Doctor of Nursing Practice

Doctor of Nursing Practice students use a tablet computer to log information at O'Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center.

Unlock the highest level of nursing practice

Ready to shape the future of health care? Drive change as an expert and leader in your field.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares you work in better roles and raise your salary potential.

Choose your program

There are two paths to get your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Both options are CCNE-accredited.

Start earning your DNP degree where you are at.

I have a BSNI have an MSN

BSN to DNP program options

Fast-track your education and take a hybrid of seated and online doctoral-level classes.

Earn both your master's and doctorate at the same time. Several specialized options are available.

A student holds a woman's hand during the Physician Assistant White Coat Ceremony.
Option
Provide service for young adults and geriatric patients.
A DNP student uses an ophthalmoscope to look into her classmate's eye during a practice eye exam.
Option
Care for individuals of all ages.
A DNP student uses a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat of a mannequin patient, while an instructor in a white coat supervises.
Option
Educate health care professionals and improve policies.
A graduate nursing student listens to his patient while holding onto a pencil and a pad of paper.
Option
Focus on evaluating and diagnosing mental health conditions.

Post-master's DNP program option

Already have your master's in nursing? This is the path for you.

Expand your career opportunities with a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Available 100% online.

Professor helping a DNP student.
Option
For nurses who already have a master’s degree and want new career roles. Level up your degree and make a difference in health care with your leadership skills.
Missouri State DNP

Why earn a doctorate in nursing practice?

Have flexibility in your schedule — Learn with convenience! Online and hybrid classes mean your on-campus visits are minimal.

Be a leader in nursing — Put research into practice. Teach tomorrow’s nurses. Bridge the health care gap for underserved populations. Whatever you want to do, a DNP degree gives you greater control in your career path.

Have great support — A faculty member helps you develop your quality improvement project. Your advisor also serves as your go-to contact while you’re in the program.

Invest in one of the best — You can’t beat low tuition at a great school. Grad School Hub ranked us as the third-best DNP program in the country.

A DNP student smiling outside a care clinic.
A DNP student in uniform folds his hands on a table.
Careers and outcomes
From administration to teaching and service, you can do a lot with a DNP degree.

Ethics

Mission Statement and School Goals: Here, you'll live by a code of ethics and adopt a culture of caring.

Accreditation

The BSN, MSN, DNP and post-master's certificate programs at Missouri State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation).

Graduate Nurse Practitioner Programs are not regulated in Texas by Section 132.001(1)(B).

Approval

Missouri State Board of Nursing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (four-year BSN).