
Nursing (DNP)
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Nursing (DNP) Overview
Chatham’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program—designed for professional nurses who hold master’s degrees—is a rigorous program that affords nurses the ability to develop advanced competencies in their own clinical specialty areas. Each online course is 15 weeks in length, and only one brief on-campus residency is required at the end of the program The DNP program curriculum focuses on innovative, evidence-based practice, and systems leadership to promote safe, quality, person-centered healthcare to a diverse population with complex needs. Students will design, implement, evaluate, and disseminate a clinical practice change in their specialty area, typically where they work.
July 1 and November 1
The deadline for fall term is July 1, and the deadline for spring term is November 1.
27
The program can be completed in four terms and includes 500 practice experience hours.
$1,126
Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.
Top 100
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program (along with Chatham's MSN) was ranked in the top 100 of all programs in the U.S. News & World Report "2018 Best Online Programs" edition.
Explore the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree:
The DNP program is a low-residency, competency-based program in which students must be able to demonstrate not only what they know, but what they can do. The program includes a brief on-campus residency and culminates in an evidence-based practice clinical immersion experience that will be implemented at the student’s approved practice experience site, which may be the student’s place of work, with an approved preceptor.
The RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
It is very rewarding to teach the DNP students because they are eager to learn, committed to their patient outcomes, accomplished nurses, and developing scholars. They find the experience at Chatham rewarding as well and are genuinely appreciative of the faculty.
— DIANE HUNKER, Ph.D., MBA, RN, director of nursing programs, professor

The Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
"It was a wonderful experience. The faculty was available...and having that presence but at the same time that freedom to choose how I wanted to learn at my own pace made Chatham the right choice."—Joyce Kyung, DNP '21

Easy to Apply
Chatham's DNP program has no application fee and no GRE requirement. Basic understanding of statistics and research methodologies is recommended.
Apply Today : Checkerboard 1 - Easy to Apply
BSN to DNP Executive Track
Chatham’s BSN to DNP Executive Track is designed for nurses holding a BSN who want to fast-track their career and lead clinical change at the executive level. This competitive program focuses on developing competencies in leadership to promote safe, quality, person-centered healthcare to a diverse population with complex needs.
Learn About BSN-DNP : Checkerboard 2 - BSN to DNP Executive Track
Two-day Residency
While the program is online, students will have the chance to come together with their cohort for an inspirational two-day residency at Chatham’s beautiful campus. The residency occurs at the end of the program, so that you can attend Commencement if desired.

Dedicated Supervision
In addition to working closely with course faculty and an approved preceptor, students will be assigned a DNP Project Chair who will follow them closely as they master competencies needed for a DNP graduate. Demonstration of competencies will be collected using an ePortfolio.

Funding Opportunities
Chatham offers a 20% tuition reduction through its partnership with selected employers, plus the AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship program supports students who are seeking a baccalaureate, master's or doctoral degree in nursing with eight $2,500 scholarships awarded throughout the year. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed and on file to be considered for the scholarship.
View Funding Opportunities : Checkerboard 5 - Funding Opportunities
Professional Nurse Educator Certificate
The Professional Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The Certificate can be completed in two terms. There is an optional 250 experiential practice-hour practicum course for those students who want to apply their teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of an educator preceptor for an additional three credits.
Explore the Nurse Educator Certificate : Checkerboard 6 - Professional Nurse Educator Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a DNP- and a Ph.D.-prepared nurse? What is Evidence-Based Practice? I want to be a nursing faculty member; is this the right program for me? Read the answers to these and other FAQ.
View FAQs : Checkerboard 7 - Frequently Asked Questions
InTouch Newsletters
Learn about DNP student and faculty accomplishments, alumni achievements, and various activities that occurred over the last academic year—in Pittsburgh, and all over the country.
Read the Newsletters : Checkerboard 8 - InTouch Newsletters
SARA-Approved Participating Institution
Due to federal regulation, all universities offering distance education programs and practicum experiences in states other than their own must receive authorization or be a SARA approved institution. As a SARA-approved institution, we enroll students in our DNP program from 49 states.
SARA-Approved Institutions : Checkerboard 9 - SARA-Approved Participating Institution