FAQs About the Online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

All degrees conferred by Regis College adhere to the same rigorous academic standards. As such, the degree will not state that it was earned online, and will be regarded by employers in the same fashion as any degree, earned on campus.

Regis is a leading Catholic university in Greater Boston that has been preparing students for success since 1927 through cutting-edge technology and industry-focused curriculum that continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of health care.

Our distinguished, personable, and doctorally prepared faculty provide a supportive, values-based nursing education integrated with a focus on holistic patient-centered care. Our online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program incorporates insider perspectives on the leadership qualities the field demands to help you build the skills you’ll need to positively affect the field.

Our program offers several concentration options to allow DNP students to specialize their practice in their passions as they achieve their terminal degree in nursing.

A DNP is a terminal degree that prepares expert nurse leaders for the highest level of nursing practice. The DNP-prepared nurse has practice expertise and works to improve the delivery of care to all patients in the health care system.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has endorsed shifting the minimum education level for advanced nursing practice from MSN to the DNP. As more nurses pursue DNPs than ever before, the rise in the number of DNP-holders has made doctorate-level education preferable to compete in the job market.

A doctorate in nursing may also prepare you for high-level positions and new career opportunities in health care, as well as higher earning potential.

Yes. Regis College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Regis’ online and on-campus nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

No. We do not require a GRE score to apply to our online graduate nursing programs.

Students may complete the online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in as few as 40 months. The core classes range from 8-16 weeks in length and are offered throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

See full academic calendar

Depending on the concentration you’ve chosen to specialize your degree, the number of credits in the online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice degree may range between 73-76 (76 for PMHNP specialization).

This program allows for BSN-credentialed nurses to transition directly into the online BSN to DNP program as long as they hold a valid RN license.

Tuition

• $955 per credit hour
• $165 Nursing clinical fee for CastleBranch

More information about online graduate nursing program tuition and fees, financial aid, payment options, etc., can be found here.

Yes. You may be eligible to transfer up to 9 graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution and accredited program. Courses should be 3 credits each with a final grade of a B- or better. Have more questions? Speak with an admissions advisor to learn more.

*Conditions may apply

Each student is assigned an advisor who will review their program sequence, outlining the courses to take in each semester.

We’re here to help you excel. Our student services team and faculty are available to answer your questions in a supportive environment and can connect you to the resources you need.

The online BSN to DNP student will typically complete 664 hours of clinical practice. Credit and clinical hours may vary depending on chosen specialization.

Students have an option to space out clinical hours over 2-4 semesters, with approval from the program director.

Students will have a role in finding their own placements; however, students may have additional assistance from our knowledgeable clinical coordinators.

We encourage students to find clinical practicum locations outside of their current workplace. With faculty approval, you may be able to complete practicum hours at your work.

Your current, unrestricted RN nursing license can be from any of the states found listed here. Prospective graduate nursing students should review state licensure requirements prior to applying to or enrolling in any of Regis College’s programs.

No campus visit required. The online graduate nursing programs at Regis can be completed 100% online.

Many of our students continue to work while in our program, although each student’s needs vary in work-life balance and availability of clinical practicum.

Regis is proud to offer a 10% tuition discount on fully online programs for employees, members, and spouses of employees of our partner organizations.*

Regis College aims to help military, veterans, and their families to further their education. This is why we offer a 15% tuition discount to all active and reserve military, veterans, and military spouses for our online programs.

We’re also pleased to offer 15% off tuition on online programs to all federal government employees, and their spouses, working in any federal department.

A 10% Alumni discount is available to anyone who has graduated from Regis with a degree, excluding those who only received a certificate from Regis.

Two levels of graduate assistantships are offered at Regis, giving students the unique experience of gaining valuable professional skills while benefiting from financial aid opportunities.**

*Some exceptions apply. The Regis partnership discount cannot be combined with any other discount or scholarship offered by Regis.

**Graduate Assistantships are available to graduate students who are enrolled in a minimum of six credits within their graduate program and maintain a 3.0 GPA.