Academics
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctorate degree. The purpose of the program is to prepare nurses for leadership roles in advanced nursing practice by providing them with the requisite knowledge and skills to influence health care practice for the future. Students prepare for roles as clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners in their selected population focus (adult/gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health). Those interested in dual preparation as an advanced practice nurse and nurse educator may add a nursing education focus.
The program of study, congruent with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, is organized around three core components: systematic evaluation of practice, leadership/policy, and practice which are met through a combination of coursework, supervised clinical hours, and a scholarly project.
Applications for admission to the DNP degree program are accepted from individuals with a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing. Students admitted to the program follow the course sequence designated in the program plan and progress as a group. DNP courses are offered in a combination of online and face-to-face formats. The post-baccalaureate DNP can be completed in three years of full-time study or five years on a part-time basis with a minimum of 71 credits. The post-master's DNP program is designed to be completed in two years on a part-time basis with a minimum of 33 credits.
For more information, view a video of our: Doctoral Nursing Programs Information Session