Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
35 credits for post-master’s DNP students to earn their doctoral degree
100% online with asynchronous courses and virtual advisor support; students only need to come to campus once during the program
24 months to program completion
Schedule a one-on-one consultation with a graduate admission counselor today! Email us at grad@valpo.edu or call 219.464.5313.
Elevate your impact with Valparaiso University’s post-master’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP). This program equips you with the expertise to lead transformative change, implement evidence-based solutions, and improve patient outcomes in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
An increased national concern for safety and quality requires nursing leaders who possess the knowledge and skills to negotiate complex healthcare systems, evaluate current practice, and create needed change. DNP-prepared advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) utilize research to solve clinical problems, making them extremely valuable to employers and giving them more career options in the rapidly changing and increasingly complex healthcare environment.
Valparaiso University’s post-master’s DNP program is designed for APRNs who want to serve, lead, and make a difference. Our graduates are well recognized for their clinical expertise. They become leaders within the workplace, advocating for and implementing change that will ultimately impact patient outcomes.
Although pursuing a doctoral degree has previously involved putting one’s current career on hold, Valpo’s post-master’s DNP can be obtained as a full-time or part-time student in a convenient online format. Our distance learning offers the convenience of attending asynchronously with one scheduled on-campus intensive, while promoting the longstanding relationships among faculty and peers that is a hallmark of Valpo education. For certified APRNs who have already earned a master’s degree, an additional 35 credits are all that is needed to obtain your DNP at Valpo.
Clinical hours can be done at place of employment.
Course enhancements may be required if post-BSN clinical hours do not total 750 hours.
*A nursing lab fee is payable by each graduate nursing student enrolled in NUR 799.
“Valparaiso University’s post-master’s DNP program provides advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with the knowledge and skills to become a successful leader who is courageous during adversity, has the confidence to act, and develops a vision to create changes that make a difference. I graduated from Valpo with a renewed sense of faith, honor, humility, and understanding of what it means to be a nurse leader. I have been able to create and sustain changes in healthcare organizations by implementing evidence-based practice and guiding changes that help create healthy work environments for nurses.”
NADIA PAUL ’25 DNP, N.P.
Read more about Nadia’s experience in the DNP program at bit.ly/nadiapaul.
ADMISSION
Post-master’s DNP program applicants who submit all required materials to Valpo by March 1 for the fall semester are eligible for an expedited admission decision. For more information and to view all application requirements, please visit valpo.edu/ dnp.
NURSING LIABILITY INSURANCE
In connection with the clinical practice component of the nursing program, all students in the DNP program, beginning with their first clinical course, must secure professional liability insurance provided by the University (fees to be determined).
Take the next step toward your bright future by visiting valpo.edu/dnp, or by scanning the QR code.
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu .)
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
web: valpo.edu/grad
email: grad@valpo.edu
program information: valpo.edu/dnp email: conhp@valpo.edu