Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences will transition its advanced practice nursing specialty programs to the DNP degree starting this fall (2024). We’re making this change in accordance with recommendations from national nursing organizations such as the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), which has committed to move all entry-level NP education to the DNP degree by 2025.

General Information and Requirements

Decker College offers two DNP programs:

• The BS-DNP is appropriate for any bachelor’s- or master’s-prepared registered nurse who is not a practicing nurse practitioner pursuing the DNP degree in their current specialization. Applicants with master's degrees in other nursing specializations and/or roles will have their coursework evaluated on an individual basis for consideration of transfer and/or waivers. 
• Applicants to the Advanced Standing DNP program must be master's prepared nurse practitioners (NP) or clinical nurse specialists (CNS). Students holding a master's degree in nursing seeking only the DNP degree may apply for admission for the fall semester and will be required to complete 35–38 credits. The Advanced Standing DNP program:
  • Prepares nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to respond more efficiently to changes in healthcare delivery and emerging healthcare needs 
  • Provides graduates with knowledge and competence in health systems leadership, policy development and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes and increase healthcare access for all populations
  • Prepares clinicians to design, evaluate and continuously improve the context within which healthcare is delivered
  • Teaches students the clinical, organizational, economic and leadership skills necessary to significantly impact healthcare outcomes
  • Focuses on providing leadership for innovative and evidence-based nursing practice, which requires competence in translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, applying research and decision-making, and implementing viable clinical innovations

Functional Role and Specialization Options

Students may choose to pursue a DNP in one of two functional roles:

• Nurse practitioner
• Clinical nurse specialist

In addition, students will select an area of specialization (see chart for availability in conjunction with functional roles):

Specialization area options	Nurse practitioner role	Clinical nurse specialist role
Family health primary care	available1	not available
Family health primary care with community health emphasis	available2	not available
Adult-gerontological primary care	available3	available
Family psychiatric mental health	available4	not available

¹Graduates of the Family Health Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a family nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

²Graduates of the Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (across the lifespan) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

³Graduates of the Community Health Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a community health primary care nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

⁴Graduates of the Adult Gerontological Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as an adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as an adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

Curricula

DNP program requirements can be found below. In addition, visit our Google drive for curriculum plans and worksheets specific to each specialization and functional area.

• Advanced standing DNP curriculum plan, 2-years
  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  Course			Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics			OS		1–4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing			OA		3
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice			OA		3
  Elective (for students who have completed NURS 540 or equivalent)			varies		3
  Total for this semester					7–10
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning			OS		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation			OH		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				120	9
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior			OA		4
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II			OS	120	3
  Elective			varies		3
  Total for this semester				120	10
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare			OA		3
  NURS 650/NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience			OS	180	3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				300	9
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION				540	35–38

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• Advanced standing DNP curriculum plan, 3 years

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  Course			Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics			OS		1–4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing			OA		3
  Elective (for students who have completed NURS 540 or equivalent)			varies		3
  Total for this semester					4–7
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare			OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation			OH		3
  Total for this semester					6
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior			OA		4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice			OA		3
  Total for this semester					7
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning			OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				120	6
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II			OS	120	3
  Elective			varies		3
  Total for this semester				120	6
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 650/NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience			OS	180	3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				300	6
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION				540	35–38

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, adult-gerontological nurse practitioner curriculum plan

   Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 511: Adult-Gerontological Nursing I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  NURS 514: Adult-Gerontological Nursing NP Role I	TR	120	4
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 512: Adult-Gerontological Nursing II	TR	60	3
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 554: Family/Adult-Gerontological NP Role II	TR	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 513: Adult-Gerontological Nursing III	TR	120	3
  NURS 555: Family/Adult-Gerontological NP Role III	TR	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, community health nurse practitioner curriculum plan

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 515: Functional Role I: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 541: Community Health Nursing Practice I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 516: Functional Role II: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 542: Community Health Nursing Practice II	TR	60	3
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 517: Functional Role III: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 543: Community Health Nursing Practice III	TR	60	3
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,320	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, family nurse practitioner curriculum plan  

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 521: Nursing in Family Practice I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  NURS 553: Family NP Role I	TR	120	4
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 522: Nursing in Family Practice II	TR	60	3
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 554: Family/Adult-Gero NP Role II	TR	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 555: Family/Adult-Gero NP Role III	TR	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 596: Nursing in Family Practice III	TR	120	3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner curriculum plan

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 562: Psychopharmacology	OH		2
  NURS 565: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role I: Assessment and Diagnosis	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	120	4
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		120	12
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 563: Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization I: Acute Illnesses	OH	120	4
  NURS 566: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role II: Individual Therapy	OH	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		240	15
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 564: Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization II: Chronic Illnesses	OH	120	4
  NURS 567: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role III: Group and Family Therapy	OH	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	14
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	78

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

Application Criteria

Note: Binghamton University is not authorized to issue Forms I-20/DS-2019 for international students seeking F/J non-immigrant status for the DNP program.

Applicants wishing to pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree at the Decker School of Nursing must satisfy the general conditions and procedures for admission to Binghamton University's Graduate School. Further, they must adhere to all policies outlined in the Graduate School Manual.

In addition, the following are required and will be evaluated for admission:

• For Advanced Standing DNP only: A master's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited program
• For Advanced Standing DNP only: A current, unencumbered license to practice as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in the U.S.
• For Advanced Standing DNP only: Proof of current, national certification as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist
• A bachelor's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited program
• Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the U.S.
  
  • Prior to beginning clinical experiences in a New York clinical facility, students must submit a copy of their current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in New York; this is required by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions
• Successful completion of a descriptive statistics course with a grade of C or better within the past five years
• Applicants must submit a 500-word personal statement that identifies their particular area of clinical interest as well as whether they are most interested in completing a DNP project that addresses: A) development of a process/plan that improves patient outcomes, B) program evaluation that improves patient outcomes OR C) a process that influences health policy that may improve patient outcomes; applicants must address their reasons and/or career goals for obtaining a DNP and note any unique aspects of their background that will contribute to the Decker nursing graduate community
• 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment authoritatively on the applicant's academic achievements and/or work or internship experience related to the program; appropriate recommenders include academic references or individuals in supervisory positions — recommendations from coworkers or friends will not be accepted
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• NOTE: For complete information about application criteria and other requirements, applicants should review the University Bulletin (select "Nursing-Graduate" under "Graduate Fields of Study by Department"). The rules and regulations posted in the University Bulletin at the time of a student's matriculation into the University are the ones to which that student is held

Application Procedures

Complete instructions for applying to Binghamton University are available on the Graduate School's how to apply webpage. If you have questions regarding application submission, contact the Graduate School at 607–777–2151 or gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

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If you have a felony or child abuse conviction
Students who have a felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker School of Nursing and/or to meet licensure requirements for nursing or advanced practice licensure. If you have concerns about this, you are advised to contact the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence, the graduate nursing program director or the Decker College Dean's Office. You are required to report felony convictions while enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing as it may change your progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact your ability for licensure, check with the State Board of Nursing in the state in which you plan to practice.