Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP Concentrations
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery
- Dual Concentration:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care/Family Nurse Practitioner - Dual Concentration:
Psychiatric Mental Health/Family Nurse Practitioner - Dual concentration: Pediatric Acute Care/Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

THe UTHSC College of Nursing's Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is consistently highly-ranked on the Best Grad Schools list of U.S. News and World Report. The college is also proud to be the largest producer of doctorally prepared nurses in Tennessee.
About Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares APRNs for roles as either Nurse Anesthesiologists or Nurse Practitioners. Eligible students must have a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing. In addition, certified masters-prepared Nurse Practitioners may complete the DNP degree. Both full-time and part-time study may be available depending upon the concentration. The length of the program depends upon the student's qualifications at admission and choice of concentration.
The DNP program requires a significant commitment of time as well as personal and financial resources. Initially, most students complete the DNP core courses that are offered via distance education. However, nurse anesthesiology specialty courses are primarily offered in the traditional classroom setting. Limited on-campus activities (simulations, skills workshops and interprofessional experiences) are required for all concentrations.
Clinical experiences are an integral component of every concentration. Faculty make all clinical placements with the support of the DNP Clinical Coordinator and in collaboration with the student and preceptor. Distant student clinical placements typically require minimal travel from the student's home residence.
DNP Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the DNP Program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficient clinical reasoning in advanced nursing practice.
- Lead within health care systems to deliver safe, quality care for diverse populations.
- Disseminate findings from evidence-based practice and research for optimal healthcare outcomes.
- Integrate health information and patient care technologies to transform healthcare outcomes across the lifespan.
- Advocate for social justice and equity through strategic initiatives to influence public policy.
- Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.
- Integrate concepts of social determinants of health, epidemiology and ethics to improve population health.
- Design, implement, and evaluate quality care based on science to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.
Accreditation
Our Accreditation page has complete accreditation information for all programs of the college.