As a nurse, you know how important it is to stay on top of the latest trends in healthcare. You only want the best for your patients, and you know that it’s up to you to ensure that you’re schooled on the latest research and techniques. If you’re ready to take your education to the next level, and you love providing direct care to your patients, it’s time to consider earning your doctorate of nursing practice.
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A doctorate of nursing practice, or DNP, is an advanced degree that focuses on providing patient care. This degree is not the same as a Ph.D. in nursing. Both options are valuable, but a DNP provides education on how to best care for patients, while a Ph.D. in nursing is research-based and prepares nurses to work in nursing education and research.
Many schools that provide education to nurses understand that your schedule can be hectic. Online and hybrid program options give you the flexibility you need to earn your degree while continuing to work full-time. DNP degrees are highly valued in healthcare settings – be sure to ask your employer if they’re willing to cover part or all of your tuition.
SEE ALSO: Minnesota DNP Salary
In Minnesota, there are several programs to earn your DNP. Let’s take a look at five of the most popular Minnesota DNP programs.
1. Augsburg College
For students who want to combine a traditional, in-classroom experience with online learning, Augsburg College’s DNP program is a great fit. The hybrid model allows students to experience face time with instructors while also completing class assignments on their own time, as it fits into their busy schedules. Both students who have their BSN and students who have already completed their MSN are eligible for admittance to this program.
- Campus: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $1,000 per credit, the total number of credits required will depend on student’s prior education and specialty.
- Minimum time commitment: Four years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, at least three years of experience as an RN (five years preferred), and successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course.
- Programs: Students may specialize in family nursing or transcultural nursing leadership.
- School Site: Augsburg University- Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Capella University
Capella University is a leader in online education. Their guided path program provides DNP students with a manageable workload to help them stay on top of their nursing responsibilities while also furthering their education. Only students who have already completed their MSN are eligible for admittance to this program.
- Campus: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximate costs per semester range from $4,300 to $5,000.
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0 and an RN license.
- Programs: Students may specialize in advanced nursing practice.
- School Site: Capella University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
3. The College of St. Scholastica
This fully online program offers a fast track for nurses who are ready to take their careers to the next level by earning their DPN. Both students who have their BSN and students who have already completed their MSN are eligible for admittance to this program.
- Campus: Duluth, Minnesota
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $900 per credit, the total number of credits required will depend on student’s prior education and specialty.
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, and it’s preferred that applicants have one to three years of paid work as an APRN.
- Programs: Students may specialize in psychiatric/ mental health nursing, adult gerontology nursing, or family nursing.
- School Site: The College of St. Scholastica – Doctor of Nursing Practice
4. Metropolitan State University
At Metropolitan State University, you’ll learn how to take research-proven scientific concepts and translate them into hands-on techniques that positively affect patient outcomes. Both students who have their BSN and students who have already completed their MSN are eligible for admittance to this program.
- Campus: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $400 per credit for in-state students, $800 per credit for out-of-state students. The total number of credits required will depend on prior education.
- Minimum time commitment: Three and a half years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN, an RN license, at least one year of full-time work as a registered nurse, two professional references, an admissions essay, and a grade of B or better in a high-level undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course.
- Programs: Students may specialize in family nursing.
- School Site: Metropolitan State University – Nursing Practice DNP
5. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s DNP program offers many specialties to students. If you know you’d like to specialize in a specific area of nursing, this program may be a great fit for you. Both students who have their BSN and students who have already completed their MSN are eligible for admittance to this program.
- Campus: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $11,500 per semester
- Minimum time commitment: Three years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, three professional references, and an in-person interview.
- Programs: Students may specialize in nurse anesthesia, psychiatric/ mental health nursing, women’s health, adult/ gerontological nursing, pediatric nursing, nursing informatics, nurse midwifery, integrative health and healing, family nursing, health innovation and leadership, or public health nursing.
- School Site: University of Minnesota – Doctor of Nursing Practice Program