Program Overview

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post Master of Science in Nursing (DNP-Post MSN)

Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), prepares nurses to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, lead at the highest levels, and advance clinical education. The hybrid DNP program at UT Austin delivers a flexible, high-quality education designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers without putting their professional responsibilities on hold.

Program Details

• Application Available: September 1-June 1
• Program Start: Yearly, each fall
• Program Length: 5 consecutive semesters
• Program Delivery: Hybrid
• The program provides:
  • Flexible learning with online courses
  • Hands-on experience through in-person components
  • Leadership development with a focus on improving patient outcomes
  • Career advancement preparation, including higher-paying leadership roles, faculty positions, and advanced practice specialties
  • Technology-driven learning that prepares students for the evolving landscape of modern healthcare

Curriculum

The DNP program curriculum is designed to provide the highest level of professional nursing education for nurses via a terminal degree in nursing practice excellence. The curriculum advances the education and leadership competencies of nurses and prepares graduates for increasingly complex practice and clinical leadership roles.

DNP Focus Areas

• Mentorship
  • Development of an individualized area of clinical leadership specialization
  • Dissemination of scholarly work via publications and presentations
• Electives in nursing education and teaching

Practice-Oriented Education

More than half of the curriculum in schools of nursing is ‘practice oriented.’ Nurses with the terminal degree in nursing practice are often educators for the practice components of the curriculum. This program’s clinical teaching electives are designed to meet the growing demand for highly-prepared clinical faculty for schools of nursing.

Career Outlook

The program prepares students for career advancement, including higher-paying leadership roles, faculty positions, and advanced practice specialties.

Program Structure

• Classes meet on campus once a month throughout each semester.
• These on-campus classes occur monthly on a consecutive Friday and Saturday with online assignments during the alternate weeks.

Why UT Austin’s School of Nursing?

• Ranked #16 among public schools and #36 among all schools in Best Nursing Schools: DNP Programs (U.S. News & World Report 2025)
• Ranked #1 among top Texas DNP programs (DNP Programs 2023)