DNP students in class
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Doctor of Nursing Practice

Launched in 2008, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a great next step for you if you are engaged in advanced nursing practice and want to expand your knowledge and skills to transform healthcare delivery and education.

New to many healthcare facilities and academic settings, DNPs are prepared to take on leadership roles. St. Kate’s practice-focused DNP program educates master’s-prepared nurses to:

  • Develop advanced competencies for increasingly complex practice roles
  • Enhance knowledge that improves nursing practice and health outcomes
  • Assume leadership to strengthen healthcare practice, programs and policy

For women and men, the St. Kate’s DNP program prepares nurses to be excellent clinicians and educators, to influence and influence and implement needed systems and policy changes, and lead healthcare providers through challenging and changing times.

The St. Kate's DNP is for individuals in advanced nursing roles who have already completed master's degrees in nursing. Learn more about St. Catherine's Master of Arts in Nursing program, which offers Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator concentrations »

Practice-focused doctoral education

The DNP degree is championed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which has called for more highly educated nurses to meet the needs of a changing healthcare system.

Nurse-scholars will complete at least 540 practicum hours for partial fulfillment of program requirements. Practicum hours are diverse and may include clinical clerkships, process improvement, educational immersions or leadership activities above and beyond one's current job description.

In accordance with the AACN DNP Essentials, students work with their advisor to develop a unique portfolio plan that will advance their current knowledge and experience and attain program outcomes.

Careers for DNP graduates

DNP graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles including primary care provider, clinical leader, chief nursing officer, chief nursing executive, director of a primary care clinic or director of a system-wide quality improvement department. Graduates also may pursue full- or part-time careers in nursing education.

Accreditation

This nursing education program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Address and contact information:

National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
3343 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Suite 500
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000