Nursing (D.N.P.)

The online Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (PM-DNP) program is for nurses with a master’s degree in nursing who bring their own knowledge, interests, expertise, and insights to this leadership specialty. Students build on these assets while focusing on innovative design and implementation in the healthcare setting. PM-DNP admits cohorts twice a year with start dates in January and August. Asynchronous courses are delivered 100% online in 8-week terms so students may plan their own study times. The PM-DNP program can be completed in 2.5 years or in 1.5 years with an accelerated plan of study.

The PM-DNP curriculum consists of core and DNP Scholarly Project courses. Once a student is admitted, a doctoral committee reviews their graduate transcripts and may grant a course waiver for equivalency with one or more DNP core courses. Individual plans of study are created around each student’s needs and interests. Students may apply up to 500 hours earned during their master’s program toward the 1,000 required practicum hours.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must hold a master's degree. A minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA for graduate work is preferred.
2. Registered Nurse licensure: An unencumbered registered nurse license in the United States
3. Letters of recommendation: Three letters of reference pertaining to academic ability, professional competency,and personal character are required.
4. Updated resume
5. Professional statement: The professional statement must include a written essay responding to each of the following:
   1. How will a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of New Hampshire help you attain your professional goals?
   2. Describe your current advanced nursing role, or if you are pursuing a new specialty, explain what you are planning to do with your nursing career in your specialty after you complete the DNP.
   3. In addition to the information contained in your resume, what strengths do you possess that would contribute to your success in the DNP program and in a community of interprofessional scholars?
   4. Identify one scholarly inquiry from your practice you would like to explore as part of the DNP program (e.g.,quality improvement initiative, evidence-based practice guidelines, new model of care, policy analysis).
6. Interview: After initial review of the application, applicants may be contacted for an interview.

Post Master’s DNP program (33 credits; 500 practicum hours).

Students are required to successfully complete DNP coursework, have 1,000 documented advanced practice clinical hours (includes 500 clinical hours earned in master's program), produce a publishable scholarly paper, and present their DNP Project.

If a student completed fewer than 500 clinical hours in their Master’s program, the student must enroll in NURS 970 Clinical Practicum for Advanced Practice Nurse, under the supervision of the DNP director.  NURS 970 allows the student to complete up to 250 clinical practicum hours; this course may be repeated once. 

• Synthesize comprehensive knowledge of advanced nursing practice, integrating scientific principles and clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes.
• Critically analyze the effectiveness of person-centered care on patient outcomes, healthcare systems, and policy development through rigorous assessment and continuous quality improvement processes.
• Formulate and evaluate strategies to improve health outcomes for diverse populations, addressing social determinants of health and reducing health disparities.
• Critically evaluate current research and evidence-based practices in nursing, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.
• Implement and evaluate quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices to minimize risks and optimize healthcare delivery.
• Facilitate and evaluate effective collaboration with interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes, fostering a culture of teamwork and communication.
• Analyze and influence healthcare systems to optimize care delivery, advocating for policies and practices that enhance system efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Integrate and evaluate informatics and healthcare technologies to improve patient care, utilizing data analytics to inform clinical decision-making and enhance health outcomes.
• Exemplify professionalism in all aspects of practice, demonstrating ethical behavior, accountability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Engage in continuous personal and professional development, demonstrating leadership in clinical practice, education, and healthcare policy.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

This is a non-licensure degree program. No additional license is required to practice in this field.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for more information about university programs that lead to professional licensure or certification eligibility.