Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

3-year full-time or 4-year part-time hybrid program for bachelor's-prepared students

2-year full-time or 3-year hybrid program for master's-prepared students

The D.N.P. prepares graduates to evaluate practice initiatives, use evidence-based practice to implement change, lead advanced decision-making and strategies to influence health policies and facilitate interprofessional collaboration in health care systems. This program is an option for bachelor's- and master's-prepared nurses (see pathways below).

Graduates earn a D.N.P. in one of four concentrations: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner or nursing leadership and organizational science.

Pathways to the D.N.P.

VCU’s D.N.P. program offers two points of entry:

  1. Post-B.S. to D.N.P.: Bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses can apply to this pathway to become either a nurse practitioner or a nurse executive. See concentrations available below.
  2. Post-Master’s to D.N.P.: Registered nurses or nurse practitioners who hold a master’s degree can apply to this pathway to earn a clinical practice doctorate.

Concentrations

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The D.N.P. with a concentration in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP) prepares students with the knowledge and skills for clinical practice to provide direct acute care to the entire spectrum of adults including young adults, adults and older adults.

Degree details, application information and financial information for the AGACNP concentration

A VCU nursing student

Family Nurse Practitioner

The D.N.P. with a concentration in family nurse practitioner (FNP) prepares students with the knowledge and skills to provide primary care services including wellness/preventative, episodic and chronic care to children, adolescents, adults, pregnant and postpartum women, and older adults.

Degree details, application information and financial information for the FNP concentration

a vcu nursing student

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The D.N.P. with a concentration in psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner concentration (PMHNP) prepares students to provide primary mental health care to individuals, families, or populations across the life span in a wide range of settings.

Degree details, application information and financial information for the PMHNP concentration

A VCU Nursing student

Nursing Leadership and Organizational Science

The D.N.P. with a concentration in nursing leadership and organizational science (NLOS) prepares nurses for leadership and management roles in health care settings.

Degree details, application information and financial information for the NLOS concentration

A VCU Nursing student