The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program gives working nurses additional education in competencies such as systems leadership, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice and health information systems. Our doctorate of nursing practice program is among the highest-level hands-on + online DNP degree programs available. We offer personalized support, popular role specialties, acceleration options and the flexibility of online + hands-on learning. Advance your career with a doctorate in nursing that prepares you for advanced practice nursing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at a Glance
Format: Online classes + hands-on
Start Dates: Sept., Jan., May, plus midterm starts
Duration: 2.3-4 years* (7-12 trimesters) depending on entry path and role specialty
Role Specialties (BSN-Entry): Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Executive
*Please note, the DNP-FNP program typically takes 3 years and 4 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2021-2022 and 2022-2023); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Clinical Placements in 2022 Future clinical education placement experience will vary based on individual student specialty and academic needs, as well as site availability for assignments from term to term.
95%
First-Time FNP Certification Pass Rate Based on 2022 USAHS MSN-FNP, DNP-FNP and PGC (FNP)graduates who took the ANCC or AANP certification exam. The 2022 AANP national first-time certification exam pass rate was 75%.
Nursing Program Grants
USAHS supports your nursing journey towards earning a DNP degree with Special Tuition Grant savings. Over the life of the program. This offer is not a guarantee that all candidates eligible for the offer will be granted acceptance or admission into USAHS. All prospective students will be subject to the same standard admission and registration process when applying to USAHS. The Grant is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees. This offer is only valid for eligible new students who enroll and start classes in the above programs at USAHS through Spring 2025 only. Please refer to the Financial Aid webpage for additional information.
Nurse Practitioner Advance Grant Tuition Savings
MSNPMHNP: BSN or RN entry $2,500 MSNFNP: BSN or RN entry: $7,500 DNPFNP: BSN entry $15,000
Criteria Available to all eligible students No application is needed
Criteria Available to all eligible students No application is needed
Alum Appreciation Grant Tuition Savings
All Alum Nursing $5,000
Criteria Available to all eligible students No application is needed
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (NP role specialties) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Students in the BSN-entry DNP degree program choose a role specialty and complete the required specialty courses, while students in the MSN-entry DNP degree program do not choose a role specialty.
Family nurse practitioners play a critical role in improving the primary patient care experience. As a FNP graduate with a DNP degree and advanced practice nurse, you will partner with families across the lifespan to promote preventative care, diagnose conditions and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
Are you a natural team leader? The Nurse Executive role specialty will help prepare you for a role as a manager, director, supervisor, or chief nursing officer. With a doctorate in nursing you will be responsible for human resource management, as well as healthcare finance and economic operations.
Students who complete the Nurse Executive role specialty are eligible to receive the following certification:
Nurse Executive-Advanced (NEA-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
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DNP Curriculum
BSN-entry DNP Curriculum
Students who pursue their Doctor of Nursing Practice and choose the Nurse Executive role specialty will complete 64 credit hours to earn the DNP degree and a total of 1,000 practicum hours.
Students who pursue their doctorate in nursing and choose the Family Nurse Practitioner role specialty will complete 71 credit hours and a total of 1,035 practicum hours to earn the DNP degree.
Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty Courses
BSN-entry DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Role Specialty Curriculum
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7610 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7560 Advanced Pharmacology
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management IPE 7400B Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 5
NUR 7580 Advanced Health Assessment and Differential Diagnosis
3
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance and Economics for the Healthcare Leader
3
Trimester 6
NUR 7570 Primary Healthcare of the Family I REQUIRED INTENSIVE
3
HSA 7260 Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare
3
Trimester 7
NUR 7571 FNP Role Practicum I (4) (180 contact hours) ♦
4
NUR 7230 Program/Project Planning and Management for Evidence-Based Practice and Policy Change
3
Trimester 8
NUR 7575 Primary Healthcare of the Family II
3
NUR 7525 Data-Driven Evaluation and Clinical Analytics for Outcomes Improvement
3
Trimester 9
NUR 7572 FNP Role Practicum II (4) (180 contact hours) ♦
4
NUR 7801 DNP Practicum I (3) (135 contact hours) ♦
3
NUR 7455 Special Topics in Professional Nursing Practice* *Required only for Arkansas students who must complete at least one credit hour. This course is not eligible for Title IV Financial Aid.
1-4
Trimester 10
NUR 7585 Primary Healthcare of the Family III
3
NUR 7802 DNP Practicum II (3) (135 contact hours)♦
3
Trimester 11
NUR 7573 FNP Role Practicum III (5) (225 contact hours) ♦
5
Trimester 12
NUR 7803 DNP Practicum III (4) (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Total Credit Hours for Core Courses
Students in Arkansas must complete 72 degree credit hours
71
Nurse Executive Role Specialty Courses
BSN-entry DNP Nurse Executive (NEx) Role Specialty Curriculum
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀ IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice ▀
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare ▀ IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare ▀
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀ IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management IPE 7400B Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 4
HSA 7200 Foundations of Healthcare Administration
3
HSA 7250 Human Resource Mgt & Organizational Development in Healthcare
3
Trimester 5
IPE 7133 Strategic Planning in Healthcare Administration
3
NUR 7461 DNP Indirect Care Role Practicum I (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 6
NUR 7230 Program/Project Planning and Management for Evidence-Based Practice and Policy Change
3
NUR 7462 DNP Indirect Care Role Practicum II (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 7
NUR 7525 Data-Driven Evaluation and Clinical Analytics for Outcomes Improvement
3
HSC 7470 Legal and Regulatory Issues
3
Trimester 8
HSA 7260 Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare
3
NUR 7801 DNP Practicum I (180 contact hours)♦
4
Trimester 9
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance and Economics for the Healthcare Leader
3
NUR 7802 DNP Practicum II (180 contact hours) ♦
4
Trimester 10
NUR 7803 DNP Practicum III (280 contact hours) ♦
6
Total Credit Hours for Core Courses
64
MSN-entry DNP Curriculum
In order to get a doctorate in nursing, students with an MSN degree from another accredited university may need to complete a total of 42 to 52 credits to earn their DNP degree and 540-1,000 total practicum hours. By request, MSN transcripts can be evaluated for potential transfer of credits minimizing the number of credits required to complete this degree. The number of practicum hours required for a doctorate in nursing will be determined by the number of practicum hours completed in the MSN program.
USAHS MSN graduates in Nurse Educator or Nurse Executive role specialties will only need to complete an additional 30 total credits to earn their DNP degree and USAHS MSN DNP FNP graduates will only need to complete an additional 22 credit hours since they will have completed 18 hours of core courses in their MSN program. These core courses are required in both our MSN and DNP degree programs and were designed to meet the MSN and DNP essential competencies.
MSN-entry DNP Curriculum
Credit Hours
Trimester 1
IPE 7001 Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice▀ IPE 7001B Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice▀
3
IPE 7121 Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare ▀ IPE 7121B Organizational Leadership and Policy in Healthcare ▀
3
Trimester 2
NUR 7050 Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Leaders (22.5 indirect contact hours)▀
3
IPE 7421 Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀ IPE 7421B Interprofessional Approaches to Regional and Global Population Health ▀
3
Trimester 3
NUR 7161 Theoretical and Scientific Underpinnings for Nursing Practice
3
NUR 7230 Program/Project Planning and Management for Evidence-Based Practice and Policy Change
3
Trimester 4
NUR 7525 Data-Driven Evaluation and Clinical Analytics for Outcomes Improvement
3
IPE 7400 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management IPE 7400B Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management
3
Trimester 5
NUR 7801 DNP Practicum I (180-315 contact hours) ♦
4-7
HSA 7260 Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare HSA 7260B Operations and Quality Management in Healthcare
3
Trimester 6
HSA 7236 Accounting, Finance and Economics for the Healthcare Leader
3
NUR 7802 DNP Practicum II (180-315 contact hours) ♦
4-7
Trimester 7
NUR 7803 DNP Practicum III (180-405 contact hours) ♦
4-8
Total Credit Hours for MSN to DNP Degree
42-52
♦ Course requires practicum hours.
▀ Course offers optional immersion.
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DNP Accreditation and State Approvals/Post-Graduation Licensure
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Non – FNP Role Specialty)
State Approvals
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is currently accepting applications for enrollment to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program (except the Family Nurse Practitioner role specialty) from the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas (MSN-entry only), California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Washington (MSN-entry only), Wisconsin, Wyoming, Vermont, and Virginia.
Prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future, as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The DNP (non-FNP Role Specialty) program is not designed or intended to lead to professional licensure in any state.
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the DNP (non-FNP Role Specialty) program (indicated in blue).
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides.
Higher Education State Approvals
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences holds licensure/authorization to operate a physical campus in three states — California, Florida, and Texas. Please refer to the Licensure page for more detailed information. The University has additional state approvals and exemptions to provide distance education. Please visit the State Licensure page for more detailed information.
CCNE Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Role Specialty
State Approvals
USAHS is currently accepting applications for enrollment in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) role specialty for residents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
USAHS is currently not accepting applications from states where the program does not meet state licensure requirements and/or where the institution does not have state authorization. However, prospective students are encouraged to check back in the near future as the program may be offered in additional states. Current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences.
Post-Graduation Licensure
The map below identifies the states from which the University is now accepting applications for the DNP-FNP program. USAHS has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following locations: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.
For states denoted in blue, USAHS has determined the program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in those states. USAHS has not made a determination regarding whether the DNP-FNP program satisfies the educational requirements for professional licensure in the states denoted in gray.
It remains the student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to practicum experiences, licensing or certification, authorization or endorsement for the state in which she or he resides. For more information, students should contact the appropriate state licensure board to understand state licensure requirements as regulations vary from state to state.
CCNE Accreditation
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Note on Certification Exam
DNP-FNP graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in order to be eligible for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam, which is required in order to practice as a certified FNP-BC in most states. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Note on Licensure, Authorization, Endorsement, or Other State Credential Necessary to Practice as a Nurse Practitioner
Most states require that DNP-FNP program graduates pass the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam in order to apply for licensure or other credential to practice as a nurse practitioner in a state. Graduates must hold a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program accredited by the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in order to be eligible for the Family Nurse Practitioner national certification exam, which is required in order to practice as a certified FNP in most states. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. While the DNP-FNP program is designed to lead to licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credentials necessary to practice as a nurse practitioner, it is the prospective student’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to nursing practice in the state in which they intend to practice and/or resides as requirements vary widely.
Prospective students are advised that relocation to another state may impact their ability to complete field experiences and/or to obtain professional licensure, certification or other credentials in another state. Prospective students are advised to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. USAHS makes no representations or guarantees that completion of coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure, authorization, endorsement, or other state credential, including prescriptive authority, where requirements may vary between different states. Additionally, current and admitted students are also advised to monitor this page for any updates prior to relocating to another state, as this can have an impact on continued enrollment in the program and the ability to be placed for on-the-ground activities or practicum experiences. For more information about the requirements to practice, students should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing or state agency.
Notice to State of Washington Students”: is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for MSN/Nurse Educator, MSN/Nurse Executive, MSN/FNP, MSN-entry DNP, DNP/FNP, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (FNP) program tracks. Learn more.
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DNP Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, graduates will be able to:
Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry and scholarship.
Communicate effectively with members of interprofessional teams, healthcare consumers, policymakers, and institutional, local, regional, and national healthcare leaders.
Lead and serve on interprofessional teams to promote improved population health and outcomes in complex healthcare systems.
Utilize transformational leadership, systems thinking, and clinical analytics to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals and diverse populations.
Practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making in delivering or directing nursing practice and serving as a leader in healthcare systems.
Provide leadership in the use of technology and information systems for the evaluation and improvement of individual, population, and institutional outcomes.
Deliver or direct nursing practice based on sound theoretical frameworks, best scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and in collaboration with the patient and family.
Exhibit professional and ethical standards while advocating for safe, equitable, and cost-effective healthcare and policies for all.
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DNP Program Data
Click a doctorate in nursing program below to view the program data page:
USAHS offers two paths towards a doctorate in nursing: BSN-entry or MSN-entry. BSN-entry DNP students who pursue the FNP role specialty must complete one on-campus clinical intensive.
Family Nurse Practitioner Role Specialty (BSN-entry DNP)
Online coursework + one required on-campus clinical intensive
71 credit hours + 1,035 practicum contact hours
12 trimesters (4 years)Please note the DNP-FNP program typically takes 3 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2020-2021 and 2021-2022); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred, and other factors
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
10 trimesters (3 years, 4 months) Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
7 trimesters (2 years, 4 months) Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress, credits transferred, and other factors.
Sept., Jan. & May start dates, plus midterm starts
How Our DNP Program Stands Apart
Dedicated Support From Day 1
At USAHS, we are dedicated to your success becoming a healthcare leader and provide you one-on-one advising and support. Our program for your doctorate in nursing includes a personalized clinical concierge service that helps you stay on track by identifying and securing the right practica placement when you need it. Our faculty stays with you throughout the program, assessing your needs and monitoring your progress. We also offer technology support whenever you need it to ensure you have the technical skills and confidence to be successful.
State-of-the-Art Learning
USAHS prides itself on being at the forefront of innovation and applied learning methods, such as case-based teaching and realistic, immersive virtual simulations. Our graduate nursing programs like our doctorate in nursing are taught primarily online, with one required on-campus clinical intensive for some role specialties.
Always Here for You
Our strong alumni association provides many opportunities for existing students, including professional development, career advancement and social connection. We are proud of our graduates with a doctorate in nursing and welcome them back for continued education and lifelong learning opportunities.
Flexibility
Our nursing programs offer individualized study plans for those wishing to earn their DNP degree faster, as well as a less intensive pathway to degree completion for students needing a slower pace. Our faculty and advisors can help you choose a study plan and select a start date that best fits your lifestyle.
We’re online + hands-on.
In addition to online coursework, some core classes offer optional virtual immersions, which provide connections with faculty and fellow students. Students in the FNP track must complete one clinical intensive in our state-of-the-art Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice.
Getting Started
Ready to begin your journey toward earning your DNP degree? It’s easy to get started right away!
Get More Information
Our webinars and virtual campus tours provide a wealth of information to help ensure you make the right choice in pursuit of your doctorate in nursing.
“As a DNP student, I was able to gain access to meetings that I wouldn’t have been invited to—and see behind-the-scenes decisions at the corporate/divisional level.”
The Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing, and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate (NP role specialties) programs at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
