Graduate Programs

Charting the Future for a Strong and Healthy Community

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree prepares nurses and health care professionals to support individuals, families and communities in transforming systems to attain optimal health and wellness.

Program Outcomes

The DNP program prepares graduates to:  

1. Practice independently in a variety of primary care health environments, translate best evidence into practice, employ a population focus, incorporate integrative health and/or palliative care perspectives, and collaborate with multiple disciplines with the goal of providing effective, comprehensive healthcare.
2. Demonstrate leadership in macro and micro health care system change and personal practice improvement.
3. Proactively strive for social justice, actively address health disparities and function as culturally competent practitioners who relate effectively with diverse and underserved individuals, families, and populations.

Interdisciplinary Hybrid Program

The doctoral degree is delivered in a hybrid format:

• Online courses
• Required on-campus weekend immersions once per month
• Clinical practice experiences are arranged in settings serving individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan

DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a health care professional who is prepared to work independently and collaboratively with other health care professionals, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic health conditions, and promote health and wellness to families and individuals of all ages. Graduates are able to sit for the national FNP certification examination through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The DNP-FNP program of study is is 76 credits completed over 3 years of full-time course work. 

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Healthcare Management Certificate

There is great opportunity and potential for growth and career development in the exciting area of Healthcare Management. The Pamplin School of Business' Healthcare Management certificate will provide you with what you need to make a strong impact in this increasingly competitive and complex area.

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Jennifer Cortes-Klein, Class of 2020

"I chose the DNP program at the University of Portland because the rigorous curriculum placed emphasis on preparing family nurse practitioners as clinical experts and innovative leaders. As a first-generation Latina, I look forward to being able to serve vulnerable communities by providing an integrative approach to health care and addressing social injustice through systems-level change."

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at University of Portland are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)