What Is a Fast-Track DNP?

Let’s get a little brief about fast-track online DNP program, it is an accelerated doctoral program in nursing that offers nursing professionals to earn their doctorate degree in shorter period of time than traditional DNP programs- most importantly without sacrificing the quality and accreditation of the degree.

Key features of fastest Online DNP programs include:

• 5–8 week course blocks
• Year-round or rolling admissions
• Transfer credit opportunities from MSN or BSN coursework
• Capstone or practice-based project (no traditional dissertation)
• Self-paced or competency-based formats
• Online or hybrid delivery (with minimal campus requirements)

Who Should Choose a Fast DNP Program?

For whom FAST DNP Online Programs are beneficial or useful?

• BSN-prepared nurses who want a direct-to-DNP pathway
• MSN-prepared nurses seeking executive, FNP, or PMHNP roles
• Professionals aiming to enter academia or leadership quickly
• Nurses looking for no-dissertation, practice-based learning
• Full-time RNs or APRNs balancing work and family life

If your goal is to advance your career quickly without compromising work-life balance, a fast DNP is a smart move.

Shortest DNP Programs Online (At-a-Glance)

For your review and comparison, we listed some of the top accredited nursing schools offering shortest and fastest Online DNP programs, that are easily accessible for the students worldwide and high acceptable around globe.

Reality check: Truly “One Year online DNP Program” claims usually apply to post-MSN leadership/admin options with prior clinical hours (CCNE requires 1,000 post-BSN practice hours across programs). Always confirm your hours and pace with admissions. 

Fastest MSN-to-DNP Programs (Online) 

Georgetown Executive DNP — 20 Months (Post-Master’s) 

Distance-based online, executive sessions on campus, leadership/policy focus. 

UTA Online DNP — As Few as 27–32 Months 

100% online, accelerated cadence designed for working APRNs/MSN-prepared nurses. 

Missouri State Post-Master’s DNP — 5 Semesters

Fully online leadership option; budget-friendly; CCNE-accredited. 

Rush Transformative Leadership DNP — 2 Years (PT) 

Online + two brief campus visits; designed for employed nurses. 

Can You Really Earn a DNP in 1 Year?

Yes, it is possible but in very rare cases, MSN-prepared nurses can earn a DNP in the shortest span of 12-15 months- Especially if:

• The program allows transfer of significant credit hours
• You enroll full-time and follow an aggressive schedule
• The final project is a capstone, not a traditional dissertation
• You choose a school with rolling or accelerated terms

Shortest BSN-to-DNP Programs (Online/Hybrid)

BSN to DNP Online Programs is longer as compared to MSN to Online DNP Programs mainly cause of APRN course work and 1,000 clinical hours, but there are still some BSN to DNP options online that are fast as compared to others. 

• Georgetown BSN-to-DNP

   — under 3 years full-time (8 × 15-week terms ≈ 33 months). Online coursework plus 2–3 Objective Clinical Intensives in the DC area. 

• Rush University NP DNP Tracks

   — 2.5 years FT / 3.5 PT (hybrid; online coursework + required campus activities). 

Tip: If you want to complete your DNP online fast than it is recommended that you shoduld, consider completing or transferring an MSN first, then doing an accelerated post-MSN DNP. 

Fastest & Shortest Online DNP Programs — What “Fast” Really Means

• Entry point matters: Post-MSN DNPs are fastest (leadership/admin focus). BSN-to-DNP tracks are longer because you’re adding NP training + clinicals. 

• On-site intensives: Even “online” DNPs may require brief campus sessions (e.g., OCIs) or local preceptor clinicals. 

• State restrictions: Some online NP/DNP options restrict enrollment based on licensure/state (e.g., Penn State NP DNP for PA). 

Quick Answers to High-Intent Queries

Shortest DNP Online Program

Among post-MSN options, Georgetown’s Executive DNP (20 months) and Missouri State (5 semesters) are standouts; UTA lists 27–32 months fully online. 

Fastest Online DNP Program (Post-MSN)

Georgetown Executive DNP (20 months) and Rush Transformative Leadership DNP (2 years PT).

Fastest BSN-to-DNP Program Online

Georgetown’s BSN-to-DNP can be finished in under three years full-time with required OCIs. 

Easiest Online Shortest DNP Programs?

Easiest Online DNP program only means fewer, or no campus trips, asynchronous model, and strong preceptor support the best examples of these Online PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice Online are UTA and Missouri State University. Otherwise by no mean there is easy accredited shortest DNP Program the CCNE standards, and 1,000 post BSN practice hours apply across all accredited programs. 

Cheapest Online DNP Programs (Support Picks)

Not strictly “fastest,” but these overlap well with your audience intent. 

• Missouri State — reputation for low tuition; online PM-DNP. 

• UTA — transparent total tuition for online DNP and frequent starts. 

• Penn State (World Campus) — affordable tuition; strong asynchronous delivery (NP tracks limited to PA). 

International Shortest DNP Programs Online Options (Non-U.S. “DNP Equivalents”) 

The DNP is a U.S. credential. Outside the U.S., you’ll typically find Professional Doctorates (DNurs) or Nursing PhDs—often part-time, distance, or hybrid. 

Master Comparison Table – U.S. + International

How to Finish Your Online DNP Faster  

• Choose Post-MSN if eligible (fastest path). 

• Transfer prior clinical hours where allowed. 

• Pick asynchronous/rolling start programs (UTA, Walden). 

• Line up preceptors early to avoid scheduling delays. 

1-Year DNP Online Programs

However, 1-year DNP programs are not common and may only be available for post-master’s students, not BSN holders.