Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at PLU
The PLU Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses with a master’s degree to lead healthcare innovation and systems improvement through implementation science, population health, policy advocacy, and organizational change. In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, our DNP graduates are educated to design, advocate for, and implement research-driven improvements in individual patient care and healthcare systems.
Graduates are prepared to serve as clinical scholars, executive leaders, faculty members, healthcare innovators, and advanced practice nursing leaders capable of influencing healthcare delivery at the highest levels.
At the PLU School of Nursing, our dedication to care means supporting and developing nurse leaders who boldly commit to expanding wellbeing, opportunity, and justice in their professions and communities.
Why the DNP at PLU
Hybrid, Flexible Curriculum
The PLU DNP program is delivered primarily online; courses include a combination of asynchronous learning and scheduled interactive experiences. A limited number of immersive experiences are built in to deepen your learning, strengthen connections, and apply your DNP competencies in real-world contexts.
Full-time and Part-time Options
The DNP has been designed with working professionals in mind. You’ll be able to choose either a full-time or part-time plan of study, allowing you to balance working toward your DNP with your existing professional, personal, and community responsibilities.
Practice-Focused
Through our practice-focused curriculum, you’ll apply evidence, quality improvement, informatics, and systems thinking to complex healthcare challenges.
Individualized Faculty Mentorship
You’ll work closely with School of Nursing faculty who bring expertise in clinical practice, leadership, scholarship, and healthcare innovation.
Strong Emphasis on Health Equity, Leadership, & Compassionate Care
Grounded in PLU’s commitment to service, equity, and social justice, the PLU School of Nursing supports and develops nurse leaders who are prepared to address the complex healthcare needs of individuals, families, communities, and populations.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The demand for advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders continues to grow as healthcare systems respond to increasing complexity, workforce shortages, population health needs, and evolving models of care.
Nurses prepared at the masters and doctoral levels play critical roles in delivering high-quality care, improving patient outcomes, advancing health equity, leading healthcare organizations, and educating the next generation of nurses.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), growing healthcare complexity, workforce needs, quality and safety initiatives, and the demand for nursing leadership continue to drive the need for graduate-prepared nurses. American Association of Colleges of Nursing