Duke University

Discover the unique blend of history and innovation at Duke University School of Nursing, where a rich legacy dating back to 1838 merges seamlessly with cutting-edge nursing education established in 1931. Dive into a world of diverse programs designed to empower future nurses with the tools and expertise essential for success.

Discover Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

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School Ranking: B+
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Duke University is a 4 year or higher National University. It is a public and non-profit institution. The institution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Masters, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, PhD to DNP, CRNA, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Duke University admits 6% of applicants and graduates 96% of its students.

Contact Info

Quick Overview

  • $105,444 Undergraduate Tuition
  • $77,348 Graduate Tuition
  • Doctoral University: Very High Research Activity
  • 6,570 Undergraduate Enrolled
    *Certificate and degree-seeking students
  • 11,383 Graduate Students Enrolled
  • 6% Acceptance Rate
  • 96% Graduation Rate

Student Demographics

  • 21 Average Age
  • 48% Men
  • 52% Women
  • 3% Veterans
  • 76% White
  • 9% Hispanic
  • 14% Black
  • 5% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • Accelerated BSN

  • On-Campus BSN Program
  • $105,444 In-State Tuition
  • 58 Credits
  • 16 Months
  • 750 Clincal Hours
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Clinical Nurse Leader CNL

  • Hybrid BSN to MSN Program
  • $77,976 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Family Nurse Practitioner FNP

  • Hybrid BSN to MSN Program
  • $101,675 In-State Tuition
  • 49 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 728 Clincal Hours
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner NNP

  • Hybrid BSN to MSN Program
  • $93,138 In-State Tuition
  • 43 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 616 Clincal Hours
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Hybrid BSN to MSN Program
  • $77,976 In-State Tuition
  • 36 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.3 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Hybrid MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $19,494 In-State Tuition
  • 9 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 4.5 Program Score

  • Nurse Informatics

  • Hybrid BSN to MSN Program
  • $82,308 In-State Tuition
  • 38 Credits
  • 24 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.3 Program Score

  • Nurse Informatics

  • Hybrid BSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $41,154 In-State Tuition
  • 19 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Oncology Nurse Practitioner ONP

  • Hybrid MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $21,660 In-State Tuition
  • 10 Credits
  • 8 Months
  • 224 Clincal Hours
  • 5.0 Program Score

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Duke University, established in 1838 as Brown's Schoolhouse, became Duke University in 1924. The School of Nursing was founded in 1931.

Undergraduate

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a second degree nursing program for students who have completed an undergraduate degree and the required prerequisites upon enrollment.

The 16-month program is on campus and is full time. Students will be eligible to sit for NCLEX and be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in their individual states upon graduation from this program.

2018 NCLEX pass rate: 99%

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing degree is a combination of hybrid courses which includes distance-based and online learning.

There are seven pathways for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) majors as well as three non-clinical majors. The seven pathways include:

  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Acute Care
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Primary Care
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Acute Care
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Primary Care
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

The APRN student who wishes to add a sub-specialty area may choose from the following:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Oncology
  • Orthopedics
  • Veterans Health Care Concentration 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – BSN to DNP

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – MSN to DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – PhD to DNP

Nurse Anesthesia

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) includes nurses who desire a specialization in anesthetic administration to patients across the life span involving different clinical settings. The Duke University DNPNurse Anesthesia program is a 36-month, 83-credit, full-time, on-campus program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Duke University School Of Nursing also offers a PhD in nursing which focuses on nursing science and research involving chronic illness and care systems. The goal is to translate research for evidence-based practice.

To become part of the PhD program, the nurse must have the foundational knowledge of a BSN education coupled with that of an MSN education, both of which are vital in the development of the nurse scientist.

PhD to DNP

Some nurse scientists may choose an alternative PhD-to-DNPpathway.

Admission requirements to the PhD-to-DNPinclude a Master of Science in Nursing with an Advanced Practice component defined as direct or indirect care specialization.

Duke University, by the authority of the Higher Education Commission and Board of Nursing, can provide clinical MSN programs in the following states:

States With Clinical MSN Programs
Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska 		Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
U.S. Territories
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington, D.C.
Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take courses online?

Duke University School of Nursing has used distance education for more than two decades and has mastered the creative approaches to teaching and learning.  Many courses are almost exclusively on-line, but there are some on-campus requirements each semester.

Will it be possible to take prerequisite courses at a community college and/or online?

Yes, as long as the prerequisite and/or online courses are completed from an accredited institution(s).

Is Nursing experience required before I apply to the Nurse Anesthesia program?

Nurses desiring to enter the Nurse Anesthesia program must have at least one year of RN experience in acute care.

Accreditation and Approval

The Duke University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Duke University School of Nursing is also fully accredited for its Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing (ABSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and  PhD in Nursing programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Duke University is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to provide practice experiences in Washington State for MSN/FNP, MSN/AGPCNP, MSN/AGACNP, MSN/PACNP, MSN/PPCNP, MSN/NNP, MSN/Women's Health NP, MSN/Health Informatics, MSN/Nursing and Health Care Leadership, and MSN/NE management programs.

Rankings and Accolades

US News & World Report (2019)

  • #8 (tie) in National Universities
  • #13 in Best Value Schools
  • #9 (tie) Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #2 Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #1 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • #6 Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care
  • #3 (tie) Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Primary Care
  • #1 (tie) Nurse Practitioner: Family
  • #2 Nurse Practitioner: Pediatric, Primary Care
  • #8 (tie) Nursing Administration (tie)
  • #4 Nursing Informatics
  • #21 Best Global Universities

Forbes (2018)

  • #10 Top Colleges
  • #10 in Private Colleges
  • #10 in Research Universities
  • #1 in the South
  • #18 America's Best Value Colleges

Duke University ranked #33 in MONEY Magazine's Best Colleges For Your Money (2018).

In 2016, Duke University School of Nursing was recognized as a Best Nursing School for Men in Nursing by the American Assembly for Men in Nursing.

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