BSN to DNP Option

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The BSN to DNP program lets you bypass the MSN and go forward into your future

With Franklin’s BSN to DNP Program, you don’t need a master’s of nursing (MSN). Instead, your BSN and successful completion of two foundational bridge courses lets you enroll in our DNP program – and be on your way to a whole new level of leadership. This is the online DNP for busy, working nurses like you who are ready to advance their understanding and application of evidence-based practice, quality improvement and data analytics to advance healthcare systems and clinical care.

BSN to DNP Program Overview

Get on the fast track to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with the online degree created for motivated, leadership-centric nurses

Advance your clinical judgment and leadership skills faster with the online DNP degree that’s as driven as you. Franklin offers busy working nurses an affordable, BSN to DNP program – no MSN required. With one of the most accelerated BSN to DNP programs available, you could qualify quickly when you successfully complete two bridge courses in as few as 8 months. Once enrolled, complete your DNP degree in as little as 3 or 4 years, thanks to practicum hours that are included within specific courses. Plus, you’ll learn and practice in the areas that interest you most by choosing one of three leadership focus areas or the FNP specialty.

Earn your DNP degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your DNP degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Regionally accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

BSN to DNP Curriculum

Bridge Courses

NURS 800 - Principles of Advanced Nurse Practice (4)

This foundational course for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students focuses on the role of nursing scholarship, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership development. Students will also explore health care delivery, health policy, and communication technology.

NURS 805 - Transition to Doctor of Nursing Practice (4)

This bridge course focuses on the role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and is offered for students who have not completed a master's in nursing program prior to matriculation into the DNP. The focus will be on developing requisite skills needed for role assumption and leadership through engagement in activities designed to develop competencies within an area of interest. [Practicum hours: 125]

Available DNP Offerings

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Acquire a deep understanding of the aging process, focused on serving adult patients and confronting the unique medical challenges that occur as individuals age.

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Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Design and deliver evidence-based, compassionate patient care. Franklin’s flexible, online DNP-FNP track enables you to learn, practice and lead in the areas of health promotion and patient education, honing the skills you need to positively affect advocacy, outcomes and parity.

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Leadership Track

Enhance and refine your executive management capabilities with Franklin’s DNP-Leadership track. Choose from healthcare administration, health informatics or public administration focus areas, and lead yourself into your next career move.

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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

Gain an essential understanding of cognitive processes, behaviors, and how life events affect the mental health of patients.

Learn More

DNP Program Details

Tuition Cost

2024 - 2025 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard Tuition	$748
Current Service Members	$636
International students	$899

Other Fees and Charges	Cost
Application fee (non-refundable)	$50
Nursing programs fees	Varies by program
Graduation application fee (non-refundable, non-transferable)	$150
Graduation application late fee (non-refundable, non-transferable)	$100
Late payment fee for deferred tuition reimbursement plan	$100
Returned check processing fee	$25
E-Textbook Optional Charges	Varies by course

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s DNP program, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Applicants for the DNP program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or earned a BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants for the BSN-DNP program must have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or earned a BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the master’s degree.

Students entering through the above pathway must achieve a final grade of B (3.0 GPA) or better in NURS 800 Principles of Advanced Nursing Practice AND NURS 805 Transition to the DNP.

Applicants who earned lower than a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale can petition for admission to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program of study. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.

If a student is admitted as a result of the petition, the student will need to obtain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) during the first doctoral-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University.

Recommended Application Deadlines

Fall 2021
July 12, 2021

Spring 2022
November 15, 2021

Summer 2022
April 4, 2022

Program Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Evidence of Active Nursing License

Applicants must have a valid, active and clear/unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN).

Applicants holding the equivalent of an RN licensure or certification outside the U.S. must submit a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Academic Report from the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
All students must maintain licensure throughout the program of study.
License information should be submitted here.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

Program Specific Requirements

Please note: Due to the unique requirements of the DNP practicum experience, students should consult the Nursing DNP Program Handbook for important information on the program’s required practicum component before selecting this major. Applicants must complete and return the Acknowledgement of Receipt of the Handbook form prior to enrolling in the DNP program. For questions regarding the handbook or form, please contact the DNP Program Chair. The handbook and form can be accessed here.

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Employment Outlook

13%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 13%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Nurse Anesthetists

$212,659

31,519

13%

Nurse Anesthetists

Median Salary: $212,659
Job Postings: 31,519
Projected Growth: 13%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists	22,427	71%
Nurse Anesthetists	2,061	7%
Locums Tenens	1,174	4%
Anesthesiologists	906	3%
Locum Tenens Anesthesiologists	710	2%
Hospitalists	546	2%
Travel Radiology Technicians	292	1%
Anesthesia Assistants	1,048	3%
Locum Tenens Anesthesia Physicians	347	1%
Anesthetists	361	1%
Anesthesia Technicians	316	1%
Anesthesiology Residents	408	1%
Endoscopy Registered Nurses	105	0%
Anesthesia Physicians	102	0%
Certified Nurse Anesthetists	238	1%
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners	95	0%
Clinical Instructors	75	0%
Ambulatory Surgery Registered Nurses	176	1%
Regional Medical Directors	51	0%
Autonomous Vehicle Operators	81	0%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Anesthesias	8,883	70%
Anesthesiology	5,708	45%
Nursing	2,663	21%
Pre-Anesthetic Assessment	2,337	18%
Surgery	2,262	18%
Pediatrics	1,527	12%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology	1,523	12%
Trauma Care	1,397	11%
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)	1,246	10%
Airway Management	1,242	10%
Operating Room (OR)	1,239	10%
Orthopedics	1,164	9%
Patient Safety	1,125	9%
Urology	1,111	9%
Pain Management	1,010	8%
Surgical Procedures	980	8%
Gynecology	933	7%
General Surgery	906	7%
Epidural Anesthesia	867	7%
Endoscopy	826	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Offices of Physicians		52%
	General Medical and Surgical Hospitals		24%
	Offices of Other Health Practitioners		6%
	Outpatient Care Centers		5%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		3%
	Other		6%

Nurse Midwives

$129,646

6,819

Nurse Midwives

Median Salary: $129,646
Job Postings: 6,819
Projected Growth: 9%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Nurse Midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Certified Nurse Midwives	5,720	84%
Nurse Midwives	829	12%
Certified Nurse Midwives/Women's Health Nurse Practitioners	48	1%
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioners	70	1%
Directors of Health and Human Services	5	0%
Travel Certified Nurse Midwives	6	0%
OB/GYN Physicians	9	0%
OB/GYN Registered Nurses	15	0%
Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology	6	0%
Bilingual Spanish Customer Service Representatives	11	0%
Certified Family Nurse Practitioners	2	0%
OB/GYNs	4	0%
Advanced Practice Nurses	1	0%
Certified Professional Midwives	89	1%
Family Medicine Nurse Practitioners	1	0%
Midwives	3	0%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Midwifery	1,688	67%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology	1,242	49%
Gynecology	1,211	48%
Postpartum Care	1,028	41%
Nursing	937	37%
Intrapartum	683	27%
Family Planning	497	20%
Medical Records	487	19%
Childbirth	392	16%
Medical Ultrasonography	347	14%
Cardiotocography	295	12%
Patient Education And Counseling	242	10%
Pap Tests	219	9%
Cesarean Section	207	8%
Pelvic Examination	205	8%
Clinical Experience	200	8%
Triage	189	8%
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)	186	7%
Clinical Practices	170	7%
Social History Records	167	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Offices of Physicians		52%
	General Medical and Surgical Hospitals		21%
	Outpatient Care Centers		15%
	Offices of Other Health Practitioners		5%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		3%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		2%
	Other		3%

Nurse Practitioners

$126,256

387,601

44%

Nurse Practitioners

Median Salary: $126,256
Job Postings: 387,601
Projected Growth: 44%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Nurse Practitioners	140,282	36%
Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants	73,208	19%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners	28,637	7%
Family Nurse Practitioners	32,040	8%
Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses	18,423	5%
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners	13,486	4%
Primary Care Nurse Practitioners	9,179	2%
Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners	8,965	2%
Advanced Practice Providers	8,331	2%
Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants	8,151	2%
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners	6,139	2%
Family Medicine Nurse Practitioners	5,911	2%
Travel Nurse Practitioners	5,540	1%
Family Medicine Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants	4,670	1%
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners	4,884	1%
Physicians/Family Practitioners	4,316	1%
Primary Care Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants	3,599	1%
Nurse Practitioners/Hospitalists	3,449	1%
Instructors/Physician Assistants/Nurse Practitioners	4,156	1%
Family Practice Nurse Practitioners	4,235	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Nursing	59,015	30%
Primary Care	50,909	26%
Medical Records	33,491	17%
Patient Education And Counseling	27,994	14%
Treatment Planning	25,434	13%
Geriatrics	23,484	12%
Urgent Care	22,801	12%
Medical History Documentation	22,689	12%
Electronic Medical Record	21,451	11%
Family Medicine	20,307	10%
Chronic Diseases	19,642	10%
Clinical Experience	18,665	10%
Psychiatry	17,026	9%
Acute Care	16,708	9%
Internal Medicine	16,354	8%
Patient Treatment	16,265	8%
Mental Health	14,006	7%
Medication Administration	14,004	7%
Pediatrics	13,741	7%
Home Health Care	13,717	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Offices of Physicians		48%
	General Medical and Surgical Hospitals		18%
	Outpatient Care Centers		9%
	Offices of Other Health Practitioners		4%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		3%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		3%
	Other		14%

Registered Nurses

$86,070

4,823,198

10%

Registered Nurses

Median Salary: $86,070
Job Postings: 4,823,198
Projected Growth: 10%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Registered Nurses	1,029,001	21%
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses	382,391	8%
Travel Registered Nurses	481,609	10%
ICU Registered Nurses	372,624	8%
Operating Room Registered Nurses	295,298	6%
Home Health Registered Nurses	170,736	4%
Medical Surgical Travel Registered Nurses	221,022	5%
Emergency Room Registered Nurses	131,261	3%
Telemetry Registered Nurses	143,109	3%
Telemetry Travel Registered Nurses	355,149	7%
Emergency Department Registered Nurses	135,226	3%
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses	190,935	4%
Oncology Registered Nurses	104,583	2%
Registered Nurse Case Managers	92,878	2%
Hospice Registered Nurses	90,180	2%
PACU Registered Nurses	106,015	2%
Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurses	201,222	4%
NICU Registered Nurses	117,460	2%
Pediatric Registered Nurses	102,078	2%
ICU Travel Registered Nurses	100,421	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Nursing	1,606,518	59%
Nursing Care	636,896	23%
Nursing Process	388,950	14%
Medication Administration	297,836	11%
Intensive Care Unit	287,124	10%
Acute Care	254,327	9%
Home Health Care	247,412	9%
Nursing Practices	242,897	9%
Care Coordination	218,629	8%
Medical Surgical Nursing	211,615	8%
Emergency Departments	202,641	7%
Medical Records	199,175	7%
Pediatrics	195,908	7%
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)	195,169	7%
Direct Patient Care	186,360	7%
Discharge Planning	173,635	6%
Clinical Nursing	164,419	6%
Medical Telemetry	161,029	6%
Patient Education And Counseling	156,956	6%
Computerized Physician Order Entry	155,007	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	General Medical and Surgical Hospitals		47%
	Education and Hospitals (Local Government)		7%
	Offices of Physicians		7%
	Home Health Care Services		6%
	Outpatient Care Centers		5%
	Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)		4%
	Other		24%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

BSN to DNP Option Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DNP degree?

A DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a clinical practice degree, and is different from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing degree, which is a research degree.

What can you do with a DNP degree?

Plenty! As a DNP graduate, you’ll be prepared to hold a variety of job positions and roles in leadership, administration, informatics and, if you’re prepared as a nurse practitioner, advanced practice.

Why get a DNP degree?

If you want to become an advanced nursing leader, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is considered the terminal degree for clinical practice.

What makes Franklin’s DNP degree unique?

Franklin streamlines your educational experience. We’ll help you finish faster and let you practice what you learn while you learn – thanks to embedded practicum hours and a scholarly project that are included within our courses.

How long is an online DNP program?

Congratulations on wanting to advance your education and career through Franklin’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program! The Franklin online DNP is designed for busy nurses, so, depending on your previous education and area of focus, you may be able to complete your terminal degree in 6-11 trimesters (24-48 months).

When can I start a DNP degree?

Getting started with your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degree) is easy and convenient at Franklin. We offer two start dates a year in fall and spring. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that's right for you.

How much will my DNP degree cost?

At Franklin, you’ll get a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future right now. Our helpful staff can talk with you about flexible financing options as well as financial aid programs. See current tuition and rates here.

Do I need to have an MSN before starting a DNP program?

Good news! The answer is “no.” You can be admitted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program through Franklin’s BSN to DNP pathway. With this pathway, you will take two bridge courses (NURS 800 and NURS 805) first. Once you successfully complete these courses, you will be fully admitted to the DNP program. By the way, this is the same pathway that anyone with a BSN and a non-nursing master’s degree would follow for the DNP degree.

For the BSN to DNP degree, will I also earn the MSN degree?

No. However, as a prerequisite to full admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, you will complete two bridge courses that cover foundational knowledge from the M.S. in Nursing (MSN) program.

How will I complete the practicum hours for the DNP?

Practicum hours focus on skill development in essential areas, including leadership, informatics, finance and patient safety. Some of your practicum hours will be completed at a practicum site with a preceptor to guide your work. Other hours are considered experiential and will be facilitated by a faculty member as part of your coursework. In addition, as part of your practicum, you will develop a scholarly project using an evidence-based intervention and quality improvement framework that addresses a gap in practice, process, or policy at your practice site. Bottom line? You’ll be able to complete about half of your practicum hours during your coursework!

If I complete the FNP at the same time as the DNP, will I have to do clinical hours?

Yes. You will complete 600 clinical hours in the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty at a medical office or clinic.

See All >

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The BSN to DNP program lets you bypass the MSN and go forward into your future

Built-in Practicum

Personalize Your Degree

Qualify Quickly

Online Coursework

Learn from the Best

BSN to DNP Program Overview

Get on the fast track to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with the online degree created for motivated, leadership-centric nurses

Earn your DNP degree from a university built for busy adults

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

BSN to DNP Curriculum

Available DNP Offerings

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Leadership Track

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

Ready to decide what you want from nursing – and go for it?

DNP Program Details

Recommended Application Deadlines

Program Prerequisites

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Request Free Information!

Request Information

Employment Outlook

From 2023-2033, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 13%

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

BSN to DNP Option Frequently Asked Questions

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The BSN to DNP program lets you bypass the MSN and go forward into your future

Built-in Practicum

Personalize Your Degree

Qualify Quickly

Online Coursework

Learn from the Best

Get on the fast track to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with the online degree created for motivated, leadership-centric nurses

Earn your DNP degree from a university built for busy adults

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Track

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Leadership Track

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track

Ready to decide what you want from nursing – and go for it?

Recommended Application Deadlines

Program Prerequisites

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Request Free Information!

Request Information

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From 2023-2033, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 13%

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

Description

Projected Growth

I AM A:

SHORTCUTS:

Associated Sites