Program Overview

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

College of Nursing

This doctoral program is designed to prepare nurses as clinical practitioners/scholars to assume advanced practice clinical roles.

This program was one of the first four nationally recognized D.N.P. programs, and our online graduate nursing programs continue to be nationally rated. The degree prepares graduates to provide direct patient management in acute and complex care settings as well as population-based and application science to improve patient outcomes.

Program Highlights

• Academic Excellence

  Learn within flexible, online graduate programs ranked No. 1 nationally in 2023 (U.S. News & World Report).

• Research-Focused

  Develop as scientists and scholars with help from the Office of Research, which helps faculty members and D.N.P. students.

• Advanced Instruction

  Prepare and practice in the college's innovative, teaching-education accredited Clinical Simulation Center.

What You’ll Study

As a D.N.P. student at USC, you'll be able to collaborate with dynamic faculty mentors on evidence-based projects, develop your own grants and participate in a health policy internship. This curriculum prepares nurses to sit for the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner national certification.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Analytical Reasoning

  Breaking down complex problems or situations to identify patterns, connections and solutions

• Collaboration

  Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective

• Critical Thinking

  Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments

• Data Analysis

  Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

• Examine Evidence

  Gathering and analyzing information for decision-making or problem-solving purposes

• Manage Complex Patients

  Provide expert care using advanced diagnostics and treatment modalities

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Hospitalist
• Cardiologist
• Pulmonary and Critical Care Specialist
• Palliative Care and Hospice Specialist
• Clinical Scholar

Workplace Settings

• Hospital Inpatient
• Outpatient Private Practice
• Long-Term Acute Care
• Urgent Care
• Education
• Research

USC fosters a robust environment for education, mentorship, and leadership. I believe that my advisor and my professors truly value my success as a future DNP-AGACNP.

Lauren Steffen