Home > Online Programs > Nursing > Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
20 Months
Graduate in less than 2 years
Dedicated Faculty
Work one-on-one with faculty, with similar research interests, throughout your journey and DNP project.
Flexible Schedule
Enjoy a week off in between classes with our 7-1-7 model (7-week courses, 1-week break)
Prepare for the future as a leader and educator
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides opportunities for advanced leadership positions while satisfying your intrinsic motivations to continue to impact individual, population and systems outcomes through innovative and evidence-based practice initiatives.
With an online DNP degree, you will prepare to lead the way in navigating complex healthcare environments, educate fellow nurses and advance interprofessional collaboration and the nursing practice. Spring Arbor University’s online DNP program offers a curriculum founded on the Christian worldview.
As a student in the online DNP program, you will:
- Prepare as a nurse leader to improve nursing practice, patient outcomes and the quality of healthcare delivery.
- Continue working full-time as you earn your degree on your schedule.
- Complete your clinical hours with 500 hours built into the program curriculum.
- Receive dedicated support from a Student Success Coach.
- Graduate prepared for leadership roles and look forward to improved career prospects.
Spring Arbor University’s online DNP program is CCNE-accredited and recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
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- CCNE-accredited online DNP
- Less than 2 years to complete
- 2 start dates per year
- A virtual residency prior to the start of the program
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program includes:
- Practicum work and coursework
- 1,000 practicum hours required; 500 practicum hours embedded
- APRNs may apply up to 500 hours of previously completed practicum work to the DNP’s graduation requirements.
- Non-APRN students will earn the remainder of these hours while completing three practicum courses (one credit hour each)
- Open to APRNs and Non-APRNs
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- CCNE-accredited online DNP
- Less than 2 years to complete
- 2 start dates per year
- A virtual residency prior to the start of the program
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program includes:
- Practicum work and coursework
- 1,000 practicum hours required; 500 practicum hours embedded
- APRNs may apply up to 500 hours of previously completed practicum work to the DNP’s graduation requirements.
- Non-APRN students will earn the remainder of these hours while completing three practicum courses (one credit hour each)
- Open to APRNs and Non-APRNs
Online DNP Program Curriculum
For a complete listing of courses, contact us for a program guide.
- Application of Christian worldview to faith and science
- Development of the highest advanced nursing care for quality outcomes across the lifespan
- Application of epidemiology related to health conditions in marginalized communities
- Analyze global problems to gain new insight for improved health outcomes
- Develop quality initiatives through strategic planning
- Apply leadership theory and principles to improve quality of care delivery
- Critically analyze the relationship between healthcare legislation, financial regulation, and strategic planning
- Integrate the Christian worldview to develop healthcare policy and evaluation practices for positive health outcomes
The online doctor of nursing practice degree program has 500 hours embedded into the curriculum, so most students who are APRNs will be able to complete their 1,000-hour requirement without additional hours at the bedside. Students who do not enter the program with at least 500 clinical hours from their MSN will complete a practicum course where they will earn hours in a variety of settings of their choice, including with their current employer.
The MSN programs are designed for registered nurses looking to expand their skillset in specific areas. The DNP program is built for students who already have their MSN and are looking to move into advanced leadership positions.
While an MBA is a significant addition to an MSN degree, there are some specializations, including most faculty teaching positions as well as medical facilities that prefer and/or require candidates with a DNP. It can depend on the field and/or job you are interested in obtaining.
DNP Career Outlook
As a DNP graduate, there are a variety of job opportunities in leadership, administrative and teaching/instructor positions, and advanced specialization practices. Some specialty fields are now requiring a DNP for entry into practice, as supported by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
The salary for DNP’s vary depending on the specialization of practice or type of leadership position and location. APRNs with DNPs can earn the highest salaries in state, local, and private hospitals. According to nursejournal.org, competitive salaries are offered in other settings as well, including health practitioner offices and private education services, and other facilities offering competitive salaries. Some academic medical facilities prefer to hire DNPs for higher-ranking and supervisory roles.
DNPs may work in:
- Physician offices
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Academic Medical Centers
- Outpatient Centers
- Home Health Care Services
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
- Education Services in colleges and universities
The annual median salary for any APRN nationwide is $120,680, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
DNPs also tend to earn higher salaries than those with a BSN or MSN degree (nursejournal.org).
Grow as a Christ-Centered Nurse
At Spring Arbor University, it is a privilege to provide a Christ-centered nursing education to our students and to participate in their journey. You will grow spiritually, personally and professionally throughout this program and will gain a better understanding of what it means to live out your faith as a nurse.
While the Christian faith is the foundation of our program, we welcome all students regardless of personal faith. All students will benefit from introspection and critical thinking as they consider how to meaningfully care for patients of different faith backgrounds.
Watch this video for more information on our faith-based philosophy.
