Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice Online
This unique, highly focused program provides an optimized path to reach the highest level of nursing. Develop leadership expertise with an accelerated program that facilitates your career goals with this dual degree.
Apply by:
8/8/25
Program Overview
Gain a leadership perspective in this BSN to DNP program
Designed for working nurses seeking an expedited, seamless journey toward a doctoral degree, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice online program prepares you for influential high-level roles and healthcare leadership positions. Focused on advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, leadership, and evidence-based practice, this CCNE-accredited BSN to DNP online program enables you to earn both an MSN and DNP.
Gain theoretical knowledge, advanced research skills and extensive real-world experience from a robust curriculum that combines 100% online coursework with 500 MSN clinical/practicum hours and 500 DNP clinical/practicum hours. Earn a BSN to DNP online and become a transformational healthcare leader in improving outcomes for patients and populations.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced nursing transformational leadership, accountability, evidence-based research, clinical judgment, critical thinking, and analysis of organizational models to resolve practice problems, improve knowledge, and provide quality healthcare that is ethically and culturally appropriate for diverse patients, populations, and communities
- Exhibit leadership in the different realms of nursing while utilizing healthcare information systems, information technology, communication systems, and patient care technology
- Lead and participate in the creation and implementation of evidence-based clinical prevention and health promotion strategies and policies while eliminating disparities and gaps in healthcare at the local, regional, state, national, and global levels
- Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, consultation, and support to advance interprofessional teams’ abilities to provide new practice approaches that improve individual and community health outcomes
- Establish an environment of advanced practice that is conducive to the development of effective interactions with patients, other disciplines, and other entities
- Demonstrate advanced nursing transformational leadership, accountability, evidence-based research, clinical judgment, critical thinking, and analysis of organizational models to resolve practice problems, improve knowledge, and provide quality healthcare that is ethically and culturally appropriate for diverse patients, populations, and communities
- Exhibit leadership in the different realms of nursing while utilizing healthcare information systems, information technology, communication systems, and patient care technology
- Lead and participate in the creation and implementation of evidence-based clinical prevention and health promotion strategies and policies while eliminating disparities and gaps in healthcare at the local, regional, state, national, and global levels
- Demonstrate competence in communication, collaboration, consultation, and support to advance interprofessional teams’ abilities to provide new practice approaches that improve individual and community health outcomes
- Establish an environment of advanced practice that is conducive to the development of effective interactions with patients, other disciplines, and other entities
Doctor of Nursing Practice Career Opportunities
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
- Director of Nursing or Nursing Administrator
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Nurse Executive or Nurse Manager
- Academic Faculty (Nursing Education)
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
- Director of Nursing or Nursing Administrator
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
- Nurse Executive or Nurse Manager
- Academic Faculty (Nursing Education)
Total Tuition
$43,960
Duration
As few as 32 months
Credit Hours
67
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree, master's degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and post-graduate certificate programs in nursing at St. Thomas University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Tuition
Our pay-by-the-course tuition fits your budget
Tuition for the BSN to DNP online degree program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students and can be paid by the course.
Tuition cost reflects separate MSN and DNP fees. The total tuition is inclusive of all fees, including a technology fee for each course and lab fees for specific courses. Tuition costs are subject to change at any time.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSN to DNP | $630 | $1,890 | $43,960 |
Tuition breakdown:
Total Tuition
$43,960
Per Credit Hour
$630
Calendar
Choose the next start date and begin quickly
The BSN to DNP program is delivered in an online format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that is best for you.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | 8/23/25 | 8/8/25 | 8/13/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/27/25 | 10/17/25 | 7 weeks |
| Fall 2 | 10/18/25 | 10/3/25 | 10/8/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/22/25 | 12/12/25 | 7 weeks |
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
8/8/25
Class Starts
8/23/25
Need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take on the next steps
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Admissions
Follow these steps to apply to the BSN to DNP program
Our very reasonable admission requirements allow students from diverse nursing backgrounds greater access to the BSN to DNP online program. You must possess an unencumbered RN license and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing school and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
Due to in-person clinical requirements, only students currently residing in Florida and Georgia can enter this program.
Admission Requirements:
- No application fee
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Active RN license
The following are required for admission to the BSN to DNP online program:
- Completed free application
- BSN degree from an accredited nursing school
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
- Active and unencumbered Florida or Georgia nursing license
- Residency in Florida or Georgia for clinicals
Official transcripts can be sent to St. Thomas University through Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. Unofficial transcripts and other documents can be uploaded via your Admissions Portal or emailed to [email protected].
Courses
Explore your advanced nursing DNP courses
The BSN to DNP online curriculum is comprised of 10 MSN core courses (37 credit hours) and 10 DNP core courses (30 credit hours) for a total of 67 credit hours.
Courses in this program are seven weeks long. Courses during the two summer terms, however, are six weeks long.
Students will take the following MSN courses.
NUR 501: Philosophical & Theoretical Basis of Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores nursing as an art and science; and how knowledge has developed relevant to phenomena of interest. Each student will develop skills needed to critically analyze and synthesize relevant literature in the area of a specific phenomenon. Throughout the course, the student will enhance the skills to translate evidenced based research into evidenced based practice, while evaluating research project outcomes through discussions. The student will acquire skills in learning interrelationship between nursing theory, research, and practice along with the nature of scientific knowledge. The students will enrich their critical analysis and theory in the development of evidence-based advanced practice nursing protocols.
Learning Outcomes
- Critique and assess theories and conceptual models from nursing and related fields.
- Provide high-quality care to clients using the appropriate theories from the field of nursing.
- Effectively implement the principles of research and evidence-based practice.
- Understand the application of both classic and modern literature on development and implementation of Middle Range Theory and evidence-based practice (EBP).
- Critically appraise research study and articulate findings.
NUR 512: Role to Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide a forum for the student to examine the roles of the advanced practice nurse. The content will include professional practice issues for the advanced practice nurse, working independently and collaborating with other health care professionals within the multidisciplinary/multiagency team. This course will also look at the scope of practice, professional responsibilities, informatics, and financial aspects of advanced practice.
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate marketing and negotiating strategies to promote acceptance of the advance practice nurse within the practice management system.
- Investigate ethical issues and the cope of practice that governs the advanced practice nurse in Florida and/or other states.
- Evaluate the interprofessional collaborative healthcare team function of the Advanced Practice Nurse.
NUR 505: Diversity in Advanced Health Practice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyze the complexities of health service delivery to diverse populations using social ecological models to provide a deeper understanding of the impacts of health policy, social justice, structural inequities, and the value systems of diverse groups, as well as variables related to gender, age, lifestyle, religion, culture, social class, race, and, geography
Learning Outcomes
- Employ culturally competent care practices for self, individuals, and families.
- Describe conceptual models and theories of cultural diversity and analyze the cultural patterns and behaviors of cultural values of diverse populations.
NUR 506: Influencing Health Policy
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on influencing public policy related to the health system and resources at the state/national/global level. Emphasis will be placed on how health policies are formulated, how to affect this process, and how it impacts clinical practice and health care delivery.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically appraise health policies proposals and policies that encompass ethics, global health, health care disparities, uninsured, under-insured, complex health care financing issues, and the health care reform (Affordable Care Act).
- Analyze and discuss health services research, evidence-based practice policy and politics for implementation at the institutional, local, state, and federal level.
- Articulate social justice, health equity, and new policy issues to improve care delivery, patient outcomes, and the profession of nursing.
- Utilize leadership skills when developing and implementing policies in the workplace, government, professional organizations, and the community.
NUR 604: Nurse Executive Leader Community Integration
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students seeking a concentration in nurse executive (NE) leadership an opportunity to learn and practice the NE leadership skills and competencies required for knowledge of the health care environment. This includes practice and application of care delivery models, recognition of both internal and external influences, importance of quality and safety measures, and prioritization of both short- and long-term organizational interests using economic strategies to integrate macro- and micro health care policy influences utilizing applicable regulations, statutes, evidence-based practice, and informational sciences. 80 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 605: Transformational Leadership: A Holistic Approach to Leading Change
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
This course offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive candidates an in-depth exploration of Transformational leadership, aiming to cultivate the essential skills and knowledge needed for leadership within healthcare organizations. Students will explore the theories and principles of transformational leadership and their practical applications to nursing management and policy. Topics will include fostering a culture of innovation, driving change in complex systems, empowering teams, enhancing communication, and addressing ethical considerations in leadership. Students will learn to identify and develop leadership qualities that inspire and motivate others, ultimately promoting high-quality patient care and improved organizational outcomes. By the end of the course, graduates will be prepared to lead with confidence and adapt to the evolving challenges in the healthcare landscape. 80 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 606: Finance & Budget
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
This course offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) students the opportunity to learn and practice the necessary healthcare industry business skills and principles such as financial management, strategic planning, and human resource management skills and competencies. This includes practice and application of financial processes, economic applications (e.g., finance, accounting, bond ratings, and operational margins), data gathering and application, identification of strategic objectives, contract management, diversity of workforce, and establishing mechanisms to support workforce professional growth. 80 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 607: Advanced Strategies for Interprofessional Collaboration in Healthcare
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
This course examines the role of interprofessional collaboration in advancing safe, high-quality patient care and improving healthcare outcomes across diverse settings. Emphasizing complex decision-making and evidence-based practice, the course prepares nursing leaders to spearhead initiatives that integrate advanced communication, quality improvement strategies, and patient-care technologies. Students will cultivate skills in advocating collaborative, patient-centered policies that promote health equity, with a focus on system-level approaches to healthcare delivery. 80 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 608: Relationship Management
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
This course offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) students an opportunity to learn and practice the skills and competencies needed in communication and relationship management. This includes effective communication, influence on behaviors, and relationship management. Skills and competencies practices will include communicating effectively with transparency, creating a consensus toward a common goal, fostering strategic partnerships, managing conflicts, and incorporating organizational influence(s) into stakeholder interactions. 80 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 609: Research & EBP Application Practicum
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 5
This course will allow the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Executive (NE) candidate to practice the skills and competencies necessary to lead and manage a health care organization. The candidate will demonstrate the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) Nurse Executive Leadership Competencies and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) 2021 Advanced Level Essentials through a research and/or evidence-based practice application practicum utilizing a mentor/preceptor to assist with guiding the candidate in successful project implementation and evaluation. 100 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
Students will take the following DNP courses.
NUR 860: Quantitative Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed for doctoral students in the Doctor in Nursing Practice program with an emphasis on quantitative research planning, design, and evaluation. The primary goal of this course is to prepare doctoral students for future design and development of project proposal and conduct of dissertation study in the quantitative paradigm. This course will lay the foundation that builds on these basic concepts and helps students hone skills for writing a quantitative project.
NUR 870: Qualitative Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the methods and procedures used in qualitative research. Topics include the philosophical basis for the method, the conceptualization of research questions, and selection of appropriate research designs, data collection data, manual and computerized data analysis, and the drawing of inference.
NUR 880: Quality Improvement in Health Care
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course prepares students to design, implement and evaluate evidence-based quality health care practices for patient populations in acute, home, and community settings. The interdisciplinary teams work is illustrated and how to assess organizational culture, gather safety information, analyze data and translate findings into systems changes.
NUR 800: Evidence Appraisal
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will expand on the student’s knowledge and experience in research with the emphasis on clinical applications using a variety of models. A review of research methods including problem identification, levels of research, design, data collection, and strategies for analyzing data will be done. The course gives knowledge of a variety of research models and designs used for specific purposes.
NUR 820: Applied Advanced Research and Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores the bases for nursing knowledge and its relevance to advanced nursing practice at the doctoral level. Students will analyze steps on how nursing knowledge is generated, levels of evidence, nursing theories and theories from other disciplines and translate them into their advanced role. Students will identify and analyze concepts relevant to their topic of interest.
NUR 850: Population Health in Nursing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the epidemiological concepts focusing on determinants of health, disease distribution, environmental influences, cultural diversity, health promotion, clinical prevention and disaster preparedness. Nursing practice and its outcomes on populations are analyzed and evaluated using epidemiological, environmental data and statistical measures. The DNP students will explore concepts and nursing strategies to improve individual, aggregate and population health.
NUR 900: Practicum Project Proposal
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course enables the DNP student to translate evidence-based research and apply it into practice through complex clinical situations where the student will apply and demonstrate expertise and leadership qualities. This course will guide the DNP students how with research and best evidence well written project proposals are completed. Knowledge will be provided to Health care professionals in advanced practice to be able to deliver clinical project proposals using best evidence for advancing quality patient care. The course provides practical guidelines of common project models for developing and writing great proposals from start to finish. 125 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 910: DNP Practicum I
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course allows students to obtain residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing. 125 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 920: DNP Practicum II
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course allows students to continue to obtain additional residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing. 125 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
NUR 930: DNP Practicum III
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course allows students to complete the residency experience and complete the required hours on the DNP program. The faculty advisors will work with students regarding goals and nursing interventions and their implementation following the AACN DNP Essential in Nursing Education. 125 clinical hours will be completed in this course.
STU is recognized among the “Best Nursing School: Masters” and "Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice" by U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
