Doctor of Nursing Practice

Program Overview

Are you ready to become a leader in the healthcare system and achieve quality outcomes using the latest evidence-based practices? If so, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UNC Charlotte is for you. Our DNP degree prepares health systems and organizational nursing leaders (non-APRNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to lead nursing practice, organizations, and healthcare systems through the application of evidence-based research.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UNC Charlotte is a practice-focused doctoral program designed to prepare both health systems/organizational nursing leaders and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to innovate in nursing practice and healthcare. This DNP program builds upon existing clinical practice knowledge and prepares students to practice at the highest clinical level, providing leadership across dynamic healthcare systems.

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  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    42 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Fall

Key Program Features of the UNC Charlotte DOctor of Nursing Practice Program:

  • Clinical Inquiry and Scholarship: Engage in clinical inquiry, scholarship, policy development, and healthcare innovation.
  • Transformational Leadership: Graduates will analyze and improve systems of care, enhancing patient safety and quality of care through evidence-based, culturally competent practices.
  • Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasis on translating research findings into evidence-based practice, interpreting, analyzing, and applying research to clinical and system/population-level settings.
  • Outcome Measurement: Learn to determine and measure system and population outcomes, manage information systems, and use appropriate technology for health and risk management and communication.

A DNP degree from UNC Charlotte equips nurses to synthesize and integrate evidence-based research into nursing practice. Students will use evidence to design care delivery programs that improve patient care, safety, and organizational outcomes. Engage in coursework that focuses on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, systems leadership, and health policy, preparing you to lead and innovate in today’s healthcare environment.

Courses

The DNP program requires 42 post-master’s graduate credit hours and completion of a total of 1000 clinical practice hours (includes 500 hours from the MSN program).

Core Courses (18 credit hours)

  • NUDN 8140: Foundations and Applications of Evidence-Based Practice (3)
  • NUDN 8145: Leadership and Project Planning (3)
  • NUDN 8202: Community Epidemiology (3)
  • NUDN 8220: Healthcare Policy and Ethics (3)
  • NUDN 8230: Economic and Financial Aspects of Healthcare System (3)
  • NUDN 8270: Technology for Communication and Transforming Healthcare (3)

Concentration Courses

  • Theory Courses (9 credit hours)
    • NUDN 8160: Global Health and Social Justice (3)
    • NUDN 8260: Leadership and Healthcare Systems (3)
    • NURS 6XXX or above: Elective (3)
  • Methods Courses (6 credit hours)
    • NUDN 8147: Applied Biostatistics (3)
    • NUDN 8150: Healthcare Program Evaluation and Quality (3)
  • Residency and Project Courses (9 credit hours)
    • NUDN 8441: Clinical Residency and Project Development I (2)
    • NUDN 8442: Clinical Residency and Project Development II (2)
    • NUDN 8443: Clinical Residency and Project Development III (3)
    • NUDN 8444: Clinical Residency and Project Development IV (2)
Admissions

Admissions and Requirements:

The DNP program is a 42-credit post-master’s program that requires a completion of a total of 1,000 clinical practice hours, including 500 from the student’s MSN program. If students do not have 500 hours from their MSN, the DNP Coordinator will meet with them to create a plan of study tailored to their specific needs.The DNP program is offered online with a synchronous immersion session at the beginning of each semester, except for summer.

  • Earned master’s in Nursing in an advanced nursing practice specialty* from a nationally accredited program.
  • An overall GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in the MSN program.
  • Current RN licensure in the U.S. at the time of application with eligibility for NC licensure.
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNS) must provide evidence of current national certification and meet the state requirements for practice in their state of licensure.
  • An essay that addresses 1) advanced practice expertise, 2) career goals, 3) how earning the DNP degree will foster achievement of these goals, and 4) plans for a DNP project.
  • Resume/curriculum vitae.
  • Three professional recommendations (should address the practice capabilities of the candidate).
  • For international students, submission of TOEFL scores.
  • Additional evidence for consideration of the application can be uploaded to the online application (e.g., publications, posters, evidence-based practice projects).
  • Evidence of 500 supervised/precepted clinical hours or documentation of an approved national certification. (ANCC or AANP National certification as a Nurse Practitioner in specialty, NBCRNA as a Nurse Anesthetist, AONE Certification in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP), ANCC Nurse Executive-Advanced, ANCC Clinical Nurse Specialist in specialty, CNC as a Clinical Nurse Leader, ANCC Informatics).
  • Submit a completed application to Graduate School.
Application

Application Deadline: July 1 (fall)

Why UNC Charlotte?

Why Choose UNC Charlotte School of Nursing?

Tailored Practice Integration: Customize your scholarly interests with practice integration.

Personalized Mentorship: Benefit from faculty mentorship from professionals actively engaged in nursing practice, research, and scholarship.

Access to Resources: Gain access to interprofessional courses, innovative technology, college librarians, editing services, and statistical support.

Flexible Coursework: Enjoy flexible and convenient coursework designed for post-master’s DNP students.

Tuition

Please note: Rates are subject to change.

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour​

More information regarding tuition and fees »