School of Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nursing students in front of the Portland SON building

Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the OHSU School of Nursing

We believe nurses change the world. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) represents the highest degree in nursing practice. Graduates at OHSU receive additional preparation to expand their practice in breadth and depth. Coursework and mentorship facilitate leadership and practice-related scholarship and prepares leaders in a culture of innovation and inquiry.

Nurses in clinical setting

Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program

Advance in adult-gerontology care with our hybrid program. Achieve acute and critical care excellence through online classes and clinical rotations.

A nursing student smiles off camera while working with a manikin in the simulation lab

Family Nurse Practitioner program

Elevate your nursing career with a D.N.P. FNP degree that offers comprehensive coursework, clinical simulation and distant learning options across Oregon.

A shot of the Portland Aerial Tram at sunset

Nurse Anesthesia program

Our D.N.P. Nurse Anesthesia program offers personalized support, 100% certification pass rate, and immediate employment success.

A nursing student holds a newborn baby and smiles

Nurse-Midwifery program

Our D.N.P. Nurse-Midwifery program offers mentorship in diverse birth settings, robust clinical experiences and a commitment to rural care.

Nurse with young patient

Pediatric Primary and Acute Nurse Practitioner program

Deliver comprehensive pediatric care and advocate for young patients by enrolling in our D.N.P. PNP program, tailored for both primary and acute care settings.

Two nursing students sit on a grassy field talking to each other. The sun shines on them both.

Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program

Our D.N.P. PMHNP offers advanced specialty practice emphasizing intervention through psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.

OHSU D.N.P. programs

For each specialty we offer, students can enter with a bachelor's degree in nursing and exit with a D.N.P. degree. The D.N.P. curriculum is three years of full-time coursework.

The OHSU School of Nursing also offers multiple pathways to a D.N.P. degree via our Accelerated Bachelor in Science with a major in nursing dual admissions.

Post Masters D.N.P. program

The Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program is designed to prepare leaders to drive the application of evidence to promote excellence in nursing practice and health care. As a practice-focused doctoral program, innovation and inquiry are central to graduating D.N.P. -nurses prepared in leadership to identify, develop, and evaluate solutions to the most troubling challenges found in clinical practice and health care. In addition to the MN degree and specialty competencies, D.N.P. graduates are expected to meet D.N.P. program competencies.

Are you trying to decide between a Ph.D. or D.N.P.?

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing provides fact sheets, toolkits and white papers on the D.N.P. as well as the research-focused Ph.D.

The OHSU difference

The School of Nursing puts tremendous care and intent behind its programs and aims to produce graduates ready to be the next nursing leaders wherever they take their new skills. All School of Nursing graduates will be:

Practice-ready icon

Practice-ready

The OHSU D.N.P. graduate is ready for practice as an APRN in their specialty area.

Future-focused icon

Future-focused

The OHSU D.N.P. graduate looks to the future and embraces emerging models of health care.

Evidence-based icon

Evidence-based

The OHSU D.N.P. graduate has a strong foundation in clinical and improvement science.

Leadership-oriented icon

Leadership-oriented

The OHSU D.N.P. graduate is prepared for growth in health care leadership in various settings.

Scholarships available

OHSU offers a variety of scholarships that can help fund your education.

OHSU technical standards policy

This policy ensures that all OHSU degree or certificate candidates possess the skills and abilities necessary to complete the curriculum successfully. Review the OHSU Technical Standards policy.

Nursing Education Xchange

Are you looking for a unique course not available at your institution? The Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus) has options for you. As an OHSU student, you can access over 250 courses through the NEXus Course Xchange annually. Students work with faculty advisors to identify the course/s that best fits their needs. You can take courses from expert faculty nationwide, expand your network, and collaborate with colleagues.