Doctor of Nursing Practice
Designed for nurses actively engaged in advanced nursing practice, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nursing leaders to improve health care with innovative care delivery programs rooted in evidence-based knowledge and methods.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Tracks
These innovative and flexible courses of study allow advanced practice nurses and other nurses with master's degrees to earn a DNP while balancing a full-time career in just 36 total credit hours across 5 to 6 semesters. Estimate the program cost. Don't have a master's yet? We also offer BSN to DNP all our specialties.
Advanced Clinical Practice Track
Prepare to effect change as an expert clinician in a variety of positions, including nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist and more.
Advanced Systems Practice Track
Designed for nurses dedicated to improving health care systems in a variety of communities and settings, including hospitals, practices, government entities and nonprofits.
Executive Leadership Track
Improve patient care in an ever-changing industry by learning to drive innovation, influence policy and effectively lead teams.
Nurse Anesthesia
To meet the growing demand for nurse anesthetists, Vanderbilt School of Nursing will welcome its first cohort of students in summer 2026.
Fall Start
A new class of DNP students starts each fall.
Primarily Online
Complete most coursework online, asynchronously. Relocation is not required.
Week-long Intensives
On-campus, week-long intensives each semester.
Evidence-based Mentorship
Actively practicing faculty who will mentor you in evidence-based knowledge.
Practice in Your Context
Tailored practice applications can be completed in your community.
Scholarly Project
Instead of completing a dissertation, DNP students present a scholarly project that demonstrates the synthesis of their experiences.
VUSN prepared me to excel in every aspect of practice. The professors taught me how to blend compassion and evidence-based practice as a clinician in the modern health care community.
100+ Years of Excellence
DNP Admissions Requirements
Financial Aid & Scholarships
BSN to DNP Program
Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree without obtaining a master’s-level nursing degree. BSN to DNP programs can be completed in 64-77 total credit hours across 8 full-time semesters (dual specialties require additional time and semesters). BSN to DNP students attend the DNP intensive every semester throughout the program of studies as well as specialty block sessions when enrolled in specialty clinical courses. Estimate the program cost.
Nurse Practitioner
Format: Online with a few in-person sessions
Program Length: Completed in 7-8 full-time semesters (part-time available)
Advanced Practice Specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan)
- Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Nurse-Midwife
Format: On-campus with offsite clinical experiences
Program Length: Completed in 8-9 semesters
Advanced Practice Specialties:
Non-Clinical Specialties
Format: Completely online
Program Length: 6 part-time semesters
Non-Clinical Specialty:
Post-Master’s Certificates
Want to add a new certification or change your focus? Extend your program of study and complete a Post-Master’s Certificate as part of your Post-Master’s DNP.
Seamlessly Transition from a Vanderbilt Nursing Master’s to a DNP
Already a Vanderbilt MSN or PMC student? You can seamlessly transition from our MSN or PMC programs to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
DNP Project Matching
Find a collaborative practice opportunity with a seasoned professional.
Accreditation Information
The Vanderbilt DNP program meets the recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). It is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Take the Next Step
Interested in the Vanderbilt DNP program? Explore our admissions requirements. Then take the next step and request information about the program or connect with your admissions counselor.