Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The doctor of nurse practice degree prepares nurses to lead and deliver quality healthcare through the translation of evidence into practice. Start where you are. Enter as a Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) graduate or transfer up to 27 graduate credit hours from a Master’s program! Complete your Doctor of Nursing practice in 3 ½ years or less. Choose your track.
Doctor of Nursing Practice Tracks
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Doctoral degree in nursing that focuses on systems leadership to address global healthcare needs. This degree allows registered nurses to assume leadership roles and advance their practice working to improve the quality and safety of nursing.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – DNP – Registered nurses who provide mental health care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. PMHNP’s are advance practice nurses who are equipped to assess, diagnose, prescribe, and coordinate care. Upon completion of the DNP program graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exam.
According to Grey Associates (2023), Market Research Report: Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Concentration — there are only two other schools that offer this degree at the doctoral level in the state of Ohio.
Family Nurse Practitioner – DNP – Registered nurses who provide primary care to individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. FNP’s are advanced practice nurses who are equipped to assess, diagnose, prescribe, and coordinate care for common, acute, and chronic illness while promoting health maintenance and disease prevention. Upon completion of the DNP program graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exam.
Tuition & Cost
$595 per credit hour
Fees not included
Program Length
3 1/2 years or less
Total Credit Hours
60 + 1,000 clinical hours required
Want to Learn More?
JOIN AN INFORMATION SESSION
For those interested in more information about MVNU’s first doctoral program, virtual information sessions have been established to speak with program leaders and faculty.
Monthly sessions are:
- The second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m (EDT).
- The fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m (EDT).
Doctor of Nursing Practice Courses
Intro to DNP Systems Thinking
Jumpstart your doctoral education with this introductory course while developing the skills needed to be successful in the DNP Program.
DNP Core Courses
Walk out your Doctoral Project in a step-by-step process from planning and implementation to dissemination. The DNP Systems Thinking Seminar Courses enable learners to complete their project as they move through each course during the last year and a half of the program.
Didactic/Clinical Courses
Complete the precepted clinical hours in your own community with a qualified expert while learning content relevant to your concentration.
Curriculum stats/highlights
Courses
| DNP Foundation Courses | Credit Hours |
| Intro to DNP Systems Thinking | 3 |
| Leadership, Role & Collaboration | 3 |
| Health Promotion Theory & Population Health | 3 |
| Research and Evidence-Based Practice through Information Technologies | 3 |
| Health Systems Policy, Economics & Financial Planning | 3 |
| Biostats & Epidemiology | 3 |
| Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Advanced Pharmacology & Therapeurtic | 3 |
| Advanced Physical Health Assessment | 3 |
| DNP Core Courses | Credit Hours |
| DNP System Thinking Seminar I — Project Development | 2 |
| DNP System Thinking Seminar II — Implementation | 2 |
| DNP System Thinking Seminar III — Data Analysis | 2 |
| DNP System Thinking Seminar III — Dissemination | 2 |
| Total DNP Core Hours | 35 |
| + DNP Concentration (see options below) |
25 |
| Total DNP Hours | 60 |
Track Courses
Meet the Faculty
Work closely with your nursing professors to gain specific knowledge to advance your skills and enhance your practice. Mount Vernon Nazarene University faculty establish connections and provide support while you complete your graduate courses.
Dr. Karla Adu, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Debra Garee, DNP, RN
Associate Professor of Nursing, DNP Program Director
Dr. Judy Gregg, DNP, RN
Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences
How much will it all cost?
Cost Per Credit Hour
$595
Fees not included
$417
Inaugural Cohort Only*
Transfer Credit
Up to 27 graduate credit hours accepted upon review.
Financial Aid
Apply for scholarships, loans, grants, and tuition reimbursement.
DNP Scholarships, Loans, and Grant Opportunities
Need a little help with finances? We’ve got you covered. Explore scholarships, grants, and other resources to help you pay for your education.
*Students must meet specific criteria of each to be eligible.
Get the Facts
27
Transfer up to
27 credit hours
45%
Job Growth 2022-2032*
$117,440
Annual mean wage of Nurse Practitioner in Ohio**
References:
*American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2023). DNP Fact Sheet.
Grey Associates. (2023). Market Research Report: Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Concentration.
Careers for DNP
DNP-prepared nurses have advanced clinical and leadership skills that open up a wide range of career opportunities across various healthcare settings. Some of the top jobs for DNP-prepared nurses could include:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- Nurse Executive Manager
- Healthcare Administrator
- Clinical Educator
- Professor
- Health Policy Advocate/Analyst
- Quality Improvement Specialist
- Clinical Researcher
- Telehealth
- Public Health Nurse Leader
- Consultant
Empowering Leaders, Enriching Souls: Transforming Healthcare Through Faith and Knowledge