Doctor of nursing practice (DNP)

Students will be admitted to the DNP program as either post-baccalaureate or post-master’s students, depending on their prior educational achievement. Admission requirements differ for post-baccalaureate and post-master’s applicants. Students will be admitted to the program based on their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements and enrollment availability. 

Post-baccalaureate Applicants

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Copy of active Registered Nurse (RN) license(s) in the state of Delaware or a compact state (state which has license reciprocity with the Delaware State Board of Nursing) or demonstrated eligibility for licensure before starting the program.
• At least one year of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse.

Post-master’s Applicants

• Master’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing with national certification in an area of advanced nursing practice.
• Graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Letter from the master’s program indicating the number of clinical hours completed in advanced nursing practice.

All Applicants (as applicable)

• Relevant professional nursing experience.
• Copy of RN license in a state where the applicant is actively practicing.
• Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS exam taken within the last 2 years (for non-native English speaking applicants only) as prescribed by the Graduate College.

Other Documents Required

• A written statement that clearly identifies the applicant’s career goals and how admission to the program will facilitate their professional objectives.
• Three letters of recommendation: one or two from academics who can comment on the applicant’s potential for doctoral-level study, and one or two from an employer and/or other professional source who can comment on the applicant's ability for evidence-based practice and leadership. Academic references must be from someone who is prepared at the doctoral level and who can attest to the student’s capacity to complete a doctoral program.
• For DNP students, a successful interview with graduate leadership and members of the DNP faculty.
• Demonstrated competence in written communication through submission of a writing sample for DNP students.
• A curriculum vitae or resume.

Due to a College of Health Sciences Dean’s Scholarship, the student tuition rate is lower than the published UD graduate tuition rate. The final tuition rate for all students in the DNP program is $1,116/credit. There are no additional university fees beyond tuition, as the program is online. Please contact the department for more information.

Q: Do I need to take the GRE’s?
A: No. The GRE is no longer a requirement of the graduate application process.

Q: Do I need a Delaware nursing license if I live in another state?
A: Graduate students are required to have a Delaware nursing license.

Q:Can I do the clinical rotations in my own state, or do I need to do the clinical in DE?
A: Clinical rotations can be done in any state. Clinical rotations are subject to final approval by the faculty member teaching the course. Contractual arrangements must be made between each clinical agency and the University of Delaware.

Q:Can any of the courses taken in another graduate program be counted toward this degree?
A:Up to nine graduate credits may be transferred from another graduate program, pending approval of the course by the Director of Graduate Practice Programs.

Q: How long do I have to complete course requirements? 
A: Students must complete all course requirements within five years of matriculation.

Q: How often do I have to come to campus in Newark, DE?
A: The courses are offered online with some on-campus learning experiences. Students may be required to be on campus between 2-8 days a semester

Q: Where can I learn more about certification? 
A: The following web sites can provide additional information on certification.

• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Pediatric Nursing Certificate Board

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) are providers of primary health care and assume responsibility for promoting, maintaining, and restoring the health of individuals and families. The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at the University of Delaware prepares nurses to provide primary health care to persons of all ages.

The University of Delaware School of Nursing DNP with specialization in Family Across the Lifespan prepares clinicians to deliver high quality care to patient populations across the vast primary care continuum. The program focuses on developing practitioners skilled in managing care of patients with acute episodic and chronic illnesses through in class and practicum experiences. Student gain knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as developing the skills needed to be primary care practitioners working with patients in a variety of practice settings. Practitioners are prepared to tackle the latest clinical challenges in the field and to provide leadership in integrated healthcare delivery models and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Clinical Requirements

Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner (FNP) 81 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784 /indirect: 336)

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGNP) prepares nurses to provide primary health care to adults that are 18 years of age and older. The AGNP Program at the University of Delaware prepares nurses to provide primary health care to adult and frail elderly.

The University of Delaware School of Nursing DNP with a specialization in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practioner prepares clinicians to deliver high quality care to patient populations with specializing in the need of adults. Special coursework prepares students to provide care for the unique needs of frail older adults. Students gain knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as develop the skills needed to be primary care practitioners working with adult patients in a variety of practice settings. Practitioners are prepared to tackle the latest clinical challenges in the field and to provide leadership in integrated healthcare delivery models and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Clinical Requirements

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): 81 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784 /indirect: 336)

The University of Delaware School of Nursing DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration prepares clinicians to deliver high quality care to patient populations across the vast mental health and substance disorder continuum. By combining cutting-edge neuroscience, evidence-based practice, classical theoretical underpinnings, and innovative holistic modalities, our practitioners are dually prepared to provide both psychotherapy and medication management to promote optimal health outcomes in individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Practitioners are prepared to tackle the latest clinical challenges in the field and to provide leadership in integrated healthcare delivery models and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Students prepare for American Nurses Credentialing Center’s PMHNP certification exam with more than 700 clinical training hours in three psychotherapeutic treatment modalities addressing individuals, families, and groups. Comprehensive role preparation is offered in both psychotherapy and psychopharmacology with culturally diverse populations across the lifespan as well as the mental health and substance disorder continuum. The PMHNP concentration uses innovative teaching modalities including a hybrid delivery model, combining the benefits of technology with the benefits of human interactions with on-campus experiential intensives and cutting edge simulations with healthcare theatre students.

The University of Delaware is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program.

Clinical Requirements

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): 81 credit hours and 1008 clinical hours (direct care: 672 /indirect: 336)

The role of the primary care pediatric nurse practitioner is to provide care to children from birth through young adult (up to 21) with an in-depth knowledge and experience in pediatric primary health care including well child care and prevention/management of common pediatric acute illnesses and chronic conditions. This care is provided to support optimal health of children within the context of their family, community, and environmental setting. While most Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) practice general pediatrics, some specialize in adolescent, young adult, or neonatal populations.

Clinical Requirements

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): 70 credit hours and 1016 clinical hours (direct care: 816/indirect 200)

AGACNPs are prepared to diagnose and treat patients with acute or critical issues, or acute exacerbations of chronic health conditions.

Specifically, they’re qualified to obtain health histories, perform physical assessments, develop differential diagnoses, order and interpret diagnostic studies, determine management plans, order pharmacology therapies and other therapeutic interventions, collaborate and communicate with other members of the healthcare team, and facilitate transitions across different levels of care. AGACNPs are prepared to provide acute care services to patients ages 18 through the end of life.

Clinical Requirements

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP): 68 credit hours and 1016 clinical hours (direct care: 816/indirect: 200)