Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's)

Continue your nursing education with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Designed for professionals interested in pursuing education in advanced practice nursing, our rigorous, accredited program is an excellent option for those who have a master's degree in nursing and are looking to build on their existing education and experience. Our post-master's DNP program also includes an advanced clinical practice option for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists or the nurse executive option.

As the knowledge necessary for a nursing career rapidly expands and patient care becomes increasingly more complex, the need for DNP graduates continues to grow. Throughout our rigorous and in-depth curriculum, you'll learn how to identify information-processing challenges and evaluate informatics solutions, helping to improve workflows and eliminate everyday obstacles. Coursework will also teach how to advocate for social justice and ethical health policies, giving a voice to those who need it.

Upon graduation, you'll have mastered strategies used in needs assessment and have learned how to successfully implement effective health care interventions, programs and policies. This enhanced knowledge will equip you with new skills, additional tools and more connections, making you well-prepared to advance your career.

Accreditation information

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791, through December 31, 2031.

The programs are also approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.

Licensure information

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.  

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Minnesota, Wisconsin

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: N/A

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming.

Continuing your nursing education allows you to explore new careers, increase your salary and improve the skills you already have. Our CCNE-accredited program will give you the opportunity to work as a nurse practitioner, as well as many other executive nursing roles. 

Doctor of nursing practice careers

• Nurse practitioners
• Clinical nurse specialists
• Certified nurse midwives
• Certified nurse anesthetists
• Nurse administrators

Our DNP curriculum is designed to expand your education by integrating the art and science of nursing with theory and knowledge in areas like biophysics, politics, ethics and more. You'll learn how to integrate clinical expertise with population-focused management, explore evidence-based practices and better understand health care policy. Courses are taught via immersion days on campus, with some online/hybrid content. Toward the end of earning your degree, you'll showcase your new knowledge with a presentation on a topic of your choice.

What classes do doctor of nursing practice (post-master's) students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Advanced nursing practice and informatics 
• Epidemiology and biostatistics for population health 
• Organizational leadership and health policy
• Philosophical, theoretical and ethical foundations

Learn more about the doctor of nursing practice degree in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the doctor of nursing practice, nurse executive degree in the UWEC course catalog. 

Prior to applying, we strongly encourage you to contact Dr. Catherine Kenney, admissions coordinator, Graduate Nursing Programs, to review your career goals, discuss your interest in the program and address any questions you might have about the program. Information sessions are also available so that you can better understand the graduate nursing program options at UWEC.  

MSN-DNP applications open from April 1st- December 15th for the spring program.

When you are ready to apply, please submit the following materials for admission to the DNP program:

• A completed University of Wisconsin-Online Admission Application ⁠— including completing an essay and uploading a resume/CV ⁠— and a $56 university application fee. This fee may be paid by credit card at the time you submit the university application. View the essay requirements.
• Transcripts of your academic work, which must be sent from the institution that granted your baccalaureate degree in nursing and from any institution from which you have completed coursework necessary for admission (e.g., an undergraduate statistics course if taken at an institution different from your degree-granting institution).
  • Transcripts must be sent by this institution through a secured electronic delivery service (preferred) or by mail to UW-Eau Claire Office of Admissions 105 Garfield Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701. Emailed or faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
• Submit the MSN-DNP Demographic Data Form. Please activate your CampS Account to access the form. Credentials are sent to your application email after submitting the application. It may take up to 48 hours for access to this form. You must have a valid RN license in the U.S. to apply. An RN license in the state of Wisconsin is required by July 1 after being admitted to the MSN program. Special consideration/exceptions may be obtained for applicants completing a BSN and licensure eligible.
• References from three individuals who are knowledgeable about your clinical ability and/or potential for graduate study, (e.g., APRN, employer, nurse manager, supervisor or faculty). Submit the Reference Form to start the process.  Please activate your CampS Account to access the form. Credentials are sent to your application email after submitting the application. It may take up to 48 hours for access to this form to be sent to you.

For consideration for admission, an applicant must have an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing (with at least a 3.00 GPA) from programs accredited by CCNE, NLN or ACEN; U.S. RN licensure (Wisconsin RN license required following admission, and at least two weeks before starting the program); and prerequisite course content in undergraduate or graduate statistics (minimum grade of C). Additional information is required dependent on the master’s preparation. Please refer to the demographic form for additional information.

In the MSN to DNP Program Plan, you will find information that outlines the part-time program plan for the post-master’s option, which is 2 1/2 years. Courses are offered over the spring, summer, fall, and Winterim terms, with a required spring start. The post-master’s option is composed of 31 credits, encompassing core courses, DNP seminars and clinical practice credits, representing a total of 450 clinical hours for APRNs and 525 clinical hours for nurse executives. 

All graduate coursework is taught by nursing faculty who hold doctoral degrees. Courses for the DNP program will be offered via a combination of classroom immersion days (either on Tuesday or Wednesday) and online. Clinical practicums require additional time scheduled during the week, though many of these hours can be arranged in your home community/region.  

Thinking about a degree in nursing? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.