Montclair State University has officially launched its first fully online doctoral program — a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed to give working registered nurses a flexible path to advanced clinical leadership roles.
The new program arrives at a critical moment for New Jersey and the nation, as healthcare systems face accelerating demand for doctorate-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), particularly in primary care and mental health.
A Flexible Pathway for Working RNs
The DNP at Montclair is built specifically for practicing nurses seeking to advance their clinical practice.
Specializations and Program Structure
The curriculum prepares RNs for direct-care APRN roles in two high-need specialties:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Master’s-prepared Certified Nurse Practitioners may enter the program without a concentration.
Students can choose from three completion timelines based on their academic background and life demands:
- 2 years (6 semesters)
- 3 years (8 semesters)
- 5 years (14 semesters)
“Launching our new DNP program is a significant step forward in the evolution of the School of Nursing,” says Dean Janice Smolowitz. “Our experienced faculty look forward to working with nurses who seek to advance their clinical practice by coordinating and managing care to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities across settings and over time. This program will give practicing nurses the tools they need for leadership as the next generation enters the field.”
Online Convenience With Hands-On Rigor
All coursework is fully online and asynchronous, allowing nurses to study without interrupting their work schedules.
To ensure clinical readiness, the program includes:
- Required in-person clinical hours
- Three on-campus immersions designed to build hands-on skills and professional confidence
Applications are now open for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 cohorts, with rolling admissions.
Meeting New Jersey’s Workforce Needs
Montclair officials emphasize that expanding access to DNP education will have a ripple effect across the state’s healthcare landscape.
“We know the demand for healthcare practitioners in New Jersey is growing, and the need for doctorate-prepared Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners is especially high,” says Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Montclair Unbound. “These new degrees have a ‘healthcare multiplier’ effect for the state. We are very pleased to offer them fully online so working professionals can advance their knowledge and their careers without disrupting their already busy lives.”
The online DNP marks Montclair State University’s first-ever online doctoral program and reflects the institution’s growing commitment to flexible, workforce-aligned nursing education.
