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Explore the doctor of nursing practice graduate program at UW-Eau Claire

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.

Why complete my doctor of nursing practice (post-master's) at UW-Eau Claire?

Firsthand research. UWEC’s collaborations with renowned health care organizations allow students to be a part of innovative research while also networking with a wide array of health care providers. Education and health science graduate students also have access to a variety of research opportunities while working with clients in on-campus clinical facilities using state-of-the-art technology.

Flexible coursework. We understand that you may have other things to juggle in addition to graduate school, such as working full time or family obligations. Our program is intentionally structured so that you are able to further your education while continuing to work, and advisors are here to help you plan your schedule each step of the way.

In-demand skills. Graduates of our DNP degree quickly become leaders in the nursing field, utilizing the knowledge, skills and experience they gained throughout their program. This degree will prepare you well for the next step of your career, allowing you to seamlessly transition into new roles and responsibilities. 

100% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

  • Program length: 2 1/2 years
  • Offered: hybrid
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • Credits: 31
  • Cost: $861.38 per credit
  • Additional fee per 800-level course: approximately $328 per credit
  • Students will earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

Accreditation information

CCNE accreditation logo

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.

What can I do with a doctor of nursing practice (post-master's) degree from UWEC?

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

Doctor of nursing practice degree program curriculum

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: 

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

Application information

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:

Admission requirements

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.

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.  

Learn more about the Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master's) program!

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

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Department information

Nursing Building

Nursing

Nursing 103
5 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Nursing department website