College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Type of Degree

D.N.P.

School or College

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Program Format

On-campus

Credit hours to graduate

32-33

Program Overview

Designed for nurses who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.) degree, UVM’s Post-Graduate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides an opportunity to advance clinical expertise, leadership skills, and systems-level impact in healthcare. Students may pursue preparation for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), or expand their leadership capabilities through the Executive Nurse Leader (ENL) track. Through advanced coursework, practice experiences, and completion of a scholarly DNP Project, graduates are prepared to lead innovation, improve healthcare outcomes, and address complex challenges across healthcare systems.

Elevate your nursing career with the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Broaden your expertise and open up new avenues for a career as a nurse practitioner or nurse leader.

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Accreditation

The Baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master’s of Science degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at the University of Vermont are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The Office of Professional Regulation in the Vermont Secretary of State's office governs Vermont licensure requirements.

Concentrations

  • Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP)
  • Family nurse practitioner (FNP)
  • Executive Nurse Leader (ExNL)

Curriculum

The FNP and AGNP tracks include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, and biostatistics. Applicants who have previously completed these courses must have done so within five years of matriculation. Coursework completed more than five years prior to enrollment may not be accepted toward degree requirements, and students may be required to repeat the coursework or otherwise demonstrate current competency as determined by program requirements.

Students in the FNP and AGNP tracks complete 240 DNP Project Practicum hours. When combined with required clinical practicum experiences, graduates meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) requirement of a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours for the DNP degree.

The Executive Nurse Leader track consists of 36 credits and may be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis, providing flexibility for working professionals seeking advanced leadership preparation. The curriculum builds upon prior graduate-level coursework in nursing theory, nursing research/evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy.

All Executive Nurse Leader students complete a scholarly DNP Project and are required to complete between 360 and 1,000 DNP Project Practicum hours. The exact number of practicum hours is determined through an individualized gap analysis conducted at the time of admission to ensure each student meets the AACN requirement of a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours for the DNP degree.

Please note that curriculum requirements, course offerings, and plans of study are subject to change. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure timely progression through the program and to stay informed of any updates.

Students enrolled in fewer than 6 credits per semester may experience changes to their financial aid eligibility. Because financial aid packages vary based on individual circumstances, students are responsible for understanding the requirements and implications of their specific financial aid award. Questions regarding aid eligibility should be directed to Student Financial Services.

Curriculum requirements, course offerings, and program requirements are subject to change.

View a sample plan of study and current curriculum requirements.

Deadlines

The deadline for applications is March 1.

Admissions

  • 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

Preferred candidates will have practical experience. An interview will be conducted to assist in gap analysis.

Costs and Funding

To find tuition details, visit UVM Student Financial Services.

More

Will courses be online, hybrid, or on campus?

Some courses are available live on campus at set times, while others are provided in a hybrid format with either remote synchronous or asynchronous online delivery. Travel to rural sites requires a car.

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

UVM will send a notification once the application materials are received.

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

Applicants will receive notifications regarding admission decisions approximately two weeks after the application deadline.

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