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Doctor of Nursing Practice

To advance the profession of nursing through excellence and innovation in nursing education.

Next Start Dates

8/27/2025

8/26/2026

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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.

Group 7002 (2)

Tuition & Cost

$798 per credit hour
Fees not included

Group 6999

Program Length

3 1/2 years or less

Group 7002

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

All DNP students take Foundation Courses and the Core Courses. You pick you track and follow that curriculum.

Tracks include:

•Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

•Psychiatric Mental Health
 Nurse Practitioner - DNP

•Family Nurse Practitioner - DNP

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?

Group 7002 (2)

Cost Per Credit Hour

$798
Fees not included

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Transfer Credit

Up to 27 graduate credit hours accepted upon review.

Group 7002

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.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): AACN provides an exhaustive list of scholarships, grants, loan forgiveness, and additional aid for undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Visit the AACN website for more information.

June G Patton Memorial Graduate Scholarship: This scholarship is held through Ashland County Community Foundation and is designed to help a graduate student pursuing a terminal degree in nursing and an active member in Rho Nu at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. Find more information here.  

NCSBN Regulatory Scholars Program: The National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers both a paid Regulatory Scholars Program and Unpaid Graduate Internship to DNP students who are interested in nursing policy and regulation. Visit the NCSBN website for more information. 

National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program: This highly competitive scholarship program is offered through HRSA. Graduate students in Nurse Practitioner programs who are pursuing a career in primary healthcare are eligible to apply. Following graduation, students must agree to practice in a rural, urban, or tribal community experiencing limited access to care. Visit the NHSC website for more information. 

Nurse Education Assistance Load Program (NEALP): The Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) provides financial assistance to Ohio students enrolled for at least half-time study (or accepted for enrollment) in an approved Ohio nurse education program. NEALP provides funding for nurses who intend to serve as instructors or students who intend to serve as nurses after graduation. Visit the NEALP website for more information. 

Nurse’s Scholarship through American Legion Auxiliary: Undergraduate and graduate nursing students who are veterans or direct descendants of an honorably discharged veteran may qualify. Visit the ALA website for more information. 

Ohio Nurses Foundation Scholarships: The Ohio Nurses Foundation (ONF) offers multiple scholarships and grants for nursing students pursuing undergraduate and advanced degrees every year. Visit the ONF website for more information. 

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.

**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). A look at nurse practitioners for National Nurse Practitioner Week.

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

DNP FAQs

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