Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in nursing select an option for their DNP academic journey. Each option has specific academic credit and coursework requirements to fully prepare students to meet the criteria for related certification examinations.

Available Options

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Students enrolled within the Widener University School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly. 

View the Loading... to review coursework and curriculum requirements for the MSN-DNP pathway. The MSN-DNP pathway is offered in-person only. 

Students are required to complete clinical hours.

• Post-Baccalaureate RN-DNP - 1,008 hours (minimum)
• Post-Master's DNP - 560 hours (minimum)

Students have the option of learning in-person at one of our two locations in Chester, PA or Harrisburg, PA; with the exception of the RN-DNP in health systems leadership which is taught 100% online. While majority of all DNP coursework is offered online, post-baccalaureate students will have select on-campus requirements, with the exception of the health systems leadership program.

Our flexible course delivery system also offers full- and part-time options designed for working nurses to ensure that you can meet the program requirements on a timeframe that fits into your schedule. Part-time students can progress at their own pace within the established seven-year time limit for degree completion for doctoral students.

Graduates of accredited bachelor's programs in nursing are invited to apply for admission by submitting evidence of:

• Completed online application
• Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
• Minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
• Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
• Two references—one from an educator or advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
• Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on health care practice improvement
• Curriculum vitae
• Valid RN license
• Interview with a nursing faculty member (arranged after a preliminary review of application materials)
• International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
  View English Proficiency Requirements
• International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service. 

GRE scores are not required.

Graduates of accredited master’s programs are invited to apply for admission by submitting evidence of:

• Completed online application
• Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
• Minimum of a 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in the MSN program
• Graduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
• Two references—one from an educator or an advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
• Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on health care practice improvement
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate level epidemiology course pre-/co-requisite
• International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
  View English Proficiency Requirements
• International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service. 

GRE scores are not required.

Option-Specific Requirements

• FNP & CNS
  • Current national APRN certification in an advanced practice nursing role and population as appropriate
  • Valid RN and APRN licenses
• Health Systems Leadership
  • Completed graduate level finance, organizational leadership, and/or business administration courses; transcripts will be evaluated before entry into the program to determine if additional prerequisite coursework is required

• 08/15 - for matriculation in the fall semester
• 12/15 - for matriculation in the spring semester
• 04/15 - for matriculation in the summer semester