PLU DNP Highlights
The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nurses with a master’s degree to lead healthcare innovation through implementation science, systems leadership, quality improvement, health policy, and organizational change.
The program is delivered through a hybrid model. Coursework is primarily completed online, with scheduled on-campus immersion experiences that support scholarly collaboration, leadership development, and faculty mentorship. Both full-time and part-time plans of study are available.
Students complete advanced doctoral coursework while designing and implementing a scholarly practice project that addresses a real-world healthcare challenge.
Program Curriculum & Schedule
You have the option to complete a Gap Analysis Request (along with copies of your transcripts and syllabi) and work with the DNP Program Chair to determine which courses from your master’s degree can be applied to the DNP program and from there develop an individualized program of study.
Note: Effective Fall 2027, PLU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will transition to a post-master’s path only. If you are seeking Nurse Practitioner licensure, we recommend you look into our BSN-to-MSN program or Post-Master’s NP Certificate program.
The following curriculum and course descriptions are for DNP students starting in Fall 2027 only, and will be finalized in our 2027 course catalog. If you are a current DNP student, please refer to the published current PLU course catalog for program details.
DNP Curriculum & Example Full-Time Schedule
| Fall (9 credits) | Spring (9 credits) | Summer (9 credits) | Fall (6 credits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNUR 764: Foundations of DNP (3) | GNUR 767: Resource Management (3) | GNUR 765: Informatics & Emerging Technologies (3) | GNUR 762: Health Policy & Advocacy (3) |
| GNUR 602: Translation Science & QI (3) | GNUR 763: Leading Organizations & Systems (3) | GNUR 603: Applied Statistics (3) | GNUR 794: DNP Project 3 (3) |
| GNUR 761: Knowledge Dissemination & Impact (3) | GNUR 792: DNP Project 1 (3) | GNUR 793: DNP Project 2 (3) |
"PLU provides a wide variety of opportunities in healthcare settings, and the experience, knowledge, and tools to be competitive and successful within the healthcare fields." Adrian, '25
Practice Experience
In the DNP scholarly practice project, you’ll collaborate with faculty mentors and organizational partners to apply evidence and evaluate outcomes in a practice setting. Practice hours focus on leadership, systems improvement, implementation, and evaluation.
Course Descriptions
GNUR 602 : Translation Science & QI (3)
Prepares students to translate evidence into practice using quality improvement methods. Emphasis on skills needed to evaluate structures, processes, and outcomes within healthcare delivery systems. Students focus on the practical mechanics of change.
GNUR 603 : Applied Statistics (3)
Provides the applied analytical framework necessary for conducting a scholarly project. Emphasize on the practical application of statistics to real-world data and the development of data analysis plans.
GNUR 761 : Knowledge Dissemination & Impact (3)
Focuses on dissemination of evidence, practice innovations, and D.N.P. project outcomes to professional, organizational, and community stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on scholarly communication, knowledge translation, and evaluation of dissemination impact.
GNUR 762 : Health Policy & Advocacy (3)
Prepares students to lead large-scale systemic changes by influencing health policy and managing population health at the macro level. Emphasis on legislative advocacy and the use of epidemiological data to design programs that address the root causes.
GNUR 763 : Leading Organizations & Systems (3)
Prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare systems and organizations. Students examine theoretical frameworks of transformational leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic management while developing competencies essential for leading interprofessional teams. Emphasis is placed on systems thinking, evidence-based decision making, change management, and ethical leadership practices in diverse healthcare settings.
GNUR 764 : Foundations of DNP (3)
Introduces the Doctor of Nursing Practice role with emphasis on professional identity, leadership development, and foundational knowledge for advanced nursing practice. Students examine theoretical frameworks, ethical practice, and systems thinking to guide clinical, organizational, and population-level decision-making.
GNUR 765 : Informatics & Emerging Technology (3)
Examines the integration of health informatics and emerging technologies to lead evidence-based practice, educational innovation, and organizational transformation. Emphasis on optimizing clinical outcomes, enhancing healthcare safety, and driving systemic quality improvement across diverse professional environments.
GNUR 767 : Resource Management (3)
Examines financial and human resource management in healthcare organizations to support quality, safety, and sustainability. Students analyze budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation strategies to inform leadership decisions.
GNUR 792 : DNP Project I (3)
Guides students in the development of a DNP scholarly project proposal grounded in evidence, population health, and organizational priorities.
GNUR 793 : DNP Project II (3)
Focuses on implementation and evaluation of the DNP project using evidence-based interventions and quality improvement methods.
GNUR 794 : DNP Project III (3)
Emphasizes evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability of the DNP project.