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