Fastest PhD & DNP Programs in Nursing Online: Accelerated & Shortest Options -2026
Completed your MSN or BSN and want to earn nursing doctorate but do not want to engage for four to five years in schools, if your answer is in Yes, then here at Best Online Doctoral Programs we offer you the opportunity to explore and compare best and accredited Online Nursing Doctoral Programs. There are two doctoral nursing routes to choose from – The practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP ) and the research focused on PhD in Nursing Online – it is important to be cleared that both the models are not equally fast. For your understanding and review, we breakdown the fastest DNP Program online and shortest Online DNP Programs in detail as well as the fastest PhD in Nursing programs we could verify. To help you with choosing the fastest and shortest Nursing Doctoral Model that matches your career goals and academic background.
Here to give you the real picture, we clearly differentiate what is actually possible from what is generally advertised. Here you can find verified accelerated BSN to DNP programs online, Accelerated MSN to DNP programs, and fast track DNP programs comparison side by side. In addition, a clear view of how fast a PhD in Nursing can realistically go, which well-known online DNP program is being phased out in 2026. Also offers a glimpse of lower cost, no dissertation and international DNP and PhD in nursing offerings with respected links to detailed pages to give you the opportunity to understand before you apply.
Editorial Note: Best Online Doctoral Programs is an independent, reader-supported publisher and is not affiliated with, and receives no payment from, any university named on this page. We are supported by display advertising, which is kept separate from our editorial content and does not influence which schools we cover or how we describe them (see our Advertising Disclosure). Every timeline and accreditation detail below was checked directly against each university’s own program pages; where sources disagreed or a program was in transition, we’ve noted it rather than guessed. Program length, tuition, and state availability change often — always confirm current details with a school’s admissions office before applying.
Reviewed by Adan Abbasi. Last reviewed: September 2026.
PhD in Nursing vs. DNP: Which One Can Actually Be Fast?
Before jumping into the fastest programs, it is worth differentiating the PhD in Nursing and DNP programs, especially if speed is your priority, to make sure you choose the right program as per your career and academic goals.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
The DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) is a practice-focused doctorate. This model is designed to replace the traditional dissertation with a practice-based project like capstone, applied project, etc. One of the major factors that can move as fast 12 to 15 months for some post-master tracks.
PhD in Nursing
A research-focused doctorate. Without prior publications, an original dissertation built from new research is required no matter the track — the fastest a standard new PhD student can finish is around 4 years. The one genuine exception is a PhD by Published Work, available only to already-established researchers.
If you really want to complete your doctorate in Nursing fast and in shortest period than the DNP route is more a viable choice for you. For your review here we cover the accredited and fastest DNP online options in detail first, then discuss the fastest verified PhD in Nursing programs – that includes the best and accredited nursing schools, direct entry BSN to PhD Tracks, which is a route that does not exist for the DNP.
What Is a Fast-Track or Accelerated DNP Program?
Fast Track or accelerated Online DNP programs are designed to offer you the opportunity to complete the doctoral coursework and practice hours faster than a traditional, semester-based schedule without sacrificing the degree accreditation and education quality. We carefully make sure that every DNP program we named on this page is accredited by the recognized accreditation body like Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the two accreditors that govern nearly all DNP program nationwide.
What make an Online DNP programs genuinely fast:
Here are some key factors that play an important role in making any DNP Online/Hybrid/On-Campus program fast.
- Short course structure (5-8 weeks) instead of two semesters a year structure.
- Transfer Credit Hours facility for MSN level coursework and any previously logged clinical hours.
- No Dissertation replacing a traditional research dissertation like traditional PhD requires.
- Asynchronous or hybrid online delivery, sometimes with a handful of required on-campus days
- Entry at the post-master's level, which is consistently the fastest route to the degree
You must know that AACN/CCNE- requires a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours before graduation. This is the single rule every accredited nursing school has to follow, and there is no shortcut for this – No matter what marketing claims.
Who Should Choose an Accelerated DNP Program?
Now the question is whether the accelerated DNP program online or on campus is the right choice for you? It is if you are:
Is an Accelerated DNP Program Right for You?
Here are some key factors that play an important role in making any DNP Online/Hybrid/On-Campus program fast.
- BSN-prepared nurse who want a single, accelerated BSN to DNP pathway instead of a separate MSN step
- MSN-prepared nurse seeking a fast-track executive, leadership, or NP-focused DNP
- Nurse aiming for academia, administration, or health-policy roles as quickly as possible
- Nurse who prefers a practice-based capstone project over a traditional dissertation
- Working RN and APRN who need year-round terms and asynchronous coursework to protect work-life balance
How Fast Can You Really Finish a DNP Online? (The 1,000-Hour Reality Check)
As mentioned earlier, every DNP graduate is required a minimum of 1000 supervised post-baccalaureate practice hours. You can also confirm this directly on the program pages of nursing schools like Georgetown, UT Arlington, Walden, Penn State and every other institution we named on this page. This is the reason the entry point you choose is important more than any single school’s marketing claims:
Post-master's / accelerated MSN to DNP programs
It is the fastest route in all, because in this option you already complete 500 to 600 hours during your CCNE or ACEN accredited MSN degree that can be carried forward to the required 1000 total hours.
Realistic Time Range: The realistic completion time for this model is about 12 months (for several verified post-master tracks with stronger prior clinical hours) for up to 3 years.
Accelerated BSN to DNP programs online:
In this route you must complete all 1000+ hours from scratch with doctoral coursework and a new NP or leadership specialization.
Realistic Time Range: The realistic time to complete your DNP via this route is around 2.5 years to 4 years, even at the fastest DNP Online Programs.
If in your search you may see any program claiming a timeline well below from above mentioned ranges, it is highly recommended that you verify this marketing claim with admissions before enrolling – not as the norm.
What Are the Fastest Online DNP Programs for Post-Master's Nurses? (Accelerated MSN to DNP Programs)
For MSN-prepared nurses, here are the verified shortest post-master DNP programs that are nationally accredited and primarily online — six schools confirmed a one-year (12-month) timeline directly on their official pages.
| Region | University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | University of Minnesota | Post-Master's DNP | 1 yr FT / 2 yrs | Mostly online |
| U.S. | University of Miami | MSN to DNP | 1 yr FT / 2 yrs PT | Hybrid |
| U.S. | Arkansas State University | DNP – Leadership/General | As few as 14 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | UNC Greensboro | Post-Master's DNP | 15 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | Chatham University | Post-Master's DNP (non-NP) | 16 months | Online + 1 residency |
| U.S. | Thomas Edison State University | Post-Master's DNP – Systems-Level Leadership | 12 months FT / 24 months PT | 100% online |
| U.S. | Georgetown University | Executive DNP (post-master's) | 20 months | Distance + on-campus sessions |
| U.S. | Missouri State University | Post-Master's DNP – Leadership | 2 years | 100% online |
| U.S. | Rush University | Transformative Leadership: Systems DNP | 2 yrs PT | Online + 2 campus visits |
| U.S. | UT Arlington | Post-MSN DNP | As few as 27–32 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | Wilkes University | MSN to DNP | Under 2 years (6 terms) | 100% online |
| U.S. | Illinois State University | BSN to PhD in Nursing | 4 years | Primarily online, async |
| U.S. | University of Florida | BSN to PhD in Nursing | 4 years FT | Online/hybrid |
| U.S. | Rush University | PhD in Nursing | 4 yrs FT / 5 yrs PT | Online + annual summer intensives |
| UK | Warwick Medical School | PhD by Published Work (Nursing) | 1 year FT* | *Publication-based; 7+ yrs prior research standing |
| UK | Oxford Brookes University | DNurs (Professional Doctorate) | 5 years PT | Blended, part-time |
| UK | University of Manchester | PhD/MPhil Nursing | 3 years FT | Research-based, hybrid |
| Canada | University of Calgary | Doctor of Nursing (DN) | Multi-year, cohort-based | Practice-focused leadership doctorate |
| Australia | UTS / Curtin University | PhD Nursing / Doctor of Nursing | 3–4 years | Distance-supervised options available |
| Germany | FernUniversität Hagen / DAAD-funded | Doctoral research in nursing | 3–4 years | Individually supervised, distance |
Fastest DNP Programs (U.S. + International Practice Doctorates)
Includes post-master's/leadership tracks, BSN-to-DNP direct entry, and specialty NP tracks (FNP, PMHNP) — plus the closest international equivalents (Oxford Brookes' DNurs, University of Calgary's DN).
| Region | University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | University of Minnesota | Post-Master's DNP | 1 yr FT / 2 yrs | Mostly online |
| U.S. | University of Miami | MSN to DNP | 1 yr FT / 2 yrs PT | Hybrid |
| U.S. | Arkansas State University | DNP – Leadership/General | As few as 14 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | UNC Greensboro | Post-Master's DNP | 15 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | Chatham University | Post-Master's DNP (non-NP) | 16 months | Online + 1 residency |
| U.S. | Thomas Edison State University | Post-Master's DNP – Systems-Level Leadership | 12 months FT / 24 months PT | 100% online |
| U.S. | Georgetown University | Executive DNP (post-master's) | 20 months | Distance + on-campus sessions |
| U.S. | Missouri State University | Post-Master's DNP – Leadership | 2 years | 100% online |
| U.S. | Rush University | Transformative Leadership: Systems DNP | 2 yrs PT | Online + 2 campus visits |
| U.S. | UT Arlington | Post-MSN DNP | As few as 27–32 months | 100% online |
| U.S. | Wilkes University | MSN to DNP | Under 2 years (6 terms) | 100% online |
| U.S. | Georgetown University | BSN to DNP | As few as 33 months FT | Distance + required OCIs |
| U.S. | Rush University | BSN to DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | 2.5 yrs FT / 3.5 yrs PT | Hybrid; campus sim days + Chicago-area clinicals |
| U.S. | Missouri State University | BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP) | FT or PT, hybrid pacing | Blend of seated and online coursework |
| U.S. | Walden University | BSN to DNP – specialty NP tracks | 106 credit hours; time varies by student/specialty | 100% online + locally arranged practicum |
| UK | Oxford Brookes University | DNurs (Professional Doctorate) | 5 years PT | Blended, part-time |
| Canada | University of Calgary | Doctor of Nursing (DN) | Multi-year, cohort-based (as little as 3 yrs) | Practice-focused leadership doctorate, online |
Fastest PhD in Nursing Programs (U.S. + International Research Doctorates)
Everything below is a research-focused doctorate requiring an original dissertation (or, for Warwick, an equivalent portfolio of prior published research).
| Region | University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Illinois State University | BSN to PhD in Nursing (direct entry) | 4 years, part-time-friendly | Primarily online, async |
| U.S. | University of Florida | BSN to PhD in Nursing (direct entry) | 4 years FT | Online/hybrid |
| U.S. | Rush University | PhD in Nursing Science | 4 yrs FT / 5 yrs PT | Online + annual summer intensives |
| UK | Warwick Medical School | PhD by Published Work (Nursing) | 1 year FT* | *Publication-based; 7+ yrs prior research standing |
| UK | University of Manchester | PhD/MPhil Nursing | 3 years FT | Research-based, hybrid |
| Australia | UTS / Curtin University | PhD Nursing | 3–4 years | Distance-supervised options available |
| Germany | FernUniversität Hagen / DAAD-funded | Doctoral research in nursing | 3–4 years | Individually supervised, distance |
A note on the fastest six: Please note University of Minnesota, University of Miami, and Thomas Edison State University all published a genuine one-year (12-month) DNP timeline directly on their official program pages, with Arkansas State (as few as 14 months), UNC Greensboro (15 months), and Chatham (16 months) close behind. It’s also important to understand that these accelerated post-master’s DNP programs are specifically designed for nurses who already earned their MSN degree (often in an APRN or leadership-adjacent specialty) with most or all of their 1,000 hours already completed. These routes are not available for a brand-new NP certification built from scratch. If that’s your goal, expect the longer timelines to further down this table instead.
What are the Fastest Online BSN to DNP Programs (Direct Entry from a Bachelor's)?
A true Direct Entry to DNP program – there is no CCNE accredited nursing school that offers options for entering DNP program without a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and no RN license. The most direct entry is a BSN to DNP program or a BSN to DNP accelerated program, though it advertised differently, but all describe the same thing. A single accelerated application and curriculum that takes a BSN-prepared, licensed RN straight to the DNP without a separate stand-alone MSN in between. These BSN to DNP accelerated programs are the fastest verified options we found:
| University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University | BSN to DNP | As few as 33 months FT (eight 15-week terms); 11 terms PT | Distance-based online with required Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs) on campus; 1,000+ clinical hours; four NP specializations; CCNE-accredited. |
| Rush University | BSN to DNP (specialty NP tracks) | Roughly 2.5–4 years depending on specialty (FNP 2.5–3.5 yrs; Neonatal NP 2.5–3.5 yrs; PMHNP 3–4 yrs) | Predominantly online with required campus simulation days and clinical rotations near Chicago; CCNE-accredited. |
| Walden University | BSN to DNP (specialty tracks) | 106 credit hours; completion time varies by student and specialty (credit-based, not a fixed month/year figure) | 100% online coursework with locally arranged practicum sites; CCNE-accredited; Practicum Pledge helps students who can’t secure a preceptor independently. |
| Missouri State University | BSN to DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (hybrid) | Full-time or part-time, hybrid pacing | Blend of seated and online doctoral-level coursework; CCNE-accredited. |
It is highly recommended that if in your search of BSN to DNP program you find any program advertised completion timeline of well under 30 months, you must tackle it very carefully and must confirm the current published length with admission before applying – it must be noted that nursing schools update their own number more often than third party lists do.
Are There Truly Accelerated RN to DNP Programs?
Not actually, especially in the manner usually this phrase is marketed and claimed. Every CCNE or ACNE accredited DNP program has the requirement of either a BSN (or entry-level MSN/CNL bridge from an accredited program) plus an active, cleared RN license before doctoral admission- An RN with only an associate degree or diploma is not eligible to enroll in any accredited DNP program.
Though some nursing schools like Missouri State and Walden, do offer accelerated RN-to-BSN pathways that feed into their DNP programs; these add a bridging step rather than remove one. If you find any school or program offering nursing doctorate without BSN requirements, it is highly advised that you should verify the program and school's accreditation carefully before applying – that claim is a common red flag for non-accredited or accreditation-mill programs.
Can You Really Earn a DNP Online in 1 Year?
Yes, 12 months DNP online programs are very on the cards but as mentioned earlier this option is not available for all
Some of the accredited nursing schools like University of Minnesota's, University of Miami's, and Thomas Edison State University's specifically mentioned their one-year DNP full-time option, and universities like Arkansas State offer a program in as few as 14 months, UNC Greensboro DNP completion time is nearly one year with 15 months' timeline, and Chatham publishes a similar compressed 16-month timeline. All of the six universities mentioned here have confirmed one year or near-one-year DNP programs on their own official pages, all of these six universities are nationally accredited (CCNE or ACEN), and as per the accreditation bodies requirements all of these universities require the same 1000-hours standard hours as every other accredited DNP program mentioned on this page – In the accelerated DNP courses these universities let the MSN level clinical hours with compressed year around or single-week-per-semester structure do more of the work.
Now here is the catch you look for. Every 12–15-month BSN program we mentioned on the page requires an existing MSN, generally in APRN especially in leadership or a related advanced track. None of these accelerated Doctor of Nursing Practice programs is available for if you are pursuing a new NP certification or only have a BSN degree, though you can choose accelerated but longer timelines presented on this page – Specifically there is no accredited 12 months option for BSN to DNP route and NP-certification tracks at the same “fast” nursing schools (Samford’s FNP/PMHNP tracks, for example) still have the completion time of around 2 years.
Is There a 1-Year Doctorate Anywhere Else in Nursing? (PhD by Published Work)
If we talk about 1 year PhD in Nursing program, then there is only one option available "PhD in Nursing by Published Work". But it must be noted that this fast-track is not everyone, especially for new doctoral students. This route is specifically designed for nurses who are already established academics or researchers. For better understanding, one of the verified examples is of Warwick Medical School's PhD by Published Work, offering its own dedicated Nursing course title (Nursing, P-B718) alongside Health Sciences and Health Care titles.
In this model, the experienced nurses and researchers are offered the opportunity to submit their existing portfolio of 3-8 peer-reviewed publications along with a covering document incorporating their contribution, then defending it via viva.
- Duration: registration is exactly 1 year full-time — Warwick does not offer a part-time version of this route.
- Eligibility: external candidates need graduate standing of at least 7 years; Warwick staff or library staff of equivalent status need at least 3 years of employment before submitting; a 2:1 undergraduate degree or master's with Merit (or equivalent) is also required.
- Minimum registration before submission: 6 months for external candidates, 3 months for internal staff, before the portfolio can be submitted for examination.
A nurse-academic or nurse-researcher with an established, substantial publication record and typically 7+ years of postgraduate standing (or 3+ years on staff at the host university) — not someone starting from scratch. It's a legitimate, accredited PhD route, and it's genuinely nursing-specific at Warwick, but it's not a shortcut available to the average MSN- or DNP-seeking nurse. A small number of other UK universities offer similar published-work frameworks in some faculties, but nursing-specific availability varies by institution, so we'd recommend confirming directly with each university's health sciences department rather than assuming the route exists everywhere it's advertised.
Which Are the Shortest DNP Online Programs at a Glance?
Here for review, we present some of the accredited and verified shortest DNP programs online offered by prestigious nursing schools in the USA.
| University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota | Post-Master’s DNP | 1 year FT / 2 years | Mostly online, 1 campus week/semester |
| University of Miami | MSN to DNP | 1 year FT / 2 years PT | Hybrid, 3–4 campus weekends/semester |
| Arkansas State University | Post-Master’s DNP – Leadership/General | As few as 14 months | 100% online |
| UNC Greensboro | Post-Master’s DNP | 15 months | 100% online, fall start |
| Chatham University | Post-Master’s DNP (non-NP) | 16 months | Online + one 2-day residency |
| Thomas Edison State University | Post-Master’s DNP – Systems-Level Leadership | 12 months FT / 24 months PT | 100% online, no campus visits |
| Georgetown University | Post-Master’s Executive DNP | 20 months | Distance + on-campus executive sessions |
| Georgetown University | BSN to DNP | 33 months FT / longer PT | Distance + required OCIs |
| Missouri State University | Post-Master’s DNP – Leadership | 2 years | 100% online |
| Rush University | Transformative Leadership: Systems DNP | 2 years PT | Online + two 2-day campus visits |
| Rush University | BSN to DNP (specialty tracks) | 2.5–4 years | Online + campus clinical/sim days |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Post-MSN DNP | As few as 27–32 months | 100% online, 8-week terms |
| Wilkes University | MSN to DNP | Under 2 years (6 x 12-week terms) | 100% online, asynchronous |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) | MSN to DNP | 2–3 years | Distance-mediated, ~4 campus events |
What Does "Fast DNP Program" Really Mean?
There are several factors that makes any DNP Online program fast and understanding each factor and its affect is important:
Entry Point Matter Most:
For any Fastest DNP Program Online/Hybrid/On-Campus entry point is the key factor, as post mater’s DNP programs are without any doubts are the fastest track because much of the part of the 1000-hour requirement is already fulfilled.
"Online" rarely means zero campus time:
By “Online”, usually does not mean 100% campus free program as most of the fast-track programs offered by the nursing schools require a handful of on campus intensives, simulation days, project defenses etc.
Specialty affects timeline:
It must be noted that different specialization has different completion timelines as acute-care and neonatal NP tracks have the longer completion time than the leadership or education tracks because clinical placements are harder to schedule
State restrictions apply:
It should also be noted that some of the fastest online DNP programs are not available for every applicant due to some limitation and regulations for example Georgetown’s BSN to DNP, Walden’s DNP and University of Minnesota's DNP are not available for the F-1 student visas due to limited on-campus time, for this reason they are not enrolling every applicant – It is highly recommended that you should confirm the eligibility before applying.
How Can You Finish Your Online DNP Faster?
If you want to earn your Online DNP faster and shortest period of time then below you can find some tips that might be helpful for you:
- The fastest route to complete your DNP is the post master’s/ MSN to DNP entry point, if you are eligible this track can give you fastest completion time with a wide margin.
- Use your MSN clinical hours and transfer your maximum eligible clinical or practice hours from your MSN.
- Try to shortlist and enroll in a program with rolling admission and have shorter 8 weeks term (UTA and Missouri State both use this model)
- To complete your DNP online in the shortest time, try to enroll full time and avoid stop-out semesters if your schedule allows.
- One of the major reasons for longer completion times is the placement delays, to avoid this line up your DNP project site and preceptor early.
- You must confirm that your state of residence is eligible before applying, as online DNP enrollment is restricted in some states in several schools.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Fast-Track DNP Programs?
Though Admission requirements may differ on the basis of the university of your choosing, Model, Delivery method and other factors, but some of the requirements remains the same:
- BSN or MSN from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution
- Minimum GPA, typically 3.0–3.3, though requirements vary by school and entry point
- Current, unencumbered RN license
- Resume or CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation
- GRE frequently waived for applicants with a strong nursing GPA
- A proposed capstone or DNP project idea, requested by some schools during application
Which DNP Specializations Can You Complete Fastest?
As we discussed earlier that different DNP specializations have different completion timelines, some can be completed in the shortest period as compared to others. Leadership, Executive, and education focused DNP specializations are generally faster as compared to new nurse practitioner's certification tracks. For this reason, these tracks do not require building an entirely new specialty clinical caseload.
Some of the most in-demand fast track specialization includes:
- Executive Leadership / Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Nursing Informatics
- Population Health / Public Health Nursing
What are the Fastest PhD in Nursing Programs?
A PhD in Nursing programs online is designed to equip the nurses for research careers, and every accredited program for a new doctoral program has the requirement of an original dissertation. No capstone or applied project substitute is available in the model as it is in DNP programs. That is one of the major reasons accelerated PhD in Nursing time for new students of completion is approximately around 4 years, almost three times more than the fastest verified MSN to DNP timelines discussed above.
Here is the good news for you if you are an established researcher with an authentic publication record, the PhD in Nursing by published work discussed earlier on this page, is one of the fastest PhD in Nursing route available for you that can be completed in 1 year as well – But again remember this route is not open for new dot oral students without any prior established publications.
| University | Program | Timeline | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State University | BSN to PhD (direct entry) | As little as 4 years, part-time-friendly | Primarily online, asynchronous; CCNE/ACEN-accredited; launched 2022 specifically as a fast-track research pathway. |
| University of Florida | BSN to PhD (direct entry) | 4 years, full-time | CCNE-accredited; priority admission when research interests align with existing faculty focus areas; not fully funded, but scholarships available. |
| Rush University | PhD in Nursing (post-BSN or post-master’s) | 4 years FT / 5 years PT | Online coursework with an on-campus orientation plus annual summer intensive sessions; small, closely mentored cohorts. |
Unlike the DNP, a genuine direct entry BSN to PhD in Nursing program does exist at several accredited schools — Illinois State, University of Florida, and others let a BSN-prepared RN skip a stand-alone master's and move straight into doctoral research training. It still takes about 4 years, but it's a real, accredited shortcut around the MSN step that simply isn't available for the DNP.
Is There a Faster PhD or DNP-Equivalent Doctorate Outside the U.S.?
In short, for most applicants there are not faster PhD or DNP equivalent programs outside the USA but with one notable exception. As DNP is specifically USA based model offered by the only U.S. universities and there is almost no other country that is offering direct equivalent. Though there are Professional Research Doctorate in Nursing and most of these programs are longer than the USA’s MSN to DNP mainly cause of these programs require independent thesis or via defense instead of DNP style capstone project.
The only exception is the UK’s PhD in Nursing by Published Work already covered in detail above, is 1 year PhD in Nursing program, it is full-time program offered by Warwick’s is faster than most international options and is tied with MSN to DNP programs on this entire page but this model of PhD is not offered by any accredited US university. As well this option is not very common and not everyone is eligible for this as this is specifically designed for the nurses who are already established researchers and have authentic prior publications.
For the new doctoral students, USA’s MSN to DNP remains the faster route, for your clear understanding and review we listed the country-by-country comparison, so you have the clearer understanding what is available rather than what is fastest.
United Kingdom
- Oxford Brookes University's Professional Doctorate in Nursing (DNurs) is part-time and blended — face-to-face teaching combined with online activity — Can be the ideal option for the nursing professionals who want to stay in clinical practice with their doctoral research. The completion time of this program is around 5 years, significantly longer than USA’s MSN TO DNP prorgrams becasue of the independent thesis and viva requirements.
- The University of Manchester offers a more traditional research-based PhD/MPhil in Nursing, is considerably an accelerated program and one of the fastest PhD in Nursing available that can be completed in about 3 years full time.
- Warwick Medical School's PhD by Published Work (covered in detail above) is the fastest genuinely nursing-specific UK doctoral route we verified — 1 year full-time registration — but it's restricted to established researchers with 7+ years' standing and an existing publication portfolio, not a general entry route.
Canada
- Canada has no nationwide DNP equivalent, but the University of Calgary launched a practice-focused Doctor of Nursing (DN) program in January 2023 aimed at senior health-care leaders — the closest genuine practice-doctorate alternative to a research PhD that we found in Canada.
- Research-focused PhD in Nursing programs at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and McGill increasingly offer distance-friendly coursework delivery, though the dissertation stage still extends total program length well beyond a U.S. DNP timeline.
Australia
- University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and Curtin University both offer PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing programs, with distance-supervised study options for domestic and international candidates.
- Expect a research-heavy, typically 3–4-year commitment even in the more flexible formats — confirm current entry requirements and delivery mode directly with each university's international office, since these details change by intake.
Germany
- Germany's doctoral system is built around individually supervised research — for example, through FernUniversität in Hagen — rather than a packaged, fast-track doctoral program, so there isn't a direct equivalent to a US-style accelerated DNP.
- DAAD scholarships can fund doctoral nursing research in Germany, typically over a 3–4 year period, but they're a funding mechanism rather than a specific accelerated program.
Why Do Fast, No-Dissertation, and Lower-Cost Usually Go Together in a DNP?
When we talk about Faster DNP online programs, factors like no dissertation and lower cost usually come along. These factors somehow closely interconnected with each other, and it is worth understanding this connection before you compare any program.
- It starts with the degree itself: Every DNP program is designed to replace a traditional research dissertation with a practice-based scholarly project or capstone. No dissertation is by default option for DNP programs, and this factor makes every DNP program faster than a research PhD. This structural difference between these two models makes accelerated MSN to DNP programs and accelerated BSN to DNP programs online possible in the first place. By cutting the time consumed by the multiyear dissertation and defense stage.
- In general, fast DNP programs are cheaper in terms of cost as well, as fewer terms mean lower tuition and other additional costs. Missouri State and UT Arlington both offer a fast, fully online post-master's timeline with lower published total cost than several private universities' DNP programs stated on this page.
Related Pages worth to explore:
A couple of related pages worth a look if you're comparing options beyond fastest nursing programs
- No Dissertation DNP Online Programs
- Cheapest Online DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs
Explore More: Related Doctoral Programs and Resources
Best Online Doctoral Programs covers doctoral programs across all major disciplines, countries, and career goals. Use the links below to explore related resources:
By Special Interest
Fastest PhD and Doctorate Online →
One Year Online Doctorate and PhD →
No Dissertation Online Doctorate Programs →
Cheapest Online PhD & Doctorate Programs →
Scholarship and Funding for Online Doctoral Programs →
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is the shortest online DNP program?
Among the programs we could independently verify, University of Minnesota and University of Miami both confirm a one-year full-time post-master’s DNP on their own official pages, with Arkansas State (as few as 14 months) and UNC Greensboro (15 months) close behind. All are non-NP-certification, post-master tracks
What is the fastest online DNP program for post-master nurses?
University of Minnesota’s Post-Master’s DNP and University of Miami’s MSN to DNP program are the fastest verified accelerated MSN to DNP programs we found, both confirmed at one year full-time on the universities’ own program pages, with Arkansas State, UNC Greensboro, Chatham, and Samford all close behind in the 12–15-month range.
What is the fastest BSN to DNP program available online?
Georgetown’s BSN to DNP program is the fastest verified direct entry BSN to DNP program we found, completable in as few as 33 months full-time — still well over two and a half years, reflecting the full 1,000-hour clinical requirement built from scratch. Among fastest online BSN to DNP programs generally, Georgetown and Rush’s shorter specialty tracks lead the group.
Are there truly accelerated RN to DNP programs?
Not without a BSN or entry-level MSN bridge first. Every accredited DNP requires a bachelor’s-level nursing credential and an active RN license before doctoral admission; “accelerated RN to DNP” really describes an accelerated BSN-to-DNP or RN-to-BSN-to-DNP pipeline, not a shortcut around the bachelor’s step.
Is there a genuine one-year online DNP program?
Yes, confirmed at six schools: University of Minnesota, University of Miami, and Thomas Edison State University all state a one-year full-time option directly on their own pages, and Arkansas State (as few as 14 months), UNC Greensboro (15 months), and Chatham (16 months) all publish similarly compressed, accredited, post-master’s DNP timelines. These require an existing MSN with most of the 1,000-hour requirement already met; no accredited BSN-entry program or new NP-certification track completes in one year.
What is the shortest post master's DNP program?
niversity of Minnesota’s and University of Miami’s post-master’s DNP programs are both confirmed at one year full-time directly on the universities’ own pages — the shortest timelines we verified — with Arkansas State’s as-few-as-14-month program close behind.
Do accelerated DNP programs cost less overall?
Often, yes — fewer terms can mean lower total tuition even at the same per-credit rate, and schools like Missouri State and UT Arlington combine speed with comparatively lower published costs. Always compare total program cost, not just monthly or per-credit pricing.
What is the fastest PhD in Nursing program?
For a new doctoral student, Illinois State University’s BSN to PhD program and University of Florida’s BSN to PhD program are the fastest verified PhD in Nursing options we found, both completable in around 4 years. Rush University’s online PhD in Nursing is close behind 4 years full-time or 5 years part-time. The one exception is Warwick Medical School’s PhD by Published Work, confirmed at 1 year full-time — but it’s restricted to nurses who are already established researchers with 7+ years’ standing and an existing portfolio of publications, not a route for someone starting a doctorate from scratch.
Is there a direct entry BSN to PhD in Nursing program?
Yes — unlike the DNP, a genuine direct entry BSN to PhD in Nursing pathway exists at several accredited schools, including Illinois State University and the University of Florida, letting a BSN-prepared RN skip a stand-alone MSN and move straight into PhD-level research training.
Which is faster: a DNP or a PhD in Nursing?
For a new doctoral student, the DNP is faster by a wide margin. The fastest post-master’s DNP tracks run about one year, and even BSN-entry DNPs typically finish in under 4 years, while a new-entry PhD in Nursing always includes a dissertation and takes about 4 years minimum. The one exception on the PhD side is Warwick’s PhD by Published Work (1 year), but that route is only open to established researchers with an existing publication record, not new applicants. Choose the DNP if speed and clinical/leadership practice are the priority; choose the PhD if your goal is research or academia and a faculty-track career.
Is there a real direct-entry BSN to DNP program for non-nurses?
No — every CCNE-accredited DNP program requires an existing nursing credential (BSN or entry-level MSN/CNL) and an active RN license. “Direct entry BSN to DNP” describes a single accelerated pipeline for BSN-prepared RNs, not admission for applicants without a nursing background.
📋 Editorial Note — Content Accuracy & Review
We independently check university-published data — credit hours, timelines, accreditation bodies, and admissions requirements — directly from official program pages before publishing. Because doctoral programs regularly update tuition, start dates, and curriculum requirements, we recommend confirming current details directly with each university’s admissions office before applying. This page does not constitute academic or financial advice; program rankings and characterizations reflect independent editorial research, not paid placement.
Last Reviewed: September 2026
Sources:
Every timeline, accreditation, and program-format detail on this page was checked directly against each university’s own program pages before publishing. Key sources referenced:
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing — Post-Master’s DNP program page
- University of Miami School of Nursing & Health Studies — MSN-DNP program page
- Arkansas State University — Online DNP program pages
- UNC Greensboro School of Nursing — Post-Master’s DNP program page
- Chatham University — Doctor of Nursing Practice program page
- Thomas Edison State University — DNP in Systems-Level Leadership program page and graduate catalog
- Georgetown University Berkley School of Nursing — Online DNP program page
- Missouri State University — Post-Master’s DNP program page
- Rush University College of Nursing — Transformative Leadership: Systems DNP and PhD Nursing Science program pages
- University of Texas at Arlington — Accelerated Online DNP program page
- Wilkes University — Online DNP (MSN-to-DNP) program page
- Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing — BSN to PhD program page
- University of Florida College of Nursing — BSN to PhD program page
- Penn State World Campus — DNP–Leadership program page
- Warwick Medical School — PhD by Published Work course page
- Oxford Brookes University — Professional Doctorate in Nursing (DNurs) page
- University of Manchester — PhD/MPhil Nursing programme page
- University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing — Doctor of Nursing (DN) program page
- University of Technology Sydney / Curtin University — PhD Nursing program pages
- FernUniversität in Hagen / DAAD — doctoral research funding information
Program details change frequently. We recommend confirming current length, cost, and accreditation status directly with each school’s admissions office before applying.
Ready to Find Your Program?
Explore the specified sections of Best Online Doctoral Programs categorized by speed, cost, subject, country, and dissertation requirements. Every program listed is accredited, verified, and updated for the 2026 academic year.
Reviewed by Adan Abbasi | Last reviewed: September 2026| Next scheduled review: as program details change