Doctor of Nursing Practice
Create a free account to unlock full content!
By registering, you agree to our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Pacific Lutheran University is designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles, focusing on the development of leadership skills, evidence-based practice, and clinical expertise. The program aims to educate nurses who can design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based practice changes to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems.
Program Overview
The DNP program offers two advanced practice specialty areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The program is designed for working nurses, with full-time and part-time options available, as well as hybrid course offerings and individualized programs of study.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the DNP program is based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic preparation, work experience, and volunteer activities. The requirements for admission include:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a nationally accredited institution
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Current, unencumbered WA State RN License or Multistate License (MSL) from the home state through Compact agreement
- Completion of an Introductory Statistics course with a grade of 3.0 (B) or better
- Direct care RN experience
Program Pathways
There are three pathways to enter the PLU DNP program:
- BSN to DNP: Designed for registered nurses with a BSN degree, this pathway requires 3 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study.
- MSN to DNP: Designed for registered nurses with an MSN degree, this pathway requires 2-3 years of full-time study or 4 years of part-time study.
- MSN-APRN to DNP: Designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with an MSN degree, this pathway requires 2 years of part-time study.
Curriculum and Schedule
The DNP program is offered in a hybrid format, with courses delivered on campus one to two days a week and online components. The curriculum includes:
- Foundations of Scholarly Writing and Communication
- Advanced Practice Roles and Collaboration
- Theoretical Foundations and Evidence-Based Practice
- Population Health, Policy, and Politics
- Information Systems and Patient Care Technology
- Biostatistics, Analytical Methods, and Epidemiology
- Advanced Practice Leadership and Resource Management
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Advanced Practice Clinical Diagnosis and Management
Clinical Rotations
The clinical experience is a core foundation of the DNP program, with PLU faculty setting up preceptorships for students. Clinical placement requirements include:
- 120 hours per semester in the final two years of the program
- 240 hours in the final semester
Course Descriptions
The program includes a range of courses, including:
- GNUR 701: Foundations of Scholarly Writing and Communication
- GNUR 702: Advanced Practice Roles and Collaboration
- GNUR 703: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence-Based Practice
- GNUR 704: Population Health, Policy, and Politics
- GNUR 705: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology
- GNUR 706: Biostatistics, Analytical Methods, and Epidemiology
- GNUR 708: Advanced Practice Leadership and Resource Management
- GNUR 710: Advanced Pathophysiology
- GNUR 711: Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- GNUR 713: Advanced Physical Assessment
- GNUR 714: Advanced Practice Clinical Diagnosis and Management
Program Costs
The tuition cost for the DNP program varies depending on the specialty and pathway:
- DNP - FNP Specialty: $99,360 (full-time) or $1,242 per semester hour
- DNP - PMHNP Specialty: $104,328 (full-time) or $1,242 per semester hour
- DNP - Post Master's (APRN prepared) to DNP: $44,590 (full-time) or $1,242 per semester hour
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The university offers various scholarships and financial aid options, including:
- PLU Alumni Scholarship: $5,000 (one-time award)
- Graduate Academic Scholarships: $1,000-$4,000 (one-time award)
- International Grant: $7,000-$10,500 (awarded to international students)
- Nordic Opportunity Grant: $7,500-$5,000 (awarded to citizens of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland)
- Washington State Opportunity Scholarship: up to $25,000 (awarded to students pursuing advanced degrees in nursing)
- Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Scholarship: financial assistance for students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect healthcare services discipline
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the DNP program, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate and actively use science-based theories and concepts in advanced nursing practice.
- Develop and/or evaluate effective strategies for improvement in practice, including risk assessment and quality care delivery approaches.
- Integrate and apply current research knowledge to solve complex practice situations.
- Use information systems/technology to support and improve patient care and healthcare systems.
- Assume leadership to design, implement, and advocate for healthcare policy that addresses issues of access, resource management, and equity in healthcare.
- Effectively collaborate as a member and/or leader of an interprofessional or multidisciplinary team to improve health outcomes.
- Evaluate care delivery models and/or concepts to provide health promotion and risk reduction/illness prevention strategies.
- Assume the role and distinct skills of the Doctor of Nursing Practice in an area of specialized nursing practice.