Doctor of Nursing Practice Online
Position yourself at the forefront of advanced nursing to manage a healthcare institution, shape policy or educate the next generation of leaders.
1/10/25
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Program Overview
Here’s a high-level look at our online DNP program
Become the healthcare change-maker you’ve always wanted to be with the online Doctor of Nursing Practice from Millersville University. Develop strategic leadership expertise to transform the systems you work within and foster an environment that champions elevated patient care.
Prepare to influence policy and transform healthcare systems with practical experience that translates to a real impact in healthcare settings. Harness the data and research to drive decisions for system-wide improvement while discovering approaches to promote consistent and equitable care for diverse populations. Supportive faculty—who are all healthcare practitioners—will guide you through the 100% online coursework and share their expertise to help you develop as a leader in the field.
Learning outcomes of our DNP degree online:
- Exhibit a spirit of inquiry through formulating evidence-based proposals that enhance nursing practice and healthcare delivery
- Lead others toward accountability to self through engagement in self-care and commitment to lifelong learning
- Implement changes in healthcare delivery practices based on knowledge of the impacts of environmental, fiscal, societal and other factors to improve healthcare outcomes
- Demonstrate respect for all individuals and population by integrating cultural diversity, inclusivity, ethical standards, social justice and a global perspective in the provision of care
- Hone your ability as a leader to initiate and guide change in complex environments
- Exhibit a spirit of inquiry through formulating evidence-based proposals that enhance nursing practice and healthcare delivery
- Lead others toward accountability to self through engagement in self-care and commitment to lifelong learning
- Implement changes in healthcare delivery practices based on knowledge of the impacts of environmental, fiscal, societal and other factors to improve healthcare outcomes
- Demonstrate respect for all individuals and population by integrating cultural diversity, inclusivity, ethical standards, social justice and a global perspective in the provision of care
- Hone your ability as a leader to initiate and guide change in complex environments
Doctor of Nursing Practice career opportunities:
- Nursing Faculty
- Health Care Policy Specialist
- Nursing Director
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Faculty
- Health Care Policy Specialist
- Nursing Director
- Chief Nursing Officer
Also available:
Millersville University offers a variety of affordable nursing programs in a flexible online format. Explore our full range of online nursing programs.
$25,596*
Total Tuition
As few as 20 months
Duration
36
Credit Hours
Accreditation
The Millersville University Master’s Degree in Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-909-2487.
Tuition
Earn your DNP online and on budget
Millersville University offers accessible and affordable online nursing programs. Take advantage of affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for our Doctor of Nursing Practice.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program* |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNP | $711 | $2,133 | $25,596 |
*Tuition listed is total cost for in-state resident including fees. Total cost for out-of-state resident with fees is $36,216. Total cost excludes application fee. Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time; changes become effective on the date of enactment.
Tuition breakdown:
$25,596*
Total Tuition
$711
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
Find the apply and start dates that fit your schedule
Millersville online programs are flexible and convenient, offering multiple start dates per year. View the calendar to choose your start date and review the corresponding deadlines.
| 7-week courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/21/25 | 1/10/25 | 1/14/25 | 1/21/25 | 1/21/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 5/2/25 | 5/5/25 | 5/12/25 | 5/12/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/15/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/25/25 | 8/25/25 |
Now enrolling:
1/10/25
Apply Date
1/21/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?
Admissions
Key steps for admission to our online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Review our streamlined admission process for this online DNP program. Requirements for the Doctor of Nursing Practice include:
- Complete the online application and submit application fee(s)
- Official transcript(s) from all previous colleges or universities attended
- Active RN license in Pennsylvania or in the state where clinical practice or internship is to be arranged
- Minimum GPA of 3.50 in MSN or MPH (with a BSN)
- MSN should be from a CCNE-, ACEN- or CNEA-accredited school and MPH should be from a regionally accredited university
- Two letters of recommendation
- One statement of intent
- Three to five page writing sample defining a specific issue or problem in nursing practices (APA 7th edition with references)
- Minimum of two years of clinical experience in nursing
- Interview with program coordinator of nursing program
- MU will establish two times each week when interviews will be held. Once you are notified that your application is complete, you will be provided a link to schedule a 20-minute interview. An admission decision will be made immediately following the interview.
- MU assumes all materials will be submitted at least one week in advance of the interview, allowing the University to make an immediate decision afterward. Interviews can be scheduled with incomplete applications, but the admission decision will be delayed until all outstanding materials are submitted.
Provide the additional documents listed below with your completed application:
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (include all clinical experience to date)
- Copy of your RN license (include state where licensure is held, RN number and expiration date)
Instructions for Document Submission
Applicants can submit transcripts/documents to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail:
Millersville University
c/o Graduate Admissions
PO Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS:
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Active RN license
- Two years of clinical nursing experience
Courses
Quality coursework—the foundation of our online DNP program
Students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice must complete a total of 36 credit hours and 330 clinical hours.
NURS 699: Introduction to Doctoral Study and Nursing Theory
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the skills and competencies necessary for success in the coursework and the DNP project. Socialization to what it means to be a doctoral student, including student learning outcomes, coursework, scholarship, and future opportunities for DNP graduates. Focus on role of nurse scholar in applying theory, statistics, and critical analysis to evaluating evidence.
NURS 700: Advanced Practice Nursing: Transformational Leadership
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Synthesize political action related to the structure of healthcare delivery. Analyzes factors that influence the production, financing, and distribution of healthcare services in the United States and globally. Utilize the social justice model as framework for in-depth analysis and critique of the social, political and economic factors affecting advanced/doctoral nursing practice. Topics include basic economic theory, market drivers, healthcare financing and reimbursement, cost/benefit analysis and healthcare entrepreneurship.
NURS 701: Health Policy and Healthcare Economics
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes the roles of the advanced practice nurse as a clinical scholar, clinical expert and as a leader in evidence-based practice and transformation of health care. Evolution and need for doctoral education in nursing is considered. Theories of leadership change and transformation, and innovation diffusion are introduced. Systems theory, organizational and other mid-level theories are addressed. The interface between ethical and regulatory/legal obligations will be examined.
NURS 702: EBP Models and Research
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The relationships among basic and applied research, translational science, and evidence-based practice in healthcare settings are examined through this course. Models of evidence-based practice are identified and evaluated, as well as translational research strategies and the theoretical and practical challenges of translating evidence into practice are also addressed.
NURS 703: Epidemiology and Health Promotion
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will focus on the integration of evidence-based practice and epidemiological approaches to promote consistent and equitable care for diverse populations. Data will be critically analyzed to identify barriers to equitable quality healthcare. Students will analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, occupational, and environmental data in the development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical prevention and population health. Consideration of ethically sound solutions to complex issues related to individuals, communities, and populations are explored.
NURS 704: Complex Health Care Systems
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus on the major theories and approaches to sustainable healthcare business practices. Key areas of interest include application of organizational theory and consideration of organizational culture and ethical decision-making.. Focus on quality improvement and ensuring patient safety, with an emphasis on outcome indicators and the relationship among processes, outcomes, and costs.
NURS 705: Evidence-Based Practice Process
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on developing the necessary skills needed for applying EBP processes within the context of a practice setting, health care organization, or community. Provides the foundation for the DNP Scholarly Project experience. Emphasizes the scholarly, systematic evidence-based practice approach to problem-solving. The relationship between nursing interventions and patient outcomes is examined and opportunities for improvement are sought.
NURS 706: Statistical Methods
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of statistical methods commonly used by advanced practice nurses to understand human health patterns. Descriptive and inferential statistics are applied through the use of statistical software packages and manipulation of datasets. Appraisal of appropriateness of research methods and techniques is included.
NURS 707: Scholarly Project Design Seminar
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focus is on the design and defense of the student’s capstone project. Integration of foundational courses to develop, design and successfully defend the proposed capstone project. Seminar style allows for increased interaction with faculty advisors and course peers. 110 competency based clinical hours required.
NURS 708: Informatics and Data Management
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Design, select, and use information systems/technology to evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care, and care systems. Examine how information systems/technology provide a mechanism to apply budget and productivity tools, practice information systems and decision supports, and web-based learning or intervention tools to support and improve patient care.
NURS 711: Evaluation Seminar
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This seminar course focuses on the evaluation of the previously implemented EBP project. Students will engage in project evaluation/data analysis, as well as discussion with their class and committee. The seminar will culminate in the final defense of the capstone project. The defense will include an explanation of the project implementation and analysis. Successful defense will result in completion of the course of study. 110 competency based clinical hours required.
NURS 712: Foundations of Professional Nursing Education
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develop and refine knowledge and skills associated with academic education and professional development in nursing. Focus on the purpose and structure of higher education, process of preparing and managing a course, the teaching strategies to achieve student learning outcomes, methods for assessing student learning outcomes, and work of a faculty member beyond teaching responsibilities. Additional focus on the role of the professional development specialist in assessing learning needs, evaluating competency, program development. 110 competency based clinical hours required.
