A: The D.N.P. is a response to the need for a better-prepared nursing workforce because of the complexities of health care, need for patient safety, aging population and other changing demographics, advanced clinical care demands (diagnostics and treatments), as well as a professional mandate. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the professional organization for baccalaureate and higher degree programs, indicated that by 2015 all advanced-practice preparation should be at the doctor of nursing practice level. This movement is similar to the preparations of physical therapy, audiology and pharmacology. The focus of our D.N.P. program is advanced-practice preparation at the very highest level. The D.N.P. will have preparation in the specialties of: pediatrics primary or acute care, adults-older adults primary or acute care nurse practitioner, adults-older adults clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwifery (post-master's certificate only), and systems leadership and healthcare quality.

     A: The program is designed to prepare graduates to:

• Provide evidence-based advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities and/or clinical populations.
• Apply analytical methodologies to evaluate and monitor patient, population and care system outcomes.
• Analyze and apply models, theories and scientific evidence to improve health care of diverse populations.
• Demonstrate advanced levels of scholarship, clinical judgment, systems thinking and accountability in nursing practice.
• Employ consultative and leadership skills within nursing and interdisciplinary health care teams to transform health care and complex health care delivery systems to improve health.

     A: Yes. Students may take one or two courses per semester. The post-bachelor's D.N.P. must be completed in 8 years.

     A: The D.N.P. at Marquette requires 69 credits post-B.S.N. for the advanced practice options (pediatrics primary or acute care, adults-older adults primary or acute care nurse practitioner, adults-older adults clinical nurse specialist). The systems leadership and health care quality option requires 63 credits.

A D.N.P. post-master's program program is available for advanced practice nurses already holding an M.S.N. The minimum number of credits required is 33.

The specific domains of content for all options include: core courses, research, statistics and information systems, practicum courses, and a D.N.P. residency course. Health promotion/illness management is required for advanced-practice options. HCSL course examples include finance, outcomes management, human resources, program evaluation and mediation.

     A: Both the B.S.N. to D.N.P. and M.S.N. to D.N.P. programs may be completed on a full- or part-time basis. The B.S.N. to D.N.P. can be completed in three to four years as a full-time student, depending on the option selected.

     A: To apply to the D.N.P. program, you should have graduated with at least a B.S.N. degree from an accredited program, normally with a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 using the 4.0 system (4.0=A). A statistics course, including inferential analysis (within the past five years), an undergraduate course in nursing research, an undergraduate course in health assessment, and a copy of your current Wisconsin nursing license are required prerequisites. Other criteria include:

• A completed online application form and fee
• Statement of purpose
• Official transcripts from all current and previous colleges
• Three letters of recommendation
• Acceptable GRE scores (general test only); GRE waived if last cumulative GPA was 3.2 or greater.
• Curriculum vita or résumé

Qualified applicants may be denied admission to the D.N.P. program because of space constraints.

     A: Students must have completed applications (all components) filed with the Graduate School by February 15. Applications received after the February 15 deadline will be considered on a “space available” basis until April 1 for a fall semester start.

     A: Yes. You must apply online via the Graduate School website. Paper applications are not accepted.

    A: For tuition information, cost per credit hour, see our Student Financial Aid website. There is also more information about financial aid on the Graduate School website.

     A: Financial opportunities for D.N.P. students include:

• Division of Nursing Federal Nurse Traineeship
• Agnes Reinders Scholarship
• Graduate assistantships (research and teaching)
• Marquette University tuition scholarships
• Specific foundation awards

Some types of financial aid require full-time enrollment and are based on academic performance; other types of aid may stipulate specific criteria or obligations after graduation. Please note that the university funded financial aid application deadlines are:

• February 15 (for the academic year or fall semester)
• November 15 (for spring semester)
• April 15 (for the summer session)

More information

• Graduate School financial aid