Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s)

Program Availability

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is open to eligible in-state and many out-of-state applicants. The program is closed to all students (including U.S. military and State Department personnel and their family members) residing in a country other than the United States.

Why Earn an Online DNP at Indiana State?

If you are a registered nurse (RN) with a master’s degree from an accredited school of nursing, the DNP program is designed for you. Maybe you see yourself in clinical instruction, involved in research, or perhaps continuing your current career with increased skill and greater awareness of the dynamic healthcare environment. Whatever your career path, Indiana State’s School of Nursing is prepared to help you earn your DNP and achieve your goals.

Benefit from a Program Designed for Working Professionals

Indiana State’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares nurses to serve as innovative leaders and environmental change agents who transform our healthcare delivery system.

The essential concepts of the DNP curriculum (The DNP Essentials), as approved by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, form the basis of our program, which is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).

The program offers a curriculum compatible with students' individual interests and goals and is designed to meet the needs of working healthcare professionals. Our unique online learning format is user-friendly and convenient. Campus visits are not required.

Clinical/Practicum Hours

The online DNP program is a 37-credit-hour post-master’s program requiring a total of 350 hours of supervised clinical preceptorship.

Note: Students must complete 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical/practicum hours as mandated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Clinical hours may be credited for students with evidence of national certification in an area of advanced nursing practice.

Master’s-prepared APRN (CNM, CRNA, CNS, NP):  Up to 650 clinical hours with documentation from the master’s degree-granting institution and proof of national certification  DNP: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations [White Paper].
Master’s-prepared Advanced Practice Nurses with Advanced Certification, e.g. Advanced Public Health, Advanced Nurse Executive, etc.: Up to 650 clinical hours, with evidence of documented academically supervised clinical hours with a 1:1 ratio being observed, and proof of certification. American Association Colleges of Nursing. (2015). DNP: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations [White Paper].
Per AACN, MSN Nurse Educators will not have previous practicum hours waived. A longer program of study will be required to fulfill clinical practice hours. Variable credit, independent study courses facilitate degree completion for nurse educators.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

As a student in Indiana State’s Nursing program, you will benefit from faculty who are dedicated to providing quality hands-on learning opportunities through innovative course design, clinical experiences, and service-learning projects. Faculty research and specialties encompass areas such as medical-surgical nursing, infection control, acute care, emergency nursing, and patient outcomes and safety.

What You’ll Learn in the Online DNP Program

Indiana State’s online DNP is designed to build upon and expand the competencies of the master’s-prepared nurse. Our program emphasizes innovative and evidence-based nursing practice and research findings to increase the effectiveness of both direct and indirect nursing. There is no dissertation requirement. You will complete a DNP scholarly project based on your expertise and interests.

View the Nursing Practice, Doctor of (Post-Master’s) curriculum

Career Possibilities for DNP Graduates

Indiana State University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents the highest level of nursing preparation and prepares future leaders for nursing practice. Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including advanced clinical practice, leadership, and healthcare administration roles. The program also provides preparation to teach in academic settings, including universities and colleges.

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Graduate Nursing Program at Indiana State University admitted its first students in 1986. It has maintained continuous accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) since 1989.