Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UTHealth is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses (NP’s, CNS’, and CRNA’s) and nurse managers/directors to be clinical scholars and nurse executives recognized for translational science, outstanding innovative evidence-based patient/population care and leadership in nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

The DNP program is a post-master’s program that admits current nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse managers. BSN-prepared nurses seeking to become nurse anesthetists should review the BSN-DNP offered through the Nurse Anesthesia program.

The UTHealth School of Nursing is ranked in the top 5% of graduate nursing programs in the country, and it is the highest ranked in the state of Texas. The campus is located in the world-famous Texas Medical Center, where students enjoy the resources of a distinguished health science center combined with the expertise of the world's largest medical center.

The Curriculum

The UTHealth School of Nursing DNP provides specialized curriculum paths centered for advanced practice nurses who are:

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

In order to meet the needs of working advanced practice nurses and nurse managers, classes are scheduled in blocks of intensive instruction to minimize travel and impact on work schedules. Students attend classes at the Houston campus two days each month (Thursdays and Fridays only) and also engage in online learning activities. Most students enroll in two courses each semester. The coursework can be completed through a part-time or full-time program of study. Students can complete the program in five (5) to eight (8) semesters. Planned individualized clinical and fellowship experiences support the student’s goals and achievement of the national DNP competencies.

Curriculum Plans

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UTHealth is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses (NP’s, CNS’, and CRNA’s) and nurse managers/directors to be clinical scholars and nurse executives recognized for translational science, outstanding innovative evidence-based patient/population care and leadership in nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

Consult the catalog for course descriptions, details about preceptorship and fellowship experiences, methods of teaching, and prerequisites. The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston 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.

NOTE:
*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.

The Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP)

The Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP) is 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 Practice Inquiry 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. A faculty advisor is assigned to supervise the components of the CSP.

The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston 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.

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 and DNP student together complete a degree plan: and outline individualized preceptorship and fellowship experiences, based on the student’s interest and professional goals. The advisor also supervises the development of components of the CSP.

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

The School of Nursing is proud of its commitment to graduate education through the offering of merit and need-based scholarships and grants. The application process is competitive and begins during the application review cycle. For more information, please visit the scholarship information page on the nursing website.

DNP Program Administration

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

Coordinator, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (Email)

Candiance E Duplessis

Administrative Coordinator, DNP Program (Email)