Program Overview

Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is designed to equip students with the skills and strategies to effectively navigate healthcare organizations through the ever-changing and unpredictable world of medicine. The program focuses on developing leadership strategies to have a greater impact on the future of healthcare.

Program Details

• Program Type: Doctoral Degree
• Format: Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 5 Semesters
• Credit Hours: 37

Program Overview

The field of healthcare is intricate and continues to grow with the introduction of new technologies, diverse patient populations, and the emergence of new illnesses. This program will prepare students to improve the nursing practice by reforming care delivery systems to be more cost-effective, locally acceptable, and impactful on healthcare outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete the D.N.P. program will be prepared to:

• Provide more efficient direct patient care
• Manage the care of entire patient populations
• Develop and implement health policy
• Help shape healthcare policies and procedures
• Provide enhanced levels of patient care management
• Manage healthcare systems
• Train the next generation of nurses
• Be a leader in nursing and healthcare organizations

Courses

The program includes courses such as:

• Teaching and Learning (NURS 509)
• Evidence-Based Research I (NURS 602)
• Health Informatics (NURS 604)
• Health Policy (NURS 605)
• Healthcare Economics, Finance, and Leadership (NURS 608)
• Integrated Leadership D.N.P. Core Concepts (NURS 612)

Program Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and recognized by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for its outstanding commitment to excellence in nursing education.

Online Program Features

• Flexible online courses with asynchronous and occasional synchronous meetings
• Access to virtual libraries, streaming video content, and online simulations
• Interaction with instructors and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms
• Same degree, classes, and academic advisor as on-campus students
• Free online tutoring and unlimited academic coaching
• Full online access to research resources, career services, and more
• 24/7 technical support

Career Outlook

The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Director of Nursing
• Patient Care Director
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Hospital Chief Executive Officer
• Executive Nurse Leader
• Healthcare Lobbyist
• Health Policy Specialist
• Informaticist
• Nurse Educator
• Professor of Nursing
• Public Health Program Director

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28% from 2022 to 2032. The median salary for a Director of Nursing is around $97,000, according to Payscale.com.