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Advance your Nursing Career with Baylor University's Online DNP Program

At Baylor University, the Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs prepare registered nurses with a BSN or MSN to attain the highest level of nursing practice.

With seven different pathways, Baylor's accredited online DNP program can help you pursue your ideal career.

Make a Great Choice
for Your Future

  • Admission Requirements
  • Enrollment Support
  • Clinical Placement Support
  • Program Features
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Programs for BSN Holders

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to practice at forefront of mental healthcare.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
  • 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 3 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical Placement Support 
  • BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing 
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Minimum one (1) year of full-time mental health registered nursing experience within the past two (2) years. Experience may include ED nursing or Neuro-Rehab nursing. A bachelor's or advanced degree in psychology may be considered.
  • Current unencumbered RN license 
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement 
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse 
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Executive Nurse Leadership

Prepares RNs to become nurse leaders with competencies in influential leadership and transformative care models.

  •  100% Online
  •  Leadership Centered
  • CCNE Accredited
  • Executive-focused leadership curriculum designed for working professionals 
  • 100% online with no campus visits 
  • 1,000 total project hours 
  • Provides competencies in influential leadership, business strategy and transformative care models
  • Practice-focused doctoral project can be completed locally 
  • Cohort of experienced nurse leaders 
  • Complete in as few as six, 15-week semesters (36 credits) 
  • Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited school of nursing, or any master’s in business/health-related degree
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
  • GPA: 3.0 or above (BSN)
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Two years of supervisory/management experience at Director level or above, with strategic planning, budgetary, and financial responsibilities within the past five years

Now Accepting Applications. Seating is limited.

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Nurse-Midwifery

Prepares RNs to provide holistic women-centered nurse-midwifery care.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • ACME Accredited
  • ACME-accredited*, CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 2 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 GPA
  • At least one year of full-time experience as a professional nurse in labor and delivery, on the mother-baby unit, or in an outpatient OB/GYN setting at time of application. Extensive observational experiences of birth, or education and practice as a doula will be considered. Applicants with other experiences in the maternal-child health specialty will be considered individually.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to lead nursing care for infants through the first two years of life.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 2 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty 
  • Clinical placement support
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • The equivalent of a minimum (1) year of full-time Level 3 NICU neo-natal clinical practice experience (by the first day of class). Experience MUST be current and required within the last five years as a registered nurse in the care of critically ill neonates or infant in critical care inpatient settings. Students may participate in the pre-clinical portion of the program while obtaining the necessary practice experience.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to provide primary and acute care to pediatric patients.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Two tracks available
    • Pediatric Primary Care Track: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
    • Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Track: 1,725 hours practicum requirement, 89 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 3 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical Placement Support
  • BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse caring for pediatric patients by the first day of class
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to provide acute care for the entire adult spectrum.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report 
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
  • 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits 
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 3 start terms per year 
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty 
  • Clinical Placement Support  
  • BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Minimum one (1) year of full-time intensive care unit experience in the last two (2) years. 
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to lead the delivery of primary care to patients across the lifespan.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN 
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits 
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits 
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 3 start terms per year 
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty 
  • Clinical placement support  
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class (additional work experience may be required by faculty)
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • No GRE or MAT Required 

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for MSN Holders

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to lead nursing care for infants through the first two years of life.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 2 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty 
  • Clinical placement support
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • The equivalent of a minimum (1) year of full-time Level 3 NICU neo-natal clinical practice experience (by the first day of class). Experience MUST be current and required within the last five years as a registered nurse in the care of critically ill neonates or infant in critical care inpatient settings. Students may participate in the pre-clinical portion of the program while obtaining the necessary practice experience.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Executive Nurse Leadership

Prepares RNs to become nurse leaders with competencies in influential leadership and transformative care models.

  •  100% Online
  •  Leadership Centered
  • CCNE Accredited
  • Executive-focused leadership curriculum designed for working professionals 
  • 100% online with no campus visits 
  • 1,000 total project hours 
  • Provides competencies in influential leadership, business strategy and transformative care models
  • Practice-focused doctoral project can be completed locally 
  • Cohort of experienced nurse leaders 
  • Complete in as few as six, 15-week semesters (36 credits) 
  • Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited school of nursing, or any master’s in business/health-related degree
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
  • GPA: 3.0 or above (BSN)
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Two years of supervisory/management experience at Director level or above, with strategic planning, budgetary, and financial responsibilities within the past five years

Now Accepting Applications. Seating is limited.

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

Prepares RNs to lead the delivery of primary care to patients across the lifespan.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN 
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits 
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits 
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 3 start terms per year 
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty 
  • Clinical placement support  
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class (additional work experience may be required by faculty)
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • No GRE or MAT Required 

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Nurse-Midwifery

Prepares RNs to provide holistic women-centered nurse-midwifery care.

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • ACME Accredited
  • ACME-accredited*, CCNE-accredited** and ranked by U.S. News & World Report
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Two pathways available: BSN and MSN
    • BSN: 1,125 hours practicum requirement, 75 total credits
    • MSN: 1,000 hours practicum requirement, 38-75 total credits
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with 2 start terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support
  • BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 GPA
  • At least one year of full-time experience as a professional nurse in labor and delivery, on the mother-baby unit, or in an outpatient OB/GYN setting at time of application. Extensive observational experiences of birth, or education and practice as a doula will be considered. Applicants with other experiences in the maternal-child health specialty will be considered individually.
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next start: Spring 2027

 Clinical Placement Support

Clinical placement is a required educational component of Baylor’s online nursing programs. The hands-on learning, supervision and applying theory into practice prepare you for your future role in the field. Many students also find potential employment opportunities at their placement site upon graduation.

01 How Does This Benefit You?

01

How Does This Benefit You?

At Baylor, we believe you are only as successful as your training—that’s why we collaborate with our students to identify and secure sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. Our staff will sort through the logistics of clinical placement so you can focus more on coursework and building competencies as a nurse.

02

How Does the Clinical Placement Process Work?

As a new student, you’ll partner with our clinical team to determine placement needs. We’ll collaborate with you to identify placement opportunities, including locating and securing a quality site and preceptor during your program. You’ll complete required preparation tasks, including drug screening, a background check, and filling forms and other necessary documents.

03

What is the Placement Experience Like?

During your placement experience, you’ll have access to faculty and resources to support you on and off-site, including mentorship and guidance for procedures, patient interactions and proficiencies. At the end of your rotation, you and your preceptor will review requirements and complete any surveys. You may receive new details for your next clinical experience if you have multiple rotations.

04

What Can I Expect from My Preceptor?

Your preceptor is your on-site role model and will help you develop as a nurse during your clinical rotation. They will focus on helping you bridge gaps between theory and practice, orientate you to the practice setting, help you plan clinical assignments, provide 1:1 supervision, give daily feedback and complete required paperwork on your behalf.

05

What Types of Clinical Settings Will I Be Placed In?

Baylor's online DNP program offers clinical placements tailored to your specialty, interests, and career goals when possible. You may gain experience in primary care, hospitals, community health, specialty practices, and underserved care settings. These diverse experiences help you develop real-world skills across patient populations and care settings.

 Clinical Placement Support

Clinical placement is a required educational component of Baylor’s online nursing programs. The hands-on learning, supervision and applying theory into practice prepare you for your future role in the field. Many students also find potential employment opportunities at their placement site upon graduation.

01 How Does This Benefit You?

01

How Does This Benefit You?

At Baylor, we believe you are only as successful as your training—that’s why we collaborate with our students to identify and secure sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. Our staff will sort through the logistics of clinical placement so you can focus more on coursework and building competencies as a nurse.

02

How Does the Clinical Placement Process Work?

As a new student, you’ll partner with our clinical team to determine placement needs. We’ll collaborate with you to identify placement opportunities, including locating and securing a quality site and preceptor during your program. You’ll complete required preparation tasks, including drug screening, a background check, and filling forms and other necessary documents.

03

What is the Placement Experience Like?

During your placement experience, you’ll have access to faculty and resources to support you on and off-site, including mentorship and guidance for procedures, patient interactions and proficiencies. At the end of your rotation, you and your preceptor will review requirements and complete any surveys. You may receive new details for your next clinical experience if you have multiple rotations.

04

What Can I Expect from My Preceptor?

Your preceptor is your on-site role model and will help you develop as a nurse during your clinical rotation. They will focus on helping you bridge gaps between theory and practice, orientate you to the practice setting, help you plan clinical assignments, provide 1:1 supervision, give daily feedback and complete required paperwork on your behalf.

05

What Types of Clinical Settings Will I Be Placed In?

Baylor's online DNP program offers clinical placements tailored to your specialty, interests, and career goals when possible. You may gain experience in primary care, hospitals, community health, specialty practices, and underserved care settings. These diverse experiences help you develop real-world skills across patient populations and care settings.

Be Bold. Be Decisive. Be Exceptional. Become a Baylor Nurse.

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US News & World Report Best Grad Schools Nursing DNP 2026

U.S. News & World Report


Featured in U.S. News & World Report for the 2026 Best Nursing Schools.

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#1 Nursing College in Texas


Nursingprocess.org ranked Baylor as the #1 Best Nursing School in Texas.

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CCNE Accredited


We rigorously adhere to the accreditation standards established by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)**.

**The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Baylor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The DNP program of study conforms to the educational guidelines for the state of Texas and the National Task Force Criteria for Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Focus on Your Future

A dedicated Enrollment Advisor can answer your questions and guide you through the application process. Begin by filling out a form and starting the conversation.

  • Admission Requirements
  • Curriculum Details
  • Clinical Placement
  • Enrollment Support
  • Financial Aid
  • Tuition Cost
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