Georgetown University’s Online DNP Program

 

BSN to DNP Program Overview

Nursing@Georgetown offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program from the highly regarded Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies (NHS). The DNP program enables registered nurses with a BSN to earn the highest clinically focused nursing degree in the field. Graduates are prepared to lead developments across the health system — whether improving health outcomes in the clinical setting, implementing systems-level change, or advocating for policies that improve population health.  

Amid growing concerns about the quality of patient care delivery, health systems and organizations need leaders who are equipped with the scientific and ethical knowledge required for responsible nursing practice. By synthesizing advanced leadership concepts and nursing practice expertise, the DNP program equips a new generation of advanced practice nurses and nurse-midwives with the foresight and experience to lead the advancement and implementation of modern health care. 

If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, request information about the online BSN to DNP program today.

If you already hold a master’s degree in an advanced nursing specialty area, you may be interested in Georgetown University’s post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Learn more about the program.

BSN to DNP Program Curriculum and Specializations 

The DNP program is offered on a full-time basis and part-time basis. The full time program consists of eight 15-week terms, as well as immersion experiences. You will be expected to focus on full-time study instead of work, though you may choose to work PRN during school breaks. The part-time program consists of 11 15-week terms, as well as immersion experiences.

As a student in the program, you will develop your expertise in the area that interests you most by choosing one of our four specialization options:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Specialization: You will gain the high-level experience to manage critical issues of patient safety and quality of care in acute and complex care settings.

Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization: You will develop your authority in clinical leadership roles open to DNPs, promoting excellence in family practice and clinical care environments.

Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP) Dual Specialization: You will be prepared to lead implementation of care models that provide the highest quality care to women across the life span and their newborns. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification as a certified nurse-midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP).

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Specialization: As a DNP-prepared WHNP, you will become an advocate for women across the life span, providing excellent, woman-focused care and supporting developments in care delivery throughout the health system.

Why Pursue Your DNP?

With a DNP degree, you will:

  • Earn a terminal advanced practice degree that prepares you to be a leader in health care, impacting outcomes at the individual, community, and systems levels.
  • Complete advanced coursework in biostatistics and epidemiology, scholarly writing, evidence-based practice, and health advocacy, as well as health care economics and finances.
  • Impact health equity and disparities through efforts to improve accessibility of care, quality care delivery models, and systems efficiencies.
  • Strengthen your understanding of how the stakeholders in the health care field interact with each other and explore ways to improve collaboration among individuals, providers, agencies, and organizations.
  • Contribute to improved outcomes for the teams and organizations you serve; beyond simply helping them function, you will help them function better.
  • Form partnerships with patients, encouraging them to communicate effectively with their providers and become active participants in their care.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of individuals, families, and communities — you will use this knowledge to advocate for health policy and change that improves outcomes.

Board Certification 

Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for specialty certification examinations; they must also meet state requirements (including criminal history, mental or physical disability, and disciplinary action) to obtain licensure.

Both Nursing@Georgetown’s MS in Nursing program and BSN to DNP program prepare students to sit for certification examinations in their specialty areas. However, the DNP program enables students to advance their clinical practice, providing leadership and influencing policy. Learn more about each specialty area below.

AG-ACNP: Prepares graduates to sit for the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner exam for board certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

FNP: Prepares graduates to sit for the family nurse practitioner certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Certification Board.

WHNP: Prepares graduates to pursue board certification through the National Certification Corporation. 

Advance your nursing career and influence the health care system by earning your DNP online from Nursing@Georgetown. Request information today.