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. Learn what faculty, staff, and students have to say about Nursing at UVM >>

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

Spring Semester 1 (6 credits)

• Cognate Elective 1
• NH 399: Fundamentals of Natural Inquiry

Summer Session (6 credits)

• GRNS 400: Population-Based Health for Advanced Practice
• GRNS 322: Policy, Organization & Financing of Health Care

Fall Semester 2 (6 credits)

• GRNS 327: Advanced Topics in Health Informatics
• Cognate Elective II

Spring Semester 3 (4 credits)

• GRNS 328: Quality in Health Care
• GRNS 422: DNP Project & Seminar (1)

Summer Session (3 credits)

• Cognate Elective III
• GRNS 427: Executive Nurse Leader Role Transformation (120 clinical hours)

Fall Semester 4 (2 credits)

• GRNS 424: DNP Project & Seminar II
• GRNS 428: Executive Nurse Leader Immersion (240 clinical hours)

Spring Semester 5 (6 credits)

• GRNS 401: Leadership of Health Care Systems
• GRNS 426: DNP Project & Seminar II

Total Credits:  33 (360 clinical hours)

The cognate is a series of three courses that can be elected from one of the following: education, business or public health/administration. This curriculum plan assumes that the student has already taken courses in nursing theory, biostatistics, nursing research and health care policy.

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

Semester 1

• NH 399: Fundamentals of Critical Inquiry
• GRNS 325: Genetics & Genomics for Clinicians

Summer Session

• GRNS 400: Population-based Health for Advanced Practice
• Elective

Semester 2

• GRNS 322: Organization, Delivery & Financing of Health Care
• GRNS 327: Advanced Topics in Health Informatics

Semester 3

• GRNS 328: Quality in Health Care
• GRNS 422: DNP Project & Seminar
• GRNS 423: DNP Project Practicum I

Summer Session

• Elective

Semester 4

• GRNS 424: DNP Project & Seminar II
• GRNS 425: DNP Project Practicum II

Semester 5

• GRNS 401: Leadership of Health Care Systems
• GRNS 426: DNP Project & Seminar III

Total Credits:  32
Total Clinical Hours: Clinical Practice Hours MSN/MS program + Post graduate program = 1000 hours is required for the DNP degree. This curriculum plan assumes that the student has successfully completed graduate level courses in nursing theory, biostatistics, nursing research and health care policy.Cognate Electives are elected from education, business, or public health administration.

NOTES: 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 may be requested by the faculty.

Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (completed applications submitted prior to deadline will be reviewed within 6 weeks of submission).

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.