Doctor of Nursing Practice

Why Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?

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.

A DNP offers a range of specializations to meet diverse career goals. These include roles in advanced clinical practice such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives as well as advance nurses who specialize in nursing leadership.

Those who have a degree as a DNP 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.

Video Viewbook

Graduate Nursing Programs: DNP

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 doctorate of nursing practice 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, patients' outcomes, and evidence-based practice, powered by advanced nursing systems. We will prepare you to translate nursing research into forward-thinking, evidence-based solutions for real world clinical care.

Program Progression

Students progress with a 3 or 4-year plan of study and work with their faculty advisor for adjustments.

Course Load

Varies depending on full-time or part-time plan of study

Duration

2 years for MSN-DNP, 3 or 4 Years if BSN-DNP

Location

Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, Hybrid

Start Date

MSN-DNP starts in May BSN-DNP in August

Specialties

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

Satisfy Clinical Training Requirements Locally

If you're a BSN-DNP 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 bachelor's or master's degree 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.
MSN to DNP 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 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The master's degree specialty must be in nursing administration or a clinical specialization that prepared the graduate as an advanced practice registered nurse.

Admission Policies for the DNP

Application Information and Key Dates

MSN to DNP Track*

*The master's degree specialty must be in nursing administration or a clinical specialization that prepared the graduate as an advanced practice registered nurse.

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 serve patients across Nebraska and throughout the country, working in settings that range from major urban medical centers to 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 Assistant, Associate, or Full 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