Doctorate in Nursing – Online Programs

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.

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.

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.

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 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. Topics covered in this doctoral program include:

• Healthcare informatics
• Translational research and evidence-based practices
• Population management
• Patient outcomes
• Leadership for advanced nursing

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.

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.

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 or policy making.

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.