Belmont University’s post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program elevates master's prepared nurses to the next level in leadership, advocacy and scholarship. The DNP is a clinically-oriented doctorate serving as a terminal professional degree for nurses in advanced practice, and nursing education.
The program will develop nursing leaders skilled in measurement of patient and population outcomes, education of diverse populations, leadership in health policy development and implementation, translation of evidence into clinical practice, and advocacy for safe and quality care within complex health care delivery systems. Graduates will attain clinical, organizational and leadership expertise designed to meet the changing demands of the present and future health care system.
The Belmont DNP meets the professional standards for the practice doctorate (DNP Essentials) developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The program is offered in a hybrid format with intensive classes held on campus during four weekends (Friday evening & Saturday) each semester supplemented by online course work and interactions. The post-master’s DNP program of study was developed for full time study but a part time option is available. Students interested in this option should consult with the program director.
See the Graduate Admissions page for a schedule of upcoming Information Sessions.
- Outcomes
- Integrate knowledge from nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational sciences to develop and transform advanced practice nursing.
- Translate nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational knowledge to improve patient and population health outcomes.
- Manage increasingly complex health care system demands by incorporating knowledge of current and emerging health technologies.
- Provide leadership and advocacy for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.
- Develop, implement and evaluate effective and sustainable educational programs for varying populations.
- Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to improve healthcare quality and outcomes across diverse populations and to address health disparities.
- Program of Study
- Weekend Dates
- Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates of Belmont’s DNP program will be able to:
The DNP curriculum is based upon the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The DNP curriculum complies with accreditation standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing.
MSN-to-DNP Program of StudyAll 6000-level courses are hybrid format, meeting 4 times each semester. Classes will be on Friday evening (4-8p) and on Saturday (8a-12p; 1-5p). The dates for upcoming academic years are as follows (all dates are subject to change).
Fall 2019 Semester
Aug. 23-24
Sept. 20-21
Oct. 25-26
Dec. 6-7
Spring 2020 Semester
Jan. 10-11
Feb. 14-15
Mar. 20-21
Apr. 24-25
Fall 2020 Semester
Aug. 21-22
Sept. 18-19
Oct. 30-31
Dec. 11-12
Spring 2021 Semester
Jan. 8-9
Feb. 12-13
Mar. 19-20
Apr. 30-May 1
Fall 2021 Semester
Aug. 27-28
Sept. 17-18
Oct. 22-23
Dec. 10-11
Spring 2022 Semester
Jan. 7-8
Feb. 11-12
Mar. 18-19
Apr. 22-23
Note: BSN-to-DNP students will meet Fridays only for year 1; Saturdays only for year 2; and both Fridays & Saturdays for year 3. MSN-to-DNP students will meet on Fridays and Saturdays.
Can I work while I go to school?
The DNP program is constructed for nurses who are working. If you are entering the DNP program with an MSN, it’s manageable to work full-time during the two year program of study. You will be very busy, but you can be successful.
Are classes offered at night or on weekends?
Courses are offered in a hybrid format with monthly on-campus meetings on Friday evenings and Saturdays.
Are any classes offered online?
All our courses have an online component, so comfort with computers is really important. However, none of our classes are offered completely online. We have found the personal student-instructor contact in the classroom is a valuable component in our students' success.
How long will it take me to complete my degree?
The program can be completed in 4 consecutive semesters (21 months) of full-time study,
What is the minimum GRE score required for the program?
The GRE is not required for the post-master's DNP.
How can I find information about tuition and fees?
The Office of Student Financial Services has information regarding tuition and fees on its website: www.belmont.edu/sfs/cost/
