The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is designed to prepare clinicians with the knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care for individuals, families, and communities and navigate today's complex health care systems. Nurse managers and administrators will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and monitor programs of care and policies in complex organizations.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • utilize scientific underpinnings for nursing practice;
  • demonstrate organizational and systems leadership;
  • evaluate clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice;
  • evaluate information systems and patient care technology for the improvement and transformation of health care;
  • influence health care policy for advocacy in health care;
  • collaborate interprofessionally to improve patient and population health outcomes;
  • design clinical prevention and population health interventions; and
  • demonstrate expertise in advanced nursing practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) requires a minimum of 73 s.h. of graduate credit. Students may complete the program in three to five years, depending on their focus area. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. of at least 3.00.

Those who enter the program with a master’s degree must complete a minimum of 72 s.h., although some coursework from the master’s degree program may count toward the D.N.P. degree. Students who enter with a non-nursing master’s degree who are interested in pursuing a focus in health administration can complete D.N.P. degree requirements in health systems. Individuals who have been granted an M.S.N./APRN may complete the D.N.P. with a minimum of 29 s.h. of graduate credit earned at the University of Iowa after D.N.P. program admission and with a minimum of 43 s.h. of transfer credit previously earned from the UI or elsewhere.

A dual certification program is available that allows students to combine two of the nurse practitioner specialties, except for anesthesia nursing or health systems. In addition, a combined program is available for B.S.N. students with the nursing-RN subprogram who are interested in earning the D.N.P. degree with an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, health systems, or pediatric nurse practitioner—primary care subprogram.

Students choose from a number of specialties, including adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, anesthesia nursing, family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner—acute care, pediatric nurse practitioner—primary care, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner; and health systems. For yearly plans that detail coursework in these specialty areas, see "Plans of Study" below. Visit D.N.P. Plans of Study on the College of Nursing website for a semester-by-semester view of required coursework for each D.N.P. specialty.

D.N.P. students complete basic graduate core courses, specialty courses, advanced core courses, and practicums. In didactic coursework, they explore clinical leadership, public policy and advocacy, specialty systems, change theory, finance and business, and entrepreneurial tools.

Students must complete a minimum of 1,000 practice experience hours. Individuals who enter the program having completed an M.S.N. may transfer approved clinical hours from their M.S.N. program to the D.N.P. program. The clinical hours requirement is evaluated for each student who has completed an M.S.N. with a specialty program. Students who completed more than 1,000 practice experience hours in an M.S.N. advanced practice program still must complete the number of D.N.P. practicum and project hours determined in consultation with their advisor and the D.N.P. program director.

Transfer credit applicable to the D.N.P. is limited and must be approved by the College of Nursing assistant dean for graduate practice programs. Transcripts for individuals who have completed an M.S.N. are evaluated individually.

Students must adhere to all Graduate College policies regarding academic standing, probation, and dismissal. Coursework taken 10 or more years before a student plans to graduate from the D.N.P. program must be updated according to University policy.

Plans of Study

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (75 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours26
Second Year
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours26
Third Year
NURS:5038Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Acute Care1
NURS:6410Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I3
NURS:6411Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I4
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (75 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours15
Third Year
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours17
Fourth Year
NURS:5038Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Acute Care1
NURS:6410Adult-Gerontology Acute Care I3
NURS:6411Adult-Gerontology Acute Care II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I4
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (79 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours29
Second Year
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours27
Third Year
NURS:5401The Care of the Frail Elderly3
NURS:6200Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals I3
NURS:6201Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II3
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (79 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours18
Third Year
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours18
Fourth Year
NURS:5401The Care of the Frail Elderly3
NURS:6200Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals I3
NURS:6201Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II3
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Anesthesia Nursing Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (81 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6000Human Anatomy for Advanced Practice4
NURS:6004Scientific Principles for Anesthesia Practice4
NURS:6006Pharmacology of Anesthesia Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
MPB:5200Medical Physiology Online5
PCOL:6204Pharmacology for Health Sciences: Nurse Anesthetist5
Total Hours42
Second Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:6007Basic Principles of Anesthesia Practice5
NURS:6010Advanced Principles of Anesthesia Practice I4
NURS:6012Advanced Principles of Anesthesia Practice II1
NURS:6050Introductory Clinical Anesthesia2
NURS:6051Clinical Anesthesia I2
NURS:6052Clinical Anesthesia II2
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours22
Third Year
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:6053Advanced Clinical Anesthesia2
NURS:6054Obstetrical Anesthesia2
NURS:6055Rural Anesthesia2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours17

Family Nurse Practitioner Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (83 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours29
Second Year
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours27
Third Year
NURS:6100Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents I3
NURS:6101Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents II3
NURS:6200Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals I3
NURS:6201Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II3
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III4
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours27

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (83 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours15
Third Year
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours21
Fourth Year
NURS:6100Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents I3
NURS:6101Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents II3
NURS:6200Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals I3
NURS:6201Primary Care: Adults and Older Individuals II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II3
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III4
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours27

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Acute Care Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (78 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours26
Second Year
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:6104Essentials of Pediatric Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours29
Third Year
NURS:5038Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Acute Care1
NURS:6400Pediatric Acute Care I3
NURS:6401Pediatric Acute Care II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I4
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (78 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours15
Third Year
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:6104Essentials of Pediatric Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours20
Fourth Year
NURS:5038Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Acute Care1
NURS:6400Pediatric Acute Care I3
NURS:6401Pediatric Acute Care II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I4
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours23

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner—Primary Care Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (77 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours29
Second Year
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours24
Third Year
NURS:6100Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents I3
NURS:6101Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours24

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (77 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5032Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours15
Third Year
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5035Graduate Pharmacology Specialty3
NURS:5039Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures for Primary Care1
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours21
Fourth Year
NURS:6100Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents I3
NURS:6101Primary Care: Infants, Children, and Adolescents II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours21

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Subprogram

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (76 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours29
Second Year
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5036Psychopharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practice3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours20
Third Year
NURS:5041Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan I2
NURS:5042Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan II1
NURS:6500Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic I3
NURS:6501Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours27

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (76 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5040Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice2
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
Total Hours20
Second Year
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
MPB:5201Advanced Physiology Online3
Total Hours12
Third Year
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5023Pathophysiology for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5031Health Promotion and Assessment for Advanced Clinical Practice4
NURS:5033Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing3
NURS:5036Psychopharmacology for Advanced Clinical Practice3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours20
Fourth Year
NURS:5041Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan I2
NURS:5042Psychotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan II1
NURS:6500Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic I3
NURS:6501Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing for Advanced Practice Didactic II3
NURS:6701Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum I3
NURS:6702Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum II4
NURS:6703Advanced Practice Clinical Practicum III3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours24

Health Systems Subprogram

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (73 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5016Health Care Infrastructure and Informatics3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
Total Hours24
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:6550Advanced Leadership and Management4
NURS:6551Financial Management4
NURS:6552Executive Management in the Organization4
NURS:6554Seminar on Healthy Work Environments3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
Total Hours24
Third Year
NURS:5019Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline3
NURS:6553Seminar on Innovations4
NURS:6704Practicum in Executive Leadership and Management4
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours14
Fourth Year
NURS:6556Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
One of these elective courses:3
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness II
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Total Hours11

Five-Year Plan

The following coursework (73 s.h.) is required for a five-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5002Leadership and Management Essentials3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6550Advanced Leadership and Management4
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours19
Second Year
NURS:5015Health Systems, Finance, and Economics3
NURS:5016Health Care Infrastructure and Informatics3
NURS:6551Financial Management4
NURS:6552Executive Management in the Organization4
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
Total Hours17
Third Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5019Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline3
NURS:6554Seminar on Healthy Work Environments3
NURS:6811Social Determinants of Health and Health System Inequities3
One of these elective courses:3
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness II
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Total Hours18
Fourth Year
NURS:6553Seminar on Innovations4
NURS:6704Practicum in Executive Leadership and Management4
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours11
Fifth Year
NURS:6556Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours8

Students with a master's degree, such as an M.A., M.S., M.B.A., or M.P.H. with an interest in pursuing a focus in health administration may complete the following coursework to fulfill the D.N.P. degree requirements in health systems.

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (45 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan for students with a master's degree in an administration field.

First Year
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6550Advanced Leadership and Management3
NURS:6551Financial Management3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours21
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:6556Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders3
NURS:6704Practicum in Executive Leadership and Management4
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
One of these elective courses:3
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness II
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Total Hours16
Third Year
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours8

Four-Year Plan

The following coursework (55 s.h.) is required for a four-year plan for students with a master's degree in a non-administration field.

First Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours18
Second Year
NURS:6550Advanced Leadership and Management4
NURS:6551Financial Management4
NURS:6552Executive Management in the Organization4
One of these elective courses:3
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness I
Nonprofit Organizational Effectiveness II
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Mental Disorders in Advanced Practice
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Total Hours15
Third Year
NURS:6553Seminar on Innovations4
NURS:6554Seminar on Healthy Work Environments3
NURS:6704Practicum in Executive Leadership and Management4
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours14
Fourth Year
NURS:6808Population Health for Advanced Practice3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
Total Hours8

For M.S.N. and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) Subprogram

Students in the For M.S.N. and APRN subprogram complete the following requirements in addition to transferring a minimum of 43 s.h. of credit previously earned at the UI or elsewhere.

Two-Year Plan

The following coursework (29 s.h.) is required for a two-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours18
Second Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
One of these elective courses:3
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Seminar on Healthy Work Environments
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Population Health for Advanced Practice
Total Hours11

Three-Year Plan

The following coursework (29 s.h.) is required for a three-year plan.

First Year
NURS:5007Applied Epidemiology3
NURS:5009Evaluating Evidence for Practice3
NURS:5017Quality and Safety3
NURS:6809Advanced Practice Role I: Introduction3
Total Hours12
Second Year
NURS:5010Clinical Data Management and Evaluation3
NURS:6802Health Policy, Law, and Advocacy3
NURS:6826Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I2
NURS:6827Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II1
Total Hours9
Third Year
NURS:6810Advanced Practice Role II: Integration3
NURS:6828Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III1
NURS:6829Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV1
One of these elective courses:3
Clinical Education in the Care Environment
Role Development: Educator in a Practice Discipline
Application of Educator Role Competencies
Genetics/Genomics for Advanced Nursing Practice (plus an additional 1 s.h. elective course; consult advisor)
Seminar on Healthy Work Environments
Care Coordination Across Professional and Organizational Boundaries
Marketing and Communications for Health Care Leaders
Clinical Practice Management and Leadership for Advanced Practice Providers
Population Health for Advanced Practice
Total Hours8

Applicants to College of Nursing graduate programs must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

Applicants must have a g.p.a. of at least 3.00; applicants for the dual certification programs must have a minimum g.p.a. of at least 3.50. A criminal background check is required for all students upon admission. The College of Nursing has additional application requirements, as follows.

Admission to the D.N.P. Program

Application requirements specific to the D.N.P. program are:

  • a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in nursing from a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredited nursing program;
  • satisfaction of the legal requirements for the practice of nursing;
  • current written recommendations from three persons knowledgeable about the applicant's competence in the practice of nursing and potential for leadership and scholarship (forms required);
  • a current résumé, goal statement (statement of purpose), statement of disclosure, and supplemental/information form;
  • transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework;
  • D.N.P. applicants to the direct care programs with master's degrees in nursing from other schools must provide verification of completed clinical hours from their institution's graduate director or must submit appropriate course syllabi;
  • additional application requirements for post-APRN M.S.N. to D.N.P. applicants include providing verification of an M.S.N. in a recognized ARNP specialty and proof of certification; and
  • an upper-level statistics course (undergraduate course at junior/senior level) completed within five years of application deadline except for post-APRN M.S.N. to D.N.P. applicants; acceptable University of Iowa courses are STAT:3510 BiostatisticsPSQF:4143 Introduction to Statistical Methods, STAT:4143 Introduction to Statistical Methods, or BIOS:4120 Introduction to Biostatistics (equivalent courses from other colleges also are accepted; see below for additional details), and the upper-level statistics course must have a letter grade of C-minus or higher.

For statistics courses taken at another institution, refer to that institution's catalog or registrar's office to verify course numbering scheme. Community college courses are considered to be at a lower level (first-year/sophomore) and are not acceptable as an admission prerequisite statistics course. For further questions, regarding the admission upper-level statistics course requirement contact the graduate programs office.

Additional application requirements for post-graduate certificate applicants includes providing proof of APRN certification.

Application deadline for the D.N.P. program is February 1 for all specialties except anesthesia nursing, which has a June 1 application deadline.

Applications are reviewed once a year. In order to be reviewed, the application must be complete, with all materials submitted.

Applicant interviews are required for the D.N.P. program; in some cases, virtual interviews such as through Zoom may be arranged.

Due to the level of web-based coursework required, international students in the D.N.P. program of study are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student immigration status. Questions regarding visas and immigration documentation should be directed to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

The D.N.P. program prepares nurses for leadership and advanced practice roles within today's complex health care system. Graduates acquire the knowledge and skills to provide the highest standard of care for individuals, families, and communities.