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

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