Doctorate in Nursing – Online Programs
Doctorate in Nursing – Online Programs
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Aspiring nurse leaders can reach the highest level of nursing education by pursuing their DNP degree at GCU. We offer Doctor of Nursing Practice online1 programs to prepare you with the advanced theoretical and scientific knowledge needed to pursue high-level nursing positions in healthcare. You will be taught to build off your previous nursing knowledge and apply new concepts to help guide others, establish important clinical programs and promote overall community health as a leader in the field.
We offer two options for DNP students, including an educational leadership emphasis. This gives you the opportunity to focus your studies on a comprehensive DNP program or choose to include an additional leadership-focused course and practicum experience to help you develop a deep understanding of educational leadership in the industry.
Our online1 Doctorate in Nursing Practice programs allow you to continue to meet personal and professional commitments while also pursuing your advanced nursing degree. The flexible learning that our intuitive online platform offers can enable you to take advantage of quality didactic coursework from anywhere, while also attending required in-person practicum or immersion hours in your area.
In your DNP program, you can complete a curriculum designed to build on your knowledge of patient-centered care and evidence-based practices, as well as instill you with new concepts that can help you reach that next level of practice in the field.
Students choosing to pursue the educational leadership emphasis DNP will also complete a nursing program development and education leadership course. This can help you gain insight into analyzing and resolving issues related to development in nursing education, such as exploring the best methods of designing, evaluating and improving education programs.
Topics covered in this doctoral program include:
There are many questions that can come up when exploring DNP programs. We have gathered common questions and provided answers below to help guide you as you begin your doctoral nursing journey.
A Doctorate in Nursing (DNP) degree is one of the highest level of nursing education one can receive. DNP programs build on the learners’ previous knowledge of the nursing field, and help them learn to improve patient outcomes through the intensive study of patient-centered care, quality improvement in healthcare and evidence-based practices, along with a look at nursing leadership and administration. While these programs do provide a look at research, they are not necessarily research-based and may be an ideal option for those looking to focus on various areas of nursing practice rather than research development and implementation.
A nurse practitioner (NP) may choose to advance their education and pursue a doctoral degree. However, they do not need to have a doctorate. NPs who do have a doctorate may be referred to as advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) and may provide a portion of clinical care.2
Due to the complexity of the healthcare field and the dynamic nature of medicine, DNP graduates are valuable professionals with a deep knowledge base that is applicable to various settings and organizations. Throughout their own career history in healthcare and the fieldwork or practicums required in their programs, DNP graduates have ample experience that can make earning their degree a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking to gain a deep understanding of healthcare and work to positively affect the future of medicine, you may find this degree to worth it for you.
There are two degrees that can be considered to be terminal nursing degrees. These include the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
Accredited DNP online1 programs are required to meet guidelines established by their accreditor. These measures ensure that the curriculum offers courses that reach the high standards established by the accreditor and can provide a quality education for all students. Online programs can offer quality education while also allowing you to integrate your studies with your other responsibilities.
There are some services NPs are not able to offer patients based on their training. NPs are only allowed to practice within their area of specialization.3 The difference between the two also may involve the NP’s ability to prescribe medication, as some states have certain restrictions on this.3 There are certain states as well that have restrictions on whether an NP can prescribe, diagnose or treat patients without the company of a doctor. However, in general, both NPs and doctors can assess, diagnose, provide treatment options and educate patients.
A nurse anesthetist is not a doctor but rather is typically known as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). They do often work with doctors when providing anesthesia and other medical treatment. Anesthesiologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors, as they must possess a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in order to practice.
DNP degrees teach you how to effect change in an organization through research-based practices, while also preparing you to enter into potential management or leadership roles. Students may choose to explore the academic side of healthcare or may wish to continue working with patients at a high level.
Those looking to position themselves for possible career advancement through this program may choose to explore various options.
This degree could potentially lead to clinical and non-clinical roles in different areas of nursing and healthcare, such as:
Specialized NP roles
Nursing informatics
Administration
Policy making
As you continue your nursing education journey, you will have the opportunity to grow academically, personally and spiritually. Our programs are constructed with a Christian worldview in mind. We emphasize the importance of ethical treatment, respect and compassion in healthcare. You will be able to further develop as a faithful leader in healthcare by instilling these Christian concepts in your studies and work.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, offering quality education that can help our students transition from learners to professionals in various industries. To learn more about our accreditation, visit our university accreditation page.
In order to begin your nursing doctorate studies, you must meet certain admission requirements. These can include testing, GPA and prerequisite course requirements. To learn more about your eligibility and begin the admission process, fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor.
Doctoral students in the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions have various specialized nursing resources available to them as they study and pursue their advanced nursing education. Explore the additional links below to learn more about our available online resources and what makes our nursing college an ideal choice for your DNP studies.
Advance your nursing knowledge to the highest level.
Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.