Nursing Practice

GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION

All applicants must first apply online to the Graduate School for their desired program. Visit the Graduate School website for more information.

View the Graduate School admission criteria >>

Program Admission

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is offered as a post-master’s Nursing degree.

Applicants are required to have:

1. Master's Degree

A Master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE, COA, or NLNAC accredited program.

2. 3.0 GPA

A minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

3. Licensure

A current unencumbered APN license in the USA with national specialty certification as appropriate.

4. Statistics

Successfully completed a graduate-level statistics or biostatistics course with a grade of “B” or above.

5. GRE Exam

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required. Scores on the GRE, offered after August 2011 will be reviewed for comparable performance. (Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing)

6. Curriculum Vitae

Submit curriculum vitae/have at least one (1) year experience (2000 hours) as an APN prior to application to the DNP program verified by employer.

7. Essay

An essay of no more than 450 words, to discuss your DNP career goals.

8. Work References

Three work reference forms completed: one by an individual who has direct supervision over you and two professional colleagues who can provide a valid evaluation of your performance based on the behaviors identified in the reference form.

9. Background Check

Satisfactory criminal background check through the School of Nursing.

10. English Proficiency

For primary language other than English TOEFL score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test, (IBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.

Note on Transfer Work

Applicants can transfer no more than 6 credit hours toward degree requirements. Transfer work is evaluated on an individual basis.

Applying to the Graduate School

Applicants to the DNP program should first apply to the Arkansas State University Graduate School.  The application may be completed online by going to the 'Apply Now' link on the left of this page. 

Learn more about applying to the Graduate School >>

Applying to the DNP Program

After applying to the Graduate School, applicants must also complete an application to the DNP Program. An prospective student's application will not be processed until both the Graduate School and DNP Program application and supporting materials have been received.

Application

The online application may be completed on this website. Be sure to completely fill out the application.

Deadline

The deadline for application is October 1st of the year prior to starting in the Spring semester. Incomplete files will not be considered for admission; verification of the completeness of the file is the student applicant’s responsibility. As noted in the Graduate Information Guide, College of Nursing and Health Professions, admission decisions are non-grievable.

Supporting Documentation

In addition to the application, the following documentation must be submitted to the School of Nursing. Evidence of the following is required before registering for clinical practicums.

• Copy of License (RN, APN/APRN)
• Copy of Advanced Practice Certification (NP,CNS, NA)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• 3 Work References in Envelope with Signature on the Seal or Emailed Directly to awaters@astate.edu.
• Copy of Current CPR (American Heart Association for Professionals) valid through the academic year
• Copy of TB skin tests valid through the academic year
• Evidence of Hepatitis B immunization or signed declination statement
• Copy of professional liability insurance
• Copy of valid health insurance
• Copy of TOEFL score if applicable

Mailing Address

Supporting documents listed above should be mailed to:

College of Nursing and Health Professions
ATTN: Amanda Waters
PO Box 910
State University, AR 72467 

Selection Process Information

Admission to the DNP program is competitive. In addition to ranking based on MSN cumulative GPA, GRE scores and references, the applicant’s background and documentation of professional experience are present in the resume/vitae and will be considered in the application review process.

Applicant Interviews

Applicants will interview with a potential advisor and DNP admissions and progressions committee. Interviews of applicants will be considered in the selection process.  

Course Rotation

Total credit hours for Program = 41 credits
Minimum Clinical Clock Hours = 540

Transforming Health Care Delivery

The DNP curricula builds on traditional master’s programs with education in evidenced based practice, advanced clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to design and implement programs of care delivery which significantly impact health care outcomes and have the potential to transform health care delivery.

Graduates with this terminal practice degree will be prepared for roles in direct care or indirect, systems-focused care.