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.

Students are required to complete clinical hours.

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

Students can enroll in the DNP program at either our Main Campus in Chester or at our Harrisburg Campus.

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)

GRE scores are not required. International applicants and applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores with a minimum score of 213 for the computer-based test or 550 for the paper test.

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

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

GRE scores are not required. International applicants and applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores with a minimum score of 213 for the computer-based test or 550 for the paper test.

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