Doctor of Nursing Practice

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars and thought leaders.The DNP program will prepare nurses with knowledge and skills to deliver the highest standard of care for individuals, families, communities and work in interdisciplinary teams in today’s complex healthcare system.  The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, Telephone (202) 887-6791, until June 30, 2030.

The Post Masters DNP curriculum includes 41 credit hours that can be completed in seven semesters of full-time study (two courses per semester).  Course work includes:  utilizing technology to advance the quality of care; evaluating health care policy; providing leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care settings; and evaluating systems responses to health and illness, along with knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences, humanities and economics.  Students must also complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised post Baccalaureate practice hours. 

View required courses and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog
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Application Deadline

July 1

Non-degree status not available

Contact Us

Professor Cheryl Hollema
DNP Coordinator, School of Nursing
hollemac@wpunj.edu
973-720-3482

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admissions to the post-master’s DNP program:

  • A master’s degree with a major in nursing in an advanced clinical practice or in a nursing administration/management program accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
  • GPA of 3.3 on prior graduate level course work
  • Course in research at the graduate level
  • Verification of the number of supervised clinical hours from the previous director of the MSN program
  • New Jersey registered nurse license (unencumbered)
  • One year of work experience as registered nurse
  • Current certifications (if you are an NP or CNS)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume or Curriculum vitae
  • In-person interview may be scheduled

Upon successful completion of the DNP, graduates will be able to:

  • Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and clinical populations.
  • Appraise and utilize current technologies to advance the quality and accessibility of care.
  • Critique and selectively translate science to guide clinical decision-making and program development.
  • Evaluate and influence health care policy and systems.
  • Provide leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health care arenas.
  • Evaluate systems responses to health and illness as a basis for the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health and functional abilities and the prevention of illness.
  • Integrate advanced knowledge of nursing theories, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry.
  • Initiate changes in the healthcare system through the design and implementation of health related projects that strengthen the outcomes in the healthcare delivery system.

CCNE App

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, post master's degree certification in adult gerontology and family nurse practitioner and DNP programs at William Paterson University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 and New Jersey State Board of Nursing. The generic baccalaureate nursing program is fully accredited by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing until June 30, 2030.

Inquires or complaints may be forwarded to:
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6430