Neumann University has launched a new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Classes will begin in the fall of 2025, and applications are now being accepted.

The goal of the DNP degree is to create experts in clinical practice, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. It is a fully online, post-MS in nursing degree program focused on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare policy and advocacy, inter-professional collaboration, and healthcare systems leadership.

“Healthcare has become increasingly complex and requires nurse leaders in clinical practice, education, and administration to have a larger and more diverse skill set than ever before,” says Anne Dabrow Woods, director of the DNP program. “Nurse leaders need to be experts in equitable care delivery, translating evidence into clinical practice, systems thinking, population health, quality improvement, data driven decision making, and the business of healthcare.”

The Neumann DNP consists of core courses and a selection of one of three leadership tracks based on the area of interest and practice: Clinical Practice, Nursing Education, and Executive Leadership.

The program is based on a split-semester approach in which core courses are eight weeks in length and specific practice residency courses are offered over 16 weeks. Students complete online course work in a flexible full-time or part-time sequence.

The degree requires 34 credits/504 practicum hours for advanced practice students and 43 credits/1008 practicum hours for non-APRN students.

Student learning outcomes have been mapped to the standards set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. 

“The Neumann University DNP Program is structured for tomorrow’s nurse leader,” says Woods. “It’s a flexible program that encourages innovation using change-management principles to position leaders for success in APRN practice, education and executive/healthcare systems leadership. It embraces the vision that all nurses who want to be leaders should be provided with that opportunity.”

In accordance with Neumann University’s mission and vision statements, the purpose of the nursing programs is to enhance professional nursing practice and foster the provision of quality nursing education and care in the Franciscan tradition to persons of diverse populations, in varying circumstances and environments.

To learn more about the Neumann University DNP program, visit www.neumann.edu/DNP.