DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice at University of Virginia

Programme overview

Hybrid doctorate that prepares nurses for the highest level of clinical practice and for leadership of teams and systems. Students enter from a BSN with one of seven APRN specialty tracks, or from an MSN, and complete a DNP project.

Faculty: School of Nursing | Department: Nursing | Duration: BSN to DNP 3 years full-time; MSN to DNP 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (applications due January 5) | Location: Charlottesville, VA, United States

What you will study

DNP core of 29 credits (healthcare data analysis, quality and safety in healthcare systems, ethics and leadership, information systems, evidence-based practice, population health, health policy and finance, practice change management, implementation of practice change, dissemination of practice scholarship), 9 elective credits, specialty track courses of 22-26 credits and a DNP project. BSN to DNP students complete 750 hours (14 credits) of direct care practicum in one of seven specialties.

Career pathways

Graduates work as advanced practice nurses, nurse administrators, government affairs leaders, faculty and chief nursing officers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

BSN to DNP: baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited school, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, resume or CV, active unencumbered Virginia or compact RN licence, transcripts, interview if requested; from fall 2027 one year of full-time RN work experience is required. MSN to DNP: MSN from an accredited school, minimum GPA of 3.0, valid specialty certification where applicable, resume or CV, RN licence. $85 application fee. Competitive candidates have a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

Domestic applicants: USD 22,600 a year (2026-27). Virginia resident tuition for full-time (9+ credits) fall and spring terms; part-time $942 per credit; excludes comprehensive and activity fees. Source

International applicants: USD 36,906 a year (2026-27). Non-Virginia resident tuition for full-time fall and spring terms; part-time $1,538 per credit; excludes comprehensive and activity fees. Source

Intake: Fall (applications due January 5)

Duration: BSN to DNP 3 years full-time; MSN to DNP 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://nursing.virginia.edu/admissions/apply/

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences