Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative evidence-based patient/population centered care in nursing and healthcare delivery that improves systems of care and influences patient outcomes.  The program focuses on interprofessional collaboration and developing competencies in quality improvement and safety that lead to enhanced outcomes important to patients, families, providers, and organizations. 

The DNP program is a post-master’s program that admits nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse directors, and nurses focused on informatics. The part-time program offers flexibility to accommodate working professionals.  Note that BSN-prepared nurses interested in becoming nurse anesthetists should review the BSN-DNP in Nurse Anesthesia information.

Cizik School of Nursing is ranked in the top 5% of graduate nursing program in the United States.  The campus is located in the Texas Medical Center where student enjoy the resources of a distinguished academic health science center within the world’s largest medical center.  The DNP program is the first DNP program in Texas, established in 2006.

The Curriculum

Cizik School of Nursing provides program options for nurses who are:

• Nurse Practitioners/Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Nurse Executives
• Nurse Anesthetists
• Nurse Informaticists

Students attend classes at the Houston campus for three two-day sessions per semester and also engage in online learning.  The CRNA students may choose between a 5-semesters or 8-semester curricular plan.  The nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse executives, and nurse informatics follow an 8 semester curricular plan.  All preceptorship and fellowship experiences are individualized to support the student’s goals and achievement of the national DNP competencies.

The Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP)

The Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP) is the DNP equivalent to a dissertation. It is a collection of required components that demonstrates a student’s scholarship as a clinical scholar practicing at the highest level of advanced practice. It provides evidence of competency in all domains of DNP practice.  The CSP includes a major DNP Project, comprehensive cases studies, and other examples of scholarly work related to the competencies outlined in the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials. 

Student-Centered Support

Each DNP student is assigned an advisor/faculty mentor at the time of enrollment in the DNP program.  The advisor is selected based on clinical expertise and interest compatible with the student’s area of interest.  The advisor works with the student throughout the DNP program.

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

The School of Nursing is proud of its commitment to doctoral education through the offering of merit and need-based scholarships and grants. The application process is competitive and begins during the application review cycle. 

Students interested in a DNP scholarship are encouraged to submit the Cizik School of Nursing Scholarship Application after applying for admission. 

Advantages of the Program

• Access to resources and experts in the largest medical center in the world
• On-line courses with concentrated on-campus class time
• Ability to pursue your degree while maintaining full time employment
• The DNP project may be conducted in your work environment or with community partners
• Students have access to clinical partnerships with Magnet and other high level clinical facilities
• Nationally recognized faculty with expertise and broad experience in advanced clinical practice, leadership, informatics, and quality improvement and safety
• Student have an advisor/mentor throughout the DNP program

DNP FAQ

Q: Can I apply if I have a MSN in Education? 

A: The MSN in Education is not considered an advanced practice degree for DNP admission. If you currently hold an MSN in Education you must first enroll and obtain an advanced practice MSN or Post-Master's degree.  

DNP Program Administration

Joanne V Hickey, PhD, RN, ACNP, FAAN, FCCM

Coordinator, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (Email)

Candiance E Duplessis, BA

Senior Administrative Coordinator, Doctoral Programs (Email)

Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reserve the right to withdraw courses at any time, to change fees or tuition, calendar, curriculum, degree requirements, graduation procedures, and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled.