Pathways to the DNP

HomeAcademicsDoctoral ProgramsDNP: Doctor of Nursing PracticePathways to the DNP
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Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you:

  1. have your BSN
  2. have your master's in nursing or a related field
  3. are already an advanced practice registered nurse
  4. are looking to change your specialty.

Through these DNP pathways, you'll be able to focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals. 

What DNP pathway do you choose?

I have a … BSN Master’s in Nursing* or a Related Field Graduate Degree in Nursing (MSN*, DNP, or PhD) 
and 
Doctoral Degree (DNP, Phd, EdD, etc.)
What is your situation? You’re interested in a career as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist. You want to become an advanced practice registered nurse. You’ll choose a specialty.  You’re already an advanced practice registered nurse or you’re not interested in becoming one. You want to add or change your area of specialty. 
Why is it a good fit? The DNP allows you to specialize in one of eight areas in which you can excel in direct patient care. The program will prepare you for board certification. The DNP allows you to specialize in one of eight areas in which you can excel in direct patient care. The program will prepare you for board certification. You want to earn a DNP. No need to retake all the courses you took to earn your master’s degree. Complete only those courses necessary to earn the DNP.

You’ll complete a postdoctoral certificate that allows you to take only those courses necessary for certification in that specialty.**
How many credits? 80-93 48-93 as few as 37 13-62
Your pathway ... post-baccalaureate DNP with specialty post-master's DNP with specialty post-master's DNP postdoctoral certificate
  (See below for more information on each DNP pathway.)

* If you have a master’s specialty in education, please call us for information about the best pathway to your DNP.
** This option is not yet available for the Nurse Anesthesia specialty.

DNP and Postdoctoral Certificate Pathway Details

Post-Baccalaureate DNP with Specialty

This option is designed for nurses who have a:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

And who are interested in a career as a:

  • nurse practitioner
  • clinical nurse specialist
  • or nurse anesthetist.

How It Works:

The DNP allows you to specialize in one of eight areas in which you can excel in direct patient care:

The program will also prepare you for board certification.

Depending on your prior coursework, it will take 80-93 credits for you to complete this pathway.

Post-Master's DNP with Specialty

This option is designed for nurses who either:

  • have a master's degree in nursing*

* If you have a master’s specialty in education, please call us for information about the best pathway to your DNP.

 or
  • possess a bachelor's degree in nursing
    AND
  • possess a master's degree in a relevant field, such as an MBA, MPA, or MPH
    AND
  • currently utilize your master's preparation in an area of advanced nursing practice such as health services leadership management, nursing informatics, or community and public health

And who are interested in becoming:

  • an advanced practice registered nurse.

How It Works:

You'll pursue the DNP with one of these specialties:

The program will also prepare you for board certification.

Depending on your prior coursework, it will take 48-93 credits for you to complete this pathway.

Post-Master's DNP

This option is designed for nurses who either:

  • have a master's degree in nursing*

* If you have an entry-to-practice master's degree (Clinical Nurse Leader) or a master’s specialty in education, please call us for information about the best pathway to your DNP.

 or
  • possess a bachelor's degree in nursing
    AND
  • possess a master's degree in a relevant field, such as an MBA, MPA, or MPH
    AND
  • currently utilize your master's preparation in an area of advanced nursing practice such as health services leadership management, nursing informatics, or community and public health

And who:

  • want to earn a DNP
  • are already an advanced practice registered nurse or are not interested in becoming one.

How It Works:

  • There is no need to retake all the courses you took to earn your master’s degree.
  • You'll complete only those courses necessary to earn the DNP.
  • Depending on your prior coursework, it will take as few as 37 credits for you to complete this pathway.

More information about the Post-Master's DNP option.

Postdoctoral Certificate

This option is designed for:

  • doctorally prepared nurses who want to add or change their area of specialty.

How it works:

  • You’ll complete a postdoctoral certificate that allows you to take only those courses necessary for certification in that specialty — there's no need to repeat coursework you've already taken.
  • Your personalized plan of study will be determined at the time of admission.

Available specialties: 

Depending on your prior coursework, it will take 13-62 credits for you to complete this pathway.