If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and are wanting a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you can earn your doctorate without first having a masters with BSN to DNP programs online no GRE.
This educational path can help you advance your career without having to worry about the Graduate Record Examinations being a roadblock to your success.
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Pursuing a DNP allows you to develop the necessary skills and framework to pursue leadership roles in the booming healthcare industry. You may want to consider this degree option if hands-on practice and innovative research excites you.
BSN to DNP Programs Online – No GRE Required
A growing number of schools are now test optional when it comes to admissions. This means the task of taking a GRE can be avoided when applying to BSN to DNP programs. Online BSN to DNP programs can be beneficial in various ways:
- Career advancement. If you wish to become an advanced practice registered nurse, a nursing instructor at colleges and universities, a nurse researcher, or a chief nursing officer, a DNP can help you achieve these goals.
- Educational advancement. You are not required to get a masters degree before pursuing a BSN to DNP program, allowing you to fast-track your learning.
- Positive job outlook. A DNP may give you a competitive advantage in a growing and in-demand industry, as there is a shortage of care providers.
- Flexible learning options. Taking your BSN to DNP program online allows you to attend school on your own schedule. Online programs enable you to amplify your learning and skill set while continuing your day-to-day life.
Online BSN-DNP programs allow you to experience more thorough and complex coursework with the option of close-to-home clinical rotations.
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This degree can help prepare you to pursue advanced practice registered nurse positions, leadership positions, or even postsecondary teaching positions.
DNP Concentrations
If a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner degree appeals to you, there are numerous concentrations within the field that let you narrow down the focus of your practice. Here are some options you may consider when pursuing an online BSN to DNP program.
1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family nurse practitioners are able to work autonomously in the medical field.
They provide specialized health care services to members of their community while also focusing on health education. This option can be rewarding if you enjoy forming long-term relationships with people.
2. Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
If you enjoy working with people from adolescence into old age, you might be interested in a concentration in adult gerontology. This role requires immense compassion as well as advanced clinical skills.
Adult gerontology nurse practitioners determine the best care plan for their patients. They work to stabilize their patient’s condition while also anticipating long-term complications and putting strategies in place to prevent them.
3. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
This concentration specializes in the care of acutely ill or injured patients. In hospital settings, ACNPs are alongside patients from admittance to surgery or even to trauma recovery.
They typically work with individuals who have brief but serious illnesses or injuries.
4. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you’re interested in working with the mind, you might consider this concentration.
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are responsible for helping patients understand, manage, and cope with psychiatric disorders. They monitor patient progress and find innovative or holistic approaches to patient care.
5. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
If you love working with infants, children, or young adults, a concentration in pediatrics may be a good fit for you.
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This role focuses on the well-being of a child while also being ready to prevent or manage any illnesses. Pediatric nurse practitioners can be responsible for a patient from birth to 21 years old.
Nurse Practitioner Careers
The healthcare industry has seen a surge in demand while experiencing a shortage of workers. Should you wish to pursue an online BSN to DNP without GRE requirements, there are numerous career options available for you to pursue.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a BSN-DNP program can help prepare you for a variety of careers and leadership roles, depending on your chosen specialization.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $174,790 |
| Nurse Practitioners, Outpatient Care Centers | $115,790 |
| Nurse Practitioners, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $114,980 |
| Nurse Practitioners, All | $109,820 |
| Nurse Practitioners, Offices of Physicians | $106,120 |
| Nurse Midwives | $105,030 |
| Nurse Practitioners, Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $104,710 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,980 |
| Nursing Instructors and Postsecondary Teachers | $74,600 |
| Registered Nurses | $73,300 |
Pursuing an online BSN to DNP might lead to career advancement and higher wages in this growing field.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Curriculum
If you wish to pursue a BSN-DNP program, you can expect intensive coursework. A doctorate in nursing practice is a highly respected terminal degree, and you are also bypassing a masters degree in order to accelerate your education.
Here are some examples of courses you may come across when enrolled in this program:
- Evidenced-Based Practice: This introduction course sets the necessary framework for nursing students to advance their theoretical knowledge and innovative clinical thinking. These methods allow them to assess case-studies effectively and can set the foundation for their practice.
- Healthcare Policy: Along with having innovative and impactful knowledge, a DNP must know and understand the healthcare policies they will be working under. They need to understand their regulations and research guidelines.
- Biostatistics: Along with the evidence-based practice course, you’ll learn how to interpret and analyze patient data to make meaningful conclusions.
- Applications of Advanced Clinical Reasoning: This course helps translate theory into clinical reasoning, using evidence to address health issues.
- Patient Safety: This course provides you with the knowledge for keeping patient populations safe, whether they’re being treated at home, in the hospital, or elsewhere.
- Statistics in Health Sciences: Research literature is an important aspect of professional development for DNPs. You’ll learn to analyze and make assumptions based on statistics gathered from reputable sources.
- Epidemiology: This course focuses on disease. It helps students understand patterns of illness and injury in populations of people.
- Management of Healthcare Organizations: Since many graduates choose a management path, this course covers leadership strategies and organizational models within healthcare industries.
- Independent Study: You may have the option of pursuing study related to a topic of your interest. This can help develop medical scholarly writing.
- Practicum: Even online programs encourage practicums in healthcare organizations close to home. The focus is often around the planning and implementation of strategies to help specific patients while under mentor guidance.
These courses only touch the surface of what is available to you in BSN-DNP programs.
Admissions
Here are some typical admissions criteria for applying to a BSN-DNP program:
- BSN from an accredited school
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- RN license
- Work or internship experience in the field
- References
A growing number of schools do not require GRE scores, and you also have the option to take an online BSN to DNP without GRE. In addition, a BSN-DNP program allows you to avoid having to take a masters in nursing prior to pursuing a doctorate nurse practitioner degree.
If you are an RN but have not earned a BSN, you may want to explore fast track RN-to-BSN online programs that may allow you to keep working while earning your bachelors degree.
Accreditation
The US Department of Education has composed a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs.
Regional accreditation is given to schools that have been approved by federally-recognized accrediting agencies. These accrediting agencies verify that institutions adhere to high quality educational standards.
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If you earn your degree from a regionally accredited school, then your degree should be recognized by employers and other institutions anywhere in the US. Your course credits will also have a better chance of being transferable.
Nurse Practitioner Licensure & Certifications
While licensing requirements vary by state, here are a few requirements you will likely come across if you wish to become a licensed nurse practitioner:
- BSN degree. A bachelors degree in nursing is required in order to enroll in a graduate nursing program.
- RN license. Another requirement for NP licensure is to be a currently licensed RN. It is also beneficial to pursue specializations while working as an RN.
- Graduate degree. An MSN or DNP is required for NP licensure.
- Certification. Another step for licensure is being certified by a specialized nursing board. For example, those wanting to become a pediatric nurse practitioner may seek certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
After completing the above steps and fulfilling all of your state board’s specific requirements, you can obtain your state license.
Financial Aid for DNP Students
If you are looking for financial aid to help you cover the cost of online BSN to DNP programs, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Using FAFSA, you can apply for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans.
In addition, the American Nurse Practitioner Foundation (ANPF) also offers scholarships to DNP students who have completed a semester of education at a high-level. You may find aid through assistantships and traineeships in healthcare organizations as well.
What Is a DNP?
A DNP is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, which is a practice-based terminal degree that helps you develop safe and effective care for patients.
A DNP program is designed to help you become an expert in healthcare and clinical nursing practice. This type of program is evidence-based and centered around relationship-building and innovative research studies and data analysis. This is the highest degree in nursing practice.
What Can You Do with a DNP?
While a DNP does not guarantee you a career upon graduation, it can open up many doors within the healthcare industry.
In particular, a DNP allows you to develop the necessary leadership skills that may prepare you to transition into leadership roles within healthcare organizations. It is said that healthcare systems operate like machines, and a DNP prepares you to become a highly-educated consultant for these systems.
Many graduates pursue licensure to become a nurse practitioner or another type of advanced practice registered nurse. In addition, some graduates become teachers, peer reviewers, or expert speakers in the healthcare industry.
How Long Are BSN to DNP Programs?
BSN to DNP programs typically take 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on the university and your chosen specialty.
Your timeline may also depend on whether you plan to enroll as a part-time online student or a full-time student. A part-time course load can often extend how long it takes to complete a program.
What Is the Easiest DNP Program?
An online DNP program allows you the flexibility to structure your educational goals around your current life, making it easier to balance your studies with your work or family responsibilities. shortest online dnp program
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It’s important to look for programs with accreditation. A program without GRE admission requirements can allow you to skip GRE testing and start your program sooner. A BSN-DNP program can also save you time by allowing you to bypass an MSN degree.
Can You Go Straight from BSN to DNP?
Yes, you can fast-track both your educational journey and your career goals by choosing an accelerated BSN-DNP program. This programming aims to turn BSN-holding nurse practitioners into leaders within the healthcare industry.
While the workload can be intensive, choosing a BSN to DNP program can help prepare you for the challenges of the industry and may allow you to get to the frontlines of care more quickly.
Can You Get a DNP Without an MSN?
Yes, you can get a DNP without an MSN by choosing a BSN-DNP program. You can also choose a dual-certification program that combines your MSN with your DNP.
Both options provide you with a solid educational framework to become a leader in the healthcare industry. They can help you develop the knowledge and evidence-based skills required to address complex healthcare needs.
Should I Get My MSN or DNP?
While there are benefits to both paths, it’s helpful to consider your own wants and needs.
| Master of Science in Nursing | Doctor of Nursing Practice |
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Your interests and career goals may determine which degree path is best for you.
What Is the Difference Between DNP vs MSN?
Here are some differences between a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
| MSN | DNP |
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As with most programs, there are also extensive curriculum differences between a masters and a doctorate.
Is It Worth Getting a DNP Degree?
Yes, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is worth it for many students. Earning this terminal degree helps you develop the necessary skills that may allow you to step into a leadership role in the healthcare industry.
Using theories developed through research and evidence-based experiences, you might have the opportunity to transform the future of healthcare policy.
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Pursuing a DNP degree can also allow you to have a wider range of career options in addition to a potential growth in salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is booming, and the demand for experts within this field is growing.
Universities Offering Online BSN to DNP No GRE Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format. In addition, the universities either do not require GRE test scores as part of the admission requirements or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.
Baylor University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice online program allows qualified students who have bachelor’s degrees to join. Students may choose one of five tracks to specialize their degree. To be eligible with a bachelor’s degree, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and 1 year of professional experience. No GRE exam is needed.
Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Chatham University offers an online Doctorate in Nursing. The program is designed for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. To graduate, students must complete 53 credits and a capstone project that is presented on campus. No GRE is needed to apply, but 2 letters of reference and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are required.
Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Creighton University offers an online Doctor of Nursing program. To be eligible for the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 and at least 2,000 hours of professional nursing experience. When applying, students must submit 3 letters of recommendation and their transcripts. No additional test scores are required.
Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Delta State University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Program that can be completed by those with only a bachelor’s degree. To graduate, students must complete 69 semester hours and 1,020 clinical hours. Those applying must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a year of experience in nursing. No GRE or exams are required.
Delta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Maryville University offers an online Doctorate in Nursing Practice which can be started with only a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students choose one of five areas to specialize in, and the program can usually be completed in 40 months. No entrance exams are required to join the program and multiple start dates are available.
The Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Regis College’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for students with a Bachelor of Science. Students may choose from one of five concentration areas, including Family and Women’s Health.
The program can usually be completed within 40 months and does not require any exams for admission. A resume, transcript, and 2 letters of recommendation are needed when applying.
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Regis University’s online nursing practice program allows students to achieve both their master’s and doctorate. The program can usually be completed in 4 to 5 years and requires 79 credit hours to graduate. To be eligible, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and complete a physical assessment.
Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Carolina offers an online Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Students who only have a bachelor’s in nursing may still apply as long as they have 3 letters of recommendation, a GPA of 3.0, and 2,400 hours of work experience. No GRE or exams are required to apply.
The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh offers an online Doctorate in Nursing program that allows students with bachelor’s degrees to apply. The program must be completed within 6 years of starting. To graduate, students are required to complete 74 semester hours with a GPA of 3.0 and 1,000 hours of work experience.
The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walsh University offers an online Doctor of Nursing program. Students with bachelor’s degrees need to complete 74 credits and obtain 1,150 clinical hours. Courses may last either 8 or 16 weeks. Applicants must have a current Registered Nursing License and an official transcript. No GRE or other exams are required to apply.
Walsh University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Earning Your BSN to DNP Online
A DNP may allow you unique opportunities to transform and impact the healthcare industry. It can lead to advanced career opportunities and salary increases as well.
Not only can a DNP qualify you to become an APRN, but it can also help you develop the necessary skills to pursue leadership or management roles in healthcare organizations.
The shortest online DNP programs let you earn your doctorate in nursing practice without having to first earn a masters degree. In addition, a flexible online learning environment allows you to pursue your degree without needing to drastically adjust your life or work schedule.
If you are a registered nurse who’s ready to take the next step in the healthcare field, you can start by exploring accredited online BSN-DNP programs.
