Carolina Nursing expands access with all MSN and DNP programs now distance-based

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing is thrilled to announce that starting in Fall 2025, all Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, including our top-ranked nurse practitioner options and all post-graduate certificate programs, will be distance-based. These programs join the School’s existing distance learning offerings, including the MSN and DNP health care leadership and administration tracks and the MSN to DNP pathway.

A group of professionals sits together indoors, engaged in discussion. One man holds a laptop on his lap, and a woman next to him takes notes. Others also have laptops open in a bright, modern space. — *DNP Immersion, Fall 2023*

This transition expands access to Carolina Nursing’s top-ranked programs for students across North Carolina, providing the flexibility needed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled nursing professionals.

Dean Valerie Howard emphasized the critical importance of this transition, stating, “Expanding our MSN and DNP programs to a distance-based format is a pivotal step in addressing North Carolina’s urgent nursing shortage. By making these programs accessible to students regardless of location, we are equipping more nurses to take on leadership roles and provide essential care to communities across the state.”

The School of Nursing continues to be a leader in nursing education, as reflected in our 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings:

MSN Overall: Tied for 8th
Nursing Administration: 4th
Family Nurse Practitioner: 6th
Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 4th
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Tied for 7th

Our DNP program is similarly distinguished:

DNP Overall: Tied for 17th
Nursing Administration: 10th
Family Nurse Practitioner: Tied for 6th
Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 3rd
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Tied for 6th

Additionally, UNC’s Online Master’s Program in Nursing Administration and Leadership ranks 7th nationally, demonstrating our excellence in preparing nurse leaders for today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

This transition to distance-based MSN and DNP programs opens the doors for students statewide to benefit from the exceptional education offered at Carolina Nursing. Students can now complete their coursework remotely while still participating in on-campus experiences once per semester. Our faculty will arrange clinical site placements to ensure hands-on, practical practice near students’ home communities. The programs offer both full-time and part-time options, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Carrie Palmer, assistant dean of the MSN and DNP programs, echoed Dean Howard’s sentiments, “Students from every corner of North Carolina can now access a Carolina Nursing education and benefit from learning from our world-class faculty. We are thrilled to offer this opportunity and to broaden the reach of our nursing programs to make a real impact on health care statewide.”

For more information about UNC’s MSN and DNP programs, visit nursing.unc.edu or contact the admissions office at nursing@unc.edu.