Doctor of Nursing Practice

DNP

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DNP Degree Program Overview

Purdue University Northwest’s postmaster’s doctor of nursing practice program focuses on translation science. Nurses who earn this degree are prepared to lead transformative healthcare by becoming experts in the search, appraisal, synthesis, transfer and application of evidence – and in the evaluation of its impact on outcomes.

This program prepares excellent graduates who hold diverse roles in the healthcare field. You’ll learn to improve patient outcomes by making an impact on patient care, nursing practice and organizational systems.

You’ll also learn to translate and embed best evidence into your practice as you work with experienced faculty and organizational facilitators.

Effective July 18, 2022, the post-master’s Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) program was granted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in Spring 2028.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

See Accreditation Status

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

DNP Curriculum

Your plan of study builds on your previous master’s-level coursework. You might need to take advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and/or physical assessment in addition to DNP core courses. Then, you’ll move to the translation science course sequence, where you’ll build on what you learn by completing a practice inquiry project.

You can currently complete this degree online, except for a one-week, on-campus summer intensive.

Part-time students follow a three-year plan. In the first year, your primary focus is on core doctor of nursing practice coursework.

DNP Course of Study

Sample Courses

NUR 50200 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
NUR 50300 – Advanced Health Assessment

Complete core DNP courses; begin taking evidence-based practice and translation science courses.

DNP Course of Study

Sample Courses

NUR 52500 – Informatics In Nursing
NUR 63200 – Health Policy Local to Global
NUR 65600 – Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics

Focus on your practice inquiry project through independent residencies, supported by guidance from your faculty chair.

DNP Course of Study

Sample Courses

NUR 59900 – Special Topics/Independent Study In Nursing
NUR 62400 – Evidence Based Practice
NUR 62600 – Applied Biostatistics for Outcome Evaluation

Program Requirements

Requirements for admission include:

Graduated from an accredited program with a master’s degree in nursing
Grades in all previous Master’s coursework of “B” or better.
Current RN (Registered Nurse) licensure in the state your practice will occur
Evidence of successful completion of an introductory statistics course (alternatively, you may take statistics upon admission)
Personal interview
Fall application deadline: June 1
Spring application deadline: Nov. 1
Summer application deadline: Mar. 1

DNP Degree Program Highlights

Graduates enter the marketplace with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty. You’ll hone your ability to acquire, appraise, and implement best practices.

Our College of Nursing is home to the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, an Affiliate Center of JBI.

A lion statute with a brick wall and windows in the background

Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

DNP Degree Program Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to integrate your knowledge of systems, theory, science and evidence to advance care. You’ll also be able to translate evidence to support practice; design evidence-based cost-effective nursing interventions; influence policy; initiate change; and evaluate outcomes. Finally, you’ll demonstrate role competence as a DNP.

DNP Degree Program Career Paths

This degree prepares you for a number of roles in the field, including:

Management of individual patients and populations
Leadership in nursing practice
Clinical education

DNP Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

We encourage students to be members of professional organizations that align with their area of practice. Eligible students may join Sigma Theta Tau.

DNP Degree Program Employers

Graduates of this program are employed by organizations like:

Ambulatory care practices
Hospital systems
Schools of nursing

DNP Degree Program Scholarships

We offer College of Nursing scholarships to DNP students. Graduate assistantships are also available.

See All Nursing Scholarships

Acquiring my DNP at PNW brought about professional and personal growth. The faculty members are exceptional mentors who guided me towards identifying and implementing transformational change in the approach to healthcare of homeless women.
Jodi Allen
DNP, Translation Science, Valparaiso

Obtaining my DNP developed my translational science skills and promoted my professional growth. In an ever-changing healthcare environment, the faculty supported me in discovering the essence of evidence-based practice and leading change.
Manisa Baker
DNP, Translational Science, St. John

Meet the Faculty

A student stands with their arms folded in a nursing lab room. They are wearing scrubs and have a stethoscope draped around their neck.

Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice at PNW

Whether you just completed your master’s degree or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) allows you the ability to level up your skills.

Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.