Doctor of Nursing Practice Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Applicants must have either a MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing. (CCNE, CNEA or ACEN) OR BSN degree from a nationally accredited school of nursing and Master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited higher education institution.

Admission criteria for the DNP program are as follows:

• MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing. (CCNE, CNEA or ACEN) OR BSN degree from a nationally accredited school of nursing and Master’s degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the Master’s program
• The names and contact information (email and phone number) of a former employer and/or faculty member who can provide a recommendation about the applicant’s ability to be academically successful in a doctoral program. Letters of recommendation are not required.
• Well-written statement of background and goals – (instructions)
• Well-written scholarly essay - (instructions)
• Relevant professional work experience recommended
• Current valid unrestricted registered nurse license in the United States and state or US territory in which the Practicum will be completed.
• Current Résumé

Yes. The application fee is $50. The application fee is waived for employees of partner institutions.

Candidates apply online to the DNP program using the University’s online application.

The DNP program requires completion of 36 doctoral level credits.

The DNP program is designed to be completed in 18 months or 36 months.

• 18 Month Option
  • Students admitted to the 18 month option enroll as a cohort each October term and progress through the program with the cohort to which they were admitted. Students admitted to the 18 month option enroll in two 3-credit courses (6 credits) in six consecutive 12-week terms.

• 36 Month Option
  • Students admitted to the 36 month option are admitted as a cohort to either the October term or the January term and progress through the program with the cohort to which they were admitted. Students admitted to the 36 month option enroll in one 3-credit course each term for twelve consecutive 12-week terms.

Yes. The DNP program includes three scholarly immersion courses during which students will complete an evidence-based project. The DNP program requires completion of a minimum of 1000 supervised post baccalaureate clinical/practicum hours. A minimum of 500 hours must be completed during the DNP program at TESU. The practicum hours may be completed in the state where the student resides. Practicum hours completed during an MSN program may be applied to the 1,000 practicum hours required in the DNP program.

Students admitted to the DNP program must submit written verification of the number of post baccalaureate supervised clinical hours completed during their MSN program. A form will be provided to the students on admission to the program.

Yes. Applicants requesting admission to the DNP program who have previously attended another DNP program may transfer up to 9 doctoral credits into the DNP program. The courses must have been completed at a regionally accredited university and a nationally accredited school of nursing (CCNE, CNEA or ACEN) within five years of the student's first enrollment in the DNP program at TESU. The applicant must have earned a grade of B or higher in the courses, and the courses must be equivalent to courses required for the DNP program at TESU. The School of Nursing will evaluate course syllabi to determine if courses will be accepted for transfer. Students must complete a minimum of 27 credits in the DNP program at TESU.

August 1 is the application deadline for an October start (6 credits per term/18 months) to the DNP Program.

November 1 is the application deadline for a January start (3 credits per term/36 months) to the DNP Program.