offers a BSN to DNP Healthcare Systems Leadership option for BSN-prepared nurses. The Healthcare Systems Leadership track is offered part-time or full-time. It requires 69 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Full-time students can complete the program in three years. (Note that students who complete this program do not receive an MSN.)
JMU also offers a post-master’s DNP track. The MSN to DNP program is 40 to 46 credits, including course-related practicum hours. Full-time students can complete the program in five or six semesters.
Both programs are offered entirely online, though students in the BSN to DNP track will also complete in-person clinical hours in various healthcare organizations.
Virginia Commonwealth University
- Richmond, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $700 per credit + fees for residents; $1,572 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to DNP Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science program at Virginia Commonwealth University is 63 credits. Its courses focus on quality and safety in advanced practice nursing and prepare graduates to function as nursing executives and administrators. Students must complete a DNP project focusing on a patient safety or quality issue specific to the nurse’s area of focus.
This DNP program includes the required 1,000 post-bachelor’s clinical hours, divided into 600 direct care hours and 400 residency hours. During residency hours, students will focus on developing the leadership skills needed to improve patient outcomes.
Virginia Commonwealth University also offers an MSN to DNP program with 39 credits, including 12 residency credits, during which the student earns the remaining clinical hours needed for a DNP. These courses and the required DNP project focus on developing leadership skills to improve patient care outcomes rather than on direct patient care skills. For example, students may work with quality improvement teams or advocate for policy changes.
Virginia Online MSN to DNP Programs
The ten online MSN to DNP programs below have varying requirements. Some Virginia universities require students to come to campus a few times throughout the program, while others allow nurses to complete all coursework and practicum requirements through distance learning.
Eastern Mennonite University
- Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $861 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Eastern Mennonite University offers a unique MS to DNP option open to graduates with an MSN or a business or health-related master’s, like an MPH or MBA, as long as they also have a bachelor’s in nursing. People with a bachelor’s in another area and a master’s in nursing are also eligible to apply. When enrolling in the program, students with less than 400 clinical hours will take an additional clinical course to ensure they have enough to meet the 1,000 hours post-baccalaureate requirement.
This program takes three years to complete, but there is also an accelerated option that students can complete in two years. All classes are offered online, and the asynchronous courses allow students to complete coursework at a time that suits their schedule. There are also limited video conference sessions where students interact with faculty and classmates.
Mary Baldwin University
- Staunton, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 31
Clinical Hours: 400
Tuition: $650 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The 31-credit online MSN to DNP program at Mary Baldwin University is delivered entirely online on a part-time basis. Students complete 1400 hours, including 1000 clinical and 400 DNP project hours. Clinical hours earned in their MSN programs can apply toward the 1,000 clinical hours requirement.
This program is designed for nurses with an MSN in specific specialties, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, nursing informatics, clinical nurse specialists, nursing leadership, or public health nursing.
Marymount University
- Arlington, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,275 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Marymount University’s MSN to DNP track is designed for working nurses. This online program features virtual lectures, small cohorts, and no on-campus requirements. Students can transfer 500 clinical hours from their master’s program to meet the 1,000-hour requirement. While there are no clinical rotations in the DNP program, students will earn additional practicum hours completing a DNP project within the healthcare system. Nurses with master’s degrees in other areas of nursing who are not advanced practice nurses are also encouraged to apply.
This program is 30 to 39 credits, depending on previous education and experience, and can be completed in 28 months or seven semesters.
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, Virginia
- Online with in-person immersions
Modality: Online with in-person immersions
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $620 per credit + fees for residents; $1,109 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Old Dominion University offers two DNP options: the 31-credit MSN to DNP Advanced Practice track. Full-time students can complete either DNP program in four semesters or 1.5 years, and part-time students in seven semesters or 2.5 years.
The 31 to 41-credit MSN to DNP Executive track focuses on preparing nurses for roles as top-level executives and administrators. Students participate in executive-focused practicums throughout the program.
The DNP program at Old Dominion requires a minimum of 560 clinical hours to count toward the 1,000-hour requirement. Students who do not have enough clinical hours from their master’s work may need to complete additional clinical courses.
All DNP classes are offered online, and students are required to attend immersion days at the beginning of each semester and at the end of the final spring semester. Some immersions are virtual, but students may be required to come to the Virginia Beach campus for others.
Radford University
- Radford, Virginia
- Online or hybrid
Modality: Online or hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $535 per credit + fees for residents; $1,058 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Radford University offers two post-master’s DNP options. The MSN to DNP Nurse Leadership track is 31 credits and is designed for nurses with either an MS or an MSN in management, systems, or administration. The MSN to DNP Clinical Practice Leadership concentration prepares nurses to work as nurse executives, clinical leaders, policy advocates, or healthcare consultants.
Both of these programs are 33 credits and culminate in a residency that supports the student’s specific learning needs and career goals. Courses are offered online, but there is also a hybrid option for students who prefer a face-to-face experience on campus. These programs offer the required number of clinical hours to reach the 1,000-hour threshold.
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $580 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP Nursing Administration & Leadership program at Regent University is offered entirely online. The degree emphasizes administration and organizational leadership and structure.
Students in this program must also complete a DNP project, performing an empirical study or other suitable faculty-approved professional project. Regent is a Christian university, and the DNP program aligns with the missions of Christian leadership, cultural change, and global involvement and outreach. Graduates will gain a balanced and deep understanding of the Christian faith and nursing science.
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, Virginia
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 35
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Shenandoah University’s MSN to DNP program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses with a master’s degree who are nationally certified. This 35-credit track is offered entirely online, uses a cohort model, and includes 500 clinical hours. It can be completed in six semesters or two full calendar years.
Classes are asynchronous, so students can complete their coursework when it best fits their schedule. Clinical days occur at the convenience of the clinical facility. Note that Shenandoah University alums are eligible for discounted tuition.
University of Virginia – Main Campus
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 39
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $888 per credit + fees for residents; $1,450 per credit + fees for non-residents;
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at the University of Virginia requires a minimum of 39 credits, and full- and part-time options are available. This program culminates in a DNP scholarly project that contributes to existing nursing knowledge at a level suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Virginia
The lengths of these programs can vary, depending on previous education, clinical hours, and experience. If you’re looking for the shortest programs, consider those below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
There aren’t that many BSN to DNP programs offered in Virginia, and those that are are all about the same length. The programs at James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University take two to three years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
Old Dominion University has the shortest program, with some students being able to finish the program in 1.5 years.
Most other programs, including those at James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, and Shenandoah University, take about two years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in Virginia
The best DNP program will depend on previous education and career goals. The three BSN options have some overlap, but they are each a little different. The George Mason University program focuses on nursing administration, the James Madison University program on healthcare systems leadership, and the Virginia Commonwealth University program on nursing leadership and organizational science.
As for MSN programs, Eastern Mennonite University offers options for nurses with a BSN or a bachelor’s in another field and an MSN. Old Dominion University also offers more specialized tracks, one that focuses on advanced practice and one that focuses on leadership. Radford University also has two different options (nurse leadership and clinical practice leadership), as does Regent University (nursing administration & leadership).
Cheapest DNP Programs in Virginia
Virginia’s most affordable DNP program is offered at Radford University, where residents pay $535 per credit. Regent University and George Mason University are the next two affordable options, at $580 and $589, respectively.
Old Dominion University, Mary Baldwin University, and Virginia Commonwealth University are also reasonably priced, with tuition ranging between $600 and $700 per credit. Note that these are the prices per credit, and each program will have its own fees that affect the final cost.