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BSN to DNP Program: Everything You Need to Know

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CATEGORIES Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees & Schools / BSN to DNP

Are you looking into a Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) bridge program? This is a good way to quickly advance your career. You’ll need to meet certain requirements to enter a BSN to DNP program, but you can choose a specialty before you begin working through the curriculum.

In this post, we will explore the following: 

What is a BSN to DNP program?

A BSN to DNP program is a type of bridge program that allows you to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This is a terminal nursing degree, meaning it’s one of the highest degrees you can get as a nurse. 

If you already have a BSN degree and you’re interested in gaining the knowledge and experience needed for a more specialized position, a BSN to DNP degree may be a good fit for you.

BSN to DNP program types

Nurses have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to a BSN to DNP program. Most programs require you to pick a specialty when you apply. Some of the typical specialties include:

Within most of those specialties, you’ll find subspecialties. For example, there are pediatric nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse practitioners. 

Some nurses prefer to take the organizational route in advanced nursing. They may work in:

  • Administration
  • Healthcare policy
  • Informatics
  • Information systems

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BSN to DNP program requirements

Nurses who want to enter a DNP program will have to meet specific requirements. The requirements listed here are not exhaustive. They often vary from school to school. However, these are the most relevant requirements:

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BSN to DNP curriculum

Once students receive admission into the bridge program, they first must complete the requirements of Once you receive admission into the bridge program, you’ll need to complete the requirements of an MSN degree. Students who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will take three courses:

  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Health Assessment 
  • Advanced Pathophysiology

The MSN emphasis of these programs includes: 

  • Health Promotion 
  • Biostatistics 
  • General Research Methods
  • Principles of Epidemiology 
  • Ethics in Nursing and Health Care
  • Principles of Practice Management 

After completing those requirements, students have a chance to take additional courses related to their After completing those requirements, students have a chance to take additional courses related to the focus of their BSN to DNP program. The specific coursework reflects the professional nursing organizations and certifying bodies:

Nursing students must also complete clinical hours for their program. Clinical requirements are usually about 500 hours of clinical rotations. 

After completing the MSN requirements, students with an APRN focus must pass the national certification examination in their specialty through a certifying body recognized by the state Board of Nursing.  

The DNP segment of the BSN to DNP program includes courses such as:

  • Interprofessional Collaboration
  • Clinical Informatics
  • Health Policy and Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Health Care Delivery Systems 
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Leadership in Healthcare
  • Project Management 
  • Clinical and DNP Project

DNP programs require about 1,000 hours of practice experience (500 can be transferred from the MSN program). 

At the end of the DNP program, the student will have to present a final project. They will work with a mentor for the final project. Full-time students can complete the BSN to DNP program in three to four years.

[ Looking for more support? Get free, personalized career guidance from experienced RNs. ]

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Top BSN to DNP programs

According to US News, these are the top five DNP universities.

Rush University

Rush University is a private school in Chicago, IL, that has an application deadline of Jan. 2nd and an application fee of $115 for US residents.

John Hopkins University

John Hopkins is a private school in Baltimore, MD, with an application deadline of Jan. 1st and an application fee of $75 for US residents.

The University of Washington

The University of Washington is a public school in Seattle, WA that has an application deadline of Jan. 15th and an application fee of $85 for US residents.

Duke University

Duke University is a private school in Durham, NC, with an application deadline of Dec. 1st and an application fee of $50 for US residents.

Columbia University

Columbia University is a private school in New York, NY, with an application deadline of Jan. 20th and an application fee of $75 for US residents.

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Paying for BSN to DNP

After deciding what school you want to attend, you need to figure out how to finance your education. A doctoral program can be expensive — especially considering that your bridge program will take three to four years to finish. 

The first thing you need to do is assess your finances. Will you need financial assistance? To determine if you’re eligible for financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools will use this test to determine your eligibility for need-based grants, scholarships, and student loans. Many programs offer student loan forgiveness following graduation.

Complete your BSN to DNP

Once you’ve finished your BSN to DNP program, you’re ready to find a nursing job. Register with Incredible Health to gain access to a wide range of employers looking for skilled nurses. Join for free today.

FAQs

How long does a BSN to DNP program take?

Full-time students can complete a BSN to DNP program in three to four years.

What are the best BSN to DNP programs?

According to US News, the best BSN to DNP programs are found at Rush University; John Hopkins University; The University of Washington; Duke University; and Columbia University.

What are the pros and cons of a BSN to DNP program?

A BSN to DNP program can be expensive. It’s also a lot of hard work. But if you’re committed to finishing the curriculum and clinicals, you’ll be eligible for lucrative, specialized jobs in the nursing field.

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