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Nursing Practice, DNP

Prepare to lead in healthcare through Valpo’s DNP program.

Why Doctor of Nursing Practice at Valpo?

Gain the clinical knowledge and leadership expertise needed to become a sought-after healthcare practitioner. 

At Valparaiso University, the coursework in the doctor of nursing practice programs are provided asynchronously online, in addition to advanced training and clinical experiences to prepare you to meet the needs of your patients and their families. We offer two paths to a doctor of nursing practice: BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s DNP.

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.

About Our Doctor of Nursing Practice Program


General Information

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.

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 the doctor of nursing practice program.

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.

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:

  • Organizational and Systems Leadership in Healthcare
  • Business and Legal Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Epidemiology
  • Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing

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:

  • Local hospitals and clinics
  • Government agencies such as FEMA
  • Top-tier medical centers such as Rush and Northwestern

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Valparaiso University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20001
Tel: 202.887.6791
www.ccneaccreditation.org

Hear from a 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

nursing

Meet Our Faculty

Professors. Mentors. Friends. At Valparaiso University, you will work on real-life problems alongside faculty leaders with decades of nursing experience and a true desire to do what’s best for you.

Questions? We’re here to help.

Contact our graduate admission team to learn more.

You Belong Here.