Preparing nurse leaders who are experts in evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality health care for patients, families, communities, and populations.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate, versus the PhD, which is a research doctorate. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, such as nurses who desire to become advanced practice nurses or those who are seeking leadership positions in a health care setting or organization. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nursing and other health science researchers to improve health care delivery to maximize the health of patient populations.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends the DNP degree for nurses who want to work as Nurse Practitioners. In many states, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, Nurse Practitioners are licensed to operate a full, independent practice, with the ability to diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications.
Admission to the DNP program is once per year, starting in August for the Fall semester. For example, applying by the November 15 deadline means applying to start that following August.
| Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Post-Master’s DNP General |
|---|---|
| Applications Open: August 8 Priority Deadline: November 15 Final Deadline: January 15 | Applications Open: August 8 Priority Deadline: January 15 Final Deadline: March 15 |
Applying by the priority deadline ensures that a decision will be awarded to applicants within 2 months.
Additional spots and decisions are possible after the final deadline.
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program prepares you for a career in primary care. In many states, including Washington, Oregon and Idaho, a Family Nurse Practitioner can operate an independent practice, diagnosing and treating illness, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and initiating treatments.
The Post-Master’s General (PMG) degree is focused on evidence-based practice, leadership, and research. This degree is for nurses who’ve already earned their master’s degree and want to advance their area of specialty.
The PMHNP prepares you to provide psychiatric and mental health services using a full scope of therapies. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner assesses, diagnoses, and treats people with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders.
As a health care provider, I recognize that I am responsible for the health of individuals and the community. Pursuing my DNP FNP is helping me become more efficacious in that mandate. I love the intellectual and emotional growth I am gaining and look forward to more skillfully contributing to individual and community health.
Natasha T., DNP Student
Earning my Nursing degree from WSU means accomplishing my goal and also pursuing the dream of having my daughter see me graduate as a doctor.
Paisha A., DNP Student
I am a married mother of two. I grew up in Uganda but moved to the United States with my siblings 16 years ago. While growing up in Uganda I had a dream to become a nurse and later also became interested in public health. I hope to use my DNP in Advanced Population Health to better my community by focusing on the prevention of illness.
Ashymin K., DNP Student
I am currently a DNP student at WSU’s College of Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track. I will use my degree to serve rural and underserved populations and to expand access to health care in our community.
Courtney P., DNP Student
The Graduate Nursing programs are offered on four (4) WSU campuses. Class sessions are delivered by two-way, fully interactive videoconferencing, allowing for maximum interaction with the instructor and students from all participating campus sites.
Each campus is unique and offers students who attend different experiences. Be sure to read about each campus to see which is the best fit for you!
The Washington State University College of Nursing BSN, MN and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K. Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Washington State University acknowledges that its locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples, who have lived in this region from time immemorial. Currently, there are 42 tribes, 35 of which are federally recognized that share traditional homelands and waterways in what is now Washington State. Some of these are nations and confederacies that represents multiple tribes and bands. The University expresses its deepest respect for and gratitude towards these original and current caretakers of the region. As an academic community, we acknowledge our responsibility to establish and maintain relationships with these tribes and Native peoples, in support of tribal sovereignty and the inclusion of their voices in teaching, research and programming. Washington State University established the Office of Tribal Relations and Native American Programs to guide us in our relationship with tribes and service to Native American students and communities. We also pledge that these relationships will consist of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocity.
WSU College of Nursing, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. (Mail), 103 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. (Physical), Spokane, WA, 99202, 509-324-7360 nursing.comm@wsu.edu
