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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP program prepares students to influence health care outcomes for individuals and patient populations by using evidence-based practice, evaluating and implementing health policy, developing new and innovative clinical systems, and becoming leaders in nursing.

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In the past, advancing your nursing education to the doctoral level meant a career path in education or research. Today, due to the complexity of health care, doctorally prepared nurses are becoming increasingly important in clinical practice. By combining advanced practice nursing skills, appraisal and application of research, and leadership competence, you are empowered to become a more efficient and effective practitioner. DNP clinical experts collaborate with other professionals to make a positive impact in their community and in health care.

Admissions

Find information on admission policies, deadlines and requirements on our Graduate Admissions page.

Application Deadline

New application deadline of December 1, 2022 for the 2023 admissions cycle. This extension applies to all DNP programs with the exception of Nurse Anesthesia. If you submitted a complete application prior to December 1, then your application is in review and you will receive notification about your decision by early February.

Clinical Graduate Certificates (FNP, PMHNP, Acute Care and Primary Care PNP) admit only for the summer, and DNP and PhD Programs admit only for the fall each year. Applications for the Non-clinical Graduate Certificates (Health Policy, Health Informatics, Nurse Education) are accepted on a rolling basis.

All prospective College of Nursing students must apply online through UT Graduate Admissions. All application materials including transcripts must be submitted directly to Graduate Admissions prior to the application deadline. Please check with UT Graduate Admissions for information about when applications will open for the next recruiting cycle.

Program Features

  • Immersion in an area of professional practice
  • Knowledge and skill acquisition for application
  • Appraisal and application of evidence to advance practice
  • Leadership in health care systems
  • Curriculum focused in evidence-based practice, leadership, population health policy, and quality improvement project planning
  • Blended curriculum delivery* combining face-to-face instruction and online learning, which has proven to be effective in terms of learning outcomes and student satisfaction
  • Individually tailored scholarly project in your area of practice and interest
  • Scholarly project funding available by application
  • Colloquium, a time for DNP and PhD students and faculty to share and discuss their topic of interest
  • A faculty that includes expert clinicians, educators, and nurse executives
  • Faculty commitment to guiding students through the project development and implementation process
  • Full accreditation by CCNE

*600-level nursing courses in the PhD and DNP programs are offered in a flexible blended format. The blended format consists of two coordinated on-site face-to-face course sessions 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. Students in clinical concentration courses will have variable schedules.

Questions?

DNP Program Chair Graduate Programs Advisor

Tracy Brewer
DNP, RNC-OB, CLC
DNP Program Chair
tbrewe12@utk.edu
865-974-9500