Frequently Asked Questions

This new three-year, Post Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post BS-DNP) Program is designed to prepare registered nurses to become experts and leaders in advanced practice while completing a doctoral degree in nursing. 

The Post BS-DNP Program provides a pathway for post-baccalaureate nurses who desire the role of a nurse practitioner (NP) or specialty of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with doctoral-level knowledge and skills in advanced nursing practice, organizational and systems leadership, quality improvement and evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, population health, ethics, interprofessional collaboration, and quality and safety of patient care.

Students may choose from four specialities – Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – with the option of adding an Occupational and Environmental Health certificate to two of the tracks. 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 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).

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.

Please visit the Tuition & Fees page for more information on program costs.