Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Holy Family University

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.

 

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 is designed to be completed in as few as 5 semesters 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 is designed to be completed in 4 semesters part-time or 3 semesters full-time and is available each Spring and Fall semester.

Online DNP tracks are available to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware residents.

The Post MSN–DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track is designed for any MSN nurse who wants to become an FNP at the doctoral level (43 credits and 1046 clinical hours). You will be eligible to sit for national certification as an FNP. The program is designed to be completed in as few as 2.5 calendar years (14, 8-week sessions). The courses are delivered in an 8-week blended format held at our Newtown campus (meeting once a week or less).

The Post BSN–DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is designed for any BSN nurse who wants to become an FNP at the doctoral level (74 credits 1046 clinical hours). This program awards the MSN midway with successful completion of required courses. At program completion, approximately 4 years, you will be prepared and eligible to sit for national certification as an FNP. The courses are delivered in an 8-week blended format held at our Newtown campus (meeting once a week or less).

Cohort opportunities may be available at your work location for the above DNP tracks providing discounted tuition. A cohort is a tight-knit learning community of students, usually, 10-12, enrolled throughout their entire academic nursing program offsite from the Holy Family University campus. If you are unable to stay within the cohort, you are able to complete the program at full tuition.

Student Journey

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 midwife 
  • Registered nurse anesthetist
  • Clinical nurse specialist
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Nurse educator
  • Chief nursing officer
  • Executive nurse leader
  • Nurse administrator
  • Nurse informaticist
  • Director of clinical operations 

Tuition & Fees

Program Information

Degree Awarded
  • Doctorate
Program Location
  • Blended
  • Newtown
  • Online

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