Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP Program is available at two entry levels - post-baccalaureate and post-master’s. There is a core curriculum that all students must complete, and courses specific to population-focused advanced practice nursing concentrations that lead to eligibility to sit for national certification. The course requirements for this program include 14 DNP core courses, five nurse practitioner core courses, and 7-8 courses specific to the population foci. These foci include family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

All students must complete the DNP and NP courses. Clinical hours are included in course requirements for both core courses and for population-focused concentration courses. Students are admitted as cohorts into three-year full-time and five-year part-time plans of study and are expected to maintain progression with their cohort as outlined upon admission. However, students must complete all course work within a seven-year time frame in order to be eligible to earn the degree.

Post-Baccalaureate DNP Program

The Post-baccalaureate DNP Program requires the completion of 81 course credits. All students complete the DNP Core and the Nurse Practitioner Core and then select one of the three specialty cores. Students entering the Post-baccalaureate DNP Program will choose a population-focused clinical concentration and complete all courses to meet eligibility requirements to become certified and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are full-time and part-time options for the post-baccalaureate program. Upon program completion, students will be eligible to apply for a national certification exam in one of the population foci. Credits for the specific population foci are as follows:

STAT 608 - Statistical Research Methods (3cr.) - taken in the summer before matriculation
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): 78 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784; indirect: 336)
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): 78 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784; indirect: 336)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): 78 credit hours and 1008 clinical hours (direct care: 672; indirect: 336)

Post-Master’s DNP Program

The post-master’s DNP program includes completion of all DNP core courses, a total of 36 course credits.

Additional credits will be required:

Three credits of STAT 608 - Statistical Research Methods (3cr.) if an advanced statistics course was not taken prior to matriculation in the DNP program.
One to three credits in a clinical immersion final course, depending on the number of clinical hours completed in the previous master’s program. The purpose of these credits is to ensure that students complete a total 1,000 clinical hours as recommended by the AACN. Students’ pathway through the program will vary by the credentials they present upon admission and will also depend on their career goals.

1. Post-master’s with license and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) [clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife] for the individual who seeks certification as a nurse practitioner.

Students will complete all DNP core courses, and all courses specific for the population focus of their choice in order to be eligible for national certification.

2. Post-master’s with RN license and national certification in a non-APRN area of nursing practice (e.g., nurse educator, nurse administrator).

Students will complete all DNP core courses. Applicants will be given credit for 500 clinical hours upon entering the program.

3. Post-master’s with previous nurse practitioner certification and licensure seeking certification in an additional nurse practitioner population focus.

Students will complete all DNP core courses. Because these students will enter with different clinical backgrounds, the clinical component of the program will include an individualized plan of study. Student transcripts and previous syllabi may be evaluated for equivalence to selected required course work for national certification.

DNP Requirements

DNP Core Courses:

Nurse Practitioner Core:

Family Nurse Practitioner Popluation Focus:

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Population Focus:

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Population Focus:

Post-DNP Certificate

DNP-prepared nurses with national certification in an area of nursing practice may seek preparation as a nurse practitioner in one of the concentrations offered. In this case, students will complete only those courses required for the population-focused NP program of their choice that will allow them to apply for national certification. A certificate will be awarded.