Doctor of Nursing Practice
Prepare to lead in healthcare through Valpo’s DNP program
Gain the clinical knowledge and leadership expertise needed to become a sought-after healthcare practitioner.
At Valparaiso University, our doctor of nursing practice programs provide you with hybrid coursework, advanced training, and clinical experiences to prepare you to meet the needs of your patients and their families. We offer two paths to a doctorate in nursing practice:
Both doctor of nursing practice programs — which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education — build on what you’ve learned in prior coursework and provide clinical preparation as advanced practice nurses, education in evidence-based practice, and experiences in quality improvement and systems thinking. You’ll be prepared to work in practice settings and leadership roles throughout Indiana and beyond.
CCNE Accreditation
Why pursue your doctorate in nursing practice at Valpo?
Prepare to take on leadership roles in clinical practice, clinical teaching, and other careers throughout healthcare. At Valpo, our doctor of nursing practice programs will equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed as you:
Learn from faculty with expansive and varying expertise
At Valpo, our faculty have extensive experience in aesthetics, family practice, hospital medicine, intensive care, neonatal and pediatric care, and occupational medicine. They’re also renowned researchers in environmental risk factors on asthma outcomes, health promotion interventions for vulnerable at-risk populations, and mental health. They’ll be there to guide you throughout your doctor of nursing practice program hybrid curriculum.
Gain an education that is accessible and affordable
At Valpo, we’re known as one the best institutions in the Midwest for both value and academic reputation. That’s because our doctor of nursing practice degrees are less than $25,000 for the entire program, and we also provide eight scholarships each year to prospective students.
Thrive in small classes with flexible coursework
Because our DNP program is delivered in an asynchronous format, you’ll take coursework when it works for you. Students in the post-master’s DNP program will only be required to come to campus once. Regardless of which program you choose, you’ll learn in small classes and have access to 1-on-1 advising throughout your studies. As a Valpo doctor of nursing practice student, you can expect to receive an education that prepares you for success.
Courses you will take in the doctor of nursing practice program
At Valpo, your doctor of nursing practice program coursework is completely asynchronous — meaning you can learn and grow when it works for you.
No matter if you choose our BSN to DNP program or our post-master’s DNP program, you’ll only need to come to campus twice during your studies. Through online and on-campus experiences, you’ll have the opportunity to fully understand the pathophysiologic basis of disease, which is imperative for practicing in the field. You can expect to take coursework in areas such as:
- Business and Legal Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing
- Epidemiology
- Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Organizational and Systems Leadership in Healthcare
What can you do with your doctorate in nursing practice?
The need for advanced practice nurses—in particular nurse practitioners—continues to grow exponentially. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for DNPs will grow 45% over the next decade—much faster than most other occupations.
Graduates of our doctor of nursing practice programs are well prepared to work in a wide variety of settings as a family nurse practitioner, including at:
- Government agencies such as FEMA
- Top-tier medical centers such as Rush and Northwestern
- Local hospitals and clinics
Hear from our doctor of nursing practice graduate
“Valpo has taught me so much—from physical skills and critical thinking to my assessment skills. The faculty in the DNP program have been so supportive of me.”
—Alesha McClanahan ’19, DNP
Family Nurse Practitioner, Valparaiso, Indiana
Get started on your doctorate in nursing practice degree
Take the next step toward earning your DNP degree. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.