Clinical Experience
Our faculty will partner with you to identify a clinical training location that meets your professional goals. With more than 300 affiliated clinical sites, you'll have access to the setting and specialty that interests you.
Doctoral Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP Degree)
Advance in your career as a clinical leader with the skills to support the delivery of high quality and safe care in complex health care systems with a doctor of nursing practice degree.
Program Overview
In our doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, you’ll graduate ready for the role of an advanced practice nurse capable of leading change and delivering the highest level of quality care.
Our flexible program is offered part-time and full-time and meets you where you are in your nursing career. Whether you already earned a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, we have a DNP pathway that will help you achieve your academic goals.
Here, you'll develop clinical leadership skills to deliver culturally competent, evidence-based, value-based and system-based care. With guidance from our experienced, full-time faculty, you’ll be prepared for leadership positions in direct care of individuals and populations, as well as for positions that focus on patient outcomes and complex systems management and transformation.
Through our post-baccalaureate RN-DNP pathway concentrations, you will be prepared at graduation to apply for certification examinations to become a family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, or health systems leader*.
*Students pursuing the health systems leadership option require experience in a leadership role in order to meet certification eligibility requirements.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
DNP Degree Program Options
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
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.
Many area health care systems offer their employees discounted tuition rates for Widener's graduate nursing programs.
Admissions Requirements
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
DNP Program Highlights
Close Faculty Mentorship
Thrive in a learning community that provides close mentorship and one-on-one support. Our expert, full-time faculty members bring active clinical and academic research experience to the classroom. Here, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.
Clubs & Organizations
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network. including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and many more.
Faculty
Partner with expert faculty who aren’t just teaching the courses but are creating the science of nursing education.
My approach to teaching nursing and inquiry is based on realistic situational realistic pragmatism. The most significant learning occurs when practical and meaningful educational situations relate to nurses’ practice and experience.
I ascribe to a pragmatic philosophy of teaching and learning. I believe that nursing education must be practical and logically aligned to the diverse needs of the population we serve.
Recent News
Ready for Any Nursing Role
Widener’s nursing program prepares students for fruitful and fulfilling careers working across the patient lifespan.
Your Inside Track to Success
Your Inside Track to Success
Pursue a Widener DNP and chart your path to a rewarding education, career, and future.
Outlook & Outcomes
Student Stories
Graduate Admissions
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Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
School of Nursing Graduate Programs Office
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Founders Hall, 3rd Floor, Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4213
- mnursing@widener.edu
Jill C. Gilbert
Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment
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Hyatt Hall, Office #316
- (610) 499-1229
- jcgilbert@widener.edu