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.
#3
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Program Director
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Dr. Affronti is a three-time graduate of the Duke School of Nursing and has been an adult oncology advance practice provider (APP) for more than 40 years. As one of the first Duke oncology nurse practitioners who incorporated primary care in her practice with the Duke’s Bone Marrow Transplant Program and Brain Tumor Center, she became the Adult Clinical Director and led interdisciplinary teams to provide evidence-based clinical care while advocating for APP roles as a clinical nurse researcher.
Learn more about Mary Lou Affronti: Scholars@Duke
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.
The Duke Difference
Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.
Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.
Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.
Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.
We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.
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
-
Attending the Duke University School of Nursing has allowed me to advocate for veterans on an international level.
-
This program prepared me well for my future. I truly believe my DNP will open doors to me that may not have been open.
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