Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post MSN to DNP

Entrance requirements

All students applying for admission to the program must have:

• MSN degree from an accredited nursing school
• Current unencumbered RN licensure in the state of residence
• Current certification as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or registered nurse anesthetist) or as an advanced nurse administrator
• A cumulative 3.5 GPA from previous MSN coursework (strong applicants with a 3.25-3.49 cumulative GPA from MSN coursework will be considered)
• Graduate level statistics course that includes descriptive and inferential statistics, taken within the last five years (must have achieved a grade of B or higher)
• Application deadline for fall term is July 1st

Application requirements

Students must apply online through NursingCAS. When applying, students will submit:

• Resume or curriculum vitae describing nursing experience and education and the applicant's progression in advanced practice or leadership positions
• Two references: one must be from a professional and/or academic with a current MSN or higher and one must be from an individual who has worked with the applicant in a professional capacity.
• All official transcripts
• Current certification as an advanced practice nurse (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife or registered nurse anesthetist)
• Documentation of the number of faculty-supervised clinical hours completed in the MSN program
• Admission essay explaining reasons for enrolling in the DNP program. Address future professional goals, including plans for scholarship to meet the DNP Project
• Admission interview (will be conducted by phone/Zoom)

Apply Now

In addition to the Graduate Admission Requirements, there will be a pre-admission telephone interview.

The admission committee will review applications and a formal letter/email of acceptance or denial will be sent to the student.

Please note: in clinical experiences, students are required to work in healthcare systems or clinics, and must comply with any vaccination requirements of the clinical sites.

Contact Us

For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262.243.4300.

To accommodate the schedules of working professionals, our DNP program is centered on an inclusive and supportive cohort class strategy. The Program can be completed in two years. Courses integrate elements to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. Students complete residency hours in areas of their choice to develop and hone leadership and practice skills. These are guides and estimates, your final progression plan will depend on course availablity.

Year 1, Semester 1

Year 1, Semester 2

Year 2, Semester 3

Year 2, Semester 4

A minimum of 500 residency hours must be completed during the program to reach the 1,000 required DNP hours. Of the 500 required DNP hours, no more than 120 hours can be in indirect patient care experiences outside of the student’s current practice. The balance of the hours will be obtained through the DNP project and leadership activities. Faculty may contact the mentor at any time for verification of hours and progress of goals/objectives.