School of Nursing

Online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program (M.S. to D.N.P.)

Three OHSU nursing students wearing scrubs review patient information.

Earning a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) from OHSU prepares you to practice at the top of your field. You’ll be ready to take on leadership roles, teach, innovate in clinical practice and apply research to improve patient care.  

Expand your career with a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree

As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), choosing OHSU for your Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is simple. 

  • Advanced classes at the doctoral level. Learn to think deeply about evidence-based practice and elevate your expertise. 
  • Online program. Take your coursework fully online, and you can complete in-person practicum experiences in your local area. 
  • Flexible pathways. Attend full-time and earn your degree in two years—or go part-time and take up to four years.  
  • Learn from top faculty. You’ll learn from experienced clinicians and educators dedicated to helping you succeed and grow. 
  • Experience small classes. Learn in classes with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:15. 

Nursing scholarships

OHSU offers more nursing scholarships than ever before. See if you qualify. 

Admission and application requirements

Admissions

Check these must-haves before applying for the Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program. 

  • B.S. or B.S.N. and a M.S.
  • Current APRN license (CNS, NP, CNM, or CRNA) in the state where clinical coursework will take place.
  • Recommended: One year of work experience in advanced nursing practice.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate courses

Ask an admissions counselor.

How to apply

View application requirements.

Tuition and scholarships

  • Cost: $687 per credit for Oregon residents and $891 non-residents. Learn more about tuition and fees.
  • Scholarships: Access more nursing scholarships than ever before to help fund your education. You may also qualify for loan forgiveness and repayment programs.

Explore nursing scholarships.

Classes and degree requirements

You need 46 credits to complete the Post-Master’s D.N.P. program. This includes 6 elective credits, 24 D.N.P. core credits, 9 practicum credits and 7 D.N.P project credits. 

Learn more about classes and requirements.

Why earn your Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree at OHSU

OHSU’s mostly online program offers you the flexibility to continue to work while you earn your degree from Oregon’s only academic health center. 

  • Advance your career. Gain the skills you need to get hired for leadership roles, teach in higher education and excel in your practice area.
  • Learn in a flexible, online program. The asynchronous program offers you the flexibility to continue to work while you earn your degree.
  • Receive a high-quality education. Learn from experienced faculty known for their research and innovations in clinical care.

Still have questions? Contact an admission counselor to schedule a call.

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree program FAQs

What is a Post-Master’s D.N.P.?

The Post-Master's D.N.P. degree is the highest clinical practice doctorate APRNs can obtain. 

Who is a Post-Master’s D.N.P. degree for?

A Post-Master’s D.N.P. degree is designed for:  

  • APRNs with a Master of Science (M.S.) degree 
  • Licensed providers currently working in the field 
  • APRNs ready to advance their careers with a clinically focused doctoral degree 

How long does the Post-Master’s D.N.P. degree take?

You can complete this online program in two years—or attend part-time and take up to four years.

Are all Post-Master’s D.N.P. classes online?

The Post-Master's D.N.P. coursework is fully online, and students can complete in-person practicum experiences in their local area. 

Can I still work while earning my Post-Master’s D.N.P.?

You can continue working as a clinician, thanks to the program's flexibility. The program is mostly online with a requirement to come to campus once to present your D.N.P. project towards the end of your program.

Can I continue clinical work at my current practice?

You can work with your current clinical practice to develop a final project that focuses on improving health outcomes for the populations and communities you serve. 

Does past clinical work count towards required hours for the Post-Master's D.N.P. program?

Yes. Clinical hours you’ve completed during your master’s program may count toward your required clinical hours for the Post-Master's D.N.P. program. Submit a clinical hours verification form to the admissions office when you apply to verify completed hours. 

Still have questions? Contact an admissions counselor.

Hear from students

“I can genuinely say that the professors at OHSU want their students to succeed and they provide support in any way that they can.” 

Janice Villegas, Class of 2024