DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice

Be a changemaker. Improve patient outcomes and the health care system with our top-ranked DNP program.

Program Info

Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice and gain the skills you need for a high-demand, rewarding career. Choose from post-bachelor’s, post-master’s, and post-doctoral pathways, including eight APRN specialty areas and a post-master’s option for those who already have a specialty.

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the highest practice degree in nursing. It enables you to remain in direct patient care while providing you with the knowledge and training to be a leader in a fast-changing health care environment.

With a DNP from UMSON, you’ll be well equipped to translate advances in scientific research into improved outcomes for your patients.

Our Doctor of Nurse Practice program has an option that fits your goals and experience, whether you 1) have your BSN, 2) have your master's in nursing or a related field, 3) are already a nurse practitioner, 4) are looking to change your specialty. Focus your energy and resources on only those courses that you need to achieve your goals.

Specialities include:

We also offer the DNP: Post-Master's Option, which allows you to earn your DNP without repeating coursework you completed for your master's degree.

Ranked No. 4 in the nation among public schools of nursing by U.S. News & World Report.

The Program Is…

Customized

Offering post-bachelor’s, post-master’s, and post-doctoral options that fits your goals and experience.

Real-life Learning

Students complete a project focused on real-world health issues. The dissemination of outcomes gleaned from the DNP project is critical as we collectively work to find solutions to society's most formidable health care challenges.

Practical

When you graduate, you'll be prepared for certification in your specialty through a national specialty certification examination. UMSON students have an excellent certification pass rate.

I chose to pursue a DNP at UMSON because I had a positive BSN experience there and because of the DNP program's reputation for excellence. The program has not only given me a solid clinical foundation but has also equipped me to impact health care systems through innovation, leadership, and translating evidence into practice. I'm very thankful for all of the exceptional faculty mentors who have gone out of their way to develop genuine relationships with me and to support me throughout my academic journey.
Layne Price, BSN '17, RN, PCCN, DNP Student