What are the requirements for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is extremely selective. Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, evidence of completion of a graduate-level statistics course, a graduate-level research course and graduate-level coursework in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment. Applicants must also have documentation of the number of supervised clinical hours completed in a previous master’s in nursing program.

Does the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Colby-Sawyer College accept transfer students from other institutions?

Yes, Colby-Sawyer's Doctor of Nursing Practice program accepts transfer students. Up to nine (9) graduate-level credits may be transferred from other programs after evaluation by the registrar.

What are the academic policies of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program?

A minimum grade of B- is required in all nursing courses. Graduate students may only repeat a single nursing course one time, if necessary. In addition, the nursing faculty reserves the right to require withdrawal of any student whose health, conduct or academic standing makes it unsafe for the student to remain in a nursing course or in a clinical setting. Failure to comply with the clinical agency policy is also cause for dismissal. Academic policies regarding probation, suspension and dismissal are the same as for the undergraduate nursing program.

What kind of employment opportunities will a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree afford me?

The degree prepares graduates for career advancement in healthcare leadership, advanced clinical care or health policy, and offers a path to a career as a nurse executive, clinical educator or clinical scientist. Colby-Sawyer graduates have careers in a wide range of organizations: inpatient, ambulatory, integrated systems and community-based, as well as colleges and universities.

What courses are required for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program?

Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in 8- and 15-week blocks. DNP courses are designed to respond to the unique needs of adult learners who are currently engaged in nursing practice.

How long does it take to complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Colby-Sawyer College?

The DNP program can be completed in less than two years. The program's combination of online work and clinical practice is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.