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Post-Master's APRN to DNP

 

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Program Description

The Post-Master’s APRN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MS to DNP) program is designed for master’s-prepared advanced practice nurses ready to elevate their impact and lead change across complex healthcare systems. Building on your clinical and professional experience, the program deepens your expertise in advanced practice, health policy, leadership, and quality improvement. You’ll develop the skills to drive meaningful outcomes that improve care for individuals, address broader population health challenges, and advance health equity.

The Post-Master's option is available only to students currently certified as an advanced practice nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist who seeks a DNP degree without pursuing a new practice specialty. The Post-Master's DNP is offered 100% online with both part-time and full-time options. Graduates of the program are prepared as advanced practice nurses.

DNP Program Outcomes

  • Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes
  • Improve health outcomes through scientifically based advanced practice within a specialty
  • Engage in and lead collaborative practice teams
  • Influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives

Financial Help is Available

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), offers tuition support to DNP students pursuing a career as a nursing faculty member. In return, graduates who step into teaching roles can receive loan forgiveness of up to 85 percent after four years of full-time work in an accredited nursing program. Nurses who serve as clinical preceptors, guiding and mentoring students during their hands-on training, may also qualify through academic-practice partnerships.

CCNE accredited logo

The U of A DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. See the bottom of this page for full details.

Program Facts

1.5
Years

Full-time Program Length
3-4 Courses per Semester*

2.5
Years

Part-time Program Length
2-3 Courses per Semester*

34
Credit
Hours

10
Average
Cohort Size

Aug
15

Applications Open

Nov
1

Priority Deadline

*Course load is approximated and may vary between semester and year. Students should consult their academic program guide for a complete course schedule.

MS to DNP Admissions

View Full Admission Requirements

MS to DNP Curriculum

Students admitted to the Post-Master's DNP program must complete a rigorous curriculum of 35 credit hours. In addition, students must attend RISE virtually once during their studies. Admitted students should consult and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.

MS to DNP Program Guide

Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the MS-to-DNP program. 

Additional Program Options

DNP/PhD Dual Degree

If you want to expand your advanced clinical practice skills while developing strong research expertise, consider our dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. You’ll be prepared at the highest level of nursing science and professional practice, gaining the expertise to lead clinical innovation, advance evidence-based care, and conduct research, opening doors to greater leadership, influence, and career opportunities in practice and/or academia.

Learn More

DNP/MPH Dual Degree

Expand your impact beyond individual patients with the dual DNP/MPH degree, designed for nurses who want to lead improvements in population health and address the complex health needs of diverse communities across the lifespan. This structured, 3.5-year, full-time program combines the U of A College of Nursing DNP program with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health’s online MPH programs, preparing you to advance health care through clinical expertise and public health leadership. Students are admitted to both programs simultaneously and begin their dual-degree studies at the same time.

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Rural Health Professions Program

Make a lasting difference in rural and medically underserved communities through the Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP). This innovative program prepares doctorally educated advanced practice registered nurses with specialized expertise to deliver high-quality care where it is needed most and to lead efforts to improve health care access and outcomes. RHPP scholars complete additional coursework focused on the unique health needs of rural and medically underserved populations, equipping them to expand their impact and advance health equity.

Learn More

View All Program Options

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Frequently Asked Questions

Consider attending a virtual information session hosted by the College of Nursing for all DNP specialties. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the programs and admissions process. Registration is required, and the session is conducted via Zoom. The DNP program holds multiple information sessions throughout the year. If you are unable to attend a currently scheduled session, request program details by completing the Request Information form on this page, and they will be delivered to your inbox.

Register

For more information about DNP specialties or applying to the DNP program, please contact:

Layla Salazar
Enrollment Coordinator, Doctoral Programs
Email: CON-OSAA@arizona.edu
Phone: 520-621-1860

Each program's specialty guide lists the required coursework. Students may take additional courses to meet their needs and interests, but should consult their faculty advisor first.

Clinical placement is required for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesiology, Nurse Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health specialties. See each program's specialty guide for specific details.

Up-to-date information on tuition and fees for the U of A DNP program is available here. 

Ready to take the next step?

See the full admissions requirements and application process on the DNP Admissions page.

DNP Admissions

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at The University of Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Post-Master's DNP Program Administration

Lindsay Ann Bouchard
Interim Chair
Associate Clinical Professor

DNP Program Director

Lindsay Ann Bouchard
Interim Chair
Associate Clinical Professor