Health care is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and more is now expected of nurse leaders. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has called for a doctoral-level education to become the requirement for advanced practice nursing. Earning an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Regis College can help position yourself at the forefront of the industry — prepared for nurse education, patient care, and shaping future policies and procedures in health care.
Benefits of Pursuing Your MSN to DNP Online
Enrolling in an online MSN to DNP program gives you the opportunity to advance your nursing career without having to put your life on hold. Our MSN to DNP program is 100% online and offers three start times a year, meaning you can begin coursework whenever it’s most convenient for you. You can complete the MSN to DNP program in 24-36 months.
Calendar
Length: 24-36 months*
Total Credits: 27-64 (64 for PMHNP specialization)
*MSN to DNP bridge program may take up to 44 months
Upcoming Start Dates:
Summer: 4/29/2024
Eight Concentration Areas for Our MSN to DNP Program
If you’re a master’s-prepared nurse working in an advanced practice role — such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse educator — or a BSN-credentialed nurse with a master’s degree in a relevant health care field, our online DNP is the next step toward advancing your career, allowing you to focus on one of the following specialized areas:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Focus on a variety of health needs and issues in an outpatient, primary care pediatric setting.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Provide care to mental health clients across the lifespan using contemporary psychotherapy modalities and knowledge of psychopharmacology.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Learn to care for women at all life stages, including primary care, gynecological, and obstetrical health care needs.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Develop skills and knowledge to work with every age in a family practice environment.
Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) Learn to provide primary care about chronic illness and aging, including polypharmacy management and end-of-life considerations. Formerly referred to as AGNP.
Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Learn to diagnose and treat critical medical conditions in adults in an acute care setting. Learn advanced diagnostics, pathophysiology, and more.
Nurse Leadership Study informatics, regulatory issues, organizational structures, and more for a director, management, and executive positions.
Nurse Education Learn to educate the next generation of nurses through courses focusing on curriculum development, simulation, online pedagogy, and evaluating outcomes. Find out more about the program.
Regis College offers Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to qualified students accepted into MSN-DNP Nurse Education track. Loan recipients may get up to 85% of their loan canceled. Learn more.
What Can You Do with a DNP?
Earning a DNP is one of the best ways to cement yourself as a leader in the nursing field. When you graduate with a DNP degree, you’ll be equipped with the strategic insight to improve patients’ lives and prepared to compete for many lucrative leadership and management opportunities in nursing.
MSN to DNP Program Career Paths
A variety of career paths are open to nurses with a DNP degree. Across these paths, one thing remains consistent — DNP graduates find themselves in positions of leadership. Some common routes that our graduates take include*:
| Nurse Practitioner
Median Annual Salary (2021): $120,680 |
Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Annual Salary (2021): $101,340 |
Nurse Educator
Median Annual Salary (2021): $77,440 |
Clinical Nurse Researcher
Median Annual Salary (2021): $95,310 |
*All data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Common Work Environments
| Clinical practices | Hospitals | Research laboratories | Educational institutions | Advocacy organizations |
What Is the Typical DNP Salary?
Because DNP degrees often lead to positions of leadership or other advanced roles, earning a DNP can result in an increase in salary. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for nurses with a DNP was approximately $109,000 as of December 2022.
Online MSN to DNP Program Job Outlook
The job outlook for nurses who hold a DNP degree is one of the strongest in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurse practitioners is expected to increase by an astonishing 46% between 2021 and 2031, adding nearly 113,000 jobs. Demand for other occupations is strong as well, with positions like medical and health services managers expected to grow by 28% and add over 136,000 jobs over the same period.
Complete in 24-36* months
Transfer credits accepted
Apply with no GRE/GMAT
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) offered**
First DNP program in the Boston Area
*MSN to DNP bridge program may take up to 44 months to complete.
**The NFLP is offered to qualified students accepted into the MSN-DNP Nurse Education program.
Loan recipients may get up to 85% of their loan canceled. Learn more.
Our Online MSN to DNP Program Prepares You to Succeed in an Evolving, Global World
Regis is a leading Catholic university, founded by the sisters of St. Joseph, that prepares students to succeed in an evolving, global world. Regis students benefit from the unique perspective of a values-based education integrated with cutting-edge technology and learning opportunities. Our innovative online DNP program prepares MSN-credentialed nurses or nurses with a BSN and a master’s degree in a relevant health care field for a deeper and more meaningful professional care. Our student-centered faculty supports and encourages you to create your own path while keeping an eye on the future of health care.
Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing 2008-2020
Among The Princeton Review’s
“Best Regional Colleges”
Ranked among the Top 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges by The Business Journals
Qualify to Sit for Certification Exams
Completing the online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will prepare you to sit for exams from the following certification boards (based on your chosen specialty):
| The American Nurses Credentialing Center | Pediatric Nursing Certification Board | National League of Nursing (NLN) |
| American Association of Nurse Practitioners | National Certification Corporation | Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) |
Online MSN to DNP Program Curriculum
With our online program, you can earn your DNP degree in as few as 24-36* months and become prepared to take on a high-level role in health care.
- Enhance your knowledge of patient care, policies and procedures, and research methods.
- Choose from three start times per year, and complete your coursework 100% online.
- Choose from six nurse practitioner specializations, Nurse Education, or Nurse Leadership.
*MSN to DNP bridge program students may take up to 44 months to complete.
Hear From Our Students
“My experience in this program exceeds my expectation of earning the DNP degree. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from the course work of this program as well as from the faculty.”
Oluwatoyin Okafor
Online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (Nurse Education)
Watch the Video
Check out this video discussion about the online MSN to DNP in Nurse Education program, and get to know former online student and adjunct faculty member within the online graduate nursing programs at Regis, Dr. Jamie Papesca, DNP, MSN, CRNA, APRN.
Top 5 Reasons for Earning a DNP Degree
#1
You want to teach the next generation of nurses.
#2
You have a passion for top-notch clinical care.
#3
You want to move the profession forward.
#4
You want to improve health care.
#5
Great ROI — the average salary for a DNP graduate is $109,000†
† Salary data from Payscale as of December 2022
MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Admission Requirements
To be eligible for this program, students must meet the following qualifications:
- MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited nursing program‡
- BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and accredited nursing program (For Bridge program students only)
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant health care field (For Bridge program students only)
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
- Active unencumbered RN license
- One year of critical care work experience (for AGACNP program only)
MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Application Requirements
You can begin your application process today. To get started you will need to submit the following:
- Application form
- Proof of active unencumbered RN license
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume and statement of purpose
- Verification of hours form
- APRN certification (if applicable)
- APRN and prescriptive authority license (if applicable)
‡Not applicable for MSN to DNP Bridge program students
Ways to Save on Your Tuition
Employee Discounts
Regis partner employees can receive a discount on their tuition. Find out if your employer is a partner.
Federal & Military Discounts
Federal government employees as well as active and reserve military and veterans are eligible for a 15% discount on tuition. Find out more.
Alumni Discounts
Regis alumni who have received a previous degree from Regis are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition. Speak to an advisor for more information.
Financial Aid
We are here to support you through the process. Speak to an advisor to learn more.
Nursing Student Loan Program
Nurture your nursing career with Regis: Affordable loans for aspiring nurses.
Find out more.
Regis discounts cannot be combined with any other discount or scholarship offered by Regis. Some exceptions may apply.
Meet Our Faculty
Michele Pedulla, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Associate Dean, Online Graduate Nursing and Associate Professor
View Full Bio of Michele Pedulla, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an MSN to DNP program degree?
The DNP degree prepares experienced nurses for leadership and management roles within a variety of health care settings.
What is the typical salary for MSN to DNP program graduates?
The median annual salary for nurses with a DNP was approximately $109,000 as of December 2022, according to Payscale.
How long is the online MSN to DNP program?
The online MSN to DNP program can be completed in just 24-36 months. Students enrolled in the MSN to DNP bridge program may take up to 44 months to earn their degree.
What is the MSN to DNP program options?
The online DNP offers eight concentrations, so you can earn a specialized DNP degree tailored to your career goals. We offer the following specializations:
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Leadership
- Nurse Education
About Regis
As a leader in education, Regis is dedicated to offering programs with a holistic view of health care that are designed for the future of the field. Through cutting-edge coursework, industry-active faculty members, and an array of majors and graduate programs, Regis has been able to positively impact the educational community, health care landscape, and personal lives of students nationwide. When you choose Regis, you join a closely-knit community with big university benefits. As a Regis student, you have the opportunity to build a solid foundation, lasting professional connections, and the specialized expertise you need to expand your skills and perspective. Prepare to enter the workplace confidently with an education of the highest standard.
“In recent years, Regis has become a powerhouse in professional and graduate education in nursing and health sciences. As a result, our university has become increasingly visible locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Dr. Antoinette Hays RN, Ph.D.
President
