FAQ

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is a doctoral degree that prepares graduates at the highest level of advanced nursing practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) developed the model of doctoral nursing practice education based upon the DNP Essentials.

The DNP is a clinical practice doctorate as compared to the PhD research doctorate. The DNP prepares the graduate to translate evidence-based practice at the bedside as compared to the PhD that prepares the graduate to develop nursing theory. The DNP requires the student to carry out a Scholarly Project in a clinical setting where as the PhD requires scientific research and a dissertation.

The advanced practice nurse with a DNP degree is prepared to apply translational science to clinical practice, assume leadership roles in a variety of clinical settings, and at the most advanced clinical and organizational levels, provide the highest standard of care.

Courses will prepare the advanced practice nurse to practice in complex healthcare systems through the application of skills in leadership, education, informatics, health policy, research and the translational sciences.

The student will identify a clinical problem or professional practice issue in a patient population and/or system. This can be identified in the student's place of employment or another approved clinical site. An innovative, culturally competent, sustainable and evidence-based project will be developed, implemented and evaluated with support of faculty and a clinical mentor.

No. The program is for graduates of a prior Master's or post-Master's program who have completed 500 clinical practice hours to prepare for an advanced practice role (clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or nurse executive).

One year of advanced practice experience is preferred.

The program is full-time over seven academic quarters. Students are required to progress sequentially through core courses in year one. Clinical courses in year two prepare and support the student in formulating, writing, carrying out and evaluating their identified clinical problem for their Scholarly Project. The program is 61-units in length.

The program is geared towards working professionals. Students will be required to be on campus for coursework five days a quarter supplemented with online requirements. In addition, second-year students will carry out clinical hours at their place of employment to complete their Scholarly Project.

Core coursework year one will demand approximately 15-20 hours per week for reading, research and writing, in addition to online work and web-conferences. Year two will focus upon clinical practice hours for the Scholarly Project at a practice site that may be your place of employment. In addition, year two will consist of seminar hours on campus and meeting time with your Scholarly Project Committee.

Yes, a two-day immersion will be provided prior to the beginning of the first quarter. Immersion will provide the student with information related to necessary program requirements and a review of available campus resources that can support the student's success.

You can contact the Student Affairs Officer, Soo Kwon, to discuss program cost and financial aid options.

Applications for Fall 2024 admission is open. Visit Apply Now to get started on your path to a new degree.

To learn more, RSVP to attend an Information Session.