Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Program (DNP) prepares nurse clinicians (RNs) or advanced practice nurses (APRNs) to provide fully accountable and comprehensive care to patients.
With the increasing scope of clinical scholarship in nursing and the growth of scientific knowledge in the discipline, doctoral level education is recommended for independent practice. The DNP program prepares advanced practice nursing students to conduct complex diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, make use of sophisticated informatics and decision-making technology, and assimilate in-depth knowledge of the biophysical, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical sciences.
The Post-BS DNP specialties are:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program (AG-ACNP)
- Anesthesia Program (ANES)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program
- Midwifery Program
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH)
There are currently two points of entry to the DNP program:
Registered Nurses with a BS degree
The Post-BS DNP is a two to three year, full-time program for registered nurses interested in advanced practice that includes a clinical immersion. This program prepares students as Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) in an area of specialty. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for comprehensive care of patients, while also serving as leaders, educators, and innovators in the profession. Graduates are eligible for state licensure and professional certification in their area of specialty.
Registered Nurses with an MS degree
The program for RNs with an MS degree is a two to three year, full-time program that includes a clinical immersion. This program prepares students as Advanced Practice Nurses (APRNs) in an area of specialty. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for comprehensive care of patients, while also serving as leaders, educators, and innovators in the profession. Graduates are eligible for state licensure and professional certification in their area of specialty.
Post Graduate Certificate Program
The Postgraduate APRN Certificate Program is designed for nurses who hold a DNP degree as an advanced practice nurse and seek to expand their expertise into a different population focus than the one in which they were originally trained and certified. Through this program, students will deepen their clinical knowledge as they transition into their new role. Those wishing to practice in a different population focus must complete the required didactic and clinical courses outlined in the Postgraduate APRN Certificate Program of Study for their chosen specialty. The following graduate-level courses are prerequisites that must be completed prior to or alongside the certificate program of study:
- Advanced physiology/pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Advanced physical assessment
A Gap Analysis of each student's transcripts will be conducted to identify which previously completed courses may be transferred into the program and which remaining courses will need to be taken as part of the Postgraduate APRN Certificate Program.
Part-Time DNP Program
We are pleased to now offer a new part-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program option for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH) tracks. This option is thoughtfully designed to support working nurses in advancing their education while balancing professional and personal commitments.
The part-time option offers a hybrid curriculum that blends online and in-person coursework, allowing students to progress through advanced practice, leadership and evidence-based practice courses at a flexible, sustainable pace. The typical duration of the part-time DNP program is approximately 3.5 years.
