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Distance-Based, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs from Georgetown University

Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing’s CCNE-accredited, distance-based, online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs integrate advanced nursing science with organizational leadership and ethics to prepare students to improve accessibility and quality of care delivery in an increasingly complex health care system.

Distance-Based, Online DNP Program

Online DNP Program Overview

Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing is a nationally recognized nursing school committed to advancing health equity and improving population health around the world. In keeping with this mission, our distance-based, online DNP programs focus on ethical leadership and prepare students to improve accessibility and quality of care for all people.

Our online DNP programs offer two entry points:

BSN to DNP, designed for RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Post-Master’s Executive DNP, designed for nurses with a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) in a relevant discipline who are working in advanced nursing roles

Distance-Based, Online BSN to DNP Program Overview

The BSN to DNP program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN to DNP program is offered full time and part time. The full-time program can be completed in as few as 33 months and consists of eight 15-week terms. The part-time program consists of eleven 15-week terms. Both schedules include in-person experiences.

The number of program credits depends on the specialization. Students will complete both master’s- and doctoral-level coursework while preparing to pursue APRN certification in one of the following specializations:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP): Gain the high-level experience to manage critical issues of patient safety and quality of care in acute and complex care settings.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Develop excellent skills in family practice and clinical care environments.
Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP): Implement care models that provide the highest quality care to individuals across the life span and to newborns.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Advocate for individuals across the life span, providing person-focused care and improving care delivery throughout the health system.

Upon graduation, graduates are eligible to sit for board certification examinations in their specialty area to obtain licensure.

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Distance-Based, Online Post-Master’s Executive DNP Program Overview

The Post-Master’s Executive DNP in Health Systems Leadership and Policy program is designed to build on the clinical and leadership experience of nurses with graduate education (master’s or doctoral) who are practicing in advanced nursing roles (i.e., leadership, advanced nursing practice, informatics, education). The Post-Master’s Executive DNP program is offered in a part-time program of study, consisting of five 15-week terms, as well as DNP practice hours and on-campus executive sessions.

The 30-credit curriculum focuses on leadership at the systems level. Coursework is designed to encourage students to innovate, influence health care policy, and engage in the world in service to others, addressing topics such as:

Implementing quality and safety initiatives to improve outcomes
Integrating economic and financial principles in practice
Evaluating ethical and legal challenges in health care

This program is intended for students who have an advanced nursing specialty or role and does not provide clinical preparation in an area of specialization. If you are interested in pursuing additional certifications, Georgetown University offers a distance-based, online Post-Graduate Certificate program with four APRN specialization options.

Distance-Based, Online DNP Program Curriculum

The Doctor of Nursing Practice distance-based, online DNP programs synthesize advanced leadership concepts and clinical expertise to equip nurses employed in advanced nursing roles with the foresight and experience to lead the advancement and implementation of change in health care.

These programs prepare students to improve health outcomes, implement systems-level change, and advocate for policies that improve population health.

Through live, distance-based online classes and interactive course content, students will acquire expertise in areas such as:

Organizational theory
Health policy and advocacy
Health care quality and safety
Economics and finances
Biostatistics and epidemiology
Ethical leadership
Scholarly writing
Evidence-based practice
Health care informatics

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Doctoral scholarly project

Students will complete a scholarly project that translates evidence from original research and accelerates the adoption of best clinical and leadership practices.

By implementing and evaluating their DNP scholarly project, students will demonstrate practice-related scholarship, change leadership, and outcomes measurement. Though not required, many DNP students complete projects that support Georgetown University’s Jesuit values and address an existing need of underserved populations in the United States.

View Recent Doctoral Scholarly Projects

Distance-Based, Online DNP Program Admissions

The admissions committee for the program will equally consider the applicant’s academic background, relevant experience, and leadership potential and abilities. Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing offers several start dates throughout the year and accepts applications on a rolling basis.

As part of the admission process, applicants will be required to provide the following:

Professional résumé or curriculum vitae
Official academic transcripts
Personal statement
Interview: Recorded for BSN-DNP and live via Zoom for Executive DNP
Two letters of recommendation

Learn More About Application Deadlines and Admission Requirements

Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing’s Faculty Expertise

Georgetown’s nursing faculty are dedicated, active leaders in the field of nursing. They bring their expertise into the classroom and foster the professional growth and development of students at Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing.

Our faculty are committed to continually advance the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities with attention to the Jesuit principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.

The Distance-Based, Online Student Experience

Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing programs are designed with the needs of distance-based, online learners in mind, backed by research in curriculum and pedagogy.

In the online DNP program, students will:

Engage in open dialogue during live classes

Join fellow nurses in weekly live classes, designed and led by highly regarded Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing faculty members. The collaborative environment allows for in-depth discussions, real-time presentations, and on-screen annotations.

Access support at every step

Get full support from the Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing community — be it admissions guidance, post-enrollment support, technology training, faculty office hours, or even lifelong networking and career-development opportunities.

DNP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program and what are its key learning outcomes?

The DNP program cultivates ethical leaders dedicated to cura personalis, with two distinct paths. BSN-DNP graduates gain the expertise to provide advanced clinical care and seek board certification in a specialty. The Executive DNP is designed for systems-level leadership, preparing graduates to influence healthcare policy, drive organizational innovation, and manage health systems.

Is the program 100% online?

The program is primarily delivered online, blending flexible asynchronous work with live classes. To ensure mastery of program-specific competencies, the curriculum includes required in-person experiences: Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs).

What are the admission requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program?

Applicants need a BSN (for BSN-DNP) or graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) (for Executive DNP). Submit a resume, official transcripts, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. An interview is also required: recorded for BSN-DNP applicants and live via Zoom for Executive DNP candidates. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended. GRE scores are not required, but BSN-DNP applicants need one year of nursing experience and Executive DNP applicants must be functioning in an advanced nursing role (i.e. APRN, leadership, education, informatics, etc.).

What is the total cost of tuition and fees?

Estimated total tuition ranges from $79,560 (Executive Post-Master’s) to $196,248 (BSN-DNP) based on the 2025-2026 rate of $2,652 per credit. Additional costs may include semesterly technology fees and travel for on-campus sessions. For a full breakdown, visit the program’s official tuition page.

How long does it typically take to complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program?

Complete the program in as few as 20 months (Executive Post-Master’s) or 33 months (BSN-DNP full-time). The flexible pacing is designed to fit your professional and personal schedule, offering both full-time and part-time tracks for the BSN-DNP entry point.

Is the program accredited, and by which accrediting bodies?

Yes, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures your degree meets high academic standards and holds professional value.

What is the typical curriculum or course structure for the program?

The curriculum offers a comprehensive education in translating evidence into practice to improve patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Key areas of study include Leadership, Health Policy, Health Care Quality & Safety, and DNP Project Seminar Courses.

What career paths and job opportunities are available to graduates?

Our graduates pursue diverse leadership roles in clinical practice, health systems, and policy. Career paths include APRN leadership roles (e.g., FNP, AG-ACNP, chief of advanced practice, etc.), Chief Nursing Officer, Clinical Director, and positions with state agencies, professional associations and academic institutions.