Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal practice degree for advanced nursing practice. The DNP degree program at Auburn University College of Nursing can be completed as a post-master's or BSN to DNP program.

Program Overview

The DNP program is designed to prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical nursing practice with a focus on enhancing leadership skills, improving patient outcomes, and translating research into practice. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, equipping nurses with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to lead in various healthcare settings. Courses are delivered primarily online, with some on-campus requirements.

Post-Master's DNP Pathway

The post-master's DNP pathway is designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who already hold a master's degree in nursing. This pathway builds on the competencies acquired at the master's level and provides additional specialized knowledge and skills. The pathway requires 41 credit hours and can be completed in six semesters of full-time study. Students complete a practice-focused scholarly project and 300 practicum hours during the last three semesters of study.

Curriculum for Post-Master's DNP Pathway

• First Year:
  • Fall: NURS 7280 Professionalism and Leadership (3 hours), NURS 7100 Foundations of Rural and Underserved Health (3 hours), Statistics (3 hours)
  • Spring: NURS 7430 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice (3 hours), NURS 7340 Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 hours), NURS 8320 Informatics and Technology in Healthcare (3 hours)
  • Summer: NURS 7350 Quality and Safety in Healthcare (3 hours), NURS 8920 Doctor of Nursing Practice Seminar (1 hour)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: NURS 8420 Population Health Outcomes (3 hours), NURS 8930 DNP Project Practicum I: Development (3 hours)
  • Spring: NURS 8430 Financial Management for Advanced Practice (3 hours), NURS 8940 DNP Project Practicum II: Implementation (4 hours)
  • Summer: NURS 8950 DNP Project Practicum III: Evaluation and Presentations (4 hours)

BSN to DNP Pathway

The BSN to DNP pathway is tailored for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and wish to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This pathway requires 71 credit hours, 1,140 practicum hours, and can be completed in nine semesters of full-time study. Once students in this pathway complete the first six semesters, they become eligible to sit for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification exam.

Curriculum for BSN to DNP Pathway

• First Year:
  • Fall: NURS 7280 Professionalism and Leadership (3 hours), NURS 7100 Foundations of Rural and Underserved Health (3 hours), NURS 7230 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 hours)
  • Spring: NURS 7430 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice (3 hours), NURS 7340 Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Nursing (3 hours), NURS 7240 Advanced Pharmacology (3 hours)
  • Summer: NURS 7350 Quality and Safety in Healthcare (3 hours), NURS 8320 Informatics and Technology in Healthcare (3 hours), NURS 7110 Advanced Health and Physical Assessment (3-4 hours)
• Second Year:
  • Fall: NURS 7330 Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Management (3-7 hours), Statistics (3 hours)
  • Spring: NURS 7440 Primary Care Practicum of Women and Children (3-7 hours), NURS 8920 Doctor of Nursing Practice Seminar (1 hour)
  • Summer: NURS 7920 Primary Care Practicum (7-8 hours)
• Third Year:
  • Fall: NURS 8420 Population Health Outcomes (3 hours), NURS 8930 DNP Project Practicum I: Development (3 hours)
  • Spring: NURS 8430 Financial Management for Advanced Practice (3 hours), NURS 8940 DNP Project Practicum II: Implementation (4 hours)
  • Summer: NURS 8950 DNP Project Practicum III: Evaluation and Presentations (4 hours)

Admission Criteria

Admission to the DNP Program is competitive, and all qualified applicants may not be admitted. The admission criteria include:

• Submission of all official transcripts to the Graduate School
• Nursing GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (in master's program for post-MSN)
• Good academic standing from the last university attended
• A master's degree (post-MSN pathway) or bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN to DNP pathway) from an accredited nursing program
• Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state in which the student plans to participate in clinical experience
• National certification and recognition or licensure as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist in the state where practicing
• Three professional references for an online recommendation form
• 500-word Professional Goal Statement
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Personal interview with a faculty member may be required

College of Nursing Specific Admission and Progression Information

• If an applicant is currently a student in the last semester of a BSN or MSN NP program, the applicant must submit a request for a waiver of the BSN and RN licensure or MSN and NP certification admission requirements to the DNP Coordinator.
• Applicants may be admitted under provisional status if otherwise qualified, if the nursing GPA is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Once the student has completed 9 hours of graduate credit with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, the provisional status will be removed.
• Students must complete the Letter of Intent form sent by the AU College of Nursing, accept enrollment within their application, and meet all compliance requirements by the deadline indicated on the admission offer.
• Students are required to provide compliance documentation and must complete a background check and drug screen.

Progression Through the Program

To progress through the program, students must receive a grade of at least a B in all courses. Students earning any two course grades of less than a B will be dismissed from the graduate program.