School of Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice

What Makes Our Program Unique?

The University of Portland DNP program curriculum is designed to address the societal desire for collaborative, relationship-based care. The program features an integrative health component, which prepares graduates as holistic practitioners who understand many different healing methodologies and incorporate the spiritual dimension of health in their practice.  Another unique aspect of our program is that we not only emphasize caring for disadvantaged populations and eliminating health disparities throughout the curriculum, but we offer an elective focus on working with the poor. Truth, social justice and integrity are emphasized as central concepts to guide nursing practice. Additionally, we have designed our program to meet the scheduling needs of working nurses and out-of-state students. 

Entry Options

We offer three different entry options, depending on area and level of nursing education:

(1) Individuals whose highest nursing degree is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
• Complete the 83 credit hour curriculum over 4 years (click here to view the sample program of study)
• No minimum nursing practice requirements

(2) Master's-prepared Nurse Practitioners with various population foci (e.g. Pediatric, Adult, Gerontology, and Women's Health)

• Retain NP population focus and earn DNP degree
• Curriculum is individualized based on a review of prior graduate-level coursework (click here to view the sample program of study)
• Complete the program over approximately 3 years

(3) Individuals who hold a Clinical Nurse Leader Master of Science degree

• Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
• Complete a program of study that is individualized based on a review of prior graduate-level coursework (click here to view the sample program of study)
• Complete the program over approximately 3 years

All DNP students are able to consistently plan their work schedule with their employers and continue to practice throughout their program. Students complete 2-4 courses per semester.  We conduct in-person immersion weekend sessions and incorporate web-based learning modalities into each course. We typically schedule one weekend immersion per month 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 immersion calendar for Spring 2013 through Fall 2013. 

Admission Information

New DNP students begin coursework in the University's summer session (May-August). The priority application deadline to begin this program in Summer 2014 is January 15, 2014. However, all completed applications received after the deadline will be reviewed as long as there is adequate processing time and space available. Orientation for students admitted to the summer 2014 cohort will take place on May 8 and 9 and classes will begin on May 12, 2014. To view a list of admission requirements, click here .

Information Resources

• To learn more about the movement toward the DNP at the national level, click on the following link: American Association of Colleges of Nursing .
• To read about the core nurse practitioner competencies, population-focused competencies and DNP competencies, follow this link: National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Competencies.
• Check out the Doctors of Nursing Practice Online Community and all the resources available on the website.
• Financial Aid/Tuition Assistance Opportunities for Graduate Students