Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Online

Credit Hours

Online,* 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | May 18, 2026

Complete Our Online DNP Program and Train at the Highest Level of Nursing Practice!

Are you a post-master nursing professional who wants to take your career to new heights? Conferring Liberty University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can help take you to a new level of advanced nursing practice within your desired specialty. You can be trained in the doctoral-level skills necessary to apply evidence-based clinical decision-making and culturally competent care to individuals, families, and community populations while promoting the synthesis of academic knowledge with ethically sound nursing practice.

With specialized training in nursing at the graduate level and nursing experience, you already have many practical skills for solving real-world problems in healthcare practice. Liberty University’s DNP program provides the training and scholarship in nursing leadership, management techniques, and advanced nursing practice that can help you prepare for the next step in your career. By earning your DNP online with Liberty University, you can gain the skills to pursue leadership positions in the nursing field and help hospitals and health practices thrive.

Liberty maintains strict compliance with all licensure requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Not a Virginia resident? We want to help find the best program for you! To view educational requirements and whether a specific program aligns with the licensure requirements for your state, please review our licensure/certification requirements webpage.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Accreditation

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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600+ Online Degrees
No Standardized Testing for Admission
Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?

Our online DNP degree is an industry leader in nursing practice programs, taught by nursing professionals with real-world experience. As an advanced practice nurse or nurse leader, you can build on your knowledge of clinical prevention, population health, and policy through the application of evidence and collaboration with stakeholders and professionals, setting you apart from your peers.

These opportunities will be provided to you in an online format that is enhanced through the opportunity to receive hands-on experience through practicums. Liberty University’s online courses provide a flexible and practical approach to your doctoral education that can help you meet your career goals while staying in your current role.

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Online Degree Program?

Liberty University’s DNP online degree is based on the curriculum guidelines set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) “Essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.” Throughout the program, you can learn to apply theoretical, clinical, and administrative knowledge as well as best practices and policies to design and implement inter-collaborative innovative solutions to improve healthcare.

Additionally, you will engage in cutting-edge research that can help prepare you to address real-world problems in the nursing industry so you can become an expert in the field. With hands-on work in your practicums and your scholarly project, you will have the opportunity to apply what you study.

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

This DNP program falls under the School of Nursing.
View the Graduate Nursing Course Guides (login required).
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Practicum Experience Requirements

Practicum Placement Process
Our Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs’ practicum placement process is designed to be a collaborative partnership between the student and our dedicated practicum team. We believe that this cooperative approach ensures the best possible learning experience for our students.

Collaborative Partnership
The practicum team is committed to assisting students in identifying suitable preceptors and practicum sites. While we provide support in this process, we also encourage students to take an active role in finding potential placements, as they are more familiar with their local areas and potential opportunities.

Preceptor and Site Matching
Our goal is to match each student with a preceptor and site that aligns with their educational needs. However, please note that the assigned term may not always meet the student’s initial preferences. Due to the limited availability of preceptors, and the need for sites that offer specialties, students may need to travel longer distances to complete their practicum requirements. If a student declines a site provided for them based on distance, they will be asked to identify a new site that meets the requirements for the practicum course needed.

Travel and Restrictions
Students should be prepared for the possibility of additional travel or other restrictions as part of their practicum placement. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring a successful practicum experience.

Telehealth Sites
For students in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, telehealth sites are permitted for up to 50% of their practicum hours. However, telehealth sites are not allowed for students in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Compliance and Requirements
Students must complete all required steps in the placement process and become fully compliant with all requirements to be eligible to move forward with their practicum experience.

Fees and Costs
Any fees or costs required by a practicum facility and/or preceptor are the responsibility of the student and should be negotiated directly between the student and the site. Liberty University is unable to control additional onboarding requirements or fees charged by a practicum facility.

We are dedicated to supporting our students throughout their practicum journey and ensuring they receive the best possible clinical education. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at APRN.DNPPracticum@liberty.edu.

Additional Information

Disclosures

RN Licensure

Students must hold a current and active RN license within the United States.

Non-Discrimination Statement

View the School of Nursing Non-Discrimination Statement.

For advising, please contact dnp@liberty.edu.

Disclosure Statement

Enrollment in one of Liberty University’s licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from Liberty or qualification for licensure. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements is outlined on this program page and the admission requirements page linked on the Admission Requirements tab. Students enrolled in a licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined for their program. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not the institution, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state Board of Nursing.

Licensure requirements for any state are subject to change without notice. Liberty University is not responsible for knowing when changes occur. Additionally, there might be other states with unique licensure requirements. Please reference our State Requirements for NP and APRN Licensure page and contact your State Board of Nursing for further information.

Liberty University Online State Approval Disclosure

Practicum Sites

Degree Completion Plan

State Licensure Requirements

Individual state licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements.

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

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Tuition & Aid

At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Doctoral Full Time	$610/Credit
Doctoral Part Time	$675/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online DNP Degree Program

Admission Requirements

At this time, our DNP degree is limited in certain states. Please view the licensure/certification requirements for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing related to their degree interest.

Disclosure Statement

Enrollment in one of Liberty University’s licensure programs does not guarantee a degree from Liberty or qualification for licensure. Students are responsible for meeting all academic and professional requirements for graduation. Further information regarding these academic and professional requirements are outlined on the program page and here on the admission requirements page. Students enrolled in a licensure program are responsible for knowing the material outlined for their program. Further, it is the sole responsibility of the student, not Liberty University, to obtain information regarding prerequisites for licensure as outlined by their particular state Board of Nursing.

Licensure requirements for any state are subject to change without notice. Additionally, there might be other states with unique licensure requirements. Please reference our State Requirements for NP and APRN Licensure page for further information.

Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
Send official college transcripts (sealed, unopened copies or via a direct electronic transcript system). Admission requires that you have transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited MSN degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). A master’s degree in nursing with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
Admission to this program requires the following additional items to be sent in:
- Active, unencumbered RN license. Applicants must hold RN license in the state that the practicum will occur within one of the 50 United States. RN licensure number and state where license was issued will be required in the application. If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admission Review Committee for further explanation.
- If applicable: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license and associated professional certification. Note: APRN Licensure & Certification is only required if an applicant is currently licensed in an advanced practice nursing (APRN) specialty.
  - Nurse Leaders are not required to provide a license/certification, but can “self-report” that they are a Nurse Leader, and the Nursing Department will make a final determination. However, certification is preferred.
  - Active Practice Nurses will need to submit active, unencumbered APRN licensure and professional certification.
    - If a past sanction or disciplinary action exists on a professional license, the applicant may be contacted by the Nursing Admission Review Committee for further explanation.
    - A copy of certification form must also be provided, in addition to the license. Please submit a copy of your license and certification to luoverify@liberty.edu.
    - Maryland students may submit a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) license in place of an APRN.
- If applicable: Clinical APRN Education: Nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists are required to have the advanced practice core. Graduate transcripts must reflect that the applicants have successfully passed a graduate-level health assessment, graduate-level pathophysiology, and a graduate-level pharmacology.
- Writing Sample
  - A document using APA rules of grammar. First person is permitted; APA formatting (i.e. title page, headers) is not needed. Return completed writing sample to luoverify@liberty.edu. Entire document should be 1,500 words minimum and 3,000 words maximum.
    - A document discussing introduction and world view, professional experience/ goals, and vision for professional practice including scholarly project.
  - Please also provide the following:
    - Name of present or most recent employment and position
    - Length of Employment (Indicate in MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY. If still employed, write ‘current’ as the end date)
- Practicum Hour Verification Form
  - If the student completed the Master of Science in Nursing at Liberty University, he or she can email the School of Nursing (DNP@liberty.edu) and they will complete the Practicum Hour Verification Form on their behalf.
- American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers with AED. Copies must be submitted to luoverify@liberty.edu.
  - Military students may submit their CPR certification from the American Red Cross. This is only for Military students.
Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Department Admission Review approval required – upon all documents being received on the checklist, the application will be sent for admission review by the department. Review times can vary due to several factors but they will be completed as soon as possible

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.

Admissions Office Contact Information

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Start Online Application

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

Active Duty
Reserve/National Guard
Veterans/Retirees
Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $375/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

View Military Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP is a terminal nursing degree that focuses on applying the latest health sciences research and technology to clinical nursing practice. The DNP helps build on nurses’ experience in practice and administrative roles to use advanced strategies and techniques to improve healthcare outcomes for hospitals and healthcare practices.

By examining hands-on nursing practice through the lens of large-scale studies and important advancements in health sciences, DNP graduates can help their hospitals and healthcare practices grow and provide better care. For a doctoral degree in nursing with a greater emphasis on scholarly research, you may be interested in the PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education.

What is the difference between nurse practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees?

DNP and nurse practitioner programs offer many similar career options and content. However, there are important differences in how each program approaches the nursing field. Nurse practitioner programs focus on the clinical aspects of improving nursing practice, often with specialized studies in departmental or healthcare areas. These programs are generally designed to help meet certification requirements and may be the best option if you want to become a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a doctoral degree that pursues a balanced approach of practice and theory to solve problems in the nursing field. This program contains fewer credit hours than a typical nurse practitioner program and may be a great fit if you’re not looking to pursue additional licensure or certification.

Liberty University’s online DNP program guides you through cutting-edge research and studies that can help equip you to use advanced health assessment techniques to improve health outcomes in your practice. You could also gain the ability to teach and administrate nursing programs that help train the next generation of qualified healthcare professionals. If you want to be a nurse leader who can make a positive impact on healthcare, Liberty’s DNP may be the best next step for you.

What can you do with a DNP?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can help open up many career paths for registered nursing professionals who have advanced nursing graduate degrees. With our DNP program, you can learn how to engage in ground-breaking scholarship, including clinical research, that can help many healthcare organizations improve how they approach patient care.

You can also gain a foundation of management and administration skills that can help you succeed in leadership roles or in the role of program director. By providing in-depth exposure to nursing practice at every level, your DNP degree can help open the door to university teaching where you can help prepare nursing students for the profession. You can pursue all of these options and more with a DNP degree from Liberty University.

Are online nursing programs respected?

Accredited online DNP programs meet the same requirements for academic quality, training, and content as residential degrees with the same credential. Liberty University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice holds accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), so you can be confident in your degree. With state-of-the-art online training, you can gain new skills and build on your nursing practice to meet the unique challenges of your career.

What resources will be available to me in this program?

Are you ready to change your future?

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Taking Nursing Knowledge Further

Complete Our Online DNP Program and Train at the Highest Level of Nursing Practice!

Accreditation

What Sets Us Apart?

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Online Degree Program?

Potential Career Opportunities

Featured Courses

Degree Information

Practicum Experience Requirements

Additional Information

State Licensure Requirements

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for Our Online DNP Degree Program

Admission Requirements

Supplemental Acceptance Steps

Preliminary Acceptance

Transcript Policies

Admissions Office Contact Information

Ready to Apply?

Military

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

What is the difference between nurse practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees?

What can you do with a DNP?

Are online nursing programs respected?

What resources will be available to me in this program?

Are you ready to change your future?

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