MS-DNP

The MS- DNP entry pathway is designed for nurses with an earned master’s in nursing degree and who hold national certification as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist.

The MS-DNP student will receive a strong scientific foundation for practice and the ability to translate knowledge quickly and effectively to benefit patients in the daily demands of practice environments.  The course of study includes 500 practice immersion hours terminating in a faculty mentored scholarly project (Practice Inquiry). 

Students admitted to the MS-DNP begin the program at a 5-day scholar in residence program called RISE (Resident Intensive Summer Experience) in August.  Some required courses will actually begin during RISE just prior to the regular start of the Fall Term.  DNP students who have not taken a graduate statistics course will be required to do so during the first fall semester of the program.  Full-time and part-time options are available. 

MS-DNP Sample Curriculum
The MS-DNP curriculum is designed to prepare the advanced practice nurse at the highest academic level.  The program of study requires a minimum of 43 credits with 500 practice immersion hours terminating in a scholarly project (Practice Inquiry).  Doctoral preparation is predominant among other independent healthcare providers (e.g., PharmDs, medical doctors, dentists, psychologists).  The rapid expansion of knowledge underpinning practice; complexity of patient care; national concerns about the quality of care and patient safety; shortages of nursing personnel and faculty propel the need for the practice doctorate, the DNP.

• MS-DNP Sample Curriculum

Licensure
The MS-DNP curriculum is designed for nurses currently educated at the master's level.  Individuals interested in the MS-DNP must have an unrestricted RN license for admission.  Additionally, individuals who are already advanced practice nurses must be nationally certified in their specialty area, and must provide proof of certification upon application.

For more information contact:
Office of Student Affairs
College of Nursing, Room 112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Phone: 520-626-3808 or 1-800-288-6158

Email: advanced@nursing.arizona.edu