The Post-Master's DNP Program at a Glance
- Admit Terms: Fall only
- Credit Requirement: 34-51
- Enrollment Mode: Hybrid/Blend; students meet for two consecutive days, three times a semester
- Enrollment Level: Part-time; complete in eight (8) semesters
- Estimated Costs: $15,411 (based on NP/CNS option)
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.
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Fall | ||
| N6801 | Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| N6847 | Organizations and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| Year 1- Spring | ||
| N6807 | Evidence Based Practice Principles | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6820 | Data Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| Year 1 - Summer | ||
| N6808 | Translational Science | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6858 W | Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care | 3 |
| Year 2 - Fall | ||
| N6802 | Health Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6851 | The Business of Healthcare | 2 |
| Year 2 - Spring | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6840 B | DNP Preceptorship I for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists | 2 |
| N6842 A | Innovations and Transitions in Healthcare Delivery | 2 |
| Year 2 - Summer | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6841 B | DNP Preceptorship II for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists | 2 |
| N6845 | Practice Management | 2 |
| Year 3 - Fall | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6860 A | DNP Seminar I | 2 |
| N6860 B | DNP Fellowship I | 2 |
| Year 3 - Spring | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6870 A | DNP Seminar II | 2 |
| N6870 B | DNP Fellowship II | 2 |
| Total | 42 | |
Leadership is critical to the redesign and execution of a new healthcare system to meet societal needs for health care. The UTHealth DNP Program prepares nurse managers/directors to shape and influence the preferred future in health care. Graduates of the nurse executive program are prepared for high-level executive leadership positions in organizations and systems to advance the quality and cost effectiveness of care and outcomes for populations and communities through innovative evidence-based practices and resource management.
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Fall | ||
| N6801 | Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| N6847 | Organizations and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| Year1 - Spring | ||
| N6807 | Evidence Based Practice Principles | 3 |
| N6820 | Data Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 1 - Summer | ||
| N6808 | Translational Science | 3 |
| N6858 W | Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Fall | ||
| N6851 | The Business of Healthcare | 2 |
| N6802 | Health Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| N6840 C | DNP Preceptorship I for Nurse Executives | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Spring | ||
| N6850 | Executive Leadership, Human Resources, Delivery Systems, and Teams | 2 |
| N6841 C | DNP Preceptorship II for Nurse Executives | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Summer | ||
| N6852 | Organizational Performance Standards, Quality, and Safety | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Fall | ||
| N6860 A | DNP Seminar I | 2 |
| N6860 B | DNP Fellowship I for Nurse Executives | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Spring | ||
| N6870 A | DNP Seminar II | 2 |
| N6870 B | DNP Fellowship II for Nurse Executives | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Total | 42 | |
Nursing informatics is the specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice. The UTHealth DNP curriculum is designed and tailored specifically for nurse informaticists, and is the only program of its kind in the state of Texas.
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Fall | ||
| N6801 | Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| N6847 | Organizations and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| Year1 - Spring | ||
| N6807 | Evidence Based Practice Principles | 3 |
| N6820 | Data Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 1 - Summer | ||
| N6808 | Translational Science | 3 |
| N6858W | Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Fall | ||
| N6802 | Health Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| N6851 | The Business of Healthcare | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Spring | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6840 I | DNP Preceptorship I - Informatics | 2 |
| BMI6328 W | Health Care Delivery in an EHR-Enabled Environment | 3 |
| Year 2 - Summer | ||
| BMI6370 W | Advanced Standards and Terminologies in Nursing and HI | 3 |
| N6841 I | DNP Preceptorship II Informatics | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Fall | ||
| N6860 A | DNP Seminar I | 2 |
| N6860 B | DNP Fellowship I | 2 |
| BMI6301 W | Health Data Display | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Spring | ||
| N6870 A | DNP Seminar II | 2 |
| N6870 B | DNP Fellowship II | 2 |
| BMI6340 W | Health Information Visualization | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Total | 50 | |
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Fall | ||
| N6801 W | Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| N6847 | Organizations and Systems Leadership | 3 |
| Year 1 - Spring | ||
| N6807 | Evidence Based Practice Principles | 3 |
| N6820 | Data Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 1 - Summer | ||
| N6808 | Translational Science | 3 |
| N6858 W | Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care | 3 |
| Year 2 - Fall | ||
| N6802 | Health Policy, Politics, and Ethics | 3 |
| N6851 | The Business of Healthcare | 1 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Spring | ||
| N6860B | DNP Fellowship I | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 2 - Summer | ||
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Fall | ||
| N6860A | DNP Seminar I | 2 |
| N6870 B | DNP Fellowship II | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Year 3 - Spring | ||
| N6870 A | DNP Seminar II | 2 |
| N6830 | Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Advisement | 1* |
| Total | 34 | |
* There are 3 scheduled N6830 Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP) Advisement credits scheduled in the degree plan. However, a student may need to be enrolled in N6830 during other semesters depending on the need for assistance from the advisor for work on the DNP Project or other CSP components. The student and advisor will determine need to be enrolled in N6830 each semester
Note: if a student has taken N6807 in their master’s program, it meets the requirement for the course in the DNP program.
Course numbers ending in “W” denote courses that are web-based or mainly online that may require some campus visits.
Course numbers ending in “D” denote courses that are taught through distance education and include a distance education fee.
Course numbers ending in “B” denote courses that are clinical and include additional fees.
Consult the catalog for course descriptions, details about preceptorship and fellowship experiences, methods of teaching, and prerequisites. The 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.
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
Lisa W Thomas, DNP, RN, CNS
Director, DNP 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.
Program Information
- Admission Requirements
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
- Application Deadlines
- Deadlines (all programs)
- Letter of Reference Forms
- Doctoral Recommendation Form
- Academic Information
- Academic Catalog
- Catalog Addendum
- Characteristics of Texas Doctoral Programs
- Doctoral Fellowships
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Tuition and Estimated Cost
- Scholarships
- Scholarship Application
- Specialized Programs for Nursing Students
- Residency Application
Degree Programs
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Graduate (MSN and Post-Master's)
- Adult/Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency/Trauma Care (Post-Master's only)
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Forensic Nursing Science
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Nurse Anesthesia Program
- Doctoral
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Contact Us
UTHealth Office of the Registrar
UCT 2250
PO Box 20036
Houston, TX 77225-0036
Student Affairs Office
Cizik School of Nursing
6901 Bertner Ave
Houston, Texas 77030
