Program Overview

---

Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Pace University is an accelerated, online post-master's degree designed for working professionals. This flexible program empowers students to evolve their clinical expertise and leadership skills while continuing their practice, graduating confident, capable, and ready to drive meaningful change in healthcare.

Program Details

• Location: Online
• Duration: 30 Credits, 2 Years, Part-Time
• Modality: Executive Format
• Start Date: Fall
• F1 Visa: No
• STEM Designated Program: No

Lead System-Level Change with an Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Pace University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a clinically focused alternative to research-based doctoral degrees, preparing nurses to lead change and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and systems-level leadership.

Building on Master's-Level Preparation

The program builds on students' master's-level preparation as a family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP), or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), deepening their expertise and strengthening their credentials while maintaining their current practice.

Curriculum for Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP - Online

The Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum meets the essential areas identified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for the DNP.

Courses

• NURS 817: Applications in Evidence-based Primary Health Care
• NURS 837: Health Policy, Economics & Finance for Advanced Practice Nursing
• NURS 840: Teaching & Learning for Advanced Practice Nursing

Mentorship, Advocacy, and Unique Opportunities

DNP students complete an evidence-based clinical practice improvement project under the mentorship of experienced DNP program faculty members. Students also have the opportunity to advocate for health policy changes based on their DNP project work at the local, state, or national levels.

A Flexible Online Degree

• This part-time DNP program includes five synchronous online classes per semester, allowing students to fulfill professional and personal commitments while earning their doctorate degree.
• Two on-campus intensives–one at the start for program orientation and one at the end where students present their DNP project work.
• Ability to complete the program in two years (five semesters).

Nursing Careers

DNP graduates are highly specialized nurse practitioners who possess an advanced level of nursing knowledge and skills in the areas of clinical practice, nursing and organizational leadership, health policy, and translational research.

Career Opportunities

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Healthcare Administrator
• Director of Nursing
• Public Health Policy Advisor
• Clinical Researcher
• Nursing Professor
• Private Practice

Admission and Financial Aid

Admission to the DNP program requires:

• A graduate of an accredited master's degree nurse practitioner program
• Licensure as a registered nurse in New York State, state certified and board eligible as a family nurse practitioner, an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 from a master's degree program in nursing, or equivalent professional experience
• Evidence of successful completion of a statistics course (grade of C or higher)
• Submission of two personal statements
• A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities
• Two letters of recommendation
• All official transcripts from every accredited college or university attended
• No standardized admission test (GRE or Miller Analogy) required
• Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the DNP Admissions Committee

Tuition

• Per credit: $1,460
• Total cost of program: $78,840
• *Tuition based on current year and subject to change.

Application Deadline

• April 15

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pace has many internal scholarships and awards to help students meet their college expenses. Some Pace assistance is meant specifically for College of Health Professions undergraduate and graduate students.

Featured Faculty

• Jason Slyer, Director, Graduate Practice Programs, Associate Professor
• Laura Delabastide, Clinical Assistant Professor
• Denis Tarrant, Clinical Associate Professor

Related Programs

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, MS
• Family Nurse Practitioner, MS
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, MS