College of Science and Health

Curriculum

The DNP program requires 36 semester credit hours of graduate coursework, which consists of 24 semester credit hours of coursework delivered online and a minimum of 12 semester credit hours of clinical practicum experience. A total of 500 hours of practicum is completed during the final four courses allowing for the development of doctoral level clinical nursing practice competence. A culminating DNP project affords students the opportunity to synthesize and apply their knowledge to improve patient/client outcomes. All eight DNP core courses and four practicum courses are required for program completion.

What you need to apply:

• a Master of Science or higher degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.
• earned a GPA of 3.000 or higher (on a 4.000 scale) calculated for master’s and/or higher degree in nursing program coursework.
• 500 hours of clinical practice at the master’s level which will be verified by the director of the DNP program*.
• official sealed transcripts from the institution where the highest degree in nursing was conferred.
• proof of unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the U.S.
• a minimum of two years of full-time work experience as a registered nurse in a healthcare setting.
• letters of recommendation from two persons who hold a doctoral degree and can address the academic, communication, and professional skills of the applicant.
• current curriculum vitae or resume.
• completion of a purpose statement which reflects scholarly professional writing, prior leadership experience, and the identification of a potential practice project (500 words).
• an interview with the director of the DNP program or designated faculty.
• completion of the clinical practice verification form.

*Prior to beginning the DNP course sequence, students are required to provide evidence of 500 hours of clinical practice at the master’s level which will be verified by the director of the DNP program. Students who do not have a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice at the graduate level will work with the director of the DNP program to complete the requirement through enrollment in NRHL 7000: Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum via variable credit hour supervised practicum experiences.

APPLY NOW

1st Cohort starting in January 2023!

Gap class starts Fall 2022

If you don’t have 500 hours needed to take the first DNP course, you can take our NRHL 7000: Graduate Clinical Immersion Practicum course.* This course is offered several times per year and for various credit hours to fit into your schedule.

If you don't have 500 hours, we'll get you there!