online bsn to dnp programs provide you with a way to learn advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of nursing without having to enter a classroom. these programs help you earn bachelor of science in nursing (bsn) degree and work towards a doctor of nursing practice (dnp) degree. it takes at least two and a half years to complete bsn to dnp programs online.
what will you study in online bsn to dnp programs?
you will study a variety of theoretical and clinical (practical) courses relevant to nursing. depending on the institute, some of the courses you will study are:
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advanced nursing roles
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primary care nursing of families
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inquiry and evidence-based practice
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ethical and legal perspectives of healthcare
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advanced statistics
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research methodology
the above list includes core courses, clinical (practical lab) courses, and specialized family nurse practitioner courses. your exact curriculum would depend on your area of specialization.
what are the admission requirements?
the admission requirements are specific to each university. usually, the minimum gpa requirements for a bachelor of science in nursing range from 2.2 to above 3.2. you should strive for a good gre score; universities which ask for minimum 3.0 gpa usually have minimum gre scores requirement of around 153 in verbal and 144 in quantitative. nearly all universities also require 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, letter of purpose, resume, and an interview. lastly, you need to have a license to practice as a registered nurse.
what are the advantages of online bsn to dnp programs?
the concept of online bsn to dnp programs is based on distance learning. there are no geographical limitations to learning, so there should be none for opportunities. most institutes let you study at your own pace which makes the program convenient for students with busy schedules. it may be cheaper and more convenient than on-site programs since you do not need to travel to the campus or find new accommodations. the program may be cost effective for international students or out-of-state residents due to lower tuitions fees. since there is a diverse student body enrolled in the online programs, students get a broader multi-cultural classroom experience.
please note that for clinical part of the bsn to dnp program, you will need to travel to a clinic where a university-specified nurse preceptor will guide you. this practical component is mandatory and cannot be done online.
what does the future job market look like for dnp graduates?
the nursing sector is booming in america. the expected job growth rate is 26% for registered nurses between 2010 and 2020; this is higher than the national average of all occupations combined. by 2020 an additional 0.16 million jobs for registered nurses will be added. registered nurses earned an average of $64,000 annually in 2010.