Online nursing doctoral programs let nurses advance while working, but you must match program type (DNP vs PhD), confirm CCNE/ACEN and regional accreditation, check state authorization (NC-SARA), and understand clinical/practicum requirements and delivery formats. Plan time commitments, employer support, and clinical placement before applying.

Why choose an online nursing doctorate?

Online doctoral programs in nursing let you advance without leaving your job or community. They offer flexible schedules, reduce commuting, and often combine online coursework with short on-campus residencies or local clinical placements.

Keep working while you study

If possible, stay employed while you pursue your doctorate. Maintaining a nursing role - even part time - keeps your clinical skills current and preserves career momentum for promotions or leadership opportunities when you finish. Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement or scheduling flexibility.

Decide which doctoral track fits your goals

There are two common doctoral paths: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), focused on clinical practice, systems improvement, and leadership; and the PhD in Nursing, focused on research and academia. Some universities also offer EdD or practice-research hybrids. Pick the track that aligns with the role you want after graduation.

Specialization

Many programs offer concentrations such as family nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, nursing education, leadership, or population health. Choose a specialty based on your career goals, expected scope of practice, and licensure requirements in your state.

Check accreditation and state authorization

Accreditation matters for licensure, employer recognition, and federal financial aid. The two major nursing accreditors are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Also confirm the university holds regional institutional accreditation.

Online programs must also be authorized to enroll students in your state. Look for NC-SARA participation or direct state authorization, and understand how the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) may affect multistate practice if you plan to provide care across state lines.

Understand delivery formats and clinical requirements

Online programs use synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (on-your-own-time) formats. Asynchronous courses suit working professionals; synchronous seminars or residencies may be required for cohort activities.

DNP programs require supervised clinical practice hours and often one or more residencies or intensive practicums. Verify how the program places students with preceptors, whether local clinical sites are supported, and the exact clinical hour requirement for graduation (requirements vary by program and track). Many national recommendations exist for practice hours for DNP curricula .

Time commitment and personal planning

Be realistic about time. Doctoral work demands weekly study, clinical shifts, and sometimes weekend or evening coursework. Create a schedule before you enroll, and consider child care, family responsibilities, and employer support.

Practical checklist before applying

  • Verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation and regional accreditation.
  • Confirm the program is authorized in your state (NC-SARA or state approval).
  • Ask about clinical placement assistance, residency dates, and preceptor support.
  • Compare admission prerequisites (BSN-to-DNP vs MSN-to-DNP) and total cost.
  • Check faculty credentials, graduation timelines, and job placement rates.
Choosing an online doctoral program requires balancing accreditation, format, clinical requirements, and your career plan. Do this research up front to find a program that fits your life and advances your goals.
  1. Verify current DNP clinical practice hour recommendations and typical program requirements (e.g., AACN recommendations and variation between BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP pathways).

FAQs about Nursing Doctoral Programs

Should I work while enrolled in an online nursing doctorate?
Yes - staying employed keeps clinical skills current and preserves career momentum. Many online programs are designed for working professionals with asynchronous coursework and flexible scheduling.
How do I choose between a DNP and a PhD in nursing?
Choose a DNP if you want advanced clinical practice, leadership, or systems-improvement roles. Choose a PhD if you want to focus on research and academia. Match the degree to your career goals and required licensure or certification.
Which accreditors should I look for?
Look for program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), plus regional institutional accreditation.
Do online programs require clinical hours?
Yes. Especially for DNPs, supervised clinical practice hours and residencies are common. Verify how many hours are required and how the program supports local clinical placements.
What is NC-SARA and why does it matter?
NC-SARA is a state authorization reciprocity agreement that simplifies cross-state delivery of online education. If a school participates, it's more likely to be authorized to enroll students in multiple states - still confirm for your state.

News about Nursing Doctoral Programs

Montclair State University Launches First Online Doctoral Program – Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Montclair State University [Visit Site | Read More]

8 students graduate in UNCP’s first-ever nursing doctoral degree program - WPDE [Visit Site | Read More]

How Does Mentorship Influence Doctoral Nursing Education? An Integrative Review - Wiley Online Library [Visit Site | Read More]

No longer 'professional' degrees? Limits on loans for nursing students may derail grads - WUWM [Visit Site | Read More]

Belinda Lashea – Nursing - East Carolina University [Visit Site | Read More]

Not a Professional Degree? A New Federal Policy Could Exacerbate the Nursing Shortage - Medscape [Visit Site | Read More]

UNCP awards first doctoral degrees - Robesonian [Visit Site | Read More]

Stein disputes federal loan cap on grad-level nursing students - Carolina Journal [Visit Site | Read More]