Simmons University Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Simmons University School of Nursing offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to MSN-prepared nurses with a clinical license or who are nurse managers. The program combines evidence-based research and practice with analytics and leadership to advance nursing knowledge and skills to the highest level possible.
Learning outcomes focus on organizational leadership for safe and efficient healthcare delivery, practice-based research and evidence-based practice, ethics, current technology, informatics, healthcare policy design and implementation, interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based intervention, and population health. Graduates of the program will be prepared to become leaders in various healthcare settings, transforming organizational policies, systems, and outcomes.
DNP courses cover ethical and legal issues in nursing leadership, advanced research methods, professional leadership, epidemiology, informatics, quality improvement, and biostatistics. Two courses are taken each term for four terms, with the remaining terms dedicated to the DNP project. Nursing@Simmons incorporates the eight DNP Essentials published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) into the curriculum.
DNP students come to the Boston, Massachusetts, campus for a weekend Doctoral Symposium for Emerging Nurse Leaders. Here students present their DNP projects to faculty and fellow cohorts, attend skills workshops and guest lectures, participate in social events, and network with others.
Coursework for the graduate DNP program is fully online and includes the weekend immersion and 1,000 practice hours. No GRE/GMAT is required for application. Cohorts begin in May and September, and students complete the program in seven, 14-week sessions. Applicants must hold Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) board certification in a clinical specialty such as nurse practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or be a nurse manager, preferably holding board certification in management. At least two years of professional clinical or leadership work experience is required, and a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
Online DNP courses include weekly, live class sessions, interactive assignments, research projects, and other components between live classes. Simmons University takes a student-first, hands-on, community approach to the online experience. Collaborative learning, diversity, relationship-building, face-to-face interaction, and online student groups all play important roles in the online experience. Interactive coursework may include readings, video lectures, and peer discussions with collaborative capabilities such as question-and-answer, annotation, and writing and video features.
The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program comprises 30 credits plus at least 1,000 clinical hours, which may include completed MSN clinical hours plus hours spent on the DNP project. Courses include Ethical/Legal Issues in Advanced Practice; Health Policy; Epidemiology; Advanced Research Methods; Professional Leadership and Practice Change; Informatics; Quality Improvement in Healthcare; and Biostatistics. The DNP Project Seminar course is completed over three, 14-week sessions.
Simmons University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Simmons University
Programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Highlights
- MSN-prepared clinical practitioners or nurse managers may earn their DNP in just seven, 14-week terms, Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who are looking for management expertise to take on leadership roles in their organization, Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs), Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who are looking for management expertise to take on leadership roles in their organization, Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs), Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
- Live, face-to-face classes, interactive assignments, evidence-based research, and hands-on practice are key components of the program
- Graduates are prepared to lead healthcare organizations, designing and implementing effective healthcare policies and practices for more cost-effective, safe operations
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Advanced Research Methods; Informatics; Ethical/Legal Issues in Advanced Practice; Professional Leadership and Practice Change; Quality Improvement in Healthcare
Instruction Methods: Online live, face-to-face class sessions, small class sizes, and one immersion weekend are required plus 1,000 clinical hours which includes a DNP project; outside live classes students complete research and multimedia assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 30
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: May, September
Curriculum Options: Part-Time
Length of Program: Program is designed to be completed in seven, 14-week terms
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Preferred GPA 3.5 or higher
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: At least two years of clinical or leadership-focused work experience required
Tuition Costs: ~$43,200 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,440
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
BSN to DNP - Executive Leadership
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who are looking for management expertise to take on leadership roles in their organization
- In this program, you’ll gain advanced knowledge in nursing leadership theory, explore the evolution of nursing as a profession, and master essential management skills like planning, organizing, and directing.
- After graduation, you will be prepared to pursue a variety of roles such as nurse manager, chief nursing officer, chief operating officer, and more
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, and Pharmacology; Quality Improvement in Health Care; Nursing Leadership and Management; Healthcare Economics and Finance; Advanced Nursing Leadership Concepts; Health Care Systems and Health Policy; Social Justice and Ethical Leadership in Global Health Care; Leadership and Change
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 64 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 32 months full-time or 48 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$87,429 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,275 (MSN portion) / $$1,476 (DNP portion)
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
BSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs)
- You will partner with a clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors near your community
- After graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a FNP-BC™
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse; Introduction to Nursing Leadership; Nursing Leadership and Management; Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span; FNP I: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care I; FNP II: Women’s Health in Primary Care; FNP III: Pediatrics in Primary Care; FNP IV: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care II; FNP V: Behavioral Health in Primary Care
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 83 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 32 months full-time or 48 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$112,458 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,275 (MSN portion) / $$1,476 (DNP portion)
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
- You will partner with a clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors near your community
- After graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a PMHNP-BC™
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Quality Improvement in Health Care; Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse; Introduction to Nursing Leadership; Nursing Leadership and Management; PMHNP I: Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan; PMHNP II: Diagnosis and Management; PMHNP IV: SMI & Addictions Medicine
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 85 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 32 months full-time or 48 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$115,812 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,275 (MSN portion) / $$1,476 (DNP portion)
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
MSN to DNP - Executive Leadership
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who are looking for management expertise to take on leadership roles in their organization
- In this program, you’ll gain advanced knowledge in nursing leadership theory, explore the evolution of nursing as a profession, and master essential management skills like planning, organizing, and directing.
- After graduation, you will be prepared to pursue a variety of roles such as nurse manager, chief nursing officer, chief operating officer, and more
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Advanced Research Methods; Quality Improvement in Health Care; Biostatistics; Epidemiology; Health Care Negotiations and Problem Solving; Health Care Systems and Health Policy; Social Justice and Ethical Leadership in Global Health Care; Health Care Law and Ethics
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 43 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 28 months full-time or 32 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: At least two years of professional experience as a licensed registered nurse (RN)
Tuition Costs: ~$63,468 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,476.00
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become family nurse practitioners (FNPs)
- You will partner with a clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors near your community
- After graduation, you will be eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a FNP-BC™
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse; Advanced Pharmacology; Quality Improvement in Health Care; Family Theory: Health & Illness; FNP I: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care I; FNP II: Women’s Health in Primary Care; FNP III: Pediatrics in Primary Care; FNP IV: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care II; FNP V: Behavioral Health in Primary Care
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 65 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 28 months full-time or 36 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: At least two years of professional experience as a licensed registered nurse (RN)
Tuition Costs: ~$95,940 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,476.00
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
MSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Program Highlights
- Tailored for registered nurses (RNs) who aspire to become psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs)
- You will partner with a clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors near your community
- After graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the ANCC or AANP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become a PMHNP-BC™
Program Overview
Program Structure: Online instruction with one weekend campus immersion and 1,000 clinical hours including a DNP project
Example Courses: Health Care Systems and Health Policy; PMHNP I: Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan; PMHNP III: Diagnosis and Management; PMHNP IV: SMI & Addictions Medicine; Clinical Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan; Neurobiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders
Instruction Methods: Online face-to-face class sessions are delivered by faculty and encourage collaboration and relationship-building; coursework includes videos, readings, case studies, and assignments
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 67 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 1
Program Options
Program Start Dates: January, May, September
Curriculum Options: Full-time or Part-time
Length of Program: Program can be completed 28 months full-time or 36 months part-time
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0
Testing Requirements: No GMAT or GRE required
Work Experience: At least two years of professional experience as a licensed registered nurse (RN)
Tuition Costs: ~$98,892 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1,476.00
To Learn More About Simmons University's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Visit online.simmons.edu
