Launching this spring, Wilmington University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences will introduce two accelerated BSN-to-doctoral pathways designed to help registered nurses advance their careers without first earning a master’s degree.

The new options allow nurses with bachelor’s degrees to move directly into doctoral-level study, streamlining preparation for advanced practice roles amid growing demand across the health care system.

One pathway leads to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus, enabling students to become FNPs through a seamless educational track. Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for both the Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program and its Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

The 75-credit DNP FNP program can be completed online in approximately 3.5 years. Courses are designed with working nurses in mind, offering flexibility for those balancing shift work, family responsibilities, and advanced academic study. Instruction is provided by experienced faculty who are active nurses and health care practitioners.

A second option, the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner pathway, consists of 79 credits and can be completed in 3.5 years. Graduates will develop advanced clinical and systems leadership skills grounded in evidence-based practice to address complex mental health needs. Completion of the program also prepares graduates to pursue national certification as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

“Together, the programs reflect WilmU’s emphasis on accessible, practice-focused education for today’s nursing workforce,” says Dr. Aaron Sebach, dean of the college. 

— Eileen Smith Dallabrida