Doctor of Nursing Practice

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The OHSU School of Nursing is proud to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with options for both post baccalaureate and advanced practice nurses.   In 2004 the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorsed the DNP degree and determined that the DNP is the terminal degree for nursing practice.  As a top tier institution which offers seven advanced practice nursing specialties and the only PhD in Nursing program in Oregon, the OHSU School of Nursing is uniquely qualified to provide the framework for this new practice doctorate degree.  As an institution that is integrated with the OHSU health system, the exposure to state of the art facilities, top research faculty, and cutting edge clinical expertise is a dynamic environment for DNP students to grow into new leadership roles and clinical arenas. 

The coursework for both post baccalaureate and advanced practice nurses will help clinicians expand their knowledge and increase their understanding of policy, systems, economics, evaluation and the need for greater translation of research into practice. The coursework within the DNP program is characterized by a contextual and systematic analysis of clinical phenomena with the intention of optimizing health outcomes.  Students will apply scientific methods to conduct clinical inquiry and translate research evidence into practice and will engage at all levels of health care delivery, from individuals and populations to the systems in which health care is embedded.

Ultimately, the DNP degree will provide practicing clinicians with the depth and breadth of clinical skill, leadership, and clinical inquiry techniques that are needed as they grow their role in advanced practice, nursing leadership and as nurse educators. 

Course Objectives

The objectives of the OHSU DNP program are to prepare nurses who, using leadership and collaboration, will:
1. Practice within an advanced practice nursing specialty in a professional, evidence-based, skilled and ethical manner;
2. Influence health and health outcomes of individuals, groups, and populations through clinical inquiry; and
3. Influence health policy and systems of health care in the local, regional, state, national and international forums.

Post Baccalaureate Program Options:

For those interested students who currently hold a bachelor degree in nursing and who would like to gain advanced practice nursing credentials and skills while seeking the Doctorate of Nursing Practice the following program pathways are available:

This is a three year, full time program with specific prerequisites needed prior to matriculation.  Advanced practice nursing courses are offered at the OHSU Portland, Ashland, and La Grande campuses with the use of in person, and remote educational technologies.  Multi-day intensive sessions are held on the Portland campus each academic quarter to allow for face to face learning.

Note: Credits for the post baccalaureate pathways will vary by specialty.  All students are required to complete a clinical residency and to develop and carry out a clinical inquiry project. 

Post Master Program Option:

For those interested students who currently hold an advanced practice nursing degree and who would like to gain skills to translate, disseminate, and integrate clinical knowledge in order to transform the quality of health care, the post masters to Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway is available.

This is a two year, part time program for current APNs in any specialty area intended to allow students to remain in practice while in the program.  Courses are delivered online and through a variety of remote educational technologies.  Multi-day intensive sessions are held on the Portland campus each academic quarter to allow for face to face learning.

Note: 57 credits of graduate coursework is required for the post master’s DNP degree.  Students are required to complete a clinical residency and to develop and carry out a clinical inquiry project. 

Requirements to Apply for the Post Baccalaureate Pathways:

  • Bachelor degree in nursing with competitive grade point average
  •  Licensed as an RN in the State of Oregon prior to matriculation
  • Expected graduate record examination (GRE) scores of 1000 (combined verbal and quantitative)
  • Three letters of reference
  • Vitae or resume and a sample of scholarly work
  • TOEFL of 560 or higher required of international applicants
  • Statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last 5 years
  • Goal statement
  • Interview (offered to selected applicants)

Requirements to Apply for the Post Master Pathway:

  • Have a Master’s in Nursing with competitive grade point average
  • Applicants must hold or be currently eligible for an unencumbered Oregon RN license as well as hold or be currently eligible for an unencumbered Oregon Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Practitioner license as an advanced practice nurse.
  • Three letters of reference
  • Vitae or resume
  • Sample of scholarly work
  • TOEFL of 560 or higher (required of international applicants)
  • Goal Statement
  • Be currently engaged in practice as an advanced practice nurse
  • Interview (offered to selected applicants)

Applications and Admission for the DNP
Applications are currently open for all DNP programs. Please review the Steps to Apply for more information about application processes and deadlines. The priority application deadline is December 1st.

Click here to print the SON scholarship application.

For more information about the Doctor of Nursing Practice, please visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing website at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm.

The OHSU School of Nursing plans to seek accreditation for the DNP Program from the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education in 2010.

FNFSA Scholarship:
Amount: $1,000 - $7,500
Deadline: March 7
Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and a commitment to the nurse educator role and a plan to serve in this capacity upon completion of the program.