Doctoral Degree · BSN to DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advance from BSN to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner focus, including a post-MSN option.

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Degree

DNP

Credit Hours

72 total · 9 semesters

Format

Online + 1,080 clinical hours in your region

The Program

Program Overview

This fully accredited program prepares the BSN-holding registered nurse to function as an advanced practice nurse in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner role — caring for patients from adolescence through the gerontological years. Courses are completed online, with clinical and residency hours completed in your own region under an approved preceptor.

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates of the BSN-DNP and post-MSN to DNP program are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing practice roles, with demonstrated leadership skills in advanced nursing care and clinical outcomes.

Nurse Practitioner

Advanced practice in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care — from adolescence through the geriatric years.

Clinical Leadership

Lead advanced nursing care teams and drive clinical outcomes across settings.

Health Systems Practice

Shape health systems, policy, and quality improvement inside hospitals and clinics.

Post-MSN Option

A dedicated pathway is available for nurses already holding an MSN to complete the DNP.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

In addition to standard graduate admission requirements, this program requires the items below. Graduate coursework in research and statistics is strongly recommended.

  • BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • Active, unencumbered RN license in any state
  • Resume or CV and a personal essay
  • CastleBranch compliance: background, drug screen, license, CPR, immunizations, TB test
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Curriculum

What You'll Study

The program requires 72 semester credit hours over 9 semesters, plus 1,080 hours in the clinical setting with qualified preceptors. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained throughout.

Required Coursework

Complete Plan of Study (72 hours)

  • NUR 700 — Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NUR 701 — Analysis of Advanced Nursing Practice
  • NUR 702 — Epidemiology in Health Care
  • NUR 703 — Advanced Pharmacology
  • NUR 704 — Theoretical Foundations
  • NUR 705 — Evidence-Based Practice/QI
  • NUR 706 — Advanced Physical Assessment
  • NUR 707 — Care for Vulnerable Populations
  • NUR 800 — AGPCN I
  • NUR 801 — AGPCN I Practicum
  • NUR 802 — Health Systems Assessment
  • NUR 804 — AGPCN II
  • NUR 805 — AGPCN II Practicum
  • NUR 806 — Research Design and Methods
  • NUR 807 — AGPCN III
  • NUR 808 — AGPCN III Practicum
  • NUR 809 — Diversity & Ethical Issues
  • NUR 900 — Advanced Practice Leadership
  • NUR 901 — Leadership Practicum
  • NUR 902 — Residency I Practicum
  • NUR 903 — Health Care Policy
  • NUR 905 — Residency II
  • NUR 906 — DNP Focused Course
  • NUR 907 — DNP Project

Electives Offered

  • NUR 699 — Advanced Statistics in Nursing
  • NUR 708 — Psychopharmacology

Clinical Hours

Complete 1,080 clinical hours in your own region under an approved preceptor — no residency relocation required.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition is billed per credit hour. See Tuition & Financial Aid for current rates.

See tuition & financial aid

Your Next Step

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step toward your degree. Apply today or reach out to our Online Admissions team with any questions.

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