Fastest Online DNP Programs for Busy Nurses
Are you a nurse and want to excel your career by earning Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) fast with affordability? Then you are among hundreds of nursing professionals who are looking for fast, flexible and fully online DNP Programs- especially among BSN and MSN targeting more advanced clinical and leadership roles without sacrificing their current professional career, fast and cheap.
Here, we not only provide you the options of fastest DNP Programs online that also featured self-paced, accelerated, and even non-dissertation based. Making possible for you to earn your PhD in Nursing Online or DNP Online just as short time of 12 to 24 months.
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 fast 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.
Fastest Online DNP Programs (2025 List)
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.
University of Miami – Online BSN to DNP
- Duration: ~2 years full-time
- Delivery: Online + brief intensives
- Dissertation Required: Capstone/practice project only
- Specializations: FNP, AGNP
- Best For: Nurses wanting full BSN-DNP progression
🔗 [Visit Program]
University of Cincinnati – Accelerated DNP
- Duration: 18–24 months
- Format: 100% online, 2 start dates per year
- No Dissertation: Scholarly project
- Track: Post-MSN to DNP
- CCNE Accredited
🔗 [Visit Program]
Rush University – DNP for APRNs
- Duration: 12–18 months (MSN to DNP)
- Delivery: Hybrid (mostly online)
- Capstone: Practice-focused project
- Specialization: FNP, PMHNP, Nurse Anesthesia
- Highly ranked nationally
🔗 [Visit Program]
Walden University – Online DNP
- Duration: ~2 years
- Format: Self-paced or standard pacing
- No Dissertation: Capstone-based DNP project
- Specializations: Leadership, Informatics, FNP
- Flexible for working nurses
🔗 [Visit Program]
University of the Cumberlands – DNP Online
- Duration: 2 years
- Delivery: 100% online
- Capstone Only: No dissertation
- Affordable tuition (~$500/credit)
- Popular for leadership/administration roles
🔗 [Visit Program]
Chamberlain University – DNP Accelerated Pathway
- Duration:5–2 years
- Format: Online with short residencies
- Focus: Systems leadership or advanced practice
- No Dissertation:
- For MSN-prepared nurses
🔗 [Visit Program]
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
However, 1-year DNP programs are not common and may only be available for post-master’s students, not BSN holders.
Benefits of a Fast DNP Program
- Graduate sooner and enter leadership or advanced practice roles
- Save money on tuition and fees over time
- Maintain work-life balance with online flexibility
- Focus on practical, patient-centered learning
- Avoid long-term dissertation processes
It is noted that Fast Online DNP programs are more beneficial and attracts the nurses who already earned clinical certifications and looking forward to growing their career in policy and administration or want to play professor or educator role.
Admission Requirements for Fast Online DNPs
While requirements vary by school, most programs expect:
- BSN or MSN from accredited institution
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0+)
- Current RN license (unencumbered)
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- GRE: Often not required
Some schools also expect a proposed capstone or project idea during application.
Fast DNP Specializations That Are In-Demand
Many of the fastest online DNPs are offered in these high-demand areas:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nursing Education
- Executive Leadership
- Nursing Informatics
- Population Health / Public Health
Each of these can lead to higher salaries, expanded scope of practice, and strong job security.
FAQs – Accelerated Online DNP Programs
Yes. MSN-to-DNP pathways with capstone projects can often be completed in 12–24 months, especially if you’re studying full-time.
They exist, but are very rare. These are usually for MSN-prepared nurses with extensive experience, and require an intense course load.
Yes — most listed programs are accredited by CCNE or ACEN.
Yes, especially with
self-paced
or
online asynchronous
formats. However, it depends on your time-management and the school’s course intensity.
Final Thoughts – Is a Fast DNP Right for You?
Fast Track Online DNP Programs are more suitable option for nurses who wants to advance in their career fast and quick. No matter you are looking for an APRN credentials, an executive leadership role, or a transition into academia, the above-mentioned options can help you to achieve your desired goals without taking a break from your current career.
It is recommended that you may ensure and verify the accreditation, accessibility, affordability of the program as well that your state’s licensing board accepts your degree path.