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Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program addresses the growing need for nurses in advanced-practice nurse roles with special skills in managing complex health needs in a cost-effective and collaborative manner. The curriculum emphasizes the use of evidence-based practice and technology to guide administrative and clinical decisions, as well as policy development. D.N.P. graduates practice at the highest level, whether working with individuals, groups or organizations, and serve as leaders in health care for the state and region.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares graduates to promote the delivery of safe, high quality care for patients with increasingly complex health care needs. In addition, these graduates will be able to develop and implement new policies designed to improve the health care outcomes of individuals, groups and communities. They will be adept at navigating healthcare systems, working with other disciplines toward quality improvement and improved patient outcomes. D.N.P. graduates will also be able to move into clinical faculty roles, helping to ease the shortage of RN’s in the area by serving as faculty for institutions of higher education.

There are two entry options for the D.N.P. Program:

  • Post-Master's to DNP for professionals with an M.S.N.
  • Post-Bachelor's to D.N.P. (FNP) for professionals with a B.S.N. who wish to complete a D.N.P. and become family nurse practitioners.

Post-Master's to D.N.P. Entry Option

For professionals with an M.S.N., there are two concentrations within the post-Master's to D.N.P.:

  • Post-Master's to D.N.P. - Leadership
  • Post-Master's to D.N.P. - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Post-Bachelor's to D.N.P. Entry Option

For professionals with a B.S.N. who wish to complete a D.N.P. 

Post-D.N.P., Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Study

This program is designed for students who have already completed a D.N.P. and wish to complete coursework for eligibility to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. Admission to the certificate of completion option is competitive and limited in numbers.

Note: This certificate is not representative of the FNP credential. The award of this certificate of completion represents that the individual has completed the educational requirements for examination and licensure as a family nurse practitioner.

For More Information

  • Dr. Annette Barnes, Graduate Program Chair
    410-546-4380
     
  • Laurie Bishop, Administrative Assistant for Graduate Programs
    410-543-6420