Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) is designed for nurses pursuing advanced clinical, leadership, or nurse executive roles. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to translate research into practice, promote evidence-based healthcare, and design systems of care that enhance patient outcomes and organizational efficiency.

Program Tracks

• BSN to DNP: For registered nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who wish to enter advanced practice specialties such as Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Executive Leadership.
• Post-Master’s DNP: For master’s-prepared nurses who seek to attain the terminal degree in nursing practice and lead quality improvement, research translation, and healthcare policy initiatives.

Program Length

Program duration varies by track and enrollment status:

• BSN to DNP: Typically completed in 3–4 years of full-time study, depending on the chosen concentration.
• Post-Master’s DNP: Can be completed in four semesters full-time or seven semesters part-time. The program must be completed within eight years of initial enrollment.

Credit Hours

Credit hours vary depending on the chosen specialty or concentration. The total credit requirement ranges from approximately 60 to 90 credit hours. Each track includes core courses in clinical scholarship, leadership, policy, and population health, as well as specialty courses aligned with the student’s focus area.

Starting Month

August (Fall Semester)

Application Deadline

Application deadlines vary by track. Prospective students should contact the LSUHSC School of Nursing Office of Student Affairs for up-to-date submission timelines and admission requirements.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • BSN to DNP: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an NLN- or CCNE-accredited program.
  • Post-Master’s DNP: Master’s degree in nursing or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States.
• Experience: One or more years of recent clinical nursing experience is preferred, especially for advanced clinical practice concentrations.
• Academic Performance: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required prior to clinical placement.
• Prerequisite Coursework:
  • Undergraduate or graduate-level courses in Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology.
  • Additional specialty-specific prerequisites may be required (e.g., Statistics or Nursing Research for the Nurse Anesthesia concentration).

Program Overview

The LSUHSC DNP curriculum combines rigorous academic study with hands-on clinical experience and interprofessional learning opportunities. Students develop advanced competencies in healthcare leadership, policy advocacy, quality improvement, and systems management. The program culminates in a DNP scholarly project focused on improving healthcare outcomes, system efficiency, or evidence-based practice implementation.

As the only nursing school within Louisiana’s academic health sciences center, LSUHSC offers students access to cutting-edge research facilities, simulation centers, and collaborations with the Schools of Medicine, Allied Health, Public Health, and Dentistry. This unique interdisciplinary environment strengthens clinical decision-making and leadership preparation for complex healthcare systems.

Additional Program Features

• Interprofessional Collaboration: Students engage in shared coursework and research alongside peers in medicine, public health, and allied health professions.
• Leadership & Executive Training: Coursework in healthcare finance, policy, and systems management prepares graduates for senior-level administrative and academic roles.
• DNP Project: Each student completes a capstone scholarly project addressing a clinical or organizational problem using evidence-based methodologies.

Contact

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center — School of Nursing
1900 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70112

Phone: (504) 568-4113
Email: nsstuaffairs@lsuhsc.edu