Doctor of Nursing Practice

• DNP Tracks

Program Description

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at AdventHealth University prepares nurses for the highest level of professional nursing practice in today’s complex healthcare environment. The program offers two tracks: a clinical track (Family Nurse Practitioner) and a non-clinical track (Organizational Leadership).

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares graduates to provide advanced, patient-centered care across the lifespan in primary and acute care settings. Students develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation, preparing them to serve as compassionate and competent advanced practice registered nurses.

The Organizational Leadership track prepares nurses to lead and influence healthcare systems and outcomes. Coursework emphasizes health policy, finance, information technology, patient safety, and evidence-based practice, with a focus on translating research into practice and improving healthcare delivery.

As the nursing profession continues to evolve, the Doctor of Nursing Practice has become the preferred preparation for advanced practice roles. The program equips graduates with the knowledge, leadership skills, and clinical expertise needed to meet the growing demand for primary care providers and nurse leaders.

Consistent with AdventHealth University’s commitment to Whole Person Education, the DNP program fosters intellectual growth, professional expertise, ethical leadership, and compassionate service. Graduates are prepared not only to deliver high-quality care but also to lead with purpose, promote wellbeing, and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve .

Delivery Mode

Online with Campus Intensives

Admission

Admission as a graduate student requires that the applicant:

1. Apply online and a nonrefundable $50 dollar application fee. Admission files are not considered complete until the application fee is paid. Any documents received without an application on file will not be processed. 
2. Submit a non-refundable $500 dollar deposit upon acceptance to the DNP program. The fee applies toward tuition and holds a place in the current cohort.
3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges previously attended. Admission GPAs will be calculated based on credits from regionally accredited institutions only. Failure to disclose all colleges previously attended could result in denial or dismissal. 
4. Submit a copy of an active unencumbered RN license for the state of residence. 
5. Hold a Master of Science or a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (for the 2+2 track) with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.4 and nursing GPA of 3.4.  
6. Have a minimum of 2 years of direct patient care within the past 5 years for a clinical DNP.
7. Will complete a live/virtual face-to-face interview.
8. Must pass the drug screen and the FDLE background check as stipulated by AHU. Students with criminal backgrounds are not eligible to sit for the national certification boards and will not meet the requirements for acceptance into the program.
9. Visit their state board’s website for the most updated and accurate information. Note that licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice. If you are unsure whether you are eligible for the Graduate Nursing programs based on your state of residence, please contact our Admissions Coordinator.

Progression 

Students who enter the program with a Master of Science in Nursing degree will have a shorter course of study. Students who enter with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will be responsible for completing the full program. Any course failure or withdrawal will result in dismissal from the program with no option for readmission. The BSN-MSN + MSN-DNP (2+2) track has a stop-out in Trimester 8 to take the National Board Certification Examination. The (2+2) track student will resume studies in Trimester 9 after passing the National Certification Board Examination to remain in the (2+2) track. Students in the non-clinical track may stop-out after completion of the MSN program requirements.

Doctoral Students will:

1. Repeat only one Graduate course (including core courses) for any reason (including withdrawals)..

2. A second course failure (Including core courses) will result in dismissal from the program.

3. Earn a grade of B or higher in each course.

4. Complete within 5 years if holding an MSN (DNP Student)

5. Complete within 7 years if holding a BSN (DNP Student)

Students are permitted to take one Leave of Absence (LOA) during the program. In case the student takes a LOA from the program for any reason, the following is required:

1. The student must submit a request for a LOA to the Graduate Admission Committee. The LOA request form must be completed. A second LOA will not be granted.

2. Students must indicate in the LOA the intended date of return to the program of study.

3. Once the LOA has been granted to the student, program sequencing will not be guaranteed upon return.

4. Students who have been granted the LOA must return to their studies according to the AHU policy or sooner.

5. Upon return from the LOA, students will have fallen out of their cohort. Immediate local clinical placement may not be guaranteed. However, clinical faculty will assist students in securing clinical placement.

6. Following the LOA, graduation date will be delayed.

7. Students in the clinical course will have additional assignments to keep clinical skills up-to-date.

Completion

AdventHealth University will consider students for graduation and conferral of a DNP when the general requirements for graduation are met (see Graduation in the “Academic Information ” section in the Academic Catalog) and when:  

1. Students entering with an MSN must complete a minimum of 52 (Organizational Leadership DNP) or 42 (FNP Clinical DNP) credit hours to graduate.
2. Students entering with a BSN must complete a minimum of 83 (Organizational Leadership DNP) or 93 (FNP Clinical DNP) credit hours to graduate.
3. Students must maintain a minimum nursing GPA of 3.0 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to complete the program.
4. Achievement of a minimum grade of “B” (3.0) in each nursing, cognate, and general education course.

Note: AdventHealth University does not accept transfer of graduate course credits to meet requirements for its professional clinical graduate programs.