Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
Our program is designed to provide courses that prepare the graduate in areas of the scientific underpinnings for practice, organizational and systems leadership, clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence based practice, information systems/technology, health care policy for advocacy in rural health care, inter-professional collaboration, clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation’s health.
The College of Nursing is nationally recognized as one of the 25 Top Online DNP Programs.
Online Classes
The DNP Program is an online program.
The Learning Management System allows students to view course materials, check course calendars, and participate in synchronous and asynchronous discussions.
You will interact and collaborate with course faculty and classmates and do coursework from the convenience of your own setting.
Students do not need to come to campus.
Program Outcomes
The graduate of the doctorate degree program is able to:
- Incorporates effective communication and informatics to effectively participate in transforming health care delivery systems.
- Synthesizes theories and knowledge to address fundamental questions and issues in primary area of practice.
- Synthesizes information systems to evaluate programs, health care delivery systems and outcomes.
- Designs system changes in health care to align with culturally appropriate care.
- Evaluates leadership, organizational and decision-making skills necessary to initiate change and improve nursing practice.
- Translates caring theories and behaviors to create an environment that promotes authentic caring.
- Synthesizes evidence in clinical scholarship for improvement in quality care in the health care arena.
- Demonstrates accountability across health care systems.
Distance Education Student Eligibility by State:
All applicants are welcome to apply. However, due to restrictions on distance education imposed by individual states, the College cannot accept students that are residents of the following states (11-25-20).
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas - curriculum may not prepare you for licensure in AK
- Arizona - preceptor must be licensed in AZ
- California - curriculum may not prepare you for licensure in CA
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Kansas - curriculum may not prepare you for licensure in KS
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Missouri - faculty must be licensed in MO
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- New York
- Oklahoma - faculty must be licensed in OK
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
The College has met state specific distance education requirements and has been given permission by the Board of Higher Education to provide this Post Masters DNP education to students in all states except the ones in the table above. Students can contact the State Board of Nursing for further information. See below for addresses.
Your state not listed or other questions? If you are a potential out of state applicant and you do not see your state listed above or if you have other questions, please contact the Graduate Dean at (309) 655-2230 to determine the College’s authorization to offer distance education in your home state.
General Graduate Admission Requirements (All Programs)
Application Components
- Completed application and fee
- Resume
- RN/APN license (if applicable)
- Goal statement
- Official transcripts
Compliance Requirements
- Background check
- Drug screen
- Immunizations
- CPR certification
- Health insurance
Admissions Notes
- Rolling admissions until cohort fills
- Priority deadlines:
- April 1 (Fall)
- October 15 (Spring)
- Committee may grant:
- Conditional admission
- Probationary admission
Post Mater’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Admission Requirements
Degree Requirement
MSN (ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA accredited) for clinical track or master’s in related field for leadership track
Licensure and Certification
- Current RN license
- APN license (if applicable)
- National certification required for APN applicants
Minimum Coursework
Graduate coursework reviewed for equivalency. Gap analysis includes:
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Physical Assessment
GPA Requirements
Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
Conditional Admission
- GPA around 2.8
- Must complete 12 credit hours with B or higher
- In cases where a GPA cannot be determined (such as graduation from a pass/fail program), admission will be considered conditional pending completion of 12 credit hours
Clinical Requirements
Minimum 500 practicum hours from MSN
Experience Requirements
1 year RN experience preferred
Transfer Credit/Clinical Hours
- Up to 500 hours may transfer
- Leadership certification (American Organization for Nursing Leadership (formerly AONE) or ANCC, may count toward 200 hours
- A gap analysis will be conducted on each applicants transcripts to ensure admission requirements for courses are completed.
Additional Requirements
- CV (with publications if applicable)
- Resume
- Interview may be required
Time Limit & Validity
| Time | Standard |
| Application validity | 2 years |
| Deferral | Up to 1 year |
| Admissions model | Rolling |
Quick GPA Reference
| Program | Minimum GPA |
| MSN | 2.8 |
| BSN DNP | 3.0 |
| Post Master’s Certificate | 3.0 |
| DNP | 3.0 |