Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The DNP Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Nursing prepares nurses for the highest level of nursing practice in which they can actively participate in attaining the quadruple aim of healthcare: improving the patient experience of care, improving the health of populations, reducing the per capita cost of health care, and improving healthcare team well-being.

For students who hold a baccalaureate degree and meet admission requirements, the NP- DNP Program is 76 credits, and 10 or 13 semesters in length. Specialty tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). Students who hold a Master’s degree, APRN certification (FNP or WHNP specialties), and meet admission requirements will be considered for advanced standing, allowing them to complete the DNP Program in 7 semesters (46 credit hours).

For master’s-prepared registered nurses seeking to lead change at the organizational and systems level rather than pursue advanced practice certification, the College of Nursing also offers a DNP in Clinical Leadership and Practice Innovation. This track prepares nurse leaders for roles such as Chief Nursing Officer, Clinical Systems Director, and Quality and Safety Executive through advanced coursework in systems leadership, quality and safety, health policy, finance, and organizational innovation. Open to applicants holding a master’s degree in nursing and a current, unencumbered RN license (APRN certification is not required), this track is 39 credits and can be completed in 5 semesters (two years) through a part-time, fully online format.

The curriculum includes 501 hours of precepted clinical practicum, embedded across three evidence-based practice project courses in which students design, implement, and evaluate a systems-level quality or innovation initiative. Upon admission, a gap analysis is performed for each student to verify that, combined with prior documented practice hours, they will achieve the required minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours prior to graduation.