I am a working single Mom and have been a NP for 18 years. I really would like to get my DNP but I am having a hard time justifying time away from my kids and being able to afford it. Anyone have any suggestions? A school they attended and were able to juggle it all?
Online DNP programs:
https://www.geteducated.com/online-college-ratings-and-rankings/best-online-dnp-programs
What is your home state?
I would struggle with that too since it isn’t really a solid return on investment for most. Will your employer pay you significantly more for your DNP or will you use it to seek a different opportunity? I know of many with their DNP who have not seen a bump in salary at all. Do you want to teach in a nursing program?
Most regional universities with nursing programs offer a DNP and even though it is not advertised as “on line” I would estimate a solid 70-80% of the work is actually online.
Well, let’s start at the beginning. Why do you want the DNP?
Do you work at a hospital and want to advance into more management/executive positions? (I’ve noticed the head of nursing at hospitals, for example, usually has a doctoral degree). Is it just for personal goals? Why are you having a difficult time justifying it?
I think answering that question first - why you actually want it - will help steer you in the right direction.
If you’re a working single mom, a DNP program at a public university in your home state is probably the most affordable and accessible option. Most DNP programs can be completed part-time and at least partially remotely.
Penn state offers an online DNP through their online campus, Penn State World Campus. It’s the only PhD program they have online.