Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree prepares students to be family nurse practitioners (F.N.P.) at the doctoral level. The F.N.P. is a healthcare professional who is prepared to work independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic health conditions, and promote health and wellness to families and individuals of all ages. This practice doctoral program prepares nurses to provide health services at the highest level of clinical nursing practice. Registered nurses who currently are nurse practitioners retain their specialty and earn the D.N.P. degree.

The D.N.P. program incorporates professional standards and guidelines from The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (AACN, 2006), the Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs (NTF, 2016), the Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (NONPF, 2017), the Population-Focused Family/Across the Lifespan Competencies (NONPF, 2013) and the Oregon State Board of Nursing in preparation of the curriculum and evaluation of outcomes.

Students will complete a D.N.P. scholarly project related to advanced nursing practice. NRS 675 Directed D.N.P. Clinical is designed for students to demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and use evidence to improve practice or patient outcomes.

D.N.P. Program Outcomes

The D.N.P. program prepares competent, entry-level family nurse practitioners and experienced nurse practitioners who:

1. Practice independently in a variety of primary care health environments, translate best evidence into practice, employ a population focus, incorporate an integrative healthcare perspective, and collaborate with multiple disciplines with the goal of providing effective, comprehensive healthcare;
2. Demonstrate leadership in macro and micro healthcare system change and personal practice improvement; and
3. Proactively strive for social justice, actively address health disparities and function as culturally competent practitioners who relate effectively with diverse and under-served individuals, families, and populations.

Admission Requirements

Non-Nurse Practitioner Admission Requirements:

1. D.N.P. writing sample.
2. Current resume.
3. Three letters of recommendation: all completed recommendation forms and letters should either be emailed as a signed attachment to gradschl@up.edu or sent via mail to ATTN: Graduate School, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203, directly by the reference.
4. Official transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions) must be submitted directly from the institution or in a sealed envelope given to the applicant directly from the academic institution.
5. A bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Portland.
6. A bachelor's degree in nursing from a school of nursing accredited by an appropriate national nursing accrediting body.
7. Current unencumbered registered R.N. license to practice nursing in state of residence. R.N. licensure in Oregon is recommended. Additional costs may be incurred for clinical placements outside of Oregon.
8. Official GRE test scores: GRE score: GRE verbal of 150 or above and analytical writing score of 3.5 or above. Waiver Requirements: cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above in a bachelor's degree in nursing or master's degree from an accredited university or college recognized by the University of Portland.
9. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recently completed nursing program.
10. Preference given to Oregon and Washington applicants with at least 2 years experience as an R.N.
11. An admission interview upon request of the School of Nursing.

Nurse Practitioner Admission Requirements:

1. D.N.P. writing sample.
2. Current resume.
3. Three letters of recommendation: all completed recommendation forms and letters should either be emailed as a signed attachment to gradschl@up.edu or sent via mail to ATTN: Graduate School, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203, directly by the reference.
4. Official transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions) must be submitted directly from the institution or in a sealed envelope given to the applicant directly from the academic institution.
5. A master’s degree from a school of nursing accredited by an appropriate national nursing accrediting body.
6. Current unencumbered R.N. license to practice nursing in state of residence.
7. Current nurse practitioner license in state of practice and currently employed as a nurse practitioner in a clinical setting.
8. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recently completed nursing program.
9. An admission interview upon request of the School of Nursing.