Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
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Doctor of Nursing Practice
South University’s online* Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is designed for working nurses to take course work online and participate in in person practicums. There is a capstone project exploring a clinical question of your choice as part of the online DNP program. As a whole, this curriculum may prepare you for collaborating in the development of future healthcare systems and influencing the next generation of nursing professionals.
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
* Fully online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria used to determine admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program include:
- Completion of an application for admission.
- Completion of a master's degree in nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission of official documentation of the actual number of verified clinical hours completed during the post-baccalaureate program of study within 5 weeks after the initial start date. This requirement may come in the form of the credentialing documents used to verify the hours for certification examination or a statement from the graduate degree-granting institution verifying the actual number of hours completed during the master's program.
- Submission of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended within 5 weeks of the class start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
- A valid unencumbered single-state and/or a valid unencumbered Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) multistate license as a registered nurse in all U.S. states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
- Submission of a minimum paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 600 or the electronic-based score of 250 for applicants for whom English is a Second Language (ESL).
Once all required admissions documents and information are submitted, the application will be reviewed and evaluated for an admission decision.
For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.
Course Requirements
Program credits are determined based on evaluation of MSN program of study and clinical/practicum hour attainment.
*Practice Immersion Experience courses are eligible for PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) based on post-baccalaureate clinical experiences. Students are required to have a minimum of 1000 documented hours of post baccalaureate clinical experience to earn the DNP degree.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Use contemporary healthcare science to advocate through policy change for resolution of complex healthcare problems and disparities.
- Integrate information technology and informatics to provide scalable solutions for real-world systems problems.
- Evaluate scientific findings health promotion and disease prevention and impact on transformative care and outcomes.
- Provide the highest level of nursing practice through integration of advanced competencies in leadership, ethics and the practice sciences, including biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, organizational, and public health sciences.
- Demonstrate organizational and care systems leadership for quality improvement through advancing nursing practice.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
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Career Outlook
These are some of the career options* you can explore when you have earned your degree:
- Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Nurse Education
*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.
*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.
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In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs.
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404.
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.
