Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Practitioner

Overview

The hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Practitioner (DNP-NP) program at Penn State is designed to provide flexibility while maintaining high academic and clinical standards. Taught by expert faculty from the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, this program integrates online coursework with essential in-person learning experiences.

Available in both part-time and full-time formats, the curriculum is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s DNP Essentials and national Nurse Practitioner competencies. The DNP–Nurse Practitioner program generally requires eight semesters over three years. Our dedicated faculty and staff offer continuous support, ensuring students gain the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced practice.

Graduates will be fully prepared for national NP certification exams and ready to take on leadership roles as advanced practice registered nurses, driving innovation and improving patient outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.

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Why a DNP?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of clinical nursing education, equipping advanced practice nurses with the expertise to lead in patient care, healthcare policy, and system improvements. Differing from research-focused doctoral programs, a DNP emphasizes translating evidence-based knowledge into practice, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and addressing complex challenges in clinical settings. With a growing demand for highly skilled nurse leaders, the DNP prepares professionals to drive innovation, improve patient safety, and advocate for healthcare policies that enhance access and quality of care. As the healthcare landscape evolves, DNP-prepared nurses play a vital role in bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that nursing continues to advance as a science and a profession.

Why Penn State Nursing?

Choice clinicals. Academic excellence. Expert faculty. World-renowned University.

Our graduate team is comprised of expert faculty and staff dedicated to student success through individualized mentorship and guidance. Named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing in recognition of the college’s creation of environments that promote the pedagogical expertise of our faculty, prospective students can be assured they’re learning from the best. Further, the college has 700+ clinical partners around the globe, enabling students to complete their clinicals close to home.

What are my career options with a Penn State DNP?

Many national guiding organizations recommend that entry to clinical practice for nurse practitioners be at the professional doctorate level. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Penn State, nurses can pursue a wide array of career paths, including advanced practice roles like an adult nurse practitioner, acute care nurse practitioner, geriatric nurse practitioner, and nursing directory, as well as leadership positions in healthcare administration, education, and policy.

DNP-NP Options:

• Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner »
• Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner »
• Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner »
• Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner »

Enrollment Requirements:

Students enter the program with a minimum of a BSN degree. Students with a graduate degree in nursing will have an individualized plan of study developed upon enrollment. Program completion generally requires three years of full-time or four years of part-time study. Students with an MSN can also be admitted to the program however, we cannot guarantee all previous coursework and credits will transfer.

Application Requirements:

Priority application deadlines – March 1, June 30, October 1 (no heading style, just bolded)
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; to receive priority status, apply by the deadlines.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree in nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.

Applicants to any of the Nurse Practitioner options of the DNP program must also have a current license to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania and complete their clinicals in Pennsylvania. These requirements are temporary but in place until further notice. Sign up here to receive updates on this program. Applicants to the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner option are required to have two years of acute care hospital experience. 

To apply, you’ll also need:

• Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
• GPA and Test Scores — You are expected to have a grade-point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for the baccalaureate degree with a B or better in all science and nursing courses.
• GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for admission.
• English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s “Requirements for Graduate Admission” page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State’s institutional code is 2660.
• Please note that for entrance into a Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing graduate-level program, the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 580 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 25 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 7.0.
• References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form for your application to be considered complete.
• References should be obtained from academic and professional perspectives. If you completed college-level courses over the last five years, an academic reference is required. Other references should be from a nursing supervisor, preferably holding a degree higher than yours.
• Vita — A listing your professional experience and other qualifications
• Writing Sample — A published or unpublished scientific paper, thesis, or other scholarly writing sample
• Interview — You will be asked to participate in an interview, via Internet-based video conferencing or in person

Financial Aid and Military Benefit Opportunities

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Questions?

Reach out to Cody Hoffman, assistant director of nursing student recruitment, at cah82@psu.edu.