Considering earning your DNP to further your nursing career? You’re in good company. Each year, thousands of nurses enter DNP programs to take their nursing careers to the next level. As a nurse, you already know the importance of staying on top of the latest trends in patient care. Earning your DNP will allow you to learn the latest in nursing research, education, and techniques, making you a leader in your field.
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When choosing a DNP program, there are many factors to consider. You may be interested in a program that can work easily with your busy work schedule. If you’re paying for your degree without help from your employer, cost may be an important part of the puzzle when deciding which program makes the most sense for you. Let’s take a look at five of the most popular DNP programs in Tennessee.
1. East Tennessee State University
ETSU provides a unique study opportunity for nurses who wish to focus their education on the needs of rural populations. Students who graduate from ETSU’s DNP program are advocates for change and equality within healthcare systems.
- Campus: Johnson City, Tennessee
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $801 per credit for out of state students for online classes, $601 per credit for in-state students for traditional classes, $1,442 per credit for out of state students for traditional classes
- Minimum time commitment: 3-6 years, program is offered on a full or part-time basis
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must hold a BSN or MSN and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must also have at least two years of experience practicing as a registered nurse.
- Programs: Several concentrations are offered at ETSU, including executive leadership, adult/ gerontological nurse practitioner, psychiatric/ mental health nurse practitioner, and family nurse practitioner
- School Site: ETSU – Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. University of Tennessee – Health Science Center
The University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center is located in the bustling metropolis of Memphis, Tennessee, and provides students with all that they need to get a world-class nursing education.
- Campus: Memphis, Tennessee
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $10,894 per year for in-state students, $16,542 per year for out of state students
- Minimum time commitment: 3-6 years, program is offered on a full or part-time basis
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must hold a BSN or MSN and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must hold a registered nurse license. Applicants must be certified in CPR.
- Programs: Several specialties are offered, including public health nursing, forensic nursing, psychiatric/ family nurse practitioner, primary care, acute critical care, and gerontology
- School Site: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center – School of Nursing
3. Union University
Union University is a private institution that offers several options for nurses who are interested in earning their DNP. Union University is a Christian institution that provides students with a state of the art education through a Christ-centered worldview. Many students at Union take advantage of the opportunity to specialize in nurse anesthesia while earning their DNP.
- Campus: Jackson, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $17,475 per year
- Minimum time commitment: 3 years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must be licensed RNs with a GPA of at least 3.0. An interview with the Nursing Graduate Admissions Selection Committee is required, as is a statement of past work experience that supports the applicant’s future goals.
- Programs: Several DNP tracks are offered, including DNP with MBA, nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, and executive leadership.
- School Site: Union University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
4. Vanderbilt University
The DNP program at Vanderbilt works to develop industry leaders in nursing education and healthcare. Students who get their DNP at Vanderbilt are well-prepared to further their careers in nursing, healthcare administration, or other specialty areas. Vanderbilt is one of the few schools that offers admission to its DNP program for students who do not have a degree in nursing.
- Campus: Nashville, Tennessee
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,642 per credit hour
- Minimum time commitment: 2.5 – 3 years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: MSN in healthcare leadership and/ or nursing informatics, or MSN and APRN certification as a CRNA, CNS, CNM, or NP, or BSN and a master’s in a health-related field (MPH, MHA, MBA, etc). Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Programs: Several specialties are available, including family nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner – intensivist, acute care nurse practitioner, emergency nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, palliative care, pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, pediatric acute care nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, palliative care, nurse midwifery, nurse-midwifery/ family nurse practitioner (dual program), family psychiatric/ mental health nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner, health systems management, and nursing informatics.
- School Site: Vanderbilt University Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
5. University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
DNP students at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga emerge from their graduate program as leaders, ready to create positive change within their organizations. This program is available completely online, except for coming to campus for certain assessments and a final presentation. U of T’s DNP program is ideal for busy nurses who want to increase their education while maintaining their busy schedules at work.
- Campus: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $562 per credit for in-state students, $609 per credit for out of state students
- Minimum time commitment: 3 years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their BSN or MSN degree and have achieved a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Programs: Option to specialize in nursing administration systems
- School Site: University of Tennesee Chattanooga – Doctor of Nursing Practice