Looking for an online DNP program.

kenyohunt1 · Feb 15, 2010

University of South Alabama has a DNP program. Sorry I cant give you much info about it but the do have one. They only admit in the fall semester I believe and there is some on campus requirement once a year. The school has a good reputation and the students that I have heard from other programs seem to be generally happy with their programs.

Cammer · Feb 15, 2010

Thanks for the tip. I live in the Tampa bay area so South 'Bama might not be too bad if I have to visit the campus once in a while. I'll have to check on that.

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 15, 2010

There are over 175 approved DNP programs in the US now. None of they are 100% online; all require some visits to the campus. Some of these are as little as 1 visit per year, other are as much as 1 day/month.

A list of approved DNP programs (broken out by state) can be found on the AACN website at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/DOC.pdf

Many of the programs that have a larger online component are competitive though. I know one program that has students come for two 3-day trips per year. They had 200 applications for 18 spaces last year.

Cammer · Feb 15, 2010

There are over 175 approved DNP programs in the US now. None of they are 100% online; all require some visits to the campus. Some of these are as little as 1 visit per year, other are as much as 1 day/month.
A list of approved DNP programs (broken out by state) can be found on the AACN website at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/IDS/pdf/DOC.pdf
Many of the programs that have a larger online component are competitive though. I know one program that has students come for two 3-day trips per year. They had 200 applications for 18 spaces last year.

Thanks for the input. I've found a lot of online resources for the various DNP programs. It seems there are a lot of variations from program to program. There is a significant amount of controversy as well. I have found programs that range from 36 to 54 credit hours required, and specialty tracks for administrators and educators. I'm not sure why an administrator would want to get a degree in clinical practice when there are already degrees available more specific to that purpose, but there must be a reason.

What I should have specified in my first post is that I'm looking for advice from someone who has already done some research in this area, or is already enrolled and can give input on their program.

KyMPH · Apr 18, 2010

I had no idea the programs were so competitve - I am guessing because it is still fairly new?

greatgirl123 · Jun 18, 2010

University of South Alabama has a DNP program. Sorry I cant give you much info about it but the do have one. They only admit in the fall semester I believe and there is some on campus requirement once a year. The school has a good reputation and the students that I have heard from other programs seem to be generally happy with their programs.

I looked up that program.. and I don't understand, the MSN to DNP is the same amount of time to complete the BSN to DNP..

Horrible!

Doesn't the MSN count for anything.. The MSN to DNP is 3 part time to 4 full time years... and the BSN to DNP program is 3part time-4 full time years

same thing..

doesn't MSN program count for anything

ivanh3 · Jul 4, 2010

I'm not sure why an administrator would want to get a degree in clinical practice when there are already degrees available more specific to that purpose, but there must be a reason.

DNP=Doctorate in Nursing Practice, but many consider it to be a Doctorate in Nursing "clinical" Practice. This is not the case. RNs "practice" in the areas of administration, leadership, and education, therefore the DNP still applies to them. I, too, am considering going back for my DNP, but I am still leaning towards the PhD and just can't seem to decide. Good luck with your search!

Ivan

kenyohunt1 · Jul 4, 2010

I looked up that program.. and I don't understand, the MSN to DNP is the same amount of time to complete the BSN to DNP..
Horrible!
Doesn't the MSN count for anything.. The MSN to DNP is 3 part time to 4 full time years... and the BSN to DNP program is 3part time-4 full time years
same thing..
doesn't MSN program count for anything

I believe it may only be the same amount of time if you have to retool. Such as a FNP with a masters degree going back to get the DNP in ACNP. Then the bsn/dnp and the msn/dnp would be the same amount of time.

Cammer · Jul 5, 2010

DNP=Doctorate in Nursing Practice, but many consider it to be a Doctorate in Nursing "clinical" Practice. This is not the case. RNs "practice" in the areas of administration, leadership, and education, therefore the DNP still applies to them. I, too, am considering going back for my DNP, but I am still leaning towards the PhD and just can't seem to decide. Good luck with your search!
Ivan

Thank you for the explanation Ivan.

graceofone · Aug 12, 2010

Just a heads up on the University of South Alabama...a majority of the students are NOT happy. That is true in the MSN and DNP programs. Several MSN prepared nurses who have wrote several research articles dropped the USA program because of lack of guidance. That says a lot!

chagermany · Nov 5, 2010

I just dropped out of the ACNP program at USA. The classes were so tedious and so much reading. Way more than what I had expected and planned for. 6 chapters in the book,powerpoints and 90 study questions every 2 weeks. I feel like I just read it but did not retain or learn anything. Instructors and advisors are no help and seem like they could care less, if you finally do get a hold of one!!!! Would not recommend it. There has to be a better program out there!!