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The doctoral degree program in nursing at Carson-Newman University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Advance Primary Care plus Healthcare Leadership with a DNP

The Online Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Carson-Newman is accredited, affordable, and offers the opportunity for advancement for nurses with a bachelor’s or master’s degree looking to expand their careers. Students in the online MSN to DNP program learn from experienced faculty who are active practitioners in their communities. Graduates gain the skills and confidence necessary to define their future as holistic family nurse practitioners and advanced healthcare leaders.

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Learn more about Carson-Newman University's online nursing programs.

  • 100% Online Coursework*
  • Just Over $24k Total Tuition
  • Dedicated Student Success Advisor
Next Start: Summer 2026
  • Current Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Complete

About The Online MSN to DNP Program

  • All coursework is 100% online (not including residency and on-campus certification review)
  • Designed for working nurses, the online DNP is part-time yet streamlined. Graduate in as few as 18 months!
  • One 3-day on-campus residency experience connects you with peers and instructors for hands-on learning
  • Receive board certification preparation with 2-day live review (to take place the same week as commencement)
  • Be supported from the first day of class until graduation by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
  • Save up to $200 per credit hour compared to nationwide competitors
  • Accredited by:
    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    • Approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing

Hear from One of Our Online MSN-FNP Students

Check out Student Testimonials to see how Carson-Newman works for working nurses.

On-Campus Residency Experience

One three-day required on-campus residency experience provides you the opportunity to meet and connect with your peers and program faculty. During the residency, students will come to campus for hands-on skills practice and complete an advanced assessment physical exam. Learn more about the Residency Experience.

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Carson-Newman University students working with patients

A Private School Education at a State School Price

The online MSN to DNP program consists of 37 credit hours of nursing courses taught by experienced FNP and DNP faculty who are active nurse practitioners in their communities. At part-time pacing, the program can be completed in as few as 18 months.

Focuses on the application of biostatistics and epidemiology to the collecting and interpreting of data related to disease incidence and prevalence, analyzing the effects of social determinants, and developing effective intervention and prevention strategies for diverse populations.

Examines principles of economics and resource management in the development and evaluation of healthcare projects and programs.

Students will analyze organizational processes and assess barriers and facilitators to change. Focus will include leadership principles to deliver quality, cost-effective care and improve systems while considering policies, culture, business realities, and sustainability.

Analyze factors influencing healthcare policy, cultivate the skills to competently engage in the policy process, and apply advocacy and persuasion strategies to transform healthcare to equitably meet the needs of diverse populations.

Focuses on the utilization and evaluation of information systems and technology to improve access to quality care, care outcomes, and communication while generating new evidence.

Nursing By The Numbers

78 %
avg. job offer rate for nurse practitioners at graduation*
95 %
job placement 4-6 months after graduation
1
Nurse Practitioner is ranked #1 Best Job by U.S. News & World Report (2025)

*(vs 55% for new grads across all disciplines) 2021 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Report

Testimonials

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Miranda Kerley
When I saw that Carson-Newman was willing to find placement for me, I jumped on board very quickly.

Miranda Kerley, MSN-FNP Student, Class of 2021

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Ashley Leon
With Carson-Newman's MSN program, I'm able to dedicate the time that I need, with it being a part-time program, to really focus on my studies.

Ashley Leon, MSN-FNP Student, Class of 2022

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Kevin Light
I believe Carson-Newman works for working nurses, and if you want to be challenged, but have balance and the ability to work at a really good pace, I encourage you to come here.

Kevin Light, MSN-FNP Student

Frequently Asked Questions

The online MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for registered nurses who hold an MSN degree and are looking to prepare for and expand the role of an advance practice nurse or broaden career options to healthcare leadership with a terminal clinical doctorate. Graduates gain the skills necessary to define their own future as holistic and confident family nurse practitioners, ready to impact their communities or provide organizational leadership and create systems improvement.

The fully accredited online MSN to DNP program is 100% online*, which allows you to earn your DNP on a schedule that supports work life balance.

Carson-Newman University offers student-centric support, including:

  • Personalized admissions assistance
  • Affordable tuition for just over $24k**
  • Flexible, online coursework
  • No application fee
  • An efficient path—graduate in as few as 18 months
  • 1:1 support throughout the program from a Student Success Advisor

*not including residency or on-campus certification review
**plus fees (tech fee $65 per credit hour, $200 fee per semester)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a professional doctorate in nursing. This specialized degree focuses on advanced clinical practice and prepares graduates for the highest leadership level in nursing.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, health policy, technology, quality improvement, and systems leadership. DNP programs are designed to equip nurses with the knowledge to become successful nurse leaders and improve patient outcomes.

A DNP prepares nurse practitioners for advanced practice roles. With a DNP, you can become a leader in the nursing field by developing and implementing healthcare initiatives, directing new best practices, and providing expert care to patients.

You will also be able to lead teams of medical professionals in delivering the highest level of patient care.

You may specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, or neonatal nurse practitioner.

You may also work as an educator, informatics specialist, or consultant within the nursing field. You have a wealth of options to pursue in the world of nursing leadership with a DNP.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice can be a great opportunity for experienced nurses, as it can impact one’s career through higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more respect from supervisors and peers.

A DNP may also provide access to teaching and research opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available. With the current industry emphasis on evidence-based nursing practice, knowledge acquired from a DNP program can lead to improved patient outcomes as well.

Ultimately, for those looking for enhanced leadership roles in clinical care settings, a DNP is certainly worth it.

40 %
Projected Job Growth by 2033

$132,050

Median Total Annual Wages*

More than 141,200 new Nurse Practitioner jobs created between 2023-2033*

  • Family
  • Pediatrics
  • Women's Health
  • Adult - Gerontology
  • And More

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Important Dates

Next Start: Summer 2026

Get My Program Guide

Our Students Come First

A Private School Education at a State School Price

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a nationally-ranked, Christian liberal arts-based university. The online FNP programs are part-time for working nurses with a student-centric curriculum. Faith and learning are combined to create a transformative education designed to empower you as an autonomous primary care provider.

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Fully Supported All The Way

Carson-Newman is a leader in adult online education. Students enrolled in our online FNP programs can expect the same academic rigor and support as on-campus nursing students. Our dedicated faculty and staff empower working nurses to turn their vision into reality. From enrollment support to clinical placement support to guidance until graduation, you’ll never be alone on your FNP journey. 

Your student success team will help you with:

  • Enrollment Support
  • Admissions Requirements
  • Program Details
  • Clinical Placement Support
  • Tuition Information
  • Upcoming Start Dates
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