Masters to Doctor of Nursing Practice
Program Description
The University of Utah College of Nursing Masters to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Masters to DNP) program prepares students for the increasing complexity of health care, the growth in scientific knowledge, and the use of sophisticated technology by offering master’s prepared nurses specific content areas not previously addressed in nursing education.
The program is based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The focus is on new scientific information, evaluation of evidence, advanced diagnosis and management, use of information technology, risk management, health policy, genetics, and practice management.
The Masters to DNP program of study requires that students take courses based on the essentials of doctoral education, as well as electives that are chosen based on a student’s previous education, experience, and specialty interests.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in nursing and any master's degree are encouraged to apply.
Length of Program
The Masters to DNP program requires a minimum of 33 credit hours in coursework.
Students can participate in both a full-time (9+ credit hours per semester) or part-time program. The full-time, year-round program of study is 4 semesters in length. It begins in August and ends in December of the following year. The part-time program of study will take at least an additional year to complete depending on required course offerings.
Program of Study
The Masters to DNP program of study requires completion of the core curriculum, customized specialty courses, and a Capstone Project.
Masters to DNP Program of Study
Studying at a Distance
The Masters to DNP program is offered in an executive format. This means that each term the required courses are offered online or campus visits that occur on Friday & Saturdays about once a month. See an example of the Masters to DNP Attendance Calendar.
Admission Requirements
See the Masters to DNP Admission Requirements page.
How to Apply
Applications are available fall of the previous year.
See the How to Apply page for deadlines and more information.
More Information
For more information about this program and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the related links at the right side of the page. If you have additional questions, contact the advisor below.
Renée Mixco, Graduate Advisor
(801) 587-7605
renee.mixco@nurs.utah.edu