Program Overview

Overview of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the recommended degree for advanced practice, preparing nurses to assume the role of nurse practitioner or nurse executive.

Program Details

• The DNP program is offered with various specializations, including:
  • Adult / Gerontology (Acute Care)
  • Adult / Gerontology (Primary Care)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Health Systems: Administration/Exec. Leadership
  • Nurse Anesthesia
  • Pediatric (Acute Care)
  • Pediatric (Primary Care)
  • Psych-Mental Health

Admission Requirements

• Entry into the three-year FNP program requires a minimum of one year experience as a registered nurse.
• Additional preference will be given to those with greater nursing experience, based on a holistic evaluation of applicants wanting a three-year plan of study.
• All applicants will be considered for the four-year program regardless of prior nursing experience.

Program Structure

• Most courses are offered online; however, some require on-site attendance.
• Clinical practicums are arranged by the College of Nursing with consideration of where students live.
• Every effort is made to minimize long distances; however, the goal is to provide students with the best possible clinical experiences, which may require travel on the part of the student.

Doctor of Nursing Project

• The project provides the opportunity for an in-depth analysis and synthesis of a chosen topic that contributes to some aspect of advanced nursing practice.
• The project is completed over three semesters with assistance from the advisor and faculty members within the course.

Time Commitment for Clinical Courses

• Clinicals must be done in Iowa.
• There are three sequential clinical courses in the program that start in the fall and go through summer.
• The fall and spring courses require 180 (AGNP, PNP, FNP) or 270 (PMHNP, ACAGNP) hours of clinical experience each, and the summer is 180 hours (AGNP, PNP, PMHNP, ACAGNP) or 270 (FNP).

Attire for Clinicals

• Business casual attire is recommended in clinical settings.
• Lab coats can be worn but are not required.
• A photo badge identifying the student as a DNP student must be worn at all times.

Eligibility for International Students

• Due to the level of Internet-based coursework required, international students in this program of study are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student immigration status.

Work and Study

• The amount of work each student can do while in the program can vary; however, it is recommended to be realistic about the ability to work full-time and take courses.
• During the clinical year, students will be completing practicum hours during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, in addition to on-campus classes and other coursework.

Residency and Tuition

• If a student moves to Iowa for the sole purpose of being a student, they will pay non-resident tuition.
• The University of Iowa Registrar’s Office can assist in determining what is needed to be eligible for resident tuition.