Nursing
The Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum prepare you for complex skill sets in data acquisition, analysis and practice application.
Take your nursing career to the next level. Advance your leadership skills, expand your policy expertise and understanding of population health and clinical practice through PennWest’s part-time, online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This 27-credit program is designed to be flexible, affordable and professionally rewarding.
Our DNP curriculum builds on the foundational competencies of the MSN-prepared advance practice or professional nurse. Courses are sequenced to prepare you for increasingly complex skill sets in data acquisition, analysis and practice application that align with the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing DNP essentials.
As a student, you will be mentored by faculty who are committed to providing developmentally sound academic and clinical experiences.
Many students graduate in just six semesters, with summer courses and opportunities for internships.
This program is for you if...
- You are a registered nurse with a master’s degree looking to advance your career to the highest level of nursing practice.
- You aim to develop advanced leadership skills to influence and drive change within healthcare systems.
- You are interested in designing, implementing, and analyzing research to translate evidence into practice.
- You seek the flexibility of an online program that allows you to balance work and study.
- You want to enhance your ability to establish inter-professional relationships for comprehensive advanced practice nursing.
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Global Online
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27 Credits for DNP
What You'll Study
In the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at PennWest University, you will study advanced topics in nursing leadership, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes courses on quality improvement, healthcare informatics, and organizational systems leadership. You will engage in clinical practice experiences and complete a scholarly project that focuses on translating research into practice to improve patient outcomes. The program emphasizes inter-professional collaboration, advanced clinical skills, and the application of research to real-world healthcare challenges, preparing you for the highest level of nursing practice.
Degrees, Certificates
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
Concentrations
There are no concentrations for this program.
What You'll Become
Upon completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, you will become an advanced practice nurse with the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership skills. You will be prepared to influence healthcare policy, implement evidence-based practices, and lead healthcare organizations towards improved patient outcomes. Your advanced clinical skills, combined with your ability to translate research into practice, will position you as a leader in nursing and healthcare, capable of driving systemic improvements and advocating for patient care excellence.
Career Paths
- Nurse Practitioner: Provides advanced clinical care in specialized areas such as family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: Focuses on improving patient outcomes and nursing practices within specific healthcare settings.
- Nursing Educator: Teaches and mentors nursing students in academic or clinical settings.
- Healthcare Administrator: Manages healthcare facilities, departments, or programs, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services.
- Health Policy Analyst: Develops and evaluates policies to improve healthcare systems and patient care.
- Clinical Researcher: Conducts research to advance nursing practices and improve patient care outcomes.
- Chief Nursing Officer: Leads nursing departments within healthcare organizations, focusing on strategic planning and improving patient care.
- Public Health Nurse: Works in community health settings to promote public health and prevent disease.
- Quality Improvement Coordinator: Develops and implements programs to improve the quality of patient care and healthcare services.
- Nurse Consultant: Provides expertise to healthcare organizations on best practices, regulatory compliance, and clinical care.
- Occupational Health Nurse: Promotes health and safety within workplace environments.
- Informatics Nurse Specialist: Integrates nursing science with information management to improve healthcare data systems.
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner: Delivers advanced care in emergency and urgent care settings.
Fraternal Twins Share Identical Passion for Caretaking
Hannah and Isabella Gorrell have shared a lot of big moments – from taking their first steps to starting kindergarten, celebrating birthdays and finishing high school in the midst of a global pandemic. On May 4, the Gorrell twins reached another milestone as they walked across separate PennWest stages to earn bachelor of science degrees in nursing.
How We'll Help You Succeed
At Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
Top-ranked
NurseJournal.org ranks our program among America's Best Nursing Programs in the East.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The RN-BSN, MSN-Administration and Leadership, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at PennWest are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. PennWest University, including Clarion, California, and Edinboro campuses, will submit a self-study and host a site visit for our accrediting body, CCNE. The site visit will be on March 29-31, 2023. This serves as formal notification of the upcoming visit and provides an opportunity for third-party comments concerning the program’s qualifications for accreditation. CCNE must receive written third-party comments regarding programs by no later than 21 days prior (March 1, 2023) to the first day of the scheduled on-site evaluation. CCNE accepts only signed comments. CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team before the visit, but these comments are not shared with the program at any time during the review process. During its program review, the evaluation team considers third-party comments related to the accreditation standards. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE's policy on the Conduct of Business. If you would like to submit a third-party comment for a program under review, please submit to thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org. Or, if you prefer, mail comments to: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ATTN: Third-Party Comments 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750 Washington, DC 20001
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.