Nursing Practice

Program Overview

Gannon University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares students as leaders in their practice area. Course content directs the DNP student to prepare, deliver and evaluate an evidence-based practice project in the clinical arena. This project is an immersion experience and not a research dissertation. Students may use their previous MSN level thesis work as a pilot study or starting point to develop the project.

The program is offered as a "bridge program" or Master's add-on from the MSN to the DNP that is 26 to 32 credits in length, depending on the number of clinical hours brought in from the MSN degree. Qualified candidates may complete the program in as little as 23 credits.  An individualized Gap Analysis is completed on all applicants. The program can be completed in four to six part-time semesters.  The degree is designed for nurse administrators, nurse educators, and advanced practice RNs who hold active certification in their respective field.

Upon completion of the program, students are awarded the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. To comply with required educational changes, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing  (AACN) the Villa Maria School of Nursing offers courses that meet identified core content and competencies outlined by the AACN specific to the practice doctorate.  In addition, The Doctor of Nursing Practice program has received full CCNE accreditation.

What Makes Us Different

• 100% Online
• The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can be completed with flexible scheduling to meet your needs.
• Earn your DNP degree in as little as 26 credits.

Application Procedure

Gannon University and the Villa Maria School of Nursing receives and reviews applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and all applicant credentials through The Centralized Application for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS). This includes information from all previously attended university or college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials. Full application instructions can be found on the Gannon University page by visiting www.nursingcas.org. Applicants may request a NursingCAS fee waiver by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduate@gannon.edu.

State Authorization

Due to state authorization regulations in the state of Tennessee, Gannon University does not accept applications for the online nursing programs from residents of Tennessee.

View Gannon's State Authorization page for more information on SARA and state authorization. Have a complaint about a distance ed program or courses? Read the state contact information document to learn more about filing a complaint.

Student Success

Gannon's Online Engagement Coordinator facilitates our online new student orientations, implements strategies to ensure that online students are active in their online courses, and provides general online student support through a variety of high-touch methods to engage students and support student retention efforts. Gannon online students can reach out with general questions about online learning or how to remotely access Gannon's comprehensive student services.