Doctor of Nursing Practice

Graduate Program Director & Advising Coordinator
Dr. Carol Ledbetter
DNP@unf.edu
(904) 620-1212
Building 39A, Room 4122
ADMISSIONS
Application InformationApplications are accepted for entry into the program during the spring term.
Application DeadlinesFall Term . . . . . . . . March 15
Admission Requirements

University requirements: 

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.

Additional program requirements: 

  1. Official transcripts from all attended institutions
  2. Master's degree in a nursing specialty from a regionally accredited program with a 3.30 GPA
  3. National Certification in one of the following APRN Roles:
    • CNE
    • CNM
    • CNS
    • CRNA
    • CNP
  4. GRE test scores within the last five years
    • Prior to July 1, 2011:  combined 1000 verbal and quantitative sections and at least 3.5 out of 6 on the essay portion
    • After July 1, 2011:      153 verbal, 144 quantitative, and a 3.5 out 6 on the essay portion
    • Applicants may submit an MAT score of 410 in lieu of a GRE
  5. Negative background check and negative drug screening (required only upon admission)
  6. Hold an active license as a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse in the jurisdiction in which you practice
  7. Current resume or curriculum vitae
  8. Three letters of reference which address academic ability and clinical skills
  9. A portfolio to include:
    • past clinical experiences including role and function
    • identification of scholarly endeavors
    • professional and community activities
    • an essay describing professional goals and how the program will enhance future goals and activities
    • copy of current nursing license and national certification in one of the practice roles noted under Special Notes about the program 

Students should be aware that admission into any graduate program is granted on a competitive basis. Students meeting minimum requirements may be denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion. Likewise, students may be considered for admission as an exception if stated admissions criteria are not met.

THE PROGRAM
Program OverviewObjectives for the post master's program are based on The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (October 2006).  The program objectives build upon those for the masters degree in nursing program. The program objectives (graduate learning outcomes) for the DNP program may be found below, under "Mission and Goals."
Special Notes about the ProgramThe D.N.P. is a practice-focused degree for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) in the following roles: Certified Nurse Executive (CNE); Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM); Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS); Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA); Nurse Practitioners (CNP).
INFORMATION
Mission & GoalsMission
AccreditationCCNE -- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
FLDOH -- Florida Department of Health
Curriculum & RequirementsCurriculum
Total Program
Credit Hours
48
Average Length
of the Program
Two years
Approximate Enrollment25
Community ConnectionsThe Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of North Florida is designed as a post-graduate degree program for those who already possess, at a minimum, a Master of Science in Nursing and specialty certification. This program is taught primarily online with two courses taught as a hybrid of online and in-person components (Evidenced-Based Practice I and II).
Career PossibilitiesCareer Services Information