Program Overview

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Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Purdue University Northwest focuses on translation science, preparing nurses to lead transformative healthcare by becoming experts in the search, appraisal, synthesis, transfer, and application of evidence and in the evaluation of its impact on outcomes.

Why Get Your DNP at PNW?

This program prepares excellent graduates who hold diverse roles in the healthcare field. Students learn to improve patient outcomes by making an impact on patient care, nursing practice, and organizational systems. They also learn to translate and embed best evidence into their practice as they work with experienced faculty and organizational facilitators.

DNP Program Accreditation Information

The post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) effective July 18, 2022. This candidacy status expires in Spring 2028.

DNP Curriculum

The plan of study builds on previous master's-level coursework. Students may need to take advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and/or physical assessment in addition to DNP core courses. The program can be completed online, except for a one-week, on-campus summer intensive.

Year One

Part-time students follow a three-year plan. In the first year, the primary focus is on core doctor of nursing practice coursework.

• NUR 50200 Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
• NUR 50300 Advanced Health Assessment

Year Two

Students complete core DNP courses and begin taking evidence-based practice and translation science courses.

• NUR 52500 Informatics In Nursing
• NUR 63200 Health Policy Local to Global
• NUR 65600 Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics

Year Three

The focus is on the practice inquiry project through independent residencies, supported by guidance from the faculty chair.

• NUR 59900 Special Topics/Independent Study In Nursing
• NUR 62400 Evidence Based Practice
• NUR 62600 Applied Biostatistics for Outcome Evaluation

Program Requirements

Requirements for admission include:

• Graduation from an accredited program with a master's degree in nursing
• Grades in all previous Master's coursework of "B" or better
• Current RN (Registered Nurse) licensure in the state where practice will occur
• Evidence of successful completion of an introductory statistics course (alternatively, students may take statistics upon admission)
• Personal interview
• Application deadlines:
  • Fall: June 1
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: March 1

DNP Degree Program Highlights

Graduates enter the marketplace with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty. They hone their ability to acquire, appraise, and implement best practices.

DNP Degree Program Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, students will be able to:

• Integrate knowledge of systems, theory, science, and evidence to advance care
• Translate evidence to support practice
• Design evidence-based cost-effective nursing interventions
• Influence policy
• Initiate change
• Evaluate outcomes
• Demonstrate role competence as a DNP

DNP Degree Program Career Paths

This degree prepares students for a number of roles in the field, including:

• Management of individual patients and populations
• Leadership in nursing practice
• Clinical education

DNP Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

Students are encouraged to be members of professional organizations that align with their area of practice. Eligible students may join Sigma Theta Tau.

DNP Degree Program Employers

Graduates of this program are employed by organizations like:

• Ambulatory care practices
• Hospital systems
• Schools of nursing

DNP Degree Program Scholarships

The College of Nursing offers scholarships to DNP students. Graduate assistantships are also available.

Nationally Recognized

PNW's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is nationally recognized in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 list of top nursing graduate programs.

Meet the Faculty

The faculty includes:

• Jodi Allen, D.N.P., RN, FNP-C
• Manisa Baker, D.N.P., APRN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-K
• Cari Furst, Ph.D., RN, CNE, SCRN
• Maria V. Hughes, DNP, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, ACUE
• Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Ph.D., RN, CTN-A, NEA-BC, CPPS, FTNSS, FAAN
• Julia L. Rogers, D.N.P., APRN, CNS, FNP-BC, FAANP
• Beth Vottero, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF

Related Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master's Certificate
• Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
• MSN
• Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner