Program Overview

Introduction to the BSN to DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a terminal practice-focused doctorate, preparing students for clinical, organizational, and systems-level leadership. The full-time BSN to DNP program is designed for nurses with a baccalaureate degree to prepare for roles in advanced practice nursing as Family Nurse Practitioners, Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners with a doctoral degree focusing on practice leadership.

Program Overview

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare systems management. It prepares graduates to excel in advanced clinical roles and to lead initiatives that influence healthcare reform, improve patient outcomes, and drive meaningful organizational change. Graduates complete a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours, culminating in a required scholarly DNP project that demonstrates mastery of the concepts outlined in the 2021 AACN Essentials for Nursing Education.

Program Structure

• Admissions occur once a year and classes begin in the summer.
• Neither GRE nor GMAT is required.
• A "Master's Along the Way" is offered after completion of the MSN courses.
• The program spans 11 semesters.
• Classes are offered in various formats: live in-person on campus, synchronous online via Zoom, fully asynchronous online, or in a hybrid format.
• Some DNP classes (7000 level) meet one weekend day per month, either in person at the Boca Raton campus or synchronously online via Zoom.
• NP classes (6000 level) may meet fully online or in person on Thursdays.
  • Students choose from three campuses for in-person classes and clinical placement: Boca Raton, Davie, and Harbor Branch.

Admission Criteria

BSN to DNP Program Admissions Criteria

• Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited university or college nursing program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Current licensure in the State of Florida as a registered nurse.
• A cumulative 3.0 GPA in the baccalaureate program is required.
• Curriculum vitae (Required Format for CV).
• Two letters of recommendation from academic and professional references, one of whom holds a doctorate.
• Statement of the applicant's goals for the DNP degree of no more than 500 words.
• An interview will be required.
• Annual state/federal criminal background checks are required for all admitted students. A drug screen may be required. All costs for these requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Application Process

• Complete a Florida Atlantic University Graduate Application.
• Select Summer as the entry date, as admissions do not occur in Fall or Spring.
• Students may apply for only one of three concentrations:
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult / Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Select the campus you would like to attend:
  • Boca Raton
  • Davie
  • Harbor Branch
• Note: Applicants considering the Harbor Branch (HBOI) campus in Fort Pierce should be advised that the program location is expected to transition to the Jupiter campus in the near future.

Curriculum

• View downloadable BSN to DNP curriculum plans for each of the concentrations below:
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
  • Adult Gerontologic Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Estimated Cost Breakdown for BSN-DNP Program

• In-state (FL) tuition rate: $371.81 per credit hour
• Out of State tuition rate: $1026.81 per credit hour
• Credits needed to graduate:
  • 77 Credit hours for FNP and AGNP concentrations
  • 72 credit hours for PMHNP concentration
• Tuition for FNP and AGNP:
  • In-state (FL): $28,629.37
  • Out of State: $79,064.37
• Tuition for PMHNP:
  • In-state (FL): $26,770.32
  • Out of State: $73,930.32

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the DNP program require the GRE? No, the DNP program does not require the GRE.
• Is there an all-online option for the DNP program? No, the curriculum is hybrid, a mixture of online and in-person courses.
• Can students find their own clinical sites / preceptors? No, the program will find a clinical site and preceptor for you.
• Can DNP students work full time while enrolled in this program? It is strongly advised that students not attempt to work full time during the DNP program.
• Can a student change their concentration choice? No, once you have chosen a concentration, you are not allowed to switch.