DNP Programs in Washington (2026)

Compare Doctor of Nursing Practice pathways available to Washington nurses, including BSN-to-DNP and post-master's options.

23

DNP Programs Listed

20

Fully Online

36 mo

Fastest Option

$100K

Avg RN Salary

Match with DNP Programs in Washington

Tell us your current degree and long-term goal to compare BSN-to-DNP and post-master's options.

DNP Pathways in Washington: BSN-to-DNP vs Post-Master's

DNP programs in Washingtongenerally fall into two pathways: BSN-to-DNP (for BSN-prepared nurses) and post-master's DNP (for MSN-prepared nurses advancing into systems leadership or doctoral-level practice). Choose the pathway that matches your current credential and intended role.

Most DNP curricula include evidence translation, healthcare systems, policy, quality improvement, and practice-immersion requirements. The final scholarly project is designed to demonstrate measurable impact in a real clinical or organizational context.

APRN scope and doctoral-recognition policies vary by state. Verify current requirements through the Washington Board of Nursing before selecting a pathway.

Comparing MSN and DNP Options in Washington

We currently list 84 MSN programs and 23 DNP programs for Washington. If you are unsure whether a doctoral pathway is necessary for your near-term goals, compare both tracks on the MSN programs page.

DNP Programs Available in Washington

23 listed options. Current tuition range: $28,620 to $108,000.

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Showing 23 of 23 programs
Capella University logo
DNPOnline

Capella University

DNP

$46,800 total42 mo program58% grad rate
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Johns Hopkins University logo
DNPOnline

Johns Hopkins University

DNP

$88,000 total36 mo program92% grad rate
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Grand Canyon University logo
DNPOnline

Grand Canyon University

DNP

$30,000 total36 mo program68% grad rate
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Walden University logo
DNPOnline

Walden University

DNP

$51,000 total48 mo program65% grad rate
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Maryville University logo
DNPOnline

Maryville University

DNP

$36,000 total36 mo program74% grad rate
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Simmons University logo
DNPOnline

Simmons University

DNP

$75,000 total36 mo program83% grad rate
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Sacred Heart University logo
DNPOnline

Sacred Heart University

DNP

$65,000 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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DNPOnline

Drexel University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program75% grad rate
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Arizona State University logo
DNPOnline + Campus

Arizona State University

DNP

$42,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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Gonzaga University logo
DNPOnline

Gonzaga University

DNP

$38,880 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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Regis College logo
DNPOnline

Regis College

DNP

$60,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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University of Pennsylvania logo
DNPOnline

University of Pennsylvania

DNP

$108,000 total36 mo program93% grad rate
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University of Phoenix logo
DNPOnline

University of Phoenix

DNP

$51,840 total36 mo program55% grad rate
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University of Cincinnati logo
DNPOnline + Campus

University of Cincinnati

DNP

$33,840 total36 mo program80% grad rate
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University of Michigan — Flint logo
DNPOnline

University of Michigan — Flint

DNP

$31,104 total36 mo program78% grad rate
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DNPOnline

George Washington University

DNP

$78,000 total36 mo program82% grad rate
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University of Washington logo
DNPOnline + Campus

University of Washington

DNP

$54,000 total36 mo program88% grad rate
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Penn State World Campus logo
DNPOnline

Penn State World Campus

DNP

$36,960 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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Liberty University logo
DNPOnline

Liberty University

DNP

$28,620 total36 mo program72% grad rate
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Michigan State University logo
DNPOnline

Michigan State University

DNP

$39,600 total36 mo program79% grad rate
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Chamberlain University logo
DNPOnline

Chamberlain University

DNP

$45,000 total36 mo program62% grad rate
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University of Texas at Arlington logo
DNPOnline

University of Texas at Arlington

DNP

$36,120 total36 mo program76% grad rate
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Purdue University Global logo
DNPOnline

Purdue University Global

DNP — Executive Leadership

$36,000 total36 mo program65% grad rate
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How long do DNP programs take in Washington?
Most DNP programs available to Washington nurses take 24 to 48 months depending on entry point and enrollment intensity. Post-master's DNP tracks are often shorter than BSN-to-DNP tracks. The fastest listed DNP option in Washington is 36 months.
What is the difference between MSN and DNP pathways in Washington?
MSN pathways typically focus on advanced clinical preparation, while DNP pathways add doctoral-level systems leadership, evidence translation, quality improvement, and population-health training. In Washington, both can support advanced-practice careers depending on specialty and certification track.
How much do DNP programs cost in Washington?
Among DNP programs listed for Washington, tuition ranges from $28,620 to $108,000. Public universities may offer lower in-state tuition, while private and accelerated programs are typically higher-cost.
Can I complete a DNP online in Washington?
Many DNP programs available to Washington students use online or hybrid delivery for coursework. 20 fully online options are currently listed, with 3 hybrid options. Most programs still require practice-immersion hours and a scholarly project completed with faculty oversight.
Do I need a DNP to practice as an NP in Washington?
In many states, including Washington, a DNP is not universally required for NP licensure. MSN-prepared NPs can often practice after national certification and state licensure. A DNP may strengthen competitiveness for leadership, system-level, and academic roles.
What is a DNP project, and is it required in Washington programs?
Most DNP programs require a scholarly project focused on measurable practice improvement in a clinical or systems setting. Projects commonly address care quality, workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, or implementation of evidence-based protocols.
Is a DNP worth it in Washington?
For many advanced-practice nurses, yes. RNs in Washington earn an average of $99,710 annually (BLS May 2023), while doctoral preparation can support higher-level clinical, executive, and academic opportunities. ROI is strongest when the degree aligns with your target role and financing strategy.
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