Nursing, DNP
Our programs offer immersive experiences in professional practice, providing students with opportunities to acquire essential knowledge and skills for practical application. We emphasize the appraisal and application of evidence to advance practice, fostering leadership in health care systems. Students must have a BSN to pursue our DNP program.
Program overview
The college takes pride in offering fully accredited programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring the highest standards of academic excellence. The DNP program is thoughtfully designed to focus on evidence-based practice, leadership development, population health policy, and quality improvement project planning. With a blended delivery model combining face-to-face instruction and online learning, our approach has been proven effective in enhancing learning outcomes and ensuring student satisfaction.
Graduates of the DNP program are prepared to lead improvements in patient care, advance nursing practice, and serve as change agents across health care systems.
Concentrations
BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Prepares graduates to deliver primary care across the lifespan, managing health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic conditions.
Learn More About the BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Prepares graduates to provide advanced psychiatric mental health care across the lifespan, integrating therapy and medication management.
Learn More About the BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner
Prepares graduates to practice in both primary and acute pediatric care, providing comprehensive services for children from birth through young adulthood.
Learn More About the Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Prepares graduates for primary care roles serving pediatric populations in diverse health care settings.
Learn More About the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Concentration
BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia
Prepares qualified registered nurses to become anesthesia practitioners with an advanced scientific knowledge base and a comprehensive array of clinical skills.
Post-Master’s DNP
Prepares practicing advanced practice nurses (APRNs) to positively impact patient, population, and systems outcomes.
Why a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the terminal practice degree in nursing. DNP-prepared nurses lead the future of health care by:
- Translating evidence into practice to improve patient outcomes.
- Leading interdisciplinary teams within complex health systems.
- Shaping population health policy and quality improvement initiatives.
- Expanding the scope and impact of advanced practice nursing.
Intensives
Intensive requirements provide opportunities for networking with peers, formative learning, and summative assessments of advanced clinical skills within the College of Nursing’s high-fidelity simulation center. These days cannot be missed, made up, or substituted with other types of assignments.
Doctoral Intensives
The core courses in the DNP program are offered in a flexible blended format. The blended format consists of one required on-site, face-to-face visit per term complemented with live online group and collaborative discussions and activities; structured asynchronous individual, group, and self-directed work; and individual guidance, mentoring, and advising.
Our programs include a colloquium where DNP and PhD students collaborate with faculty to share and discuss their research topics and areas of interest. Students benefit from the guidance of our dedicated faculty, which includes expert clinicians, educators, and nurse executives who are committed to supporting them throughout the project development and implementation process.
Clinical Intensives
Once students are in the clinical concentration portion of their program of study, they are no longer required to attend the doctoral intensive dates; However, the FNP, PNP-PC, PNP-AC, and PMHNP concentrations at the College of Nursing have mandatory clinical intensive sessions consisting of full-day experiences such as clinical labs or simulations.
Admissions
Learn more about eligibility and applying for graduate school at UT Knoxville and the specific admission requirements for the DNP program.
Learn more about admissions and aid
Tuition and Cost
Investing in your future through graduate education is a valuable step toward achieving your career goals.
Learn more about our tuition and fees for the program
Learn more about what scholarships and financial aid we offer
Contact Us
Should you have any questions about the application process or how our blended curriculum works, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We offer information sessions and cover frequently asked questions to ensure you learn everything you need to know about advancing your nursing career!
REQUEST INFO
Use the form to learn more about the College of Nursing and UT.
We’re so glad you’re interested in studying nursing at UT. Our program pairs hands-on clinical experience with the support of faculty, staff, and students who are invested in your success. Tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll help you find your place on Rocky Top — your home, sweet home.