DNP-Nursing | East Tennessee State University

Overview

This program provides advanced nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and values to:

Integrate specialized knowledge, theories, and research from nursing science and related disciplines for application to nursing practice.
Assume leadership roles as advanced clinicians, nurse educators, and/or administrators.
Demonstrate accountability in nursing practice according to accepted standards of patient care and safety.
Use information technology to translate research findings into evidence-based practice at the individual and health system levels.
Affect desired change by developing and implementing policies at different levels of the health care system and with different constituencies.
Provide multidisciplinary leadership through analysis of critical indicators within health care systems to provide optimal client care and safety.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in planning and delivery of health management.

Program Concentrations

Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Program

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog and on the ETSU College of Nursing website.

Students in the D.N.P. program must comply with all policies of the ETSU School of Graduate Studies regarding retention, progression, and graduation. In addition, before entrance into clinical courses, students must:

be licensed or authorized to practice in Tennessee or a compact state,
demonstrate evidence of professional malpractice insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage (as a nurse practitioner student)
have current CPR certification and knowledge of universal precautions
comply with the clinical requirements of the College of Nursing,
complete a criminal background check per College of Nursing policy

A student may be asked to present evidence of physical or mental health at any time during the nursing program, and continuance in the program may be contingent upon this evidence. Additionally, students are required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 85 credit hours

TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
$610 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1451 per credit hour
Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. This amount may not include program-specific fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

Programs include online courses taught by an accomplished, dedicated faculty who are committed to excellence and to advancing students in their scholarship. Many of the program's students have presented their work regionally and nationally, published their work, and have received national awards.
What is an exciting aspect of this program?

The program features a group of dedicated full-time faculty members who have excellent relationships with students. They care about the learning needs of their students and work together to provide the highest quality education.
What accreditations apply to this program?

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E.). C.C.N.E. is an arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency. C.C.N.E. serves the public interest to ensure quality.
What are the job prospects with this degree?

The need for nurses has never been greater! Opportunities include practice in primary care, community health, quality departments, long-term care, home health, leadership roles in health systems or clinics, and the establishment of new businesses.

Even with entry-level positions, a student's problem-solving skills will be much more developed after completing the doctoral degree. The D.N.P. allows them to learn and demonstrate their leadership abilities so that they can contribute to health systems, their patients, and to their communities.
Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field?

Students must have attained a B.S.N.

If they have an M.S.N. and certification in one concentration and do not want to change, the program of study is 4 semesters. If they wish to change concentrations, there are further courses that they are required to take.
Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

Some courses are offered asynchronously while some have synchronous requirements. In addition, there is one required intensive session on campus per semester.
Does the university/department help with clinical placement and locating preceptors?

There is a graduate clinical coordinator who assist students with placement.
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

Yes. The online format for didactic courses and the didactic portions of the clinical courses are designed to be flexible. Since nursing is a practice profession, there are clinical requirements for all clinical courses.
What is the time to completion for this program?

Full-time students working towards their B.S.N.-D.N.P. typically finish in 3 years, and those going for M.S.N.-D.N.P. will complete the program in 4 consecutive semesters.

Part-time B.S.N.-D.N.P. students complete the program in 15 consecutive semesters, and part-time M.S.N.-D.N.P. students finish the program in 7 consecutive semesters.
Does the college/department offer scholarships?

Yes! Please visit the Nursing Scholarships page for more details.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Concentration

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) from East Tennessee State University is designed to produce leaders in nursing and health care practice, and to provide advanced nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and values to:

Integrate specialized knowledge, theories, and research from nursing science and related disciplines for application to nursing practice.
Assume leadership roles as advanced clinicians, nurse educators, and/or administrators.
Demonstrate accountability in nursing practice according to accepted standards of patient care and safety.
Use information technology to translate research findings into evidence-based practice at the individual and health system levels.
Affect desired change by developing and implementing policies at different levels of the health care system and with different constituencies.
Provide multidisciplinary leadership through analysis of critical indicators within health care systems to provide optimal client care and safety.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in planning and delivery of health management.

Program

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog and on the ETSU College of Nursing website.

be licensed or authorized to practice in Tennessee or a compact state
demonstrate evidence of professional malpractice insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage (as a nurse practitioner student)
have current CPR certification and knowledge of universal precautions
comply with the clinical requirements of the College of Nursing
complete a criminal background check per College of Nursing policy.

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 77 credit hours

TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
$610 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1451 per credit hour
Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. This amount may not include program-specific fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

This program is designed for the working professional with course delivery in an blended online format. This allows students to complete most of their coursework online at a time convenient to them.
What is an exciting aspect of this program?

The quality of the program, and the opportunity to prepare students to excel as nurse executives.
What accreditations apply to this program?

The ETSU M.S.N., D.N.P., and post-graduate certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (C.C.N.E.).
What are my job prospects with this degree?

Students completing this program are prepared to serve as nurse leaders in a variety of administrative roles. Translating evidence into practice is a role of the D.N.P., and for the nurse executive this may include addressing national health care policy, implementing change to improve patient outcomes, and leading multidisciplinary teams.

Additionally, they are eligible to take the Nurse Executive Advanced Certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (A.N.C.C.).
Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

Applicants must have a B.S.N. or M.S.N. to apply to the D.N.P. program.
Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

Courses are offered in an asynchronous format; however students are required to attend synchronous intensive sessions 2-3 days each semester, and a limited number of synchronous online sessions may be required throughout the semester depending on class/instructor.
Does the university/department help with clinical placement and locating preceptors?

Students are expected to be proactive in locating a preceptor. However, the graduate clinical coordinator works closely with students and preceptors to assist students in identifying a preceptor when necessary.
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

Yes! Most of the students enrolled in the program are working adults with family obligations. Most course work is done online and can be completed at the time most convenient for the student, as long as assignments are submitted on time.

*Students enrolling in an M.S.N.-D.N.P. concentration that is different from their M.S.N. degree will have an individualized plan of study.
What is the time to complete for full-time students?
- B.S.N.-D.N.P. Full-time students: 9 semesters
- M.S.N.-D.N.P. Full-time students: 4 semesters *
*Students enrolling in an M.S.N.-D.N.P. concentration that is different from their M.S.N. degree will have an individualized plan of study.
What is the time to complete for part-time students?
- B.S.N.-D.N.P. Part-time students: 15 semesters
- M.S.N.-D.N.P. Part-time students: 7 semesters *
*Students enrolling in an M.S.N.-D.N.P. concentration that is different from their M.S.N. degree will have an individualized plan of study.
How many spaces are available for each cohort?

The D.N.P. Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Concentration admits students every other year, with several spaces available for each admission term.
Does the college/department offer scholarships?

Yes! Please visit the Nursing Scholarships page for more details.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) is a doctoral degree focused on clinical practice. East Tennessee State University College of Nursing's D.N.P. program prepares advanced practice nurses and executive nurse leaders to assess and evaluate evidence from research and translate or use the findings to affect practice change to enhance and promote quality of care.

Program

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog and on the ETSU College of Nursing website.

be licensed or authorized to practice in Tennessee or a compact state
demonstrate evidence of professional malpractice insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage (as a nurse practitioner student)
have current CPR certification and knowledge of universal precautions
comply with the clinical requirements of the College of Nursing
complete a criminal background check per College of Nursing policy

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 83 credit hours

TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
$610 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1451 per credit hour
Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. This amount may not include program-specific fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

ETSU is unique in that the graduate programs include online courses with accomplished, dedicated faculty who are committed to excellence and to advancing students in their scholarship. Many of the program's students have presented their work regionally and nationally, published their work, and have received national awards. For example, one of our current D.N.P. students is a national rural health fellow.
What is an exciting aspect of this program?

The department has a group of dedicated full-time faculty members who have excellent relationships with students. They care about their student's learning needs and work together to provide the highest quality education!
What accreditations apply to this program?

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E). C.C.N.E. is an arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency. C.C.N.E. serves the public interest to ensure quality.
What are the job prospects with this degree?

The need for nurses has never been greater! Opportunities include practice in primary care, community health, quality departments, long-term care, home health, leadership roles in health systems or clinics, the establishment of businesses, and some that students will define themselves.
Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field?

Students must have attained a B.S.N. If they have an M.S.N. and certification in one concentration and do not want to change, the program of study is four (4) semesters. If they do wish to change concentrations, there are further courses that they are required to take.
Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

Students will take a mix of asynchronous and synchronous courses.
Does the university/department help with clinical placement and locating preceptors?

Students are expected to be proactive in locating a preceptor. However, the graduate clinical coordinator works closely with students and preceptors to assist students in identifying a preceptor when necessary.
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

Yes! The online format for didactic courses and the didactic portions of the clinical courses are designed to be flexible. Since nursing is a practice profession, there are clinical requirements for all clinical courses.
What is the time to completion for full-time students?
- B.S.N.-D.N.P., three (3) years;
- M.S.N.-D.N.P., four (4) consecutive semesters.
What is the time to completion for part-time students?
- B.S.N.-D.N.P., fifteen (15) consecutive semesters;
- M.S.N.-D.N.P., seven (7) consecutive semesters
Does the college/department offer scholarships?

Yes! Please visit the Nursing Scholarships page for more details.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

This program from East Tennessee State University provides advanced nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and values to:

Integrate specialized knowledge, theories, and research from nursing science and related disciplines for application to nursing practice.
Assume leadership roles as advanced clinicians, nurse educators, and/or administrators.
Demonstrate accountability in nursing practice according to accepted standards of patient care and safety.
Use information technology to translate research findings into evidence-based practice at the individual and health system levels.
Affect desired change by developing and implementing policies at different levels of the health care system and with different constituencies.
Provide multidisciplinary leadership through analysis of critical indicators within health care systems to provide optimal client care and safety.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in planning and delivery of health management.

Program

Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog and on the ETSU College of Nursing website.

be licensed or authorized to practice in Tennessee or a compact state
demonstrate evidence of professional malpractice insurance in the amount of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage (as a nurse practitioner student)
have current CPR certification and knowledge of universal precautions
comply with the clinical requirements of the College of Nursing
complete a criminal background check per College of Nursing policy

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 80 credit hours

TN Residents	eRate (Out of State, 100% online)	Out of State
$610 per credit hour	$765 per credit hour	$1451 per credit hour
Note, tuition discounts are available for border county students. This amount may not include program-specific fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

The faculty provide an innovative curriculum with state-of-the-art learning technologies.
What is an exciting aspect of this program?

This program a 100% pass rate on the P.M.H.N.P. certification and is ranked among EduMed’s Best Online Programs!
What accreditations apply to this program?

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (C.C.N.E.).
What are the job prospects with this degree?

The job prospects for P.M.H.N.P.s are excellent! There is a shortage of psychiatric providers across the country, making this degree very valuable.
Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

D.N.P. applicants must have a B.S.N. or M.S.N. or be a registered nurse with a non-nursing master’s degree.
Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

Neither the GRE nor the GMAT are required.
Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?

The D.N.P. is online asynchronous, but it does require students to be on campus for intensives which occur 3 times a year.
Does the department/university help with clinical placement and locating preceptors?

Yes, the graduate clinical coordinator has many contacts and lists of preceptors used in the past to help students with clinical placement. However, the student is responsible to be proactive in the preceptor and clinical site search.
Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

Many students enrolled in this program do work while they complete their coursework. The online nature of this program makes it ideal for those with outside obligations.

Please speak with an advisor to determine the best curriculum plan.
Does the college/department offer scholarships?

Yes! Please visit the Nursing Scholarships page for more details.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.

Steps to Apply

Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

Step 1 Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option
Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

Step 2 Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"
Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

Step 3 Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Doctorate," term, then choose Nursing, D.N.P. and complete the remainder of the form.