Doctor of Nursing Practice

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About Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares APRNs for roles as either Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthesiologists, Nurse Midwives, or Nurse Executives. 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 ninth and newest concentration, a DNP in the Nurse Executive track, will enroll its first cohort in fall, 2025. 

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.

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Application Deadlines

Program	Program Start Term	Application Open Date	Priority Application Deadline	Application Deadline
DNP Nurse Anesthesiology	Summer	March 15	July 15	August 15
DNP, All other concentrations	Fall	August 15	April 1	May 1

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Application Guidelines

All applications close at 10:59 CST. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered for admission. All application materials must be received in NursingCAS no later than two (2) weeks after the deadline. The DNP admits new students to its programs each fall, except for the Nurse Anesthesiology Concentration, which begins in the summer.

Items to Upload into NursingCAS

• Resume or CV
• Copy of updated RN/APN licensure, including expiration date
• Unencumbered Tennessee RN license or have unencumbered authority to practice as an RN via the multi-state privilege at the time of application. (Students in the DNP Nurse Executive concentration must submit a copy of their unencumbered RN license to practice in the area in which they will be doing their clinical rotations, including internationally.)
• Essay/Written Statement
• Copies of updated required certification(s)

Some Concentrations may have additional admission requirements; click for DNP Admissions Requirements 

Official Transcripts

All official transcripts are required from ALL universities and colleges ever attended. Official transcripts should be sent to NursingCAS. To remain official, all transcripts must remain in the original, unopened, sealed, and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar's office of the issuing institution. Alternatively, NursingCAS will accept official electronic transcripts from the registrar's office at your prior institution.

For complete instructions on submitting official transcripts to NursingCAS, visit the NursingCAS Applicant Help Center.

More information on applying, go to https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/

Questions and Support: Phone: 617.612.2880

Email: nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org

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DNP Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficient clinical reasoning in advanced nursing practice.
2. Lead within health care systems to deliver safe, quality care for diverse populations.
3. Disseminate findings from evidence-based practice and research for optimal healthcare outcomes.
4. Integrate health information and patient care technologies to transform healthcare outcomes across the lifespan.
5. Advocate for social justice and equity through strategic initiatives to influence public policy.
6. Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.  
7. Integrate concepts of social determinants of health, epidemiology and ethics to improve population health.
8. Design, implement, and evaluate quality care based on science to facilitate optimal patient outcomes.

Accreditation

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and the Post-Graduate Certificate Programs (Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and the Post-Graduate Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,  655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202.887.6791, http://www.ccneaccreditation.org, through December 31, 2034, and approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing, 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN, 37243. https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board.html .