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

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.

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

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 U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1.000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support 
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
  • 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: Fall 2026

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
  • Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON), ranked No. 60 (Top 10%)  in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022  Best Graduate Schools: DNP
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for Primary Care, with an additional 600 hours for Acute Care track
  • Courses are 15 weeks long, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from a nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support provided
  • Total credits: 75 for Primary Care track; 14 for the additional Acute Care track
  • 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: Summer 2026

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 U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Online main coursework with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours
  • 15-week courses with three terms per year
  • Nationally recognized faculty for students to learn from
  • Clinical Placement Support 
  • Total credits: 75 
  • BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Minimum one (1) year full-time acute care registered nursing experience within the past two (2) years. Current certification as CCRN or CEN may be considered in lieu of acute care experience.
  • 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: Summer 2026

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 U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support 
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
  • 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: Summer 2026

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  
  • Online main coursework with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours 
  • 15-week courses with three terms per year 
  • Nationally recognized faculty for students to learn from 
  • Clinical Placement Support  
  • Total credits: 75 
  • 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: Summer 2026

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Executive Nurse Leadership

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

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Leadership Centered
  • CCNE Accredited
  • Stand out at your organization as a proven nurse leader and practice scholar.
  • Develop advanced business acumen and leadership skills to transform hospitals and/or healthcare systems.
  • 100 percent online program with no required campus visits.
  • Gain advanced knowledge while creating a network of colleagues and mentors.
  • Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, ranked 60th in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Graduate Schools.
  • 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: Summer 2026

Programs for BSN Holders
DNP - Nurse-Midwifery

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

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • ACME-accredited*CCNE-accredited** and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with one term per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway

See all pass and graduation rates here

  • 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: Fall 2026

Programs for MSN Holders

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Executive Nurse Leadership

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

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Leadership Centered
  • CCNE Accredited
  • Stand out at your organization as a proven nurse leader and practice scholar.
  • Develop advanced business acumen and leadership skills to transform hospitals and/or healthcare systems.
  • 100 percent online program with no required campus visits.
  • Gain advanced knowledge while creating a network of colleagues and mentors.
  • Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, ranked 60th in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Graduate Schools.
  • 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: Summer 2026

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 U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support 
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
  • 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: Summer 2026

Programs for MSN Holders
DNP - Nurse-Midwifery

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

  •  Online Coursework
  •  Placement Support
  • CCNE Accredited
  • ACME-accredited*CCNE-accredited** and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with one term per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway

See all pass and graduation rates here

  • 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: Fall 2026

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 U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1.000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support 
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
  • 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: Fall 2026

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CCNE Accredited

Accreditation

Accreditation is a cornerstone of educational quality. We are privileged to share our distinguished credentials HERE.

**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 (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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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