Nursing students in simulation lab

DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Ultimate Advanced Practice Nurse

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) empowers nurses who want to practice at the highest clinical level: in addition to making treatment decisions, ordering tests, and prescribing medications, they also lead people and teams and improve systems and safety, occupying roles in academia, as nurse administrators, government affairs leaders, teachers and professors, and chief nursing officers.

Available to students in two pathways, a BSN to DNP pathway and an MSN to DNP pathway, nurses who have earned DNPs are highly sought after by health systems across the country given the expanse of their strengths and capabilities.


6x per semester in-person class, with the balance of learning done online

Hybrid format

Virginia's #1 DNP and ranked in the top 3% of American nursing graduate programs

Among the best

in nurse administration, government affairs, academics, and clinical leadership

Expansive career opportunities

Two-thirds of graduate students earned scholarships and aid in FY ’24

Money for school

Of particular note is the School's newly structured BSN to DNP pathway, new for fall 2025 entry, which offers an efficient plan of study that meets the needs of today's working nurses. Designed for nurses who have earned a BSN or generalist MSN degree who wish to become advanced practice nurses and achieve the highest level of nursing practice, the DNP offers all the personal, professional, and financial benefits a doctoral degree confers and the UVA pedigree that opens doors.

The BSN to DNP pathway program offers:

  • In-person class about 1x/month with the balance of learning completed online (pending SCHEV approval)
  • 3-year plan of study requires less time and costs less than a traditional DNP program
  • 750 clinical practicum hours, and guidance in finding clinical placements with qualified preceptors
  • 8 specialty areas from which to choose (listed below), and ample preparation for the certification exam of your choice
  • No clinical experience required: you can come right in after earning a BSN
  • Guaranteed admission for UVA School of Nursing alumni
  • Application deadline: January 5 

Graduates of the BSN to DNP pathway are prepared for a national specialty certification exam of their choice in one of eight specialty tracks as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN):


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

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $21,302 $34,788
Regular Session Comprehensive Fee $3,572 $4,254
University Activity Fee $58 $58
Nursing Activity Fee $30 $30
Total $24,962 $39,130

Post-BSN DNP [part-time] 

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $888 per credit $1,450 per credit
Regular Session Comprehensive Fee $3,572 $4,254
University Activity Fee $58 $58
Nursing Activity Fee $30 $30
Total $3,660 + Tuition $4,342 + Tuition

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

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition - January 2025 Session $551 per credit $1,117 per credit
January Session Comprehensive Fee $216 $246
January 2025 Session TOTAL $216 + Tuition $246 + Tuition
Tuition - Summer 2025 Session $551 per credit $1,117 per credit
Summer Session Comprehensive Fee $475 $535
Summer 2025 Session TOTAL $475 + Tuition $535 + Tuition

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

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $21,302 $34,788
Special Session Comprehensive Fee $538 $658
University Activity Fee $58 $58
Nursing Activity Fee $30 $30
Total $21,940 $35,534

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

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition $888 credit $1,450 credit
Special Session Comprehensive Fee $538 $658
University Activity Fee $58 $58
Nursing Activity Fee $30 $30
Total $626 + Tuition $746 + Tuition

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

2024-25 Virginia Resident Non-Virginia Resident
Tuition - January 2025 Session $551 per credit $1,117 per credit
January Session Comprehensive Fee $216 $246
January 2025 Session TOTAL $216 + Tuition $246 + Tuition
Tuition - Summer 2025 Session $551 per credit $1,117 per credit
Summer Session Comprehensive Fee $475 $535
Summer 2025 Session TOTAL $475 + Tuition $535 + Tuition

 

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


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


Classes

Students who attend UVA are mentored by faculty members who are experts in their field as educators, clinicians, researchers. Their experiences are additionally enriched by access to other disciplines across the University, including religion, ethics, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, and medicine. All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop. 

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 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

The length of time required to complete the program depends on several factors: whether you have enter having already earned a BSN or MSN degree; whether you are a full-time or part-time student; the number of practicum hours required; and your final scholarly project. Full-time students with a BSN degree can typically complete the DNP pathway in 33 months; students in the combined Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS and NP typically complete the program in 36 months. Part-time students complete the program in 5-6 years.

The DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a scholarly project—a significant, evidence-based contribution to existing nursing knowledge suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal or a book—designed by the student in collaboration with a project team. Students are encouraged to discuss concepts for the scholarly practice project early in their study.

Practicum

DNP faculty mentors help students create individualized clinical plans to meet their professional, specialty and geographic goals. Clinical requirements do not need to be met at the UVA Medical Center; the School has existing clinical contracts across the Commonwealth and beyond and students may also ‘bring their own’ clinical sites from the area or outside of Virginia. If a new contractual arrangement must be established for the student’s practicum, be advised that this process can take two to three months. Clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Clinical/practicum activities may be conducted outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

*The BSN to DNP program's structure is new for 2024, and its proposed structure is pending SCHEV approval.

APPLY

Advanced Practice (MSN & DNP) Zoom Info Sessions

APRN Zoom Info Session on Nov 20 at 5:30pm

APRN Zoom info session Nov. 20 2024

Austin Stajduhar
Assistant dean for admissions
CMNEB 1025
(434) 924-0066
Beth Quatrara
Associate Professor of Nursing
Graduate Program Lead Acute Care CNS Specialty Lead

Want to learn more?

Loading...