Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative evidence-based patient/population-centered outcomes. The DNP program supports the American Organization of Nurse Leaders' position that nurses at the highest leadership levels be prepared at the doctoral level.

Program Overview

The OU College of Nursing DNP program focuses on interprofessional collaboration and developing competencies in practice, leadership, and quality improvement and safety that lead to enhanced outcomes important to patients, families, providers, and organizations. The program offers part-time and full-time completion options and is delivered in a hybrid format.

Program Format and Delivery

• Didactic vs. clinical/lab time
• Average GPA of Admitted Class: 3.40

Curriculum

• DNP REQUIREMENTS: 35-51 credit hours, including clinical hours
• Didactic for DNP: 31 credit hours
• Clinical/Practica for DNP: 20 credit hours and hours of clinical
• 1 credit hour of Practice Inquiry equals 64 clinical hours
• Total Hours for Degree: 35-51
• Total Clinical Hours: minimum 1000 1280

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a master's degree in nursing from a United States regionally accredited institution
• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in Oklahoma or compact state by the time of enrollment in the first semester
• Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0 in all college coursework at the time of application and at the time of enrollment
• Resume or CV
• The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview

Eligibility for International Students

International students are not accepted for the DNP program due to F-1 visa regulations requiring in-person courses. However, international students are eligible to apply for the ABSN and TBSN pathways, which have in-person requirements.

Residency Requirements

Due to federal regulations from the Department of Education, the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for its online doctoral degree programs from residents of the states participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Applicants are encouraged to check with their local State Boards of Nursing regarding any specific professional licensure requirements prior to applying or enrolling.