Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed for nurses who seek to work in clinical and non-clinical environments. They may provide direct patient care or take on a leadership role that focuses on education or healthcare policy. This is an advanced degree for practicing nurses seeking an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.
Program Overview
A nurse with this designation has the skills and training to utilize within the field. Graduates are skilled in the application of theory and research, evidence-based practice, measurement of aggregate outcomes, and transformation of health care systems to ensure quality and safety. As a graduate, you will build on your education and experience to influence change and lead the future of nursing. Our nursing faculty bring clinical expertise, academic rigor, and a passion for nursing into the curriculum. Using a cohort model, courses are designed in eight-week sessions suited for the professional nurse.
Learn more about our program by watching our on-demand information session.
Download the DNP Program Fact Sheet
Program Details
The Online Post MSN–DNP Leadership track (35 credits; 1000 clinical hours) prepares nurses to assume leadership roles from the boardroom to point-of-care delivery positions. The track can be completed part time or full time with classes beginning each Spring and Fall semester.
The Online Post MSN to DNP Leadership for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) track (26 credits; 500 clinical hours plus 500 transfer clinical hours) takes your career to a new level of transformative leadership. The track can be completed part time or full time and is available each Spring and Fall semester.
Student Journey
On Demand Information Session
Watch to hear the Program Director provide an overview of the curriculum and admission requirements.
Career Paths
Today’s nursing workforce continues to expand its presence beyond the traditional healthcare settings—from practice to non-clinical roles in research, policy, and ethics. Career paths for those with nursing skills are diversifying too. Nurses increasingly find work in varied settings as they pursue careers with stability and flexibility. Here are just some of the many opportunities:
- Nurse educator
- Chief nursing officer
- Executive nurse leader
- Nurse administrator
- Nurse informaticist
- Director of clinical operations
"The DNP program prepares the professional nurse for scholarly practice with a practice focused degree in leadership. The program offers individualized attention to students in an online environment. Graduates of the program are leaders who practice at the most advanced level of nursing. "
Elaine Maruca
DNP Program Director | School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Spring 2024 DNP Poster Presentation Event
Questions? Contact the Graduate and Adult Admissions Office
The Graduate and Adult Admissions Office
Related Programs
Nursing, MSN G
Our MSN program, tailored for experienced nurses with accredited BSN degrees, offers a streamlined path to advanced nursing education. With tracks available in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Education, and Leadership, students will complete 33-39 credits (depending on concentration), focusing on quality, safety, education, and leadership.
Nursing, BSN UG
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares students to become nurse generalists who work in diverse healthcare settings to meet societal needs. Prospective students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree may be interested in our second-degree distance hybrid BSN program.
BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing UG
The RN to BSN degree prepares students to become nurse generalists. The Nursing curriculum focuses on the development of management and leadership skills, culture-sensitive health care, individual and family assessment skills, and research in the nursing practice. Graduates of the Accelerated RN-BSN program will be prepared to progress to advanced practice programs at the graduate level. Prospective students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree may be interested in our second-degree distance hybrid BSN program.
- Accelerated Program