BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Pathway

Advance your nursing expertise with a Doctor of Nursing Practice through our BSN to DNP pathway.

Duke University School of Nursing offers students who hold a BSN the opportunity to enter a combined MSN/DNP program. Through our BSN to DNP Pathway, you will complete your MSN requirements first, become eligible to sit for the NP certification exam, then seamlessly enter our DNP program to earn your DNP degree.

Our BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program is ideal for nurses with a BSN who wish to pursue a DNP after completing an advanced practice, Health Informatics or Nursing and Health Care Leadership major. Our unique BSN to DNP program prepares nurses as nurse practitioners, leaders of health care organizations or health informaticists.

Duke’s DNP degree program focuses on three hallmarks:

  • Translation: You will learn to evaluate research credibility and use research findings to improve health care.
  • Transformation: You will develop your innovation and management skills to help health care organizations move forward.
  • Leadership: You will develop your leadership skills to help obtain upper-level positions to advance your career and health care outcomes.

Explore our highly-ranked MSN majors and the MSN to DNP Program for more information.

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Best Nursing Schools Doctor of Nursing Practice

Designed for nurses with a BSN degree who want to pursue a DNP after completing an advanced practice, Health Informatics, or Nursing and Healthcare Leadership major. Preparing nurses as nurse practitioners, leaders of healthcare organizations, or health informaticists.

BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Highlights

Earning your DNP degree through our BSN to DNP program offers you a number of advantages, including:

A Duke nursing student learning from a home environment sits in front of a laptop with a pencil in her hand and smiles.

Distance-based learning:
Our BSN to DNP program is distance based. You will learn through interactive online instruction, completing clinical practice experiences near where you live and completing intensives on the Duke campus. Our distance learning system allows you to continue working while completing your degree.

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Global clinical network:
Duke’s clinical network allows you to complete your clinical assignments in the MSN program near home. Our extensive network of more than 2,000 worldwide facilities and practices makes this possible. We also have a clinical placement team that will help you line up your clinical placement.

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Advanced learning environments:
State-of-the-art clinical simulation techniques prepare you for clinical practice in a wide range of health care settings. Our exceptional students learn alongside talented peers and classmates from around the world.

Nursing Students before class

Individualized DNP project:
You will undertake a real-world learning experience by completing a project designed to address a practice issue affecting groups of patients, health care organizations or communities.

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Have your DNP project results published:
Your DNP project will allow you to merge practice and scholarship. Unlike many other DNP programs, Duke’s DNP students write and submit a manuscript for publication, offering you the opportunity to have your results published. Hundreds of our DNP students have been able to get their results published.

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What Can You Do With Your Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?

The demand for advanced practice nurses is skyrocketing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke School of Nursing equips you with the credentials to excel in this dynamic field.

Our DNP degree opens doors to a wider range of career paths and leadership positions compared to an MSN, paving the way for a more fulfilling career.

As a Duke DNP graduate, you’ll be well positioned to:

  • Become an expert practitioner: Tailor your studies to a specific area of focus through electives and your DNP project. This specialized knowledge positions you for progressive and professional advanced nursing practice roles.
  • Lead and innovate: Develop the analytical skills to tackle health care policy, quality improvement initiatives, and translating research into real-world applications. This expertise qualifies you for leadership roles in hospitals, health care systems, and policy organizations, where you can drive positive change in health care delivery.
  • Educate the next generation: Advanced practice nurses with a DNP are highly sought-after for faculty positions, especially at the doctoral level. A DNP from Duke’s prestigious program will give you a significant edge in the job market.
  • Future-proof your career: The health care landscape is constantly evolving, and a DNP degree from Duke University School of Nursing prepares you to thrive in this dynamic environment. Our focus on leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and innovation equips you to adapt to change and contribute to shaping the future of nursing practice.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job opportunities for nurse practitioners to grow up to 38% by 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. While exact figures vary depending on location, level of experience and other factors, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $129,480 for nurse practitioners in 2023.

Additionally, some of our DNP graduates choose to pursue careers in health care administration. The BLS reports an annual median salary of $110,680 for medical or health services managers, with these positions projected to grow by 28% through 2032.

Our DNP degree prepares you for leadership and other advanced roles within these positions, which can translate to higher earning potential.

Explore More DNP Program Outcomes

Meet Our DNP Faculty

Our faculty are renowned scholars who are passionate about igniting a lifelong love of learning in their students. This diverse group fosters a global mindset, empowering you to excel in nurse leadership to confidently solve tomorrow’s health care challenges.

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Allison Lewinski
Allison Lewinski
PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN
Assistant Professor
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sharron_docherty
Sharron Docherty
PhD, PNP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
Michelle Webb
DNP, RN, CHPCA
Assistant Professor
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Eleanor S. McConnell, PhD, MSN, RN, GCNS, BC
Eleanor McConnell
PhD, MSN, RN, BC
Associate Professor
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Susan G. Silva, PhD
Susan Silva
PhD
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Kreider
Kathryn Kreider
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor
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Chip Bailey
Donald (Chip) Bailey Jr.
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Carolina (Callie) Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Assistant Professor
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Hideyo Tsumura
Hideyo Tsumura
PhD, DNP, RN, CRNA
Assistant Professor
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Irene Felsman, DNP, MPH, RN, C-GH
Irene Felsman
DNP, MPH, RN, C-GH
Assistant Professor
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Barbera Turner
Barbara Turner
PhD, RN, FAAN
Elizabeth P. Hanes Distinguished Professor of Nursing
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Mary L. Affronti, DNP,  MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Professor
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Nancy Crego
Nancy Crego
PhD, RN, CCRN, CHSE, FAAN
Assistant Professor
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Shari Rushton, DNP, MSN, MS, RN, CCM
Shari Rushton
DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Trotter
DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
Margaret (Peggy) Bush
PhD, MBA, RPh
Professor
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Eleanor Stevenson
Eleanor Stevenson
PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor
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Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Jennie De Gagne
PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Professor
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Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN
Margaret (Midge) Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
Professor
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Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
Kais Gadhoumi
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Jill Brennan-Cook
DNP, RN, GERO-BC
Associate Professor
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Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC
Ragan Johnson
DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Julia K. Walker, PhD
Julia Walker
PhD
Helene Fuld Health Trust Distinguished Professor of Nursing, Professor of Medicine
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Qing Yang, PhD
Qing Yang
PhD
Associate Professor
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Emily Funk, DNP, CRNA
Emily Funk
DNP, CRNA
Assistant Professor
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Tracy Yap
Tracey Yap
PhD, RN, CNE, WCC, FGSA, FAAN
Professor
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Debra Brandon
Debra Brandon
PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN
Professor
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Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Staci Reynolds
PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
Professor
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Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC
Blanca Iris Padilla
PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Derrick Glymph
Derrick Glymph
PhD, DNAP, CRNA, CHSE, CNE, COL., USAR, FAANA, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Virginia (Chris) Muckler, DNP, CRNA, CHSE-A, FAAN
Virginia (Chris) Simmons
DNP, CRNA, CHSE-A, FAANA, FAAN
Professor
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Alison Edie
Alison Edie
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Rémi Hueckel
DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Bradi Granger
Bradi Granger
PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
Professor
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Malinda Teague
DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Assistant Professor
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Jessica Szydlowski Pitman, DNP, CRNA, MSN, ACNP
Jessica Szydlowski
DNP, CRNA, MSN, ACNP
Assistant Professor
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Anne L. Derouin, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP
Anne Derouin
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
Professor
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Valerie Sabol
PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
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Kathleen Turner
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
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Mariam Kayle, PhD, RN, CCNS
Mariam Kayle
PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Hanzhang Xu
Hanzhang Xu
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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AnnMarie L Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton
PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
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Michael Cary
Michael Cary
PhD, RN
Associate Professor

The Duke Difference

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BSN to DNP Pathway Admissions

Applicants to the BSN to DNP pathway program are required to hold a BSN. Successful applicants will be accepted into both the MSN and DNP programs and will complete the requirements for the MSN first. The average time to complete the program is four years.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.


We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.

Student Testimonials

Student Testimonials

Nurse Anesthesia DNP Financial Aid and Scholarships

Your Duke nursing degree is an investment in yourself and the future of innovative, equitable health care. To make your education more accessible, we offer a variety of nursing financial aid options, including need- and merit-based scholarship opportunities for select students in our programs. Federal loan options are also available.

Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships
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