A new cohort of DNP students begins every summer (May). Individuals who begin the program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) complete the 82 credit hour curriculum in four years. We also welcome master’s prepared Nurse Practitioners from various specialty areas (e.g. Pediatric, Adult, and Women’s Health) and Clinical Nurse Leaders who wish to pursue their doctorate.  The curriculum for applicants who hold a master’s degree in nursing is individualized based on a review of prior graduate-level coursework. The length of the program for most post-master’s students is 2-3 years. 

All DNP students are able to consistently plan their work schedule with their employers and continue to practice throughout their program. Courses are completed on a part-time basis (2-3 courses per semester).  We conduct in-person immersion weekend sessions and incorporate web-based learning modalities into each course. We typically schedule 3 or 4 immersion weekends each semester and students are notified of the on-campus dates and times at least one full semester prior to the beginning of their courses. The weekend immersions include a variety of productive, stimulating learning activities that are best accomplished in face-to-face gatherings and provide opportunities to become fully involved in dynamic, meaningful coursework while connecting with colleagues and faculty within a learning community. Click here to view the weekend immersions calendar for Spring (January) 2010 through Fall (December) 2010.

The next opportunity to begin the DNP program is summer (May) 2010. Orientation will take place on May 13 and 14, 2010. The priority application deadline to begin in May 2010 is February 15, 2010. However, please know that all completed applications received by the Graduate School after this deadline will be reviewed as long as there is adequate processing time and space available.

To request an application/information packet, please contact the School of Nursing at 503-943-7211 or nursing@up.edu.

To learn more about the movement toward the DNP at the national level, click on the following link: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Graduate Program Info Session Flyer