Frequently Asked Questions – Doctor of Nursing Practice

What is the application deadline?

We offer admission twice a year in the fall and spring. Priority deadlines are February 15 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. We will continue to accept applications after that date until all seats are filled with qualified candidates.

May I transfer coursework?

Upon admission and with the approval of the director of nursing graduate studies, you may transfer up to six semester hours of applicable nursing coursework from outside of NIU. Additional credit may be granted for coursework completed in the master's degree in the nursing program at NIU.

May I complete the program part time?

The DNP program is an online program; students may pursue the degree either full time or part time. You have 10 years to complete the program from the time all your prior coursework has been transferred to NIU.

What are career possibilities for DNPs?

Your degree will prepare you to work as a family nurse practitioner, high-level administrative positions in all parts of the healthcare system, faculty positions, policy positions in governmental and nongovernmental agencies, and other positions that require systems-level expertise.

Should I get a DNP or a Ph.D.?

The DNP degree is a practice doctorate. The Ph.D. is a research doctorate. Graduates of Ph.D. programs are prepared to conduct independent research and disseminate their findings, while DNP graduates use research to influence their practice.

What is the DNP project?

As a DNP candidate, you will conduct a scholarly project, three semesters in length, designed to address a practice issue affecting groups of patients, health care organizations or health care systems. Students work with clinics, inpatient units, hospitals or health care systems to assess, plan, implement and evaluate an initiative jointly agreed upon by the practice setting, the student and the student's scholarly project team.

How many credit hours is the BSN to DNP degree path?

Post-BSN students are required to complete 76 credits and will complete an advanced practice specialty as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) along with the DNP. If you're pursuing a DNP after earning your B.S. degree, you will be required to complete the Family Nurse Practitioner advanced role coursework. After completing the advanced role component, B.S. to DNP students may enroll in the DNP Leadership Component courses. Please note that clinical internship rotations in NURS 653, 663 and 673 must be completed with a preceptor in Illinois.

Will this program prepare me to become a nursing faculty member?

Yes. If you want to combine teaching and clinical practice, you could take electives in the area of nursing education while completing your DNP to help prepare you for that role. NIU School of Nursing offers a post-master's certificate in nursing education.

We've moved!

The School of Nursing programs have a new home. Beginning in the fall 2023, we are teaching and learning in our new location, the Wellness and Literacy Center at 3100 Sycamore Road. We are excited to share our new home with other healthcare disciplines including audiology, physical therapy and speech-language pathology.

Contact Us

School of Nursing
3100 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-6554
nursing@niu.edu

Hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

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