DNP Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed to help advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) prepare for a variety of career opportunities, from direct care to educating tomorrow’s nursing and healthcare professionals. This doctoral nursing program investigates research utilization for improved delivery of care, patient outcomes, and clinical systems management. RN students of this doctorate will explore topics and proficiencies recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) guidelines for DNP education. Graduates will be well prepared for leadership roles providing patient care, developing healthcare policies, conducting research, and educating others on public health issues.

Program Mission

The College of Nursing at Keiser University utilizes a “students first” philosophy to increase access to nursing education for a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate level and prepares students to provide holistic nursing care to improve individual, community, and global health outcomes.

Student First Philosophy

Featuring a “Student First” mentality, Keiser University is committed to providing the education students need to succeed throughout their careers and their lives—whether that is in this DNP program or one of our Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs. Our commitment to putting students first leads us to offer several learning options, including both on-campus and online delivery formats.

Through our DNP program, we help NP doctoral students prepare to achieve career goals, whether that’s conducting research, teaching, or advancing health science and healthcare delivery services.

Know Your “WHY”
Commit to Graduation

Advance your nursing career with Keiser University’s nursing practice doctoral program. Our Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares nursing leaders like you to dynamically improve the health of patients, communities, and whole populations with insights in evidence-based practice, organizational management, acute and emergent health problems, and more. You will customize your DNP degree to your career goals with specialized electives in one of three areas of study: education, clinical practice, or healthcare administration.

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What Can You Expect to Learn

Keiser University’s DNP program gives students the education needed to pursue research-oriented, educational, or administrative positions using evidence-based theories and concepts for healthcare delivery systems and practices. The objectives of the program are to prepare graduates to:

Incorporate theory and knowledge from nursing science with the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical and organizational sciences as the foundation for the highest level of nursing practice;
Integrate information technology and an evidence-based approach in clinical scholarship to critically evaluate, design, and implement health care services and educational programs for individuals, populations and systems;
Develop standards of nursing practice to deliver culturally competent, high quality health services to individuals, populations and systems;
Enact leadership, critical thinking and effective communications skills to design, evaluate, and improve the implementation of quality nursing services and educational programs;
Analyze the epidemiological, financial, sociopolitical and organizational forces in the health care environment at the systems level, within ethical, legal and humanistic frameworks;
Lead interdisciplinary collaboration to facilitate and improve desired health outcomes for individuals, populations and systems; and
Create scholarly written communication that informs clinical practice and that leads to systems and organizational change that will improve health care delivery and health outcomes.

Program Prerequisites

Relevant MSN from an accredited institution, 3.0 GPA or higher.

Program Outline

To receive a doctorate in nursing program credential, students must earn 36 graduate semester credit hours—at least 21 core credit hours, 4 credit hours (60 clinical hours) in the DNP project course, 8 credit hours in practice clinical experience, one elective, and one doctoral residency residency. Curriculum coursework includes:

Graduate Division Courses

Core Coursework
Introduction to Doctor of Nursing Practice & DNP Project	3.0 credit hours
Advocacy, Leadership, & Ethics in Advanced Practice	3.0 credit hours
Scientific Underpinnings of Evidence-Based Practice	3.0 credit hours
Epidemiology and Biostatistics in Health Care	3.0 credit hours
Organizational Management, Quality, & Safety	3.0 credit hours
Information Management in Evidence-based Practice	3.0 credit hours
Economics & Business Planning for Advanced Practice	3.0 credit hours
Adult Teaching and Learning	or
Acute and Emergent Health Problems	or
Health Care Administration	3.0 credit hours
DNP Project I: Topic & Literature Review	1.0 credit hours
DNP Clinical Practice I	2.0 credit hours
DNP Project II: Methodology and IRB Submission	1.0 credit hours
Clinical Practice II	2.0 credit hours
DNP Project III: Implementation	1.0 credit hours
Clinical Practice III	2.0 credit hours
DNP Project IV: Evaluation of Outcomes and Dissemination	1.0 credit hours
Clinical Practice IV	2.0 credit hours

Note: Doctoral students must complete one 2- to 4-day residency at our flagship Florida campus.

DOPR Doctoral Residency One

Career Pathways in Nursing Practice

Upon graduation from our Florida-based nursing practice program, you will have earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as gained the abilities you need to:

Create and follow-through on quality nursing services and educational programs
Lead teams focused on improving health outcomes for patients and communities
Achieve the highest levels of nursing competence for education, direct care, or administrative work
And more!

Through Keiser’s DNP program, Florida campus-based or online, you will gain the insights, complete the clinical hours, hone the research abilities, and earn the credential you need to take on nursing leadership roles throughout healthcare. From clinics to hospice centers to international health organizations, you could pursue roles like:

Director of nursing
Lead nurse educator
Quality assurance nurse consultant
Nurse manager
Clinical director
And more!

Handbooks & Manuals

For requirements, objectives, or a more detailed description of the program, please see the graduate catalog

Start Your Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Now!

What route do you plan to take on your educational journey? BSN to MSN? BSN to FNP to DNP? BSN to DNP to FNP? Whatever direction you choose to go, when it is time to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice, Keiser University has you covered. Our DNP program offers the tools you need to pursue your goals, from healthcare education to better patient outcomes. Learn more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice today by Requesting More Info now!

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"My search for a doctoral program led me to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), which listed Keiser in the top five for an online degree. After reaching out to the school for more information, I decided to go with Keiser for my doctoral journey. The class sizes and faculty stood out as deciding factors for me."

Ben Soria

"Education is the most important thing in every individuals life and taking one class at a time allowed me to focus. What I’d say to future students looking to come to Keiser University and being part of the Criminology program is that you’re making a good decision and it’s highly encouraged."

Aaron Reynolds

"Keiser University taught me how to realize my full potential. You learn things that just really opens up your mind. I wound up taking a lot of these principals back to my sales team. I became the idea person. Dara, after Keiser, goes after things that she wants. And she’s not afraid."

Dara Kalvort

"My experience at Keiser University was so incredible. I met wonderful staff and faculty who stretched me and made sure that I became the real version of who I was meant to be. The philosophies that I learned at Keiser University will help shape how I approach my new career assisting businesses become more efficient."

Anthony Oboh

"A relocation to Florida led me to Keiser after a poor experience at another University. I happened upon colleagues that graduated from the KU program and it came highly recommended by them. The program quality, small student to teacher ratio and a faculty support network that truly cares is the reason I chose KU!"

Andrea Vanorio

"It was easy to transition from the military to Keiser University because the structure was similar – with one-on-one learning and everything was hands on. I graduated from Keiser with my asssociates degree in Business Administration, followed by a bachelors degree in Business Administration Management. I’m currently pursing my MBA at Keiser and plan to be a three time graduate of Keiser University!"

Victor Guerrero

"Keiser’s commitment to their Students First philosophy made it easy for me to decide. The palpable impetus of every team member at Keiser University to serve, educate, and guide is unlike anything I have ever experienced. A truly remarkable journey!"

Joseph Larrea

"I chose Keiser because it was a localuUniversity that was flexible and suited my needs as a parent and full-time RN. The weekly live interactions with the professors were a definite plus. The tuition was reasonable and less than other Universities."

Marie Boone

"The biggest factor in my decision to come to Keiser was the student-centered experience. Students always come first."

Patrick M. Mendez

"Keiser’s C & I program is one of the best PhD programs, offering student-center learning and the student-first learning, and providing rigor and growth needed to be prepared for my future endeavors. "

Jennifer Kotzur

Keiser Benefits

We understand that today’s students have many responsibilities and obligations in their lives. At Keiser, we deliver the same quality education through different scheduling options to accommodate busy schedules. Whether you choose day, evening, or online classes, chances are, you will find a schedule that fits yours and allows you to fulfill one of the most important commitments you can make – a commitment to your education.

Flexibility and Convenience

When you enroll in Keiser University’s programs, you can pursue your educational goals anytime and anywhere you have internet access.

One Class at a Time

You have the option of taking just one or two classes at a time, allowing you to concentrate on learning while balancing your education with work, family and other responsibilities. With our “students first” focus and small classes, you’ll receive personal attention from your instructors.

Experienced Faculty

Keiser University’s dedicated, accomplished faculty members are committed to your success. All faculty are prepared and are actively engaged in the fields they teach. You’ll benefit from their wealth of knowledge and real-world experience.

Dedicated Financial Aid Support

We are here to help guide YOU through the financial aid process to determine what type of aid you may qualify to receive to support your educational endeavors.

Accreditation

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Keiser University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Keiser University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maximize Your Advanced Practice Nursing Capabilities with an Advanced Doctorate!

Nursing Practice, DNP

At a Glance

36 Credit Hours

12 Courses

18 - 24 Months*

8 Week Terms

DNP Program Overview