DNP Programs in Missouri

Missouri DNP Requirements

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal level nursing degree that focuses on clinical practice, which differs from the research-centered PhD. There are currently eight DNP programs in Missouri, three of which are offered by branches of the University of Missouri (Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis). This number is likely to grow as the DNP becomes necessary for advanced practice certification in the future.

The goal of Missouri's DNP program is to prepare graduates to provide an advanced level of transformative nursing care, and to take on leadership and policy roles in healthcare. The program, like many others, emphasizes evidence-based practice.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Missouri DNP programs vary in terms of curricula and program entry-points. Some programs are an option only for those who have already earned a master's degree. Saint Louis University is an example of this, offering an online post-master's program that requires completion of at least 28 credit hours beyond the MSN. The University of Missouri-Kansas City and Graceland University also offer only a post-MSN entry-point, and both schools' curriculums are 31 credit hours. Other programs, such as that at Marysville University-St. Louis, offer both a post-MSN and a post-BSN entry-point.

Admission Criteria

Common admissions requirements for Missouri DNP programs include the following:

  • A bachelor's or master's from an accredited program
  • 3.20-3.5 minimum cumulative GPA
  • Unencumbered RN License
  • Advanced Practice National Certification
  • Successful completion of a statistics course
  • Official transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A professional goal statement or essay
  • Current resume
  • Interview

Tuition

Tuition varies by program, and is subject to change annually. Graceland University offers an example, charging tuition of $650 per credit hour. Tuition and fees at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is about $435 per credit for in-state, but the cost per credit hour diminishes as the number of credits increases.

Additional Resources

DNP Schools Near You & Online in Missouri

Sinclair School of Nursing

  • S235 School Of Nursing Columbia, MO 65211
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN
    (573) 882-0277

University of Missouri

  • 104 Jesse Hall Columbia, MO 65211
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, BSN to DNP, DNP, MSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nursing PhD, Radiography, RN to BSN
    (573) 882-6333

Graceland University

  • 1401 W. Truman Road Independence, MO 64050
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (816) 833-0524

University of Missouri-Kansas City

  • 2464 Charlotte St. Kansas City, MO 64108
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (816) 235-1700

Maryville University-St. Louis

  • 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141
    Programs: BSN, DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, LPN to BSN, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (314) 529-9300

St Louis University

  • 221 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63103
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, Health Information Management-Bachelor's, MSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nursing PhD, Physician Assistant, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to BSN
    1(800)758-3678

University of Missouri-St. Louis

  • One University Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63121
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    314-516-6066