Nursing (DNP)

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Nursing (DNP) Overview

Chatham’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program—designed for professional nurses who hold master’s degrees—is a rigorous program that affords nurses the ability to develop advanced competencies in their own clinical specialty areas. Each online course is 15 weeks in length, and only one brief on-campus residency is required at the end of the program. The DNP program curriculum focuses on innovative, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership to promote safe, quality, person-centered healthcare to a diverse population with complex needs. Students will design, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a clinical practice change in their specialty area, typically where they work.

Application Deadline

July 1 and November 1

The deadline for fall term is July 1, and the deadline for spring term is November 1.

Credits Required

27

Chatham's DNP program requires 27 credits and can be completed in four terms, including 500 practice experience hours. 

Project Presentation

Two-day Residency

Come together with your cohort for an inspirational two-day residency at Chatham’s beautiful campus, where you’ll present scholarly posters on your projects.

National Recognition

Accreditation

The RN-BSNMSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

It is very rewarding to teach the DNP students because they are eager to learn, committed to their patient outcomes, accomplished nurses, and developing scholars. They find the experience at Chatham rewarding as well and are genuinely appreciative of the faculty.

— DIANE HUNKER, Ph.D., MBA, RN, director of nursing programs, professor

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The Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

"It was a wonderful experience. The faculty was available...and having that presence but at the same time that freedom to choose how I wanted to learn at my own pace made Chatham the right choice."—Joyce Kyung, DNP '21

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Two-day Residency

While the program is online, students will have the chance to come together with their cohort for an inspirational two-day residency at Chatham’s beautiful campus. The residency occurs at the end of the program, so that you can attend Commencement if desired.

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Courses & Curriculum

Chatham's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a 27-credit-hour, low-residency program that can be completed in four terms. The curriculum includes a brief on-campus residency culminating in an evidence-based practice clinical immersion experience. Click the button below to view an example of a student's degree progression.

Explore DNP Curriculum : Checkerboard 3 - Courses & Curriculum
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Dedicated Supervision

In addition to working closely with course faculty, students will be assigned a DNP Project Chair who will follow them closely as they master the competencies needed to graduate as DNPs. Demonstration of competencies will be collected using an ePortfolio.

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Program Faculty

Chatham's nursing faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way.

Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 5 - Program Faculty
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BSN to DNP Executive Track

Chatham’s BSN to DNP Executive Track is designed for nurses holding a BSN who want to fast-track their career and lead clinical change at the executive level. This competitive program focuses on developing competencies in leadership to promote safe, quality, person-centered healthcare to a diverse population with complex needs.

Learn About BSN-DNP : Checkerboard 6 - BSN to DNP Executive Track

Nurse Educator Certificate

The Professional Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The Certificate can be completed in two terms. There is an optional 250 experiential practice-hour practicum course for those students who want to apply their teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of an educator preceptor for an additional three credits.

Explore the Nurse Educator Certificate : Checkerboard 7 - Nurse Educator Certificate
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Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers a 20% corporate partner discount that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available. 

Explore Tuition & Funding : Checkerboard 8 - Tuition & Funding
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AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship

Chatham offers a 20% tuition reduction through its partnership with selected employers, plus the AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship program supports students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree in nursing with eight $2,500 scholarships awarded throughout the year. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed and on file to be considered for the scholarship.

View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 9 - AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a DNP- and a Ph.D.-prepared nurse? What is Evidence-Based Practice? I want to be a nursing faculty member; is this the right program for me? Read the answers to these and other FAQ.

View FAQs : Checkerboard 10 - Frequently Asked Questions
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Visits & Events

Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.

View Graduate Event Schedule : Checkerboard 15 - Visits & Events

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Do you have questions?

We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Email Us

graduate@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

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