Degrees and Certificates
Nursing Practice – DNP
College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online

National studies, professional organizations and accrediting bodies have emphasized the need for advanced practice nurses to be doctorally prepared and, as such, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is recognized as the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses.

Advanced practice nursing is the provision of expert nursing care that influences healthcare outcomes for individuals or populations, including the provision of direct care management and indirect care—such as nursing administration, executive leadership, systems organization, informatics and population health.

AUM’s DNP program builds on the Master of Science in Nursing, allowing nurses to integrate specialized knowledge, theories, and research from nursing science and related disciplines into the practice of nursing. Graduates are prepared to contribute to healthcare systems and academic centers as advanced practice registered nurses, nurse leaders, and nurse educators.

The DNP is a six-semester online program. Practicum experiences and projects will be tailored to the student’s individual area of interest such as advanced practice, nursing leadership or nursing education.Another educational option for those who have already earned an MSN degree and want to train for a career in an advanced nursing specialty area is a post-graduate certificate program. AUM also offers a post-graduate Nurse Educator certificate.

Get to know the Doctor of Nursing Practice program

  • What kind of academic background do I need? You need to have earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in Advanced Practice Nursing from an accredited program. See “Learn More” below.
  • Can I afford this program? Tuition at AUM is lower than many other major universities, and scholarships and graduate assistantship opportunities are available.
  • How will this program impact my career?   With a DNP, you are qualified to provide direct care management and indirect care such as nursing administration, executive leadership, systems organization, informatics and population health.
  • What is the difference between a PhD and a DNP? In the most general terms, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), is a clinical practice degree while a doctor of philosophy in nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree.
Apply NowProgram Requirements
Doctor of Nursing Practice Plans of Study
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Why AUM?

Affordable, Career-Focused Education

At AUM, you’ll find small class sizes, personalized learning, and valuable professional networks. Our programs are practical and designed to help you advance your career.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the Auburn University at Montgomery DNP Program are invited to apply.

  • The candidate must complete the Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Graduate Studies online application first.
  • After completing the AUM Graduate Studies admission application, the School of Nursing is notified of the candidate’s application.
  • The School of Nursing graduate program will contact the candidate to complete the application process.

Requirement - 1

Hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree

Hold an earned Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in Advanced Practice Nursing from a program accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing(ACEN), formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Requirement - 2

Registered Nurse License

Evidence of an unencumbered registered nurse license in applicant’s state with license number to practice.

Requirement - 3

Current Professional Resume

Include the following:

  • Educational background including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded, and/or anticipated date of receiving degree(s), if applicable.
  • Relevant employment history, including:
    • Job title (including unit), job description, and relevant duties performed for each position
    • Employment dates of each position
    • Location of employer for each position
  • Community service or volunteer experience
  • Any awards, publications, presentations, certifications, and professional organization memberships
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression

Requirement - 4

Personal Statement

The personal statement should address:

  • Career goals after attaining a DNP degree
  • Reflection on candidate’s plan for success in the DNP program

Requirement - 5

Official Transcripts

From all colleges or universities attended, including community colleges, even if a degree was not awarded.

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for both the nursing courses and overall GPA

Requirement - 6

Three Professional References

Reference form will be provided after applying. Examples of professional references:

  • A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of the candidate’s skills in the clinical setting and how those skills will translate into the Doctor of Nursing Practice role.
  • A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of the candidate’s academic record. If the candidate has been out of school for five years or more, a nurse educator or clinical instructor can provide the academic recommendation.
  • A practicing clinical nursing professional, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), who has served as a mentor and can address the candidate’s abilities as a registered nurse and the candidate’s potential to achieve a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

Requirement - 7

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is required if English is not the first language

Auburn University Montgomery TOEFL code is 1036. Please see admission requirements for AUM Graduate Studies for International students under Admission Graduate Studies International Students for further information.

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How long will it take to complete the program?

The DNP is a six-semester online program. Your ability to progress in the curriculum is dependent upon following the four year guide. Some courses are only taught once each year and many have pre-requisites. Contact us if you have questions.

Looking into the future, will there be a big demand for DNP graduates?

During the period between 2020 to 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth for “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners” (45%) and “Medical and Health Services Managers” (32%).

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Quick Facts

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

At AUM’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, you will have hands-on learning experiences, working side by side with scholars and researchers using state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. 

Our academic departments include the School of Nursing, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences, and Communication Disorders. To help you pay for college, you might qualify for one of our scholarships.

Official Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Modality

The Nursing DNP program is 100% online.

Online
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334-244-3795

Email

admissions@aum.edu

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