Doctor of Nursing Practice

— College of Nursing — Academic Programs — Doctor of Nursing Practice

Why Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice?

A DNP is the highest level practice doctorate available in nursing and is becoming the recognized degree for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). The DNP emphasizes higher-level skills in nursing practice and improving patient outcomes through translating research to practice.

Offering various specializations, a DNP caters to nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nurse midwives, as well as nurses with specializations in nursing leadership, education, public health, ethics, informatics and public policy.

DNP holders often take leadership positions in large health care organizations or facilities. Some work as expert clinicians or secure academic positions that emphasize clinical practice and education.

500-Mile-Campus

The College of Nursing is the largest and most far-reaching of UNMC's health colleges with five campuses spanning the state. We have divisions in Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Kearney and Norfolk.

Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington D.C. 20001. Phone: (202)887-6791.

Competency-Based Education

Our comprehensive curriculum is centered on student learning, patient outcomes and best-practices care propelled by advanced nursing systems. We'll equip you to translate nursing research into forward-thinking, best-practices for clinical application.

Program Progression

Students progress with a 4 year plan of study and work with their faculty advisor for adjustments.

Course Load

Varies based on plan of study

Duration

Two to four years

Location

Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, Hybrid

Start Date

MSN-DNP starts in May BSN-DNP in August

Specialties

The program offers specializations in these areas: Adult-Gerontology NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute NP, Family NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP. Pediatric Primary & Acute Care (Dual) NP, Women's Health NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP and Nurse Leader/Executive.

Satisfy Clinical Training Requirements Locally

If you're a distance student, you may be able to fulfill clinical requirements in your community or one nearby. If available in your area, we will guide you in arranging sites, schedules and preceptors.

Admissions

Students may enter the DNP program after earning either a BSN or a master's in nursing.

BSN to DNP track: Applicants must have earned a BSN degree from a school of nursing accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse.
Post-master's track: Applicants must have a master's degree from a school of nursing accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.4 on a 4.0 scale. The master’s degree specialty must be in nursing administration or a clinical specialization.

Admission Policies for the DNP

Application Information and Key Dates

MSN to DNP Track*

*MSN degree must be in nursing administration or a clinical specialization that prepared the graduate as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife).

MSN to DNP 2-Year Plan of Study

BSN to DNP 4-Year Plan of Study

Careers and Outcomes

The demand for DNP-prepared nurses remains high. Graduates have a wide range of career options. Our graduates work across the state in both large urban medical centers and small rural practices.

Job Titles

Family Nurse Practitioner
Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Executive
Community College or University Professor
And More...

Employers

Nebraska Medicine
Veteran's Administration
CHI Health
Children's Hospital and Medical Center
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Bryan Health
Private practice
St. Francis
And More...

PhD in Nursing

Postdoctoral Nursing Program

Master of Science in Nursing