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Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree in nursing that represents the highest level of clinical practice. Montclair's Online Doctor of Nursing Practice is built for working nurses who want clarity and control over their career choices and the opportunity to make an impact in healthcare.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide a clear pathway for BSN-prepared nurses, MSN-prepared nurses, and certified NPs. Nurses entering the program without NP certification can choose from two concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Those who already hold NP certification have a clear pathway into the program without needing to select a concentration.

Program Format

• Online with 3 on-campus immersions
• Start Date: Fall 2026, then Fall & Spring for those without NP certification; Spring 2026, then Fall & Spring for those with NP certification
• College or School: School of Nursing
• Area of Study: Health, Medicine and the Sciences
• Concentrations Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Cost Information

• Estimated total cost: $60,415 (post-BSN entry, estimated in-state tuition)
• Varies for MSN-to-DNP depending on credit load

Concentrations

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares students to deliver comprehensive primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan. Students gain knowledge to diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic conditions while emphasizing wellness and primary prevention in nursing.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat mental and behavioral health conditions across the lifespan. Through the online Doctor of Nursing Practice program, students build advanced skills in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and integrated care.

Program Requirements

• Clinical hours must be completed in New Jersey
• Applicants need to hold an active New Jersey RN license or a compact-state license that qualifies them to practice in New Jersey
• For those entering without nurse practitioner certification, the program is designed to meet the educational requirements for nurse practitioner certification in New Jersey

Professional Licensure and Certification

The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for nurse practitioner certification in New Jersey. Licensure standards vary by state, and applicants who intend to practice outside New Jersey should review their state's Board of Nursing requirements and confirm eligibility.

Why Pursue a DNP at Montclair?

Montclair's Online DNP is built around flexibility and value, with the lowest tuition among New Jersey DNP programs. The program emphasizes practice readiness, with significant project and clinical hours in New Jersey, and year-round courses in both 7- and 14-week formats.

Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The program combines a rigorous doctoral core with advanced practice courses. Concentrations are only required if students are entering without an NP certification. Certified NPs follow a streamlined pathway without selecting a concentration.

Career Opportunities

With a DNP from Montclair, graduates are prepared to provide advanced clinical care to individuals and shape healthcare systems. Many graduates advance into elevated roles in clinical practice, providing direct patient care as Family Nurse Practitioners or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

Admission Requirements

For Applicants without NP Certification (BSN or MSN)

• BSN or MSN from an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Active RN license in New Jersey or compact-state eligibility
• At least one year of full-time clinical nursing experience
• Personal essay (1 page)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current résumé or CV
• All official transcripts

For Applicants with NP Certification (MSN)

• BSN and MSN from an accredited school of nursing
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Active RN license in New Jersey or compact-state eligibility
• Personal essay (1 page)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current résumé or CV
• All official transcripts
• Proof of NP certification

Tuition, Aid, and Partner Discounts

Online DNP Tuition

• Without NP Certification (FNP & PMHNP Concentrations): $60,414
• With NP Certification (No Concentration): $25,655 $27,310 (depending on levels of professional experience and clinical hours completed in the master's program)

20% Tuition Discount

Eligible RNs employed by Montclair's partner health systems receive a 20% tuition discount.

Resources to Help Working Nurses Succeed

• Faculty Mentorship
• Academic Advising
• Immersions
• Technology & Learning Support
• Library & Research Services
• Student Services

Application Checklist

• Application Deadline: Rolling admission
• Online Application: Submit application (no application fee for online programs)
• Screening Question: Answer the certification screening to be routed to the correct pathway (with or without NP certification)
• Transcripts: One from each college attended
• Essay/Personal Statement: One-page personal essay
• Letters of Recommendation: Three required
• Resume/CV: Required
• Other Materials: Proof of NP certification (if applicable)