Prepare for the Highest Level of Nursing as a DNP

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Doctor of Nursing Practice

Take the next step and earn your DNP degree. Along with being one of the first to offer Empowered Learning®, or competency-based education (CBE), at the doctoral level, Rasmussen University's DNP offers a choice of two specializations: Executive Leadership and Public Health and Policy. Both provide a platform for developing the leadership skills necessary to make tough decisions in a very complex healthcare arena.

Innovative and affordable, our online Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy. You’ll be guided and supported by distinguished nurse faculty who are invested in your success and your future as a leader.

Currently, this program is not eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.


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Two DNP Specializations That Lead the Way

Transformational healthcare leaders are needed more than ever before. Either specialization has great potential for shaping the future in positive ways. In our DNP program you choose your focus:

  1. Executive Leadership—Promote forward thinking within complex healthcare systems to provide safe, reliable, quality care to diverse patients and populations.
  2. Public Health and Policy—The world needs public health and policy experts who can improve patient and population health outcomes now and into the future through robust public health policy.

Built for Working Nurses

Our program is designed for busy nurses, so you can continue to work while you earn your degree. We offer online courses, complemented by local practice experiences that are convenient and applicable to your community and interests. Participate in live sessions or view the recorded sessions when it's convenient for you. Online Empowered Learning® courses allow you to:

  • Access online courses anytime, from almost anywhere
  • Go faster when you can, and slower when you need to
  • Create real-world projects that demonstrate your new knowledge
  • Stay connected with faculty and peers

Time and Cost

We are committed to providing affordable tuition. Whether you attend full-time or part-time, our credits cost the same and our program credits flex up to help you meet clinical hour requirements.

Full-time students can finish in as few as 21 months for as low as $36,940. Students needing to complete the greatest number of clinical hours can finish for an estimated $49,345.

An Expertly Designed Curriculum

Our DNP curriculum design team brings over 100 years of nursing teaching experience and even more relevant work experience in settings such as national nursing agencies and clinical facilities—from acute care to academic hospitals. Our curriculum brings relevant practice issues to life resulting in a dynamic advanced practice DNP program for those seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice.

Support at Every Turn

Your DNP support team helps you move through each step of the program, and includes a dedicated Graduate Services advisor, graduate program faculty and leadership, practice and community mentors and a project advisor. Our DNP Program Director has extensive experience and expertise in academics and the dissemination of DNP projects. You'll also have access to 24/7 robust research and writing resources and tech support.

Stand Out in the Crowd

Professional identity development is built into the curriculum with a focus on developing attributes of a resilient, practice-focused scholar and thought leader in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.

Aligned to Nursing Standards

Our DNP degree curriculum is aligned with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Competencies for Graduates of Nursing Programs, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) Competencies, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.

Ready to pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?