Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Overview
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) is designed for the Registered Nurse (RN) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who wants to provide evidence-informed practice to culturally diverse populations and take a leadership role as an advocate for health and social justice. This degree builds on the nursing practice skills and experience that each student possesses. These skills will be integrated with new and pioneering ways to think about the health care system and care for patients. An innovative, technology-enriched, educational approach is used to create advanced practice clinical nursing experts and nurse leaders who base decisions upon the best evidence available to lead and design high-quality patient-centered, culturally appropriate care in a complex global health care environment. Rooted in service and collaboration, and guided by a strong focus on populations of Hawai’i, the DNP prepares students to design innovative solutions, promote health equity, and make a meaningful impact in the communities.
Multiple DNP program options are offered:
BSN-MSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
BSN-MSN-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP)
BSN-MSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
This BSN-MSN-DNP pathway enables the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to be conferred after meeting the program requirements of the first two years. Students can then be eligible to take the Nurse Practitioner certification exam in their speciality area and apply for licensure as an APRN while continuing with the DNP curriculum.
Post-Master’s Executive Leader (EL)
The Executive Leader track is designed for master’s prepared RNs and APRNs. The Executive Leader track prepares students with the necessary tools to lead quality improvement projects in clinics, in hospitals, and across large healthcare systems.
Admission
Earned BSN from an accredited ACEN or CCNE School of Nursing
Registered Nurse license
Professional Resume/CV
College Transcripts
Two letters of professional recommendation
Personal Statement
GPA minimum is 2.75