Frequently Asked Questions

Ways to Study

  • Online

What is the DNP? +

The DNP program prepares nurses for direct clinical practice (specifically Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, or Certified Nurse Midwives) and for executive roles in areas that support clinical practice such as administration, organizational leadership, and health policy. Parallel with other health care professions (pharmacy, physical therapy, psychology, medicine, and audiology), the nursing discipline is adopting a practice-focused doctorate as the appropriate graduate education for advanced practice in a highly complex, fast-paced, health care environment.

Read more here.

What are the DNP options? +

BSN to DNP

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
  • Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Health Care Leadership and Administration (online)

MSN to DNP

  • MSN to DNP (online)

Who can apply to the DNP Program? +

BSN-prepared nurses can apply for the BSN to DNP track. MSN-DNP applicants must hold a Master’s in nursing in an advanced nursing practice specialty from a nationally accredited CCNE OR ACEN program or a health-related MBA, MHA, or MPH from a regionally accredited university. Master’s prepared nurses seeking a new area of specialization in which to certify can apply to the BSN to DNP track. Nurses with a MSN in Education or Clinical Nurse Leader must apply to the BSN to DNP track in a specific population or specialty area; an individualized plan of study will be developed that meets program competencies for graduation. Transfer credit can be evaluated upon admission and applicable credit may be applied towards the degree.

How long does it take to complete the DNP program? +

The BSN to DNP program is only offered on a full-time basis, and takes three years to complete. The program length varies by specialty and ranges from 66-75 credits. The MSN to DNP program takes two years to complete on a full-time basis. The program length varies by specialty and ranges from 37-41 credits, and may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Can a DNP student attend part-time? +

BSN to DNP applicants must attend full-time. MSN to DNP applicants may enroll either part-time or full-time.

Do I have to apply to the University as well as the School of Nursing? +

No, the only application you will need to complete is the School of Nursing application.