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Doctor of Nursing Practice

The MS to DNP gives nurses with a Master’s an online path to Nursing’s highest degree


An accessible program for nurses who have earned a Master’s Degree and are ready to reach Nursing’s highest level


About the Program

The part-time Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University College of Nursing is for family, psychiatric and pediatric nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists (CNS) who are looking to deliver optimal patient care, be an instrument of change and innovation and become an expert in their field.

The DNP degree prepares nurse experts for the highest level of advanced practice, expanding the APRN role in leadership, health policy and advocacy, interprofessional practice and information technology. The expanded clinical role provides the DNP skills to translate and generate evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice that promotes safe, effective and equitable patient care.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Quick Facts

Tuition

$12,560 - Part Time*

* per year for NYS Residents. Based on SUNY Tuition rates & fees. See Financial Aid for more details

Application Deadline

Spring 2024 Admissions - November 1, 2023

Summer 2024 Admissions - March 15, 2024

Fall 2024 Admissions - July 1, 2024

Degree Completion

40 Credit Hours
525 Project Hours

Degree flexibility with part-time study

Course Delivery

Online

The DNP Program is an online degree that can be completed in as little as 2 1/2 years.

Program Highlights

Online learning makes Nursing’s terminal degree an achievable goal for the nurse who want to continue to work while they learn, expanding their knowledge and abilities without putting their career on hold.

  • Part-time Post-Master’s-to-DNP degree.
  • NPs and CNSs need only complete 40 semester hours for the DNP.
  • Approximately 6 credits per semester; 6 or 7 semesters total for DNP.
  • Designed for the working professional.
  • 100 percent online program.
  • SUNY tuition is a plus for New York State residents, financial aid is available.
  • Now offering Fall, Spring and Summer start options.
  • Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions

For information on individual state licensing requirements, please visit the State Licensing Requirements page.

Virtual Information Sessions

The Office of Admissions is conducting virtual information sessions for those who are interested in the following College of Nursing programs.

  • RN to Bachelor of Science Program
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
  • Post Graduate Advanced Certificate

Have Questions

Not sure which track is right for you? Questions about admissions requirements?

Contact the College of Nursing Admissions Counselor:

admiss@upstate.edu

Request Advisement Prospective Students
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