Post-M.S. to D.N.P.
2.5-year part-time online program
The D.N.P. prepares graduates to use outcomes 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. Graduates earn a D.N.P. in nursing.
Program Details
In the M.S. to D.N.P. program, your coursework will focus on evaluating care delivery models, implementing and sustaining quality improvement initiatives and developing systems thinking and accountability in designing, delivering and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes. You will develop advanced leadership skills to prepare you for roles as an administrator or educator.
VCU Bulletin is the official source for course and academic program information.
Admission Requirements
Review all required prerequisite courses, supporting documents and other admissions criteria.
Application Info
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Regular Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2024 | July 15, 2025* | Ongoing |
| Application Opens | Application Closes | Regular Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | July 15, 2026* | Ongoing |
*In order to be reviewed for admission, all components of the application (personal statements, transcripts, etc.) must be verified by this date. Incomplete applications after this date will not be reviewed for the fall semester start.
Complete the following:
- NursingCAS application ($80 fee)
Submit the following materials with your application: - Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Resume or a curriculum vitae
- RN license
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- CAS Residency Form ($75 fee)
This fee is waived for current VCU students.
The form will be emailed to you after submitting your NursingCAS application.
We're here to help! Contact us at VCU_Nurse@vcu.edu with your admissions questions.
Review the functional and technical standards required for participation in the academic programs of the School of Nursing.
Prospective students with a conviction showing on their criminal history record may not be eligible to participate in clinical experiences at selected sites. This may impact the student’s ability to successfully complete program requirements. Applicants with a criminal history record are advised to review eligibility and licensure requirements for states in which they may seek employment (see Virginia eligibility requirements).
Financial Info
Use the following links to understand what your attendance costs will be and how aid and scholarships can help make your degree affordable.
Advancing Your Nursing Career: Your Path to a D.N.P.
Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for registered nurses who have completed a master’s degree in an advanced nursing specialty, such as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification, informatics, public health, nursing administration, nurse leadership or nursing education.
Graduates of Clinical Nurse Leader programs or master’s direct entry programs are not eligible.
All lecture courses are fully online. D.N.P. project courses may have an on-site component depending on your selected topic.
It is a part-time, two-and-a-half-year program, spanning seven consecutive semesters.
No, the D.N.P. degree is practice-focused, not research-focused. D.N.P. students complete a project during which they identify a systemic problem, implement an evidence-based solution and evaluate its impact on health care outcomes. This project showcases their advanced skills in applying research to real-world practice.
Yes, you can complete your D.N.P. project at your place of employment. The project must be approved by your workplace and the school’s project vetting committee, and an organizational sponsor (not your direct supervisor) must oversee it.