If you’re a nurse who loves providing your patients with research-based, top of the line medical care, you may be interested in earning your doctorate of nursing practice. This advanced degree is an excellent way for nurses to take their careers to the next level. A doctorate of nursing practice degree is different from a Ph.D. in nursing. A DNP degree is focused on practical, hands-on care, and is ideal for nurses who want to either continue providing excellent hands-on patient care or want to inform healthcare administrators and policymakers on how to best provide care for patients.
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When nurses earn their DNP, the become leaders in their healthcare systems. Many nurses with their DNP spend some of their time performing advanced medical procedures and seeing patients, and other parts of their day or week are spent working with healthcare administrators and/ or educating nurses. No matter what career path you choose after you earn your DNP, you’ll be set apart as a leader, and your employer will recognize your commitment to providing outstanding care to your patients.
SEE ALSO: Virginia DNP Salary
If you’re living in Virginia, you’re in luck – there are several excellent, affordable, and flexible programs for nurses who are ready to earn their DNP. Let’s take a look at five of the most popular options for nurses to give their career and education a boost in Virginia.
1. George Mason University
At George Mason University, nurses enrolled in the DNP program not only learn how to provide excellent care for their patients – they also learn how to become industry leaders and create positive change in healthcare. This program offers several specialties for nurses, and many classes are available online, making this program doable for nurses with a busy schedule.
- Campus: Fairfax, Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: American Association of College of Nursing
- Tuition: Approximately $730 per credit for in-state students, approximately $1,615 per credit for out-of-state students
- Minimum time commitment: Varies depending on prior education and specialty, BSN to DNP students must complete their degree within eight years, MSN to DNP students must complete their degree within six years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, satisfactory performance in a statistics course, and a written goal statement.
- Programs: Students may choose from several specialties, including family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or nursing administration.
- School Site: George Mason University School of Nursing – DNP
2. James Madison University
The DNP program at James Madison University offers two tracks for nurses: one for advanced practice and one for leadership. No matter what your eventual career goals, JMU’s DNP program can help you get there, one course at a time.
- Campus: Harrisonburg, Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximate cost for in-state students is $500 per credit, approximate cost for out-of-state students is $1,230 per credit. The total number of credits will vary depending on prior education and area of concentration.
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have an MSN degree with a GPA of at least 3.2 or higher, an RN license, an advanced specialty certification, and three letters of recommendation.
- Programs: Students may specialize in advanced practice nursing or leadership in health care systems.
- School Site: James Madison University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
3. Marymount University
Marymount University provides top of the line DNP education to nurses who are ready to provide research-based, evidence-proven care to their patients. Nurses who graduate from Marymount are leaders at work, ready to make positive change within their organizations in a way that benefits both healthcare providers and patients.
- Campus: Arlington, Virginia
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,010 per credit, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: Three years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants with their BSN must have a GPA of at least 3.3, applicants with their MSN must have a GPA of at least 3.5. Students who enter the program with their BSN must complete master’s level courses and maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 before they will be permitted to enroll in doctorate level courses. Applicants must hold an RN license, an APN certification, and submit two letters of recommendation.
- Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- School Site: Marymount University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
4. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers three different tracks for nurses who are earning their DNP. Whether you’re interested in continuing to provide patients with hands-on care, or if you’d rather move into healthcare administration and leadership, there will be an answer for you at ODU.
- Campus: Norfolk, Virginia
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $550 per credit for in-state students, $1,400 per credit for out-of-state students
- Minimum time commitment: One and a half years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their BSN or MSN, must submit an essay and must submit at least three letters of recommendation.
- Programs: Students may choose from three different tracks: nurse anesthesia, advanced practice, or nurse executive.
- School Site: Old Dominion University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
5. Liberty University
Liberty University is a faith-based school that prides itself on helping nurses develop their practice and leadership skills while earning their DNP. The online availability of this program makes it ideal for non-traditional students.
- Campus: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $30,000 per year
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Students must have an MSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, successful completion of a graduate-level biostatistics course, an APRN license, and must submit a writing sample.
- Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- School Site: Liberty University Online Programs – Doctor of Nursing Practice