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BS to DNP Program

The BS to DNP gives nurses with a BSN the opportunity to achieve Nursing’s highest degree in less than three years


A focused, high-quality program for Registered Nurses with a BS in Nursing who are ready to reach Nursing’s highest level


Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BS-DNP)

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at Upstate Medical University College of Nursing is specifically for nurses seeking to develop their clinical skills and versatility. The skills of Nurse Practitioners (DNPs) make them essential resources in many different settings. DNPs can choose a variety of workplace options, depending on their scope of practice and population served.

Why become a DNP?

The Doctor of Nursing degree provides Nurse Practitioners with an advanced skill set to enter the dynamic and constantly changing healthcare field. The curriculum goes above and beyond a master's degree to provide students with the experiences of being a leader in healthcare and applying evidence-based practice in the clinical arena.

Along with enhancements in leadership and evidence-based practice, students are trained in various specialties in the clinical setting to become nurse practitioners. Students graduate with more clinical hours of direct patient care than a master's degree. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge to be a nurse practitioner along with the expertise to be a leader in healthcare.

Available Tracks

  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP)
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

Quick Facts

Tuition

$25,120 - Full Time*

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

Application Deadline

Summer 2024 Admissions - March 15, 2024

Degree Completion

87 Credit Hours
200 Project Hours

Complete your DNP degree in 3 years

Course Delivery

Hybrid

The BS-DNP Program offers courses both online and in-person.

Where Can I Work?

The versatility and skills of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) make them essential resources in many different settings. NPs can choose a variety of workplace options, depending on their scope of practice and population served. Potential workplaces could include diverse settings such as:

Community clinics

Community clinics help people from diverse backgrounds. NPs can develop a better understanding of the needs of a community as a whole, as well as the medical concerns of individuals. Applying this knowledge, they can help ensure patients receive high-quality care. Additionally, nurse practitioners can serve in the role as educator and quality-improvement expert focusing on the prevention of chronic disease. 

Long-term care

Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, often rely on NPs. Patients in these facilities usually have chronic conditions, and they appreciate the one-on-one attention that NPs can provide.

Hospitals

Nurse practitioners in hospitals may work in the emergency room, the maternity ward, critical care, or any other area, depending on their specialization. 

NP-led clinics

NP led clinics are frequently located in areas that might otherwise not have healthcare providers, such as underserved and rural communities. These clinics provide patients with primary care, psychiatric-mental health care, and pediatric specialty services.

Telehealth

Telehealth is changing the modern healthcare system. Telehealth careers are steadily on the rise. NPs are on the forefront of this transformation of the health care landscape and can benefit from this flexible employment option. NPs have the ability to serve a variety of populations across the United States from the comfort of their own home. NPs can improve access to care while having a better life-work balance.  

"The best advice I ever received was to go back to school. An advanced Nursing education opens new doors, gives you a much more comprehensive skill set and dramatically improves your practice."

—Scott Jessie, RN, MS, CCNS, CCRN, BS (2003); MS (2007)
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), SUNY Upstate Medical University


Opportunities

Placements at Upstate

At the Upstate College of Nursing, securing clinical placement is a collaboration between the College and the student. We work together to identify appropriate clinical placement opportunities based upon educational needs, aspirations, and preferences whenever possible.

Other Opportunities for BS-DNP Students

Robust Inter-professional Education Opportunities

  • Allowing students to collaborate with other healthcare disciplines
State of the art Clinical Skills Center and Simulation Center
  • Facilities are available for NP education and evaluation

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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