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 multiple 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.
The following two entry points require a transcript evaluation for advanced standing upon enrollment.
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.
Advanced Practice Nurses with an MS Degree
The program for RNs with an MS degree and advanced practice nurses is a six-semester, full-time program that includes a clinical immersion. Students graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for comprehensive care with patients across sites and over time, while also serving as leaders, educators, and innovators in the profession.
