Potential Careers
- Advanced practice nursing
- Advanced nursing leadership
- Nursing education
Graduate Studies
DNP Degrees: Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
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.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Format
BSN-DNP: Hybrid (Online & On Campus)*
MSN-DNP: 100% Online
*Health Systems Leadership DNP: 100% Online
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
- Harrisburg, PA
Explore Our DNP Programs
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.
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 DNP in health systems leadership and the MSN-DNP pathway which are both offered 100% online.
Why Pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree?
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 BSN-DNP pathway concentrations, you will be prepared at graduation to apply for certification examinations to become a family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care 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
All DNP programs require completed clinical hours.
This hybrid online and on campus RN-DNP will prepare you to perform acts of medical diagnosis and prescription of medical therapeutics and corrective measures in acute care, collaborating with interprofessional teams in the nurse practitioner role.
Learn more about acute care nurse practitioner programs at Widener.
View course catalog for curriculum & coursework requirements for the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree.
This hybrid online and on-campus RN-DNP will help you explore the advanced role of a clinical nurse specialist in a full-time or part-time format (within the 7-year time limit post matriculation.)
Learn more about clinical nurse specialist programs at Widener.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the Adult-Gerontology CNS degree.
This hybrid online and on campus RN-DNP prepares you to provide a holistic approach to primary care in a number of settings including family practices, community health centers, hospital out-patient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track.
Learn more about family nurse practitioner programs at Widener.
View curriculum & coursework requirements for the Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) DNP program.
This 100% online RN-DNP in health systems leadership prepares you to advance as a visionary and passionate nurse executive and leader by honing business savvy skills along with a deep knowledge of fiscal and human resource management, continuous quality improvement and safety, complex organizational behavior, and strategic leadership competencies.
Learn more about nursing leadership programs at Widener.
View curriculum & coursework requirements for the Health Systems Leadership program.
Master's-prepared nurses can pursue their nursing DNP degree 100% online.
View the Loading... to review coursework and curriculum requirements for the Post-MSN DNP pathway.
Outlook & Outcomes
Why Earn Your DNP at Widener?
Gain Impactful Real-World Clinical Experiences with Top Health Care Facilities & Systems
Widener's long-standing relationships with some of the region's top health care systems and facilities helps our students gain compelling clinical experiences in various specialities and settings. We'll work collaboratively with you to secure an on-site clinical placement that not only meets your specialization but will help you expand your professional network at the same time.
On campus, you’ll also have access to practice your skills in real-world scenarios in our state-of-the-art nursing simulation and testing center.
Receive Mentorship & Support from an Engaged Nursing Community
You'll thrive in a learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support.
Here, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation. Widener's expansive professional alumni network will continue to provide opportunities for engagement and building connections.
You'll also have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and many more.
Learn via Flexible Courses that Support Busy Professional & Personal Lives
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.
With the majority of DNP courses being taught online, you'll get the best of both worlds—the flexibility and freedom of online coursework for the majority of classes with the in-person, hands-on experience that builds impactful connections.
Student Stories
DNP Program Highlights
Our Faculty
I oversee the DNP program and teach in both the DNP and PhD programs. My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing students' interests while guiding their growth in clinical and research excellence. My dual role as a health services researcher and nurse practitioner fuels my passion for exploring how nurses impact care delivery and outcomes, as well as the influence of practice and payment policies within healthcare organizations. I seamlessly integrate these insights into my teaching and mentoring, fostering a deep engagement with evidence-based practice and nursing science.
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.
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.
Recent News
Ready for Any Nursing Role
Widener’s nursing program prepares students for fruitful and fulfilling careers working across the patient lifespan.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
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
- August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester
- December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester
- April 15—for matriculation in summer sessions
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
