Program Overview

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Creighton University is a terminal degree in nursing that focuses on clinical practice. It prepares nurses for advanced roles in direct patient care, leadership, healthcare policy, and systems improvement.

Program Overview

The DNP program offers two tracks: one for those who currently hold a BSN and another for those who have an MSN. The program is flexible and can be tailored to individual interests and goals. Students can choose from specializations, including:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care NP
• Family NP
• Neonatal NP
• Nursing Administration and Leadership
• Pediatric Acute and Primary Care NP (dual track)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan NP

Admission Requirements

Applicants will need to submit:

• Application
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation, one from supervisor/employer
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from all educational institutions attended
• RN or APRN License

Additional requirements and prerequisites will vary based on the track and level of program.

BSN to DNP

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Possess a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university
• Active, unencumbered RN License with Nebraska eligibility
• Completion of undergraduate statistics course and physical assessment course with C (2.0) or higher
• Minimum of 2,000 hours of professional nursing work experience (prior to first clinical course)

MSN to DNP

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Possess an MSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university
• Active, unencumbered RN License with Nebraska eligibility for Nursing Administration and Leadership Track
• Active, unencumbered APRN License with Nebraska eligibility for General Post-Graduate DNP Track
• Completion of a graduate-level statistics course with C (2.0) or higher

Important Dates and Deadlines

• To start classes in August, apply by May 1
• To start classes in January, apply by October 1
• To start classes in May, apply by February 1

Career Opportunities

Nurses who earn their DNP degree can pursue a variety of careers, such as:

• Nurse Practitioner (APRN) roles in their specialty
• Clinical Program Lead
• Manager of Advanced Practice
• Quality and Safety Leader
• Population Health/Care Management Leader
• Health Systems Leadership roles
• Academic and Clinical Faculty/Preceptor
• Specialty-specific leadership

Specialty Areas

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP
• Learn to care for patients in fast-paced acute care settings

Family Nurse Practitioner

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP
• Become equipped to manage care throughout the lifespan of individuals and families

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP
• Learn to manage care for newborns in all levels of neonatal intensive care units

Nursing Administration & Leadership

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP
• This specialty prepares nurses to become innovative and collaborative leaders across various healthcare settings

Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Track)

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP (Pediatric Acute Care Only)
• Manage the care of pediatric patients across the entire continuum of health from wellness to critical care

Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner

• BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP
• Manage care for patients facing psychiatric-mental health disorders throughout the lifespan

Post-Graduate General Track

The general track offers students the option to pursue a non-specialized version of the MSN-DNP. This track prepares current APRN-NPs to expand their knowledge, grow as a nurse leader, and achieve this highly respected nursing degree.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Creighton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Licensure Requirements

Graduates who complete the DNP program meet eligibility for national certification through various credentialing agencies. Professional licensure requirements are determined solely by each state and may change without notice to Creighton.