• On-Campus Component
    Yes
  • Cost
    $1,053.00 per credit (resident and nonresident)
  • Total Credits
    75
  • Credential
    Doctorate Degree
  • Admission GPA
    3.0
  • Application Deadlines
    Early Decision Review: January 2 | Final: March 1
  • Campus
    Twin Cities
  • College
    School of Nursing

This specialization of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares students to lead and guide the management of complex health conditions, working with nurses and organizations to provide care to adults and elders in a variety of settings. Each program of study is individualized though clinical placements and assignments to match the student’s interests. Students have the opportunity to focus on a subspecialty area such as cardiology, critical care, or palliative care.

This program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Certification

Completion of the required courses and clinical hours in adult and gerontological nursing provides eligibility to take the Adult/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist certification exam by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Program Format

The post-baccalaureate option of the DNP program is a three-year, full-time program. All DNP students are required to come to campus for a four-day session (Tuesday through Friday) each semester that includes core courses, enhancement programming, specialty courses, and meetings with their advisor.

In addition, beginning in the second year of the program, students in the Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist program are expected to be on campus for course work two additional times each semester for one to two days each time. Students also complete 1,000 hours at clinical sites arranged by the school.

Recommended 3-Year Program Plan

International Students

Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s DNP program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the DNP has limited (fewer than four) face-to-face on-site classes per DNP course. During the application process, we ask that international students use ECE or WES credential services for the evaluations.

Sample Courses

  • NURS 5228 – Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing (2 cr)
  • NURS 6407 – Advanced Nursing Care of Older Adults (3 cr)
  • CSPH 5101 – Introduction to Integrative Healing Practices (3 cr)
  • NURS 7900 – Scholarly Teaching and Learning in Nursing (3 cr)
  • NURS 7705 – The Adult and Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Care (2 cr)