While most states are experiencing nursing shortages, Washington, DC, has a different problem. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration shows that, through 2037, the district is expected to have too many registered nurses. For example, in 2030, DC is expected to have 10,070 RNs but is projected to need only 5,970.
Nurses who wish to work in Washington, DC, may have to make themselves more marketable. One way to do this is to pursue an advanced degree. A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that focuses on the clinical side of nursing. Completing this degree can open many doors for nurses, depending on their area of expertise, including bedside care, management, education, and policy. Below, we cover the DNP programs available in the District of Columbia.
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DNP Programs in Washington DC
Washington, DC, offers several DNP programs, all of which are primarily online with minimal on-campus requirements.. Below, we cover the various programs available in DC to help you find a program that fits your needs and busy schedule.
According to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, every DNP program must require 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours, which includes hours accumulated while pursuing a master’s degree. The clinical hours listed for the programs below include the number of credits each program has built into the curriculum to meet this requirement.
Online DNP Programs in Washington DC
All DNP programs in Washington, DC, have some online component, making them convenient and flexible options for working professionals.
Washington DC Online MSN to DNP Programs
The following MSN to DNP programs are available in Washington, DC. All six of these programs offer courses that are primarily online, making them flexible options for nurses who plan to continue to work while pursuing their degree.
Catholic University of America
- Washington, DC
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with an on-campus residency
Credit Hours: 38 to 40
Clinical Hours: 520
Tuition: $1,440 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The Catholic University of America’s MSN to DNP can be completed in 24 months. Classes are all held online, but all students are required to attend an on-campus residency after completing their DNP project and having it approved by the committee. During this time, they will give an oral presentation of their project and then defend their project to the DNP committee.
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,530 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
There are three MSN to DNP tracks to choose from at George Washington University, all of which are available either full or part-time. The 43-credit MSN to DNP Executive Leadership track is designed for nurses in senior management positions or with substantial leadership experience. There is also a 36-credit MSN to DNP Nursing Practice option for nurses who wish to work improving patient care and a 39-credit MSN to DNP Health Policy track for nurses who wish to learn more about the forces and processes that shape health policy. All of these programs require 500 post-BSN clinical hours for admission. Classes are held online, but students must come to campus during the last semester to present their projects to faculty and peers.
Georgetown University
- Washington, DC
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $2,550 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The online MSN to DNP Executive in Health Systems Leadership and Policy at Georgetown is designed for nurses already in an advanced specialty role, including advanced nursing practice, informatics, leadership, or education. Distance classes are live once a week to allow students to interact and engage in real-time discussions. This part-time, 30-credit program consists of five 15-week terms and on-campus executive sessions and can be completed in about 18 months.
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person requirements
Credit Hours: 38 to 41
Clinical Hours: Not specified
Tuition: $32,058 per year + fees
Program Overview:
Howard University offers a general MSN to DNP for nurses who are already practicing as APRNs. It features asynchronous and synchronous online courses with in-person requirements. The part-time option takes three years to complete, while full-time students can complete it in about two years.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Washington DC
The lengths of these programs can vary. If you’re interested in completing an MSN to DNP in as short a time as possible, consider one of the programs below.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP Executive in Health Systems Leadership and Policy at Georgetown University can be completed in under two years. Most other full-time programs in the district take about two years to complete.
Best DNP Programs in Washington DC
Which is the best DNP program generally depends on what you’re looking for. Because all of the programs are primarily online, they are all pretty flexible, so to find the best program for you, you must consider other factors. While there are a few more general MSN to DNP options, some more specialized options stand out. For example, the MSN to DNP Health Policy program at George Washington University is an interesting option that is not found in many other universities, as is the MSN to DNP Executive in Health Systems Leadership and Policy track at Georgetown University.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Washington DC
Every school has different fees and some charge different amounts for full- or part-time enrollment, so it’s not always easy to determine which is the most affordable overall. Looking at the cost per credit, the Catholic University of America is the most affordable at $1,440 per credit + fees.