St. Thomas University Online DNP & BSN-to-DNP

St. Thomas University offers two CCNE-accredited online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs that equip future nurses with the clinical, administrative, and leadership skills needed for advancing patient outcomes and shaping the future of healthcare. Designed to meet the needs of working nurses, these affordable and fully online programs offer a flexible, accelerated path to doctoral-level credentials.

The online DNP program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses and can be completed in as few as 18 months. With a curriculum focused on evidence-based practice, informatics, healthcare policy, and culturally sensitive care, this program prepares nurses to lead in administrative, academic, and innovative clinical roles. Graduates are equipped to address community health disparities, develop care strategies, and influence healthcare policy at the systems level.

The online BSN-to-DNP program provides a unique path for BSN-prepared nurses to earn both an MSN and a DNP in as few as 32 months. With 100 percent online coursework and a total of 1,000 clinical or practicum hours (500 MSN clinical/practicum hours and 500 DNP clinical/practicum hours), this program focuses on advanced research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transformational leadership. Students gain the credentials and expertise to become nurse executives or leaders in health policy and care delivery.

Both online programs offer the flexibility to study from anywhere, the mentorship of expert faculty members, and a curriculum designed to empower nurses to become influential healthcare leaders.

St. Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

What to Expect from the St. Thomas University Online DNP & BSN-to-DNP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applying to either of St. Thomas University’s CCNE-accredited online DNP programs is an accessible and straightforward process. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission to either of the programs.

For the online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, applicants must hold a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and have an active, unencumbered RN license. Candidates must reside in Florida or Georgia to complete in-person clinical requirements. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is expected, and unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions will be accepted for admission review.

Applicants to the online BSN-to-DNP program must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing school and maintain an active RN license in Florida or Georgia. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, and unofficial transcripts are accepted. As with the DNP program, residency in Florida or Georgia is necessary for clinical placements.

Study Plan: Designed for working nurses seeking convenience and flexibility, the online DNP and BSN-to-DNP programs at St. Thomas University are delivered in an accelerated format, allowing students to begin quickly and study at their own pace. Both programs offer multiple start dates each year, with classes delivered 100 percent online and structured in short terms ideal for professionals balancing work and personal commitments.

The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program comprises 39 credits and can be completed in as few as 18 months. Each course is delivered in 6- to 7-week terms. The bachelor of science in nursing to doctor of nursing practice (BSN-to-DNP) program is made up of 67 credits and can be completed in as few as 32 months. Courses are delivered in seven-week terms.

With no on-campus requirements and 100 percent online coursework, these programs are ideal for licensed nurses residing in Florida or Georgia who wish to advance into high-level leadership roles without compromising their careers.

Curriculum: The online DNP program at St. Thomas University comprises 13 core courses totaling 39 credits. Courses are delivered in an accelerated seven-week format, with summer term courses offered in six-week sessions. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the program’s curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research, leadership, quality improvement, and informatics.

Courses in the online DNP program include evidence appraisal; transformational leadership; applied advanced research and nursing; information technology and nursing implications; healthcare policy; population health in nursing; quantitative research; qualitative research; quality improvement in healthcare; practicum project proposal; DNP practicum I; DNP practicum II; and DNP practicum III.

The BSN-to-DNP program at St. Thomas University includes 20 courses totaling 67 credits. This includes 37 credits from MSN-level coursework and 30 from DNP-level coursework. Courses follow an accelerated seven-week format. This program allows students to earn both an MSN and a DNP in one streamlined pathway.

MSN-level courses in the BSN-to-DNP program include philosophical & theoretical basis of nursing; role to transition to advanced practice nursing; diversity in advanced health practice; influencing health policy; nurse executive leader community integration; transformational leadership: a holistic approach to leading change; finance & budget; advanced strategies for interprofessional collaboration in healthcare; relationship management; and research & EBP application practicum.

DNP-level courses in the BSN-to-DNP program include quantitative research; qualitative research; quality improvement in healthcare; evidence appraisal; applied advanced research and nursing; population health in nursing; practicum project proposal; DNP practicum I; DNP practicum II; and DNP practicum III.

Online Experience: St. Thomas University’s online DNP and BSN-to-DNP programs are designed for working nurses who need maximum flexibility. Both programs are delivered 100 percent online, enabling students to balance their coursework with professional and personal schedules.

Courses are offered in accelerated seven-week terms, so students can progress quickly toward graduation. The curriculum is taught by dedicated and experienced faculty members who bring real-world leadership and healthcare expertise into every course. Multiple start dates throughout the year provide additional flexibility, while academic advising and career support services help students reach their professional goals.

Whether advancing to executive leadership roles or transitioning into nursing education, the online experience at St. Thomas University is built to support students in every step of their journey.

On-Site Requirements: St. Thomas University’s online DNP and BSN-to-DNP programs are delivered entirely online, with no on-campus visits required. All coursework, including assignments, discussions, and lectures, can be completed remotely, allowing students to pursue their degrees without interrupting their careers.

While the programs are fully online, students must complete clinical/practicum hours within their home states. Due to these in-person components, enrollment is currently limited to licensed nurses residing in Florida or Georgia.

Paying for the St. Thomas University Online DNP & BSN-to-DNP Programs

St. Thomas University offers both the DNP and BSN-to-DNP programs in a pay-by-the-course format, providing students the flexibility to manage costs on a per-course basis. The tuition rate is the same for in-state and out-of-state students and includes all associated fees.

Financial aid may be available for qualified students.. Students are encouraged to explore these options early and contact a financial aid advisor for guidance. For a detailed breakdown of tuition per course and per credit, refer to the table below.

St. Thomas University Online BSN to DNP

  • 100% online coursework with in-person clinical requirements
  • Offers the same affordable tuition for in-state and out-of-state student and can be paid by the course
  • Finish in as few as 32 months
Program Essentials
Degree Level Doctoral Degree
Program Start Dates 6 - 2 Summer, 2 Fall, 2 Spring
Credits Needed to Graduate 67
Time to Complete? Finish in as few as 32 months
100% Online? No, with in-person clinical requirements
Program Accreditation CCNE
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor of Science in Nursing
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT or GRE Required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required; Active RN license required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 67
Average Cost Per Credit $630.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $42,210.00

St. Thomas University Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • 100% online coursework with in-person clinical requirements
  • Offers the same affordable tuition for in-state and out-of-state student and can be paid by the course
  • Finish in as few as 18 months
Program Essentials
Degree Level Doctoral Degree
Program Start Dates 6 - 2 Summer, 2 Fall, 2 Spring
Credits Needed to Graduate 39
Time to Complete? Finish in as few as 18 months
100% Online? No, with in-person clinical requirements
Program Accreditation CCNE
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Master of Science in Nursing
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT or GRE Required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required; Active RN license required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 39
Average Cost Per Credit $630.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,570.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani has written many how-to career, online program, and scholarship guides related to master of healthcare administration degrees since 2018. Some guides she has written include online healthcare management programs, master's in regulatory science programs, and health administration scholarships. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).