PhD in Nursing Practice (PhD)

At Bay Path University, tuition is The per credit cost of tuition can be found here..

Students complete 1,000 supervised clinical hours in diverse healthcare settings while taking online coursework. The programme prepares nurses to lead in clinical practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems through evidence-based decision making and policy engagement. It offers two pathways: BSN to DNP for entry-level nurses and post-master’s DNP for those with a master’s in nursing. The focus is on applying advanced practice knowledge to real-world patient care and organizational leadership.

Focus areas include Family Nurse Practitioner, Healthcare Policy and Leadership, Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Primary Care of the Family, Quality Improvement, Systems and Organizational Leadership.

The BSN to DNP track requires 70 credits across 19 courses and 1,000 clinical hours. The post-master’s DNP track requires 36 credits across 12 courses and 1,000 clinical hours.

Graduates work as nurse practitioners in physicians' offices, public health offices, hospital administration, nurse educator roles, healthcare consultants, and health policy analyst positions.

Applicants must hold a BSN for the BSN to DNP track or an MSN for the post-master’s DNP track. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Required documents include transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.

The programme totals about 70 credit hours. 100% online, part-time study available, typical duration varies by track and enrollment schedule. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 73% of applicants.

Bay Path University began in 1897 in downtown Springfield with a practical, affordable, career-oriented mission shaped by the needs of companies, organizations, and communities. That focus continues through programs designed to connect classroom learning with leadership, experience, and professional goals. The university serves undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, with career-focused degrees and certificates available in several study formats.

Academic opportunities include traditional weekday programs for women on campus, accelerated online undergraduate degrees for men and women, and graduate programs for men and women offered online and on campus. Graduate students can choose from certificate programs through doctorate degrees while continuing to work. Faculty mentorship is central to the academic experience, alongside projects involving local organizations and contact with professionals in cybersecurity, business, healthcare, and public service. Science students also benefit from modernized laboratories with industry-standard equipment.

Located at 588 Longmeadow Street in Longmeadow, Bay Path provides residential and commuter options, as well as online study. Student life includes residence halls, health and counseling services, athletics, clubs, travel opportunities, and the Wildcat Pantry. International students should note the university's distinct study arrangements: weekday residential and commuter undergraduate education is for women, while online undergraduate and graduate programs are open to men and women. Career support continues after graduation through personalized guidance, professional resources, and experiential learning opportunities.