Building on the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the BSN-prepared nurse, the PNP-PC specialty emphasizes community-based primary health care for pediatric patients. Skills include identification of acute illnesses; nursing and medical management of commonly encountered acute and chronic illnesses in collaboration and consultation with an interdisciplinary team; development of a knowledgebase of community needs and resources available for health promotion; health teaching, guidance, and counseling of children and their families about illness and its prevention; and health promotion, maintenance, and management.

Depending on the degree with which DNP students enter the program (whether it's a BSN, a generalist MSN, or a specialty MSN), DNP students typically complete core classes in:

• Advanced Pathophysiology
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment
• Designing, implementing, and evaluating the DNP Scholarly Project
• Population Health/Epidemiology
• Data Analysis
• Ethics and Leadership
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Policy and Economics

Students enrolled in the BSN to DNP program who choose the pediatric-primary care as their specialty area additionally take:

Pediatric NP – Primary Care Specialty Diagnoses & Management Coursework (8 credit hours)

• GNUR 6620: Pediatric Health & Wellness (2 credits)
• GNUR 6651: PNP-PC Seminar I (3 credits)
• GNUR 6652: PNP-PC Seminar II (3 credits)

Pediatric NP – Primary Care Specialty Practicum Coursework (11 practicum hours)

• GNUR 6630: Women & Children Primary Care Practicum (1 credit)
• GNUR 6653: PNP-PC Practicum I (5 credits)
• GNUR 6654: PNP-PC Practicum II (5 credits)

Clinical Rotations

Clinical placement sites are established with collaboration between the student and faculty and are assigned based upon optimal learning experiences, students' requests, and availability.

All clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted in Virginia. Clinical/practice activities may be conducted outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

Whether students enter the DNP having already earned a BSN, a generalist MSN, or a specialty MSN, the following admission requirements apply to most students:

• Submit a completed application and submit an $85 application fee
• Have a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN ACEN) school
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
• Be licensed as a registered nurse in the US, with eligibility to transfer your license to Virginia. All matriculating students who are not active-duty military nurses must have a Virginia RN license before the first day of classes
• Submit a resume or CV
• Send official transcripts for all post-secondary study
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• International applicants have additional application requirements

UVA School of Nursing alumni are guaranteed admission into the DNP program, and have a more streamlined application process.

Applicants who earned a BSN GPA of 3.25 or higher, who have an active membership in a national nursing organization, preferably in the applicant's practice area, who exhibit leadership behaviors in their professional practices, have earned a clinical certification, or are on a path to obtaining one, and have excellent writing skills are most competitive.

Candidates with generalist MSN degrees (CNL, nursing education, informatics, etc.) should apply to the BSN-to-DNP pathway. Enrolling students may petition to transfer up to 12 credits from their prior MSN degree to the DNP.

APPLY

Post-BSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] 

Post-BSN DNP [part-time] 

Post-BSN DNP [full- and part-time] - January and summer terms 

Post-MSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [part-time] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [full- and part-time] - January and Summer Terms

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)