The Doctorate of Nursing Practice
The University of Central Arkansas School of nursing offers two tracks to obtain the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP): The post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing to DNP and the post-Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP. The UCA DNP program is designed to meet professional standards for the practice doctorate developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The DNP program will prepare nurses to function at the highest level of clinical practice. The DNP prepared nurse is skilled in measurement of patient and population outcomes, translation of evidence into clinical practice, leadership and health policy, and practice within complex health care delivery systems.
Post-BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track
The UCA post-BSN to DNP is designed for Registered Nurse (RNs) with a BSN who want to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The track is a part-time plan of study (6-8 credit hours/semester) delivered over 11 consecutive semesters. The program starts yearly in the fall semester. The majority of courses are offered online. The FNP clinical courses and Advanced Health Assessment require periodic campus visits approximately 3-4 times per 15-week semester. This track prepares students to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
The DNP coursework is rigorous, requiring a minimum of 15 hours per week for each 3-hour course. Students typically take 2 courses per semester. During the clinical courses, expect to spend an additional 12-13 hours per week over 15 weeks to obtain the required clinical practice hours. The DNP program will require adjustments to your current work schedule and family life. It is important to consider how you will integrate graduate school demands into your life situation.
Online Tuition & Fees – please see the Student Accounts website for Online Graduate Tuition information. There will be a $69.00 fee for each DNP credit hour.
Post-MSN to DNP Track
The UCA post-MSN to DNP program is designed for RNs who hold an MSN regardless of current role or specialty preparation. The post-MSN to DNP is a practice-focused doctorate aimed at clinicians who wish to expand the possibilities of their nursing career. This program is not suited for nurses seeking advanced nursing practice preparation. The track is an online, part-time plan of study (4-6 credit hours/semester) delivered over 6 consecutive semesters. The program starts yearly in the summer semester.
The DNP coursework is rigorous, requiring a minimum of 15 hours per week for each 3-hour course. Students typically take 2 courses per semester. During the clinical courses, expect to spend an additional 5-10 hours per week over 15 weeks to obtain the required clinical practice or field work hours. The DNP program will require adjustments to your current work schedule and family life. It is important to consider how you will integrate graduate school demands into your life situation.
Online Tuition & Fees – please see the Student Accounts website for Online Graduate Tuition information. There will be a $69.00 fee for each DNP credit hour.
Non-Arkansas Residents: It is your responsibility to check with your State Board of Nursing regarding online, out-of-state programs.
Online Informational Sessions:
This information session is designed to provide prospective applicants with information about degree requirements and admission eligibility. This session will be led by the program counselor, Julie Ingram. A question and answer period will follow so that future students can gain answers to specific questions. Information sessions will be held via Zoom twice monthly beginning in September.
Program Information: 2025 BSN DNP and Post Master’s DNP Programs
Sessions Available: Spring 2025
Tuesday, January 14th at 5:00 pm CST Register to attend HERE
