Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at UL Lafayette is an advanced practice degree program to prepare expert practitioners to meet the needs of the complex healthcare environment, utilizing the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient outcomes. Applicants to the program should hold a Master of Science in Nursing in the nurse executive or nurse practitioner role.
The DNP program at UL Lafayette was ranked among the country's best in the U.S. News & World Report's 2023 edition of "Best Graduate Schools."
The majority of the coursework is offered online. A session of on-campus activities is required prior to the start of the program and at the conclusion of the program for presentation of the DNP synthesis project. Students are admitted as a cohort into the DNP program. BSN to DNP cohorts begin in both the Fall and Spring semesters; post-MSN cohorts begin only in the Fall semester. Didactic courses in the program are offered online. Students are required to participate in on-campus activities immediately prior to the start of the program and at the conclusion of the program when presenting synthesis projects, however. In addition, there are several courses in the curriculum (residency courses) with practicum requirements.
Because courses in this program will only be available online, the program may not be available to all applicants. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and its online programs must be in compliance in every state where a student is located. (Visit the Online Programs website to learn more.) International students also may not be eligible. According to U.S. immigration regulations, F-1 students cannot pursue online degrees; international students in other visa categories (i.e., H-4, L2) are exempt from this restriction.
Online students enrolled in 100-percent online programs pay a flat-rate, $480-per-credit-hour tuition. Additional course fees, including materials, labs and proctoring fees, are not included. Online students are not assessed additional operational and activity fees or out-of-state tuition.
Apply today!
Post-MSN deadline: May 1 for Fall admission
BSN-DNP: As we are not currently admititng to the BSN-DNP, we encourage you to consider our MSN program at this time.
For additional information on application materials, and other information, visit the Graduate School's application information page.
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Application Materials
The following Departmental Application Materials are submitted in addition to the general Graduate School application materials.
For all applicants
Both BSN to DNP applicants and Post-MSN applicants:
- Evidence of current, unencumbered U.S. RN nursing licensure (no restrictions).
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
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A formal statement of purpose/letter of application (typed, double-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, no longer than 3 pages in length) that provides the following:
- The applicant’s goals for doctoral study which are congruent with DNP Program goals. (See The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice)
- The applicant’s focused area of interest for a synthesis project.
- The applicant’s understanding of how acquiring the DNP degree is important to fulfillment of his or her career goals.
- The application’s potential contributions to the DNP Program.
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Three recommendations from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s capacity for doctoral study.
- One recommendation must be from a former faculty member in a nursing program, a current or former nursing supervisor or nursing leader.
- One recommendation must be from someone who can attest to the competencies and expertise of the applicant at the Advanced Practice level.
- The third recommendation may be from an individual of the applicant’s choice; however, the letter should address the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral education in nursing.
- A telephone interview with the DNP Program coordinator.
Additional requirements for BSN to DNP applicants only
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of a physical assessment (across the lifespan) course or evidence of physical assessment skills.
- Minimum of two years' experience as an RN at time of application.
Additional requirements for post-MSN applicants only
- Evidence of current, unencumbered U.S. APRN Nurse Practitioner nursing licensure (no restrictions).
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A master’s degree from an accredited university in one of the following areas of advanced nursing practice:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration/Leadership
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- An overall GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale on all master’s level coursework.
For detailed instructions, please see the DNP website.
Note: International students are not eligible for any online programs.
Contact
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Christy Lenahan
Phone: 337-482-5606
Wharton Hall, 307
Email: christy.lenahan@louisiana.edu
DNP Coordinator
Dr. Frances Stueben
Phone: 337-482-5620
Wharton Hall, 307
Email: frances.stueben@louisiana.edu