Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is geared toward  nurses seeking the highest credential or terminal degree in nursing practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is for nurses seeking the highest credential or terminal degree in nursing practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will prepare nurses with the ability to balance proficiencies, practice, theory, and scientific inquiry in the advanced nursing role. Stockton’s DNP program is designed for working nurses and can be completed on a part-time basis.

Click here to watch the recording of our Virtual M.S.N./D.N.P. Information Session 


The DNP program provides education in organizational and systems leadership knowledge and skills necessary to critically develop and evaluate new models of care delivery and to create and sustain change in all levels of healthcare. Principles of advanced nursing and nursing scholarship are linked to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s DNP Essentials (2008)and Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Practice (2021) to improve health outcomes for clients, families, and diverse communities. The practitioner-scholar role of the DNP prepared nurse develops new knowledge in the practice environment that makes an impact on health outcomes and quality of care.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Stockton University received accreditation in September of 2019 and the curriculum was revised in the spring of 2021 and again in the spring of 2022 to increase accessibility and affordability. Curriculum revisions included offering courses in an online synchronous format and serving the post advanced nurse with a Master of Science (MSN) degree who is not an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).  The revised curricula continues to serve the Post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) DNP student pursuing the APRN degree as well as the post-MSN APRN. The 2022 Post BSN and Post-MSN curricula can be found via the links to the curricula maps under the Curriculum tab. The 2021 and the 2018 curricula information is available under the above tabs labeled Curriculum forStudents Enrolled Prior to Fall of 2021.

 


Accreditation Statement

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Stockton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.


Stockton's nursing programs are accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing, a subsidiary of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, New Jersey Board of Nursing, 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, and P.O. Box 45010 Newark, New Jersey 07101, (973) 504-6430.


Certification Exam

Post-BSN-DNP students that complete the family nurse practitioner track, and post-MSN AGPCNP students who complete the additional post-MSN 7 credits in the Assessment of the Family with Young Children and the associated Practicum are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board's Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. 

Post-BSN to MSN or post BSN-DNP students that complete the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care curriculum are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam. 

Post-MSN to DNP students are not eligible to sit for any nurse practitioner exams at program completion.  Any Post-MSN to DNP students seeking nurse practitioner certification will be referred to Stockton's Post-Master's certificate programs.  Post-MSN to DNP students do complete the required 1000 clinical hours, based on the gap analysis of previous clinical course work and clinical hours during the Practice Immersion courses.    


Complaint Process

Applicants for admission and current students can submit program complaints to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, a subsidiary of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Complaints may reach the Board of Nursing by writing to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs New Jersey Board of Nursing 124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor, and P.O. Box 45010 Newark, New Jersey 07101.

The DNP program offers two tracks:

  • The Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP
  • The Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing to DNP with two APRN concentrations

For the Post-MSN Student:

The Post-MSN DNP track enrolls non advanced practice registered nurses or (APRNs) such as Nurse Educators and Clinical Nurse Leaders as well as APRNs (nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists) seeking to advance their education to the clinical doctorate level. Post-MSN students complete a total of 25 credits to obtain the DNP degree. See the Post MSN Curriculum Map below for more details 

For the Post BSN-DNP Student:

The post BSN-DNP student will complete all 5000 level courses in the MSN Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) curriculum. Students may choose to pursue the post BSN-DNP degree in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nursing Practice (AGPCNP) or the post BSN-DNP degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Upon successful completion of all 5000 level courses in the MSN APN curriculum, the student may be directly admitted in the DNP degree program. In this revised curriculum, the post BSN-DNP student has the option to obtain the MSN degree and seek certification as an APN while completing the DNP degree. See the Stockton University MSN Curriculum at https://stockton.edu/graduate/nursing.html and the post MSN Curriculum Map below for the DNP curriculum.

Program Delivery Format:

All MSN and DNP courses will be offered in the online synchronous format for accessibility for all students with some on campus intensive clinical experiences at the MSN level for the Post BSN-DNP student. All clinical/practicum courses require active real time student presence in clinical sites with preceptor guidance and faculty oversight and this may also include DNP project courses. Full and part time options are available.

Clinical Requirement:

A total of 1000 clinical hours are required to complete the DNP degree. Five hundred of those hours are achieved through completion of the 27 credit DNP curriculum. Post BSN-DNP and post MSN APN students may apply 500 additional hours from APRN practicum courses. All other post MSN students may request a gap analysis of prior graduate level clinical hours and may expect to complete additional clinical hours beyond the 500 hours included in the DNP curriculum to achieve the required 1000 hours.

Links to Curriculum Maps:

Post MSN Curriculum Map

Principles of APRN practice and nursing scholarship are linked to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s DNP Essentials (2008) to improve health outcomes for clients, families, and diverse communities.  The practitioner-scholar role of the DNP prepared APRN develops new knowledge in the practice environment that makes an impact on health outcomes and quality of care.

Program Delivery Format:

All MSN and DNP courses will be offered in the online synchronous format for accessibility for all students with some on campus intensive clinical experiences at the MSN level for the Post BSN-DNP student. All clinical/practicum courses require active real time student presence in clinical sites with preceptor guidance and faculty oversight and this may also include DNP project courses. Full and part time options are available. 

Clinical Requirement:

A total of 1000 clinical hours are required to complete the DNP degree. Five hundred of those hours are achieved through completion of the 37 credit DNP curriculum. Post BSN-DNP and post MSN APRN students may apply 500 additional hours from APRN practicum courses. All other post MSN students may request a gap analysis of prior graduate level clinical hours and may expect to complete additional clinical hours beyond the 500 hours included in the DNP curriculum to achieve the required 1000 hours.

The DNP program offers two tracks:

  • The Post-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to DNP (37 doctoral credits)
  • The Post-Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing to DNP (74 -77 graduate/doctoral credits)

Stockton’s DNP program is designed for working nurses with a curriculum using an online synchronous format for didactic courses and can be completed on a part-time basis.

Course Schedule for Part-Time Post – MSN DNP Track- 37 credits

Fall- 1 Semester

NURS 5432 Statistical Methods - 3 credits

Spring- 1 Semester

NURS 5336 Health Care Systems - 3 credits

NURS 6331 Clinical Prevention
& Population Health  - 3 credits

Summer- 1 Semester

NURS 6102 Leadership and Healthcare Policy - 3 credits

Fall- 2 Semester

NURS 5331 Nursing Theory - 3 credits
NURS 6103 Improving Health Outcome - 3 credits

Spring- 2 Semester

NURS 6203 DNP Research Methods I - 3 credits

Summer-2 Semester

NURS 6204 DNP Research Methods II - 3 credits

Fall- 3 Semester
NURS 6101 DNP Project Proposal - 3 credits
NURS 6903 DNP Practice Immersion I - 4 credits

Spring- 3 Semester
NURS 6601 DNP Project Implementation - 2 credits
NURS 6904 DNP Practice Immersion II - 4 credits

The Post-BSN DNP Track consists of two concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). These two concentrations are similar to Stockton’s current MSN and Post-Master’s certificate programs.  The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP track consists of 74 credits and the Family NP track consists of 77 credits. Both Post – BSN DNP tracks include 1000 clinical hours as required by the certification bodies for entry level into practice as a DNP prepared NP. 

Course Schedule for Part-Time Post- BSN DNP Track-74 Credits AGPCNP | 77 Credits FNP

Fall- 1 Semester

NURS 5421 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits
NURS 5432 Statistical Methods  - 3 credits

Spring- 1 Semester

NURS 5336 Health Care Systems - 3 credits
NURS 6331 Clinical Prevention & Population Health - 3 credits

Fall- 2 Semester

NURS 5331 Nursing Theory - 3 credits
NURS 6103 Improving Health Outcomes - 3 credits

Spring- 2 Semester

NURS 5332 Pharmacology - 3 credits
NURS 5335 Professional Role Development - 3 credits

Summer-2 Semester

NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits

Fall- 3 Semester
NURS 5422 Adult Nursing I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Adult I Practicum - 4 credits 

Spring- 3 Semester

NURS 5423 Adult Nursing II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult II Practicum - 4 credits

Summer- 3 Semester

NURS 6102 Leadership and Healthcare Policy - 3 credits

Fall- 4 Semester

NURS 5424 Adult Nursing III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Adult III Practicum - 4 credits

Spring- 4 Semester

NURS 6203 DNP Research Methods I - 3 credits

FNP track:
NURS 5541 Assessment of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum - 4 credits

AGPCNP track:
NURS 5952 Transition to the AGPCNP Role - 4 credits

Summer- 4 Semester

NURS 6204 DNP Research Methods II - 3 credits

Fall- 5 Semester

NURS 6101 DNP Project Proposal - 3 credits
NURS 6903 DNP Practice Immersion I - 4 credits

Spring-5 Semester

NURS 6601 DNP Project Implementation - 2 credits
NURS 6904 DNP Practice Immersion II - 4 credits

Course Schedule for Full-Time Post- BSN DNP Track- 74 Credits AGPCNP | 77 Credits FNP

Note:   Not all semesters will be considered full time (over 9 credits of graduate level course work). This is determined by course progression and concentration of study. Summer semesters are not full time.

Fall- 1 Semester

NURS 5331 Nursing Theory - 3 credits
NURS 5421 Advanced Pathophysiology - 3 credits
NURS 5432 Statistical Methods - 3 credits

Spring- 1 Semester

NURS 5332 Pharmacology  - 3 credits
NURS 5336 Health Care Systems - 3 credits
NURS 6331 Clinical Prevention & Population Health - 3 credits

Summer- 1 Semester
NURS 5333 Advanced Health Assessment - 3 credits

Fall- 2 Semester

NURS 5422 Adult Nursing I - 3 credits
NURS 5922 Adult I Practicum - 4 credits 
NURS 6103 Improving Health Outcomes - 3 credits

Spring-2 Semester

NURS 5335 Professional Role Development - 3 credits
NURS 5423 Adult Nursing II - 3 credits
NURS 5923 Adult II Practicum - 4 credits

Summer- 2 Semester

NURS 6102 Leadership and Healthcare Policy - 3 credits

Fall- 3 Semester

NURS 5424 Adult Nursing III - 3 credits
NURS 5924 Adult III Practicum - 4 credits

Spring- 3 Semester

NURS 6203 DNP Research Methods I - 3 credits

FNP track:
NURS 5541 Assessment of the Family with Young Children - 3 credits
NURS 5941 Pediatric Practicum - 4 credits

AGPCNP track:
NURS 5952 Transition to the AGPCNP Role - 4 credits

Summer- 3 Semester

NURS 6204 DNP Research Methods II - 3 credits

Fall- 4 Semester

NURS 6101 DNP Project Proposal - 3 credits
NURS 6903 DNP Practice Immersion I - 4 credits

Spring-4 Semester

NURS 6601 DNP Project Implementation - 2 credits
NURS 6904 DNP Practice Immersion II - 4 credits

For course description, please visit the University's Course Catalog.

Admissions Criteria

Application Deadline 

While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.

Priority Deadlines

Fall: July 1
Spring: December 1

Prerequisite Requirements

Admission to the Post-BSN DNP program is open to RNs with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Admission to the Post – MSN DNP is open to nurses with a Master of Science degree in nursing. Prospective applicants must meet the following criteria, though meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission:

  • Possess a nursing degree from an NLN or CCNE-accredited school
    • Post-BSN DNP- Minimum nursing degree must be a BSN.
    • Post-MSN DNP- Minimum nursing degree must be an MSN with completion of a Master’s level Statistics course.
  • Meet one of the two requirements:
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher (on a scale of 4.0) with a minimum grade of "B" in all nursing courses.
    • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 in at least two graduate nursing courses if the BSN GPA is less than or equal to 3.19.
  • For Post-BSN DNP program only, the completion of BSN prerequisite courses:
    • Health Assessment
    • Nursing Research (or in the health discipline)
    • Statistics
  • Proof of current RN license in the State of NJ, CPR certification.
  • Students must meet the "Technical Standards and Essential Functions" requirements as specified by the Nursing Program (Policy #M-1).

Admissions Requirements

  1. Click here to start your application
  2. Application fee: $50 (non-refundable), submitted with your online application
  3. Graduate application essay
  4. Proof of license to practice as a registered professional nurse in New Jersey
  5. Three letters of recommendation; one academic and two professional, sent electronically via the online application
  6. Resume
  7. Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (including Stockton) should be emailed, mailed or dropped off directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

    By mail:

    Office of Graduate Admissions, N-Wing 007a
    101 Vera King Farris Drive
    Galloway, NJ 08205-9441

    Electronically:

    gradschool@stockton.edu

  8. Qualified candidates may be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee

    Learn more about our Health Care Partner Discount Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of the program varies depending on the program and whether a student is attending full-time or part-time. Please review the curriculum tab for a breakdown of the curriculum schedules.  

Yes, applicants must possess a nursing degree from a NLN or CCNE-accredited school:

  • Post-BSN DNP- Minimum nursing degree must be a BSN.
  • Post-MSN DNP- Minimum nursing degree must be an MSN.

No, GRE scores are not required.

Students are admitted in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

While graduate admissions selection committees review applications until the start of the semester, by applying prior to the Priority Deadline, you can ensure that your transition to Stockton is as smooth as possible: you will be invited to the New Student Orientation Event, and have access to priority registration which means you may have more options for monthly installments of a payment plan, as well as greater options for class selection.

Priority Deadlines

Fall: July 1
Spring: December 1

Yes. There are three graduate level nursing courses in the DNP program available for non-matriculated students:

  • NURS 5325 Health Care Systems & Policy 
  • NURS 5330 Advanced Pathophysiology
  • NURS 5326 Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Population Health 

To register, students must complete the online Graduate Non-Matriculated Student form. 

Yes, students have the option of attending on a part-time basis.

Stockton may accept up to 9 credits that sufficiently match corresponding Stockton courses, provided that the grade earned is a 3.0 (B) or better. Clinical courses are exempt from transfer.

A Graduate Transfer Equivalency Form must be submitted at the time of application when requesting transfer credits. Any other transfer requests should be submitted to the student's advisor for prior approval, but in all cases no later than the first semester following admission to the program.

 

Goals of the DNP Program - Revised in the Spring of 2021

  1. Develop graduates that demonstrate professional, ethical, skilled, and evidence-based practice competencies in their roles. 
  2. Prepare graduates that influence health and health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities through the application of evidence, clinical analysis, and discovery.
  3. Prepare graduates to represent the nursing profession in health organizations and health policy at the local, state, national, and international levels.

DNP Student Learning Outcomes -Revised in the Spring of 2021

The Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum is designed to produce an advanced nurse with the ability to do the following:

  • Performs nursing practice with competence that emanates from examination of the complex interaction of personal values, culture, ethics, and professional standards.  
  • Maximizes, the quality of life and prevention of disease for individuals, families, and communities through the Four Spheres of Care – wellness, disease prevention; chronic disease management; regenerative/restorative care; and hospice/palliative care.  
  • Advocates and employs safe, systems based, practice that optimizes cost effective quality healthcare outcomes.  
  • Synthesizes theoretical and empirical knowledge from the physical and behavioral sciences and humanities with nursing theory including the Roy Adaptation Model and for nursing practice.
  • Communicates and collaborates with health care providers, clients, families, and community stakeholders to maximize health and improve health outcomes.  
  • Contributes to the science of nursing and evidence-based literature derived from research and practice initiatives.  
  • Uses leadership skills in practice interacting with consumers and providers to address diverse healthcare issues, to improve healthcare, and to advance the nursing profession.  
  • Incorporates the determinants of health into practice and advocates for the health of local, regional, national, and international populations.  

Mary L. Padden-Denmead, PhD, APN-C
Chair of the DNP Program
Associate Professor of Nursing

Apply today. If you have further questions you can Request More Information or call the Office of Graduate Admissions at (609) 626-3640 or E-mail gradschool@stockton.edu.