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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Become a Leader in Healthcare
Elevate your nursing career with Neumann University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, our fully online program equips you with the skills to lead in clinical practice, education, and healthcare system leadership.
Why Choose Neumann's DNP Program?
- Leadership-Focused Curriculum: Develop expertise in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and advanced nursing practice.
- Flexible Online Learning: Complete your degree on your schedule with full-time or part-time options, all while balancing your professional and personal commitments.
- Customizable Pathways: Choose from three leadership options—APRN Leadership, Educational Leadership, or Healthcare Systems Leadership—to align with your career goals.
- Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience through a minimum of 504 practicum hours, tailored to your prior education and experience.
Join Neumann University's DNP program and take your place as a leader in transforming healthcare. Enroll today to start making a difference in your community and beyond.
DNP Program Coordinator
Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN
DNP Program Overview
Features
Learning Outcomes
Graduate Nursing Student Manual
Tuition
Admissions Requirements
Graduate Assistantships
Related Programs
Accreditation
Required Courses
DNP Program Features
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program is a fully online, post-Master of Science in nursing degree program.
- The program focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, healthcare policy and advocacy, inter-professional collaboration, and expert advanced nursing practice.
- The DNP program prepares nurses at the highest level of practice for leadership roles in healthcare practice, nursing education, and healthcare system administration.
- The program emphasizes applying and translating research into practice to produce expert leaders.
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing, the humanities and the sciences to create improvement plans to address health care outcomes for populations of diverse individuals.
- Integrate ethical decision-making processes.
- Integrate communication technologies and informatics processes to manage and address safe, quality-based, patient-centered health care.
- Develop a leadership role in an organizational system to transform health care processes and/or educational processes which focus on the improvement of patient outcomes.
- Propose organizational systems improvements that are patient-centered and demonstrate respect for the diversity and inclusion of all populations.
Graduate Nursing Student Manual
Explore Neumann University's Graduate Nursing Student Manual for more information.
Doctor Of Nursing Practice – Tuition
Tuition is based on the number of credits students are enrolled in. For more information, visit the Office of Financial Assistance.
While Neumann is known for its competitive, affordable sticker price, we know that most graduates need financial assistance of some kind while enrolled in graduate school. For everything you need to know about your financial aid options, download our guide: Offsetting the Cost of Graduate School — Financial Aid for Graduate Students.
DNP – Admissions Requirements
- All Official transcripts
- Graduate Writing Prompt
- Two Letters of Recommendation (professional or academic)
- Current professional resume
- PA and NJ or DE nursing license (or multi-state nursing license)
- Current APRN National Certification
- Verification Form of direct patient care hours (for all students)
- English Proficiency score (TOEFL/IELTS) required if English is not your native language
For more information on the admissions requirements for this program, visit our admissions page.
Graduate Assistantships at Neumann University
Neumann university offers a number of graduate assistantships in various offices throughout campus including residence life, campus ministry, enrollment management, student leadership & engagement, athletics, knights pantry, the library, university advancement and so many more.Effective May 29, 2025, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on May 29, 2027.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Program Overview
The DNP program consists of core and specialty courses designed to enhance advanced nursing practice. Completion of degree requirements typically takes 7-10 semesters, depending on the student's pace and course load.
Year 1 - Core Courses
| Term | Course | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall 1 8 Weeks |
NUR 800 Executive Leadership and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Role | 3 credits= 42 hours |
This course examines the role of the DNP and the philosophical, and theoretical underpinnings of the discipline through analysis of nursing theories and concepts including integration of knowledge from biological and social sciences; role development; and translation of knowledge into practice. The course examines transformational leadership in complex healthcare organizations. Emphasis on complexity, leadership principles, context, culture, assessment of strengths and opportunities, strategic planning, and leading change. A dialogue about the DNP Capstone Project will be introduced. Prerequisite: Admission to DNP program |
|
Fall 2 8 Weeks |
NUR 801 Understanding the Business of Healthcare | 3 credits= 42 hours |
This course examines complex challenges faced within the United States healthcare system and for nurses in advanced practice roles. Students will create a business case related to a proposal intervention that will improve healthcare outcomes. This course provides students with the financial management tools needed to analyze financial statements and cost considerations in health care and to employ effective methods for initiating change within health care systems. Students will also explore the implications of current economic and healthcare policies on the healthcare system. Accounting, finance, and marketing principles are presented enabling students to complete a comprehensive business plan. Prerequisite: Completion of NUR 800 |
|
Spring 1 8 Weeks |
NUR 802 Management of Populations for Decision Making in Complex Organizational Systems | 3 credits= 42 hours |
This course is designed to study the distribution and determinants of health and disease in human populations and advanced nursing practice. Students will learn various methods to measure disease burden, apply epidemiological principles to disease prevention, analyze and interpret data for advanced nursing, emphasizing clinical applications of epidemiological, and biostatistical concepts. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 801 |
|
Spring 2 8 Weeks |
NUR 803 Integration of Evidence Using Quality Improvement Techniques in Organizational Systems | 3 credits= 42 hours |
This course examines the core quality and safety competencies for advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders. Contemporary performance/quality improvement methodologies, data reporting, and evaluating evidence-based quality health care practices for patient populations will be presented. Students will examine theory and organizational science concepts to assess organizational culture, analyze data, and translate findings into system changes. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 801, NUR 802 |
|
Summer 1 8 Weeks |
NUR 804 Data Analysis and Outcomes Assessment for Quality Improvement Projects | 3 credits= 42 hours |
This course is designed to prepare the student with the skills to develop, implement, and evaluate programs that improve health outcomes. This course will focus on the design, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement methodologies. There is an emphasis on applying quality improvement processes to evaluate patient and practice outcomes. Students will learn how to use software (ex. SPSS) to guide data analysis and interpretation. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 801, NUR 802, NUR 803 |
|
Summer 2 8 Weeks |
NUR 805 Project Management for DNP Students |
3 credits: 1 theory credit=14 hours; 2 practicum credits= 112 practicum hours |
This course assists the DNP student to learn the processes embedded in developing a doctoral synthesis project. The course will address all aspects of project planning and development regarding the area of interest for the project and will incorporate well-built questions, search strategies and outcomes, and identification of resources needed. This course includes a practicum component. The student will prepare the submission of the proposed quality improvement project to the University IRB committee. Prerequisites: NUR 800, NUR 801, NUR 802, NUR 803, NUR 804 |
Year 2 - Specialty Topics and Residency Courses
| Term | Course Options | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall 1 8 Weeks Students will select one course. |
|
3 credits= 42 hours |
NUR 806- This course will examine relevant, current issues facing nurse practitioner clinical leaders including leading the interdisciplinary team to implement evidence into practice to improve quality care. Students will learn to incorporate leadership theories and competencies into clinical situations to improve patient outcomes and practice outcome benchmarks. Students will finalize their DNP Project Proposal and submit it to the University IRB team and the IRB of the organization where they are executing their DNP Project as applicable. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses. OR NUR 820- This course will examine leadership topics in healthcare organizational systems. Students will focus on implementation of leadership techniques to lead nursing and patient care teams, evaluate strategic planning, implement organizational change management, and evidence-based, best practice. Students will finalize their DNP Project Proposal and submit it to the University IRB team and the IRB of the organization where they are executing their DNP project as applicable. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses. OR Nur 830- This course will study leadership relevant to nursing education, explore academic and nonacademic considerations (financial, social, ethical, and legal), and discuss the multiple roles of nursing educators (mentor, advisor, leader.). This course includes curriculum development and delivery modalities, program/instructor evaluation, and theories and underpinnings of nursing education in various settings. Students will finalize their DNP Project Proposal and submit it to the University IRB team and the IRB of the organization where they are executing their DNP project as applicable. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses.
|
|
Fall 2 8 weeks Students will select one course. |
|
3 credits = 42 hours |
NUR 807- This course will continue to focus on APRN leadership skills including interdisciplinary team collaboration, professional development, and skills for interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, healthcare practice management and leadership in financial and resource challenging times, scholarship, and presentation skills. Students will continue working on their DNP Project including updating the proposal and resubmitting to the IRB if needed. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Course Courses and NUR 806 OR NUR 821- This course will examine leadership topics in large healthcare organizational systems. Students will focus on leadership techniques to facilitate strategic planning, implementation of healthcare advocacy, finding solutions for organizations facing financial and resource challenges, and leading collaborative multidisciplinary C-suite teams. Students will continue working on their DNP Project including updating the proposal and resubmission to the IRB if needed. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 821 OR NUR 831- This course will study the art and science of evaluation of learning through various assessments, testing, and clinical performance. The construction and qualitative evaluation of test items, formative and summative assessments, and the use of simulation in evaluating nursing education in academic and non-academic environments is illustrated. Students will continue working on their DNP Project including updating the proposal and resubmissions to the IRB if needed. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 830 |
|
Spring 16 Weeks Students will select one course. |
|
4 credits: 1 theory credit= 14 hour; 3 practicum credits= 168 practicum hours |
NUR 808- This course supports the DNP student in implementation of a project including intervention and reassessment of outcomes phase, for an evidence-based quality improvement project for APRN students in clinical practice. Students will focus on implementing their IRB approved DNP Project over a 16-week time frame and will execute data collection post intervention. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 806, NUR 807 OR NUR 822- This course supports the DNP student in implementation of a project including intervention and reassessment of outcomes phase, for an evidence-based quality improvement project for healthcare system leaders. Students will focus on implementing their IRB approved DNP Project over a 16-week time frame and will execute data collection post intervention. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 820, NUR 821 OR NUR 832-This course supports the DNP student in implementation of a project including intervention and reassessment of outcomes phase, for an evidence-based quality improvement project for leaders in education. Students will focus on implementing their IRB approved DNP Project over a 16-week time frame and will execute data collection post intervention. Prerequisite: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 830, NUR 831 |
|
Summer 8 Weeks Students will select one course. |
|
3 credits: 1 theory credit=14 hours; 2 practicum credits= 112 practicum hours |
NUR 809- This course supports the DNP student in data analysis and synthesis of conclusion for an evidence-based quality improvement project relating to leadership for APRNs in active practice. Students will focus on their DNP Project in the data analysis and synthesis of the results phase of the project. Prerequisite: Completion of the DNP Core Courses and NUR 806, NUR 807, NUR 808
OR
NUR 823- This course supports the DNP student in data analysis and synthesis of conclusion for an evidence-based quality improvement project relating to leadership in healthcare systems. Students will focus on their DNP Project in the data analysis and synthesis of the results phase of the project. Prerequisite: Completion of the DNP Core Courses and NUR 820, NUR 821, NUR 822
OR
NUR 833- This course supports the DNP student in data analysis and synthesis of conclusion for an evidence-based quality improvement project relating to leadership in education. Students will focus on their DNP Project in the data analysis and synthesis of the results phase of the project. Prerequisite: Completion of the DNP Core Courses and NUR 830, NUR 821, NUR 831, NUR 832
|
Year 3 - Final Residency Courses
| Term | Course Options | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall 16 Weeks Students will select one course. |
|
3 credits: 1 theory credit=14 hours;2 practicum credits= 112 practicum hours |
NUR 810- This course supports the DNP student in scholarship and dissemination of results for evidence-based, quality improvement project relating to APRNs in active practice. Students will continue their practicum completing their DNP Project manuscript and will disseminate project results to practice staff where they implemented their DNP Project and to DNP faculty and colleagues and one other peer-reviewed venue (approved by DNP faculty). Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 806, NUR 807, NUR 808, NUR 809
OR
NUR 824- This course supports the DNP student in scholarship and dissemination of results for evidence-based, quality improvement project relating to leadership for healthcare systems leadership. Students will continue their practicum completing their DNP Project manuscript and will disseminate project results to practice staff where they implemented their DNP Project and to DNP faculty and colleagues and one other peer-reviewed venue (approved by DNP faculty). Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 820, NUR 821, NUR 822, NUR 823
OR
NUR 834- This course supports the DNP student in scholarship and dissemination of results for evidence-based, quality improvement project relating to educational leadership. Students will continue their practicum completing their DNP Project manuscript and will disseminate project results to practice staff where they implemented their DNP Project and to DNP faculty and colleagues and one other peer-reviewed venue (approved by DNP faculty). Prerequisites: Completion of DNP Core Courses and NUR 830, NUR 831, NUR 832, NUR 833
|
Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN
Assistant Professor & DNP Program Coordinator
Dr. Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN, is the DNP Program Coordinator and an Assistant Professor at Neumann University. With over 40 years of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership, Dr. Dabrow Woods has been a nurse practitioner since 1998. Her expertise includes acute care, critical care, primary care, nursing education, and evidence-based practice. She continues to practice as an acute care/critical care NP at Penn Medicine, Chester County Hospital, and volunteers in primary care.
A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Dabrow Woods has received numerous accolades, including the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award from Sigma Theta Tau International. She holds a BSN from West Chester University, an MSN from LaSalle University, a Post-Master's Certificate from Drexel University, and a DNP from Texas Christian University.
You can reach her at dabrowa@neumann.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Can all Master of Science (MSN) prepared nurses achieve a DNP degree from Neumann University?
The Neumann DNP Program was designed for MSN prepared nurses who wish to achieve a DNP terminal degree....
Can all Master of Science (MSN) prepared nurses achieve a DNP degree from Neumann University?
The Neumann DNP Program was designed for MSN prepared nurses who wish to achieve a DNP terminal degree. The Neumann DNP program provides 504 practicum hours at the doctoral level.
How many credits is the Neumann DNP Degree? How many practicum hours do MSN prepared nurses who are not advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) required to have at the doctoral level? How many...
How many credits is the Neumann DNP Degree? How many practicum hours do MSN prepared nurses who are not advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) required to have at the doctoral level? How many practicum hours are APRNs required to have at the doctoral level?
For advanced practice nurses who have already achieved 500 practicum hours at the MSN level are required to complete a minimum of 500 practicum hours at the doctoral level. The DNP Program from Neumann is 34 credits/504 practicum hours for all MSN prepared nurses. Non-APRN, MSN prepared nurses and MSN prepared APRN nurses will need to take 504 practicum hours at the doctoral level per ACEN.
What are the 3 specialty options in the DNP Program?
There are 3 options for those who wish to complete a DNP degree. They are:
- APRN Leadership – for those who wish to become leaders in APRN...
What are the 3 specialty options in the DNP Program?
There are 3 options for those who wish to complete a DNP degree. They are:
- APRN Leadership – for those who wish to become leaders in APRN clinical practice; for instance nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists.
- Educational Leadership – for those who wish to become experts in academic or professional development nursing education.
- Healthcare Systems Leadership – for those who wish to become experts in healthcare organization leadership at an executive level including the roles of Chief Nursing Officer, or Vice-President of Nursing.
Can a student focus on more than one track in the DNP program?
Yes, a student can complete more than one track; however, the student will need to complete additional theory courses and practicum...
Can a student focus on more than one track in the DNP program?
Yes, a student can complete more than one track; however, the student will need to complete additional theory courses and practicum residency courses.
How many weeks is each course in the DNP Program?
The Neumann DNP Program utilizes a split semester approach. Each theory course is offered over 8 weeks which means a student will be taking 2 theory...
How many weeks is each course in the DNP Program?
The Neumann DNP Program utilizes a split semester approach. Each theory course is offered over 8 weeks which means a student will be taking 2 theory courses per 16-week semester. Practicum courses, also called residency courses, are 16 weeks in length per course.
How many years does it take to complete the Neumann DNP?
The DNP Program is 34 credits and will take 7 semesters to complete for post-MSN prepared students.
How many years does it take to complete the Neumann DNP?
The DNP Program is 34 credits and will take 7 semesters to complete for post-MSN prepared students.
I am an advanced practice, MSN prepared nurse; how do I submit the practicum hours I earned as part of my MSN program?
On the DNP Website, click on the Verification of MSN Practice Hour form and...
I am an advanced practice, MSN prepared nurse; how do I submit the practicum hours I earned as part of my MSN program?
On the DNP Website, click on the Verification of MSN Practice Hour form and complete it. Your hours will need to be verified by your MSN program director.
Are the Neumann DNP Program end-of-program student learning outcomes consistent with the latest standards and competencies for nursing?
Yes, the Neumann DNP Program end of program outcomes are mapped...
Are the Neumann DNP Program end-of-program student learning outcomes consistent with the latest standards and competencies for nursing?
Yes, the Neumann DNP Program end of program outcomes are mapped to the AACN Essentials Key Domains and other relevant standards and competencies based on the area of specialization.
In the DNP Program, am I responsible for completing an end of program project?
a. Yes, as part of the DNP Program, all students complete an end of program scholarly project that focuses on an area of...
In the DNP Program, am I responsible for completing an end of program project?
a. Yes, as part of the DNP Program, all students complete an end of program scholarly project that focuses on an area of interest that prepares students for expertise and demonstrates quality improvement in healthcare practice, nursing education, or executive leadership. Projects will:
- Enhance and evaluate health outcomes, practice outcomes, or policy outcomes
- Reflect a culmination of inquiry, scholarly work, and dissemination
- Engage in and leverage new, multidisciplinary partnerships
- eflect translation of evidence into healthcare practice, education or executive leadership.
Do DNP Projects need to be approved by Institutional Review Board?
Yes, all DNP Projects need to be approved by Neumann University’s Institutional Review Board and if necessary, the practice...
Do DNP Projects need to be approved by Institutional Review Board?
Yes, all DNP Projects need to be approved by Neumann University’s Institutional Review Board and if necessary, the practice organization’s Institutional Review Board.
Creating a DNP Project requires project management knowledge. How will the Neumann DNP Program ensure those skills?
A required course in the Neumann DNP Program is Project Management for the Doctor...
Creating a DNP Project requires project management knowledge. How will the Neumann DNP Program ensure those skills?
A required course in the Neumann DNP Program is Project Management for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Concepts learned in this course will be applied throughout the practicum courses where you synthesize the DNP Project.
Creating a DNP project requires data analysis and synthesis knowledge? How will the Neumann DNP Program ensure I have those skills?
A required course in the Neumann DNP Program is Leadership...
Creating a DNP project requires data analysis and synthesis knowledge? How will the Neumann DNP Program ensure I have those skills?
A required course in the Neumann DNP Program is Leadership Residency Data Analysis and Synthesis of Results. This course is focused on the area of interest either APRN leadership, educational leadership, or healthcare systems leadership. The concepts learned in this course will be directly applied to the practicum experience and DNP Project.
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