Skip to main content

Post-Master's DNP

 

Request Information

Program Description

The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (MS to DNP) program is designed for master’s-prepared 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 with prior certification as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist, or to an MS-prepared nurse with experience in informatics who wishes to obtain the DNP without pursuing a new practice specialty. The Post-Master's DNP is offered 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*

Hybrid

Program Delivery
Fully online coursework with
one on-campus intensive

35
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 consisting of 35 credit hours. In addition, students attend RISE once during their studies. Admitted students should refer to and follow the academic program guide for their cohort year.

 

MS to DNP Program Guide

Residential Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) RISE is an intensive learning experience designed to support student success in the DNP program. DNP students are required to attend RISE virtually for the first year. 

Additional Program Options

DNP/PhD Dual Degree

If you are interested in attaining broader advanced clinical practice skills with strong research competencies, consider taking advantage of our dual Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. You will be prepared at the highest level of nursing science and professional nursing practice, and with advanced skills for engaging in research to create, apply and translate new knowledge to improve health care – in practice domains and/or academia.

Learn More

DNP/MPH Dual Degree

The dual degree DNP/MPH option addresses the need for nurses to have advanced education in public health that prepares them to improve population health services and expand the scope and quality of the healthcare for diverse populations of individuals across the lifespan. The dual degree DNP/MPH option seamlessly blends the College of Nursing – DNP Program with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health MPH online programs to provide students with a structured 3.5-year full-time program of study. Students are admitted simultaneously into both programs so they can begin them both at the same time.

Learn More

Rural Health Professions Program

The Rural Health Professions Program (RHPP) is an innovative program to create a community of doctorally-prepared advanced practice registered nurses who have didactic and clinical expertise in providing care to rural and medically underserved patients and will serve as leaders in improving the quality and access to care for these patients. RHPP scholars complete additional coursework that focuses on the care of rural and medically underserved populations.

Learn More

View All Program Options

Request Information

Loading...

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 the Nurse Anesthesiology specialty or applying to the DNP program, please contact:

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

No elective courses are required for the Nurse Anesthesiology specialty. Students may take additional courses to meet their needs and interests, but should consult their faculty advisor first.

Students are assigned clinical sites in coordination with the college's clinical coordinators and the program administrator. Students may be required to travel to a different geographic area if a suitable preceptor cannot be found.

Up-to-date information on tuition and fees for the U of A DNP-NA 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