Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctorate based on the recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's "Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing" and on their "Essentials of the Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice." Master's prepared nurses who hold positions such as nurse executives, nurse informaticians, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners are ideal candidates for this terminal professional doctoral degree.

DNP Program Outcomes

• Evaluate and apply evidence-based practice for the improvement of education, clinical practice, systems management, and nursing leadership
• Lead at the highest educational, clinical, and executive ranks
• Analyze and apply scientific knowledge and related skills for the highest level of nursing practice
• Design, implement, manage, and evaluate organizational systems
• Initiate, facilitate, and participate in collaborative efforts that influence health care outcomes with scholars from other disciplines

New Format Begins Fall 2009

In response to student and faculty feedback to continue to incorporate best practices in educational technologies, the DNP program is now delivered in a “blended” format. This highly accommodating format offers tremendous flexibility and efficiency for busy professionals. The blended program consists of:

• 2-4 days per semester on campus
• Classes offered online and via the Web

Program Inquiries

Direct program-related inquiries to:

University of Maryland
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
655 West Lombard Street, Room 518
Baltimore, MD 21202-1579 
Send the DNP program an email

Sample Plans of Study

The program requires a minimum of 38 credits comprised of 19 credits of core courses, 15 credits of specialty electives, and 4 credits for a capstone project. Full-time or part-time options are available.

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study

DNP/MBA Option

Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an opportunity for students to obtain a dual degree in business administration in less time than it would take to obtain the two degrees separately. The DNP/Master of Business Administration (DNP/MBA) prepares administrators with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management expertise, so they can analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate innovative and creative responses to the health care marketplace. Graduates are prepared for senior management level decision-making on financing, strategic planning, resource management, and governance. The DNP is awarded by the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the MBA is awarded by either the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business, or the University of Maryland, College Park Smith School of Business. The DNP/MBA program requires 62-72 credits of coursework and can be completed in three years of rigorous year-round, full-time study. A part-time option is also available.

Sample Plan of Full-time Study

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an opportunity for students to obtain a dual degree in business administration in less time than it would take to obtain the two degrees separately. The DNP/Master of Business Administration (DNP/MBA) prepares administrators with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management expertise, so they can analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate innovative and creative responses to health care marketplace events. Graduates are prepared for senior management level decision-making on financing, strategic planning, resource management, and governance. The DNP is awarded by the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the MBA is awarded by either the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business or the University of Maryland, College Park Smith School of Business. The DNP/MBA program requires 62-72 credits of coursework and can be completed in three years of rigorous year-round, full-time study. A part-time option is also available.

Sample Plan of Part-time Study

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an opportunity for students to obtain a dual degree in business administration in less time than it would take to obtain the two degrees separately. The DNP/Master of Business Administration (DNP/MBA) prepares administrators with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management expertise, so they can analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate innovative and creative responses to health care marketplace events. Graduates are prepared for senior management level decision-making on financing, strategic planning, resource management, and governance. The DNP is awarded by the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the MBA is awarded by either the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business, or the University of Maryland, College Park Smith School of Business. The DNP/MBA program requires 62-72 credits of coursework.

Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a program resulting in the award of a master's degree in nursing from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign university 
• Official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate study 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed 
• 500 to 1,000-word essay outlining goals, objectives, and focused area of interest in pursuing the DNP 
• Active United States registered nurse license required. Clinical agencies will require an active Maryland license. 
• Current resume or curriculum vitae

Apply to the DNP Program

• Apply now »
• Application deadlines »

For International Students

Information English Proficiency Requirements and the Evaluation of Foreign Coursework »

Nurse Executive Courses

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) admitted its first class of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students in fall 2006. By applying evidence to clinical practice, systems management, informatics, and education, graduates of the program are leading and shaping improvements in the health care system and patient outcomes. 

In June 2011, UMSON was awarded a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant to create special DNP courses intended for nurses who currently hold executive level positions in health care. Some examples of nurse executive roles include chief nursing officer, director of nursing, and vice president in hospitals or other health care settings. 

Applicants who are interested in enrolling in these courses must meet all requirements for admission to the DNP program and have experience at an executive level in health care. The 38-credit plan of study in the DNP program includes 15 credits of electives. Nurse executives admitted to the DNP program can enroll in 12 credits in this new course sequence as part of the 15 credits of required electives. Courses will be offered in a similar blended format as the DNP core courses, with classes for each course scheduled in-class, via Web conferencing, and online to provide flexibility, enhance course availability, and reduce travel to the University for busy executives.

Elective courses will focus on health care economics, innovation and business case development, and executive leadership issues. Students will also complete an experiential learning practicum with executives from other health care or professional organizations. These electives will prepare students for innovative leadership roles and will provide strategies that can be used to impact organizational position and value.

The first course will be offered in fall 2012. See the Admission Requirements tab to learn more about applying to the DNP program. For more information about the DNP elective courses for nurse executives, contact Vicki Redding at 410-706-7522 or redding@son.umaryland.edu.