The Intensive dates in 2013 for the PhD/DNP programs will be held January 14 - 18, May 13 - 17, and August 12 - 16. 


Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program will prepare leaders in nursing and healthcare who can affect change, apply informatics and data management skills, translate research into evidence-based practice, influence health and social policy for diverse populations, and shape positive health system outcomes.  Click here for program purposes, goals and competencies.  The program is offered in an Online/Blended format in which students complete most coursework online with required on-campus intensive sessions 1-2 times per semester.

Concentrations in Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner are currently available.

Program Formats and Concentrations

BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (Full Time)
BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner  (Part Time)
BSN to DNP Adult Nurse Practitioner (Full Time)
BSN to DNP Adult Nurse Practitioner (Part Time)
BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Full Time)
BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Part Time)
BSN to DNP Executive Leadership (Full Time)
BSN to DNP Executive Leadership (Part Time)
BSN to DNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Full Time) Future Concentration
BSN to DNP Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Part Time) Future Concentration
MSN to DNP (Full Time) 
MSN to DNP (part-time)

Admission Deadlines

June 1st for BSN to DNP applicants

October 1st for Post-Masters DNP applicants

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the DNP program must fulfill all the requirements for admission to both the School of Graduate Studies and the College of Nursing.

The School of Graduate Studies requires that all students submit the following materials:

The College of Nursing requirements for admission to the DNP program include:

1. A bachelor's (BSN to DNP applicants) in nursing or non-nursing master's (MSN to DNP applicants) degree, or equivalency for international applicants in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program or comparably recognized non-U.S. institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

   Certification (for MSN to DNP applicants) in the selected nursing specialty for the concentration (for instance, FNP certification for the FNP Concentration); at least one year of experience in a nursing administration role for the Executive Leadership concentration;
   OR
   A nursing master's degree in a different specialty than the program concentrations (executive leadership, PMHNP, ANP/GNP, FNP) (longer program of study may be required) and, in addition, for Executive Leadership at least one year of experience in a nursing administration role;
   OR
   BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program and a non-nursing master's degree (longer program of study may be required) and, in addition, for Executive Leadership at least one year of experience in a nursing administration role.

2. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores for applicants with cumulative grade point average less than 3.2 as reported by their BSN or MSN institution;
3. Certification (for MSN to DNP applicants) in the selected nursing specialty for the concentration (for instance, FNP certification for the FNP Concentration); at least one year of experience in a nursing administration role for the Executive Leadership concentration;
4. Licensure in the United States as a registered nurse and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee or equivalency for international students;
5. At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in nursing as a registered nurse;
6. Three letters of recommendation: one from the applicant’s current (most recent) supervisor, one from a faculty member who has worked directly with the applicant during previous academic study, and one from an individual selected by the applicant;
7. Completion of an interview;
8. Completion of a writing sample at the time of interview describing a problem  the applicant has identified in practice that the applicant might explore in the DNP program;
9. A cover letter expressing the applicant’s personal goals for doctoral study; and
10. A resume or vita.

The completed application form and fee, official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work, essay, documentation of nursing licensure in the United States, letters of recommendation and resume or vita must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. International students must also forward the additionally required documentation to the School.

The personal interview and time for completing the writing sample will be scheduled by the College of Nursing’s DNP Admissions Committee.   Factors given consideration in the admission decision include: previous grade point average (GPA), clarity of the applicant’s selected problem as stated in the writing sample and during the interview, writing ability, professional work experience and achievements, professional honors and awards, interest in rural and underserved population groups, and quality of references/recommendations. The DNP Admissions Committee may recommend admission of a promising applicant who has not met all the admission standards on a conditional basis.  

Admissions Procedures

The application for admission may be submitted online at www.etsu.edu/gradstud.   A printable application can also be obtained at this site.   To request a paper application, contact the School of Graduate Studies at (423) 439-4221.  

The application and all materials should be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.   Once the application file is complete, it will be forwarded to the College of Nursing and a time for the interview/writing sample will be scheduled.   Applicants will be notified of their admission status after the application review and interview/writing sample take place.