Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Post-Master’s DNP: A Journey of Discovery

Eligibility for FNU’s post-master’s DNP program:

The Post-Master’s DNP program at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) advances the leadership skills of practitioners in primary care practice. Candidates for the Post-Master’s DNP program at FNU hold national certification in one of the following specialty areas:

• adult nurse practitioner (ANP)
• certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
• family nurse practitioner (FNP)
• geriatric-adult nurse practitioner (GANP)
• geriatric nurse practitioner (GNP)
• pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)
• women’s health care nurse practitioner (WHCNP)

Current MSN students at FNU may apply for streamlined admission to the DNP program and may take the nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner certification examination in the first term of the post-master’s DNP program.

Goals of the post-master’s DNP program:

The goal of the post-master's DNP program is to improve health care outcomes and the delivery of primary health through enhanced nursing leadership. Our focus is on rural and underserved populations. The post-master’s DNP offers:

• Distance education setting allowing you to remain in your own community
• Full-time 15-month program
• Focus on health care issue of your choice for the capstone project
• Two 3-day on-campus experiences (orientation before beginning the program and capstone presentation in the 5th term)
• Small cohort of 20-25 students

Graduates of the post-master’s DNP program demonstrate the following competencies:

1. An advanced level of clinical scholarship.
2. Critical analysis of health care systems and primary care clinical situations.
3. Application and evaluation of conceptual models, theories, and research to improve health outcomes.
4. Design of programs using evidence-based practices.
5. Analysis of social, economic, political and policy components that affect primary health care delivery.
6. Leadership in primary health care, health policy, and standards of care.
7. Ethical decision making.
8. Contribution to the body of nursing knowledge.
9. Use of information systems to promote optimal primary care programs.
10. Excellence in clinical education.

Qualifications for Admission:

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree for clinical nursing practice. The FNU post-master's DNP degree program is designed for certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who aim to improve skills in leadership, clinical scholarship, evidence-based practice and clinical evaluation.

The candidate seeking to enter the post-master’s DNP program must hold licensure as a registered nurse and national certification in one of the specialties identified. The candidate must have completed a master's of science degree in nursing (MSN), a master's in nursing (MN), or a M.S. in nursing OR have a master’s degree in a related field (such as MPH or masters in midwifery or other area). Each application is considered on an individual basis.