Graduates of the Postgraduate DNP program will demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of health policy, evaluate care delivery models and strategies using concepts related to population health, and employ collaborative and leadership skills to create change in healthcare and healthcare delivery systems. 

Postgraduate Degree Requirements - Executive Nurse Leader Track (33 Credits)

Year 1

Spring (6 credits)

• Cognate Elective 1
• NH 4990: Fundamentals of Natural Inquiry

Summer (6 credits)

• GRNS 7000: Population-Based Health for Advanced Practice
• Cognate Elective II

Fall (6 credits)

• GRNS 6220: Organization Deliv & Financing of Health Care
• GRNS 6270: Adv Topics in Health Informatics

Year 2

Spring (4 credits)

• GRNS 6280: Quality in Health Care
• GRNS 7200: DNP Project Seminar 1

Summer (4+ credits)

• Cognate Elective III
• GRNS 7270: Executive Nurse Leader Role Transformation (120; variable credit option for more clinical hours as required to meet 1,000 hours)

Fall (3+ credits)

• GRNS 7240: DNP Project Seminar II
• GRNS 7280: Executive Nurse Leader Immersion (240; variable credit option for more clincal hours as required to meet 1,000 hours)

Spring (4 credits)

• GRNS 7010: Leadership of Health Care Systems
• GRNS 7260: DNP Project Seminar III

Total Credits:  33 

The cognate is a series of 3 courses that can be elected from one of the following: education, business or public health/administration. Discuss with Academic Advisor or Program Director. This curriculum plan assumes that the student has already taken courses in nursing theory, biostatistics (within 5 years), nursing research and health care policy. Course sequence is subject to change.

Postgraduate Degree Requirements - Advance Practice Registered Nurse Track (32 Credits)

Semester 1

• NH 6899: Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry
• GRNS 6250: Genetics & Genomics for Clinicians

Summer Session

• GRNS 7000: Population-based Health for Advanced Practice
• Elective

Semester 2

• GRNS 6220: Organization, Delivery & Financing of Health Care
• GRNS 6270: Advanced Topics in Health Informatics

Semester 3

• GRNS 6280: Quality in Health Care
• GRNS 7220: DNP Project & Seminar
• GRNS 7230: DNP Project Practicum I

Summer Session

• Elective

Semester 4

• GRNS 7240: DNP Project & Seminar II
• GRNS 7250: DNP Project Practicum II

Semester 5

• GRNS 7010: Leadership of Health Care Systems
• GRNS 7260: DNP Project & Seminar III

Total Credits:  32
Total Clinical Hours: Clinical Practice Hours M.S.N./M.S. program + Postgraduate program = 1000 hours is required for the D.N.P. degree. This curriculum plan assumes that the student has already taken courses in nursing theory, biostatistics (within 5 years), nursing research and health care policy. Cognate Electives are elected from education, business, or public health administration.

NOTE: The UVM Course Catalogue details specific requirements as designated by catalogue year. Academic standards are outlined in the CNHS Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. 

• Master’s degree or higher in nursing
• RN and APRN licensure (if applying for primary care track)
• College grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation

Practice experience preferred. An interview is required to aid in the gap analysis. Applications are due April 1.

Will courses be online, hybrid, or on campus?

Some courses are offered live on campus at scheduled times; others are offered in hybrid format with remote synchronous delivery or asynchronous delivery online. A car is needed for travel to rural sites.

What about financial aid and tuition costs for the program?

For current information about financial aid, tuition, and fees, refer to the Student Financial Services website.

How can I find out if UVM has received my transcripts (or any other materials)?

UVM will notify you when application materials have been received.

When will I learn whether I have been admitted to the program?

Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions within approximately two weeks of the application deadline.