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This is a terminal practice degree in advanced nursing and represents the highest level of preparation in specialty nursing practice. This program is clinically focused for the advanced practice nurse who already has a Master of Science in Nursing Degree and is certified in a specific clinical practice role such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or clinical nurse specialist. The DNP degree provides graduates the necessary tools to be a successful leader and clinician in an increasingly complex healthcare system. The 36-credit-hour online course curriculum has been specifically designed for students to apply the course knowledge directly into their individual practice setting.
DNP programs are accredited though the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Semester 1
NUR 7100 Introduction to the DNP — 1 hour
NUR 7201 Professional / Independent Practice* — 2 hours
NUR 7302 Business of Healthcare Practice* — 3 hours
Semester 2
NUR 7303 Cultural Disparity in Healthcare* — 3 hours
NUR 7305 Evidence-based Practice / Translational Science* — 3 hours
Semester 3
NUR 7304 Population Health / Epidemiology* — 3 hours
NUR 7306 Healthcare Technologies and Emerging Therapies* — 3 hours
Semester 4
NUR 7307 DNP Scholarly Project 1* — 3 hours
NUR 7309 Quality and Safety in Healthcare* — 3 hours
Semester 5
NUR 7310 DNP Scholarly Project 2* — 3 hours
NUR 7311 Interprofessional Collaboration* — 3 hours
Semester 6
NUR 7308 Specialization in Clinical Practice* — 3 hours
NUR 7312 DNP Scholarly Project 3* — 3 hours
* Indicates a clinical hour requirement
DNP students must complete a minimum of 1000 practicum hours. The required practicum hours may include a combination of hours completed at the master's level and those completed during the post-master's DNP program. Practicum hours may be composed of direct point of care clinical practice, systems/indirect nursing practice, or related experiences. The maximum clinical hours accepted from completion of an MSN/APRN or post master's certification APRN program is 500 hours. Practicum hour completion can be achieved within each student's individual healthcare community.
Doctor of Nursing Practice students will be eligible for federal financial aid. Contact the LCU Financial Aid Office at FinancialAssist@LCU.edu or 806.720.7176.
LCU offers both academic and need-based scholarships for Doctor of Nursing Practice students to help with tuition and education costs.
Doctor of Nursing Practice students may be eligible for the HRSA Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program if currently employed in a critical shortage medical facility or by an eligible school of nursing. Explore this option at hrsa.gov.
DNP applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States
- Current certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) (Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Specialist)
- Active employment in the APRN role
- Master of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or accreditation from American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
- GPA of 3.0 or higher for master’s degree
- Graduate level nursing research course
- Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s academic ability and leadership potential, including one from a current professional colleague
- Personal Statement
- Interview with DNP faculty
- Current American Heart Association BLS certification
- Current CV or resume
- Official transcripts from all institutions formerly attended.
- NOTE: All transcripts must be from regionally accredited colleges or universities with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or accreditation from American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
- LCU Credit Agreement
- Completion of criminal background check
- Non-refundable Application Fee
- Approval by a state nursing board to practice as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife
Once we receive your application submission, you will be contacted by a Graduate Studies representative with further instructions on submission of your additional application materials.