Online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program (M.S. to D.N.P.)
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.
Contact us
- Ask admissions
- Attend an information session
- Call us at 503-494-7725 or 866-223-1811 (toll free)
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
How to apply
- Apply by June 1 to start your program in fall 2025.
- Go to Nursing CAS and apply.
- Enter your college courses in Nursing CAS.
- Submit 3 letters of reference, your resume and essays in Nursing CAS.
- Send transcripts to Nursing CAS. Contact Nursing CAS to ensure your transcripts arrive.
- Submit a clinical hours verification form to the admissions office.
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.
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.
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
Accreditation
OHSU is accredited by the NWCUU and OHSU School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE.