Degree Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program at the University of Iowa prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice, focusing on translating evidence-based knowledge into practice to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

Program Tracks

• Post-Bachelor’s DNP: Designed for registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) seeking advanced practice roles. Specializations include:
  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership
  • Nurse Anesthesia
  • Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s DNP: For nurses holding a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) aiming to enhance leadership skills and implement evidence-based practice at a systems level.

Program Length

The duration of the DNP program varies based on the chosen specialization and the student’s prior educational background:

• Post-BSN to DNP: Typically requires 73-83 semester hours, depending on the specialization.
• Post-MSN to DNP: Requires 29-55 semester hours, depending on the focus area of the master’s degree and the chosen DNP specialization.

Credit Hours

Credit hours range from 73 to 83 for post-BSN students and 29 to 55 for post-MSN students, depending on the specialization.

Starting Month

June

New cohorts typically begin in the summer semester.

Application Deadline

January 1

Applications are due by January 1 for enrollment in the following summer cohort. Note: Deadlines may vary for certain specialties.

Program Requirements

• Educational Background:
  • For Post-BSN applicants: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution and a nationally accredited nursing program.
  • For Post-MSN applicants: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from a regionally accredited institution and a nationally accredited nursing program.
• Licensure: Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Experience: Relevant clinical nursing experience is preferred.
• Academic Performance: Recommended undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Additional Program Features

• Accreditation: The DNP program at the University of Iowa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Flexible Course Offerings: Hybrid (online and on-campus) courses are available to accommodate working professionals.
• High Certification Exam Pass Rates: Graduates achieve high pass rates on national certification exams.

Contact

University of Iowa College of Nursing

Address: 50 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1121

Phone: (319) 335-7018

Email: collegeofnursing@uiowa.edu