Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences transitioned its advanced practice nursing specialty programs to the DNP degree starting fall 2024 following recommendations from the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) to move all entry-level NP education to the DNP degree by 2025.

General Information and Requirements

Decker College offers two DNP programs:

  • The BS-DNP is appropriate for bachelor’s- or master’s prepared RNs who are not practicing nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists pursuing the DNP degree in their current specialization; see details below 
  • The Advanced Standing DNP is appropriate for master's prepared nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists who want to continue their education in their current area of specialization; see details below

Still wondering which DNP program is right for you?

Answer these two questions:

  1. Are you nationally certified as an adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist, community health primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner or family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner?
  2. Do you want to continue your education in your current specialization?

If you answered YES to questions 1 and 2, apply to the Advanced Standing DNP program. If you answered NO to questions 1 and/or 2, apply to the BS-DNP program.

Functional Role and Specialization Options

Students may choose to pursue a DNP in one of two functional roles:

  • Nurse practitioner (NP)
  • Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

Students will also select an area of specialization (see chart for availability in conjunction with functional roles):

Specialization area options  Nurse practitioner role Clinical nurse specialist role
Family health primary care available1 not available
Family health primary care with community health emphasis available2 not available
Adult-gerontological primary care available3 available
Family psychiatric mental health available4 not available

Curricula

DNP program requirements are below. Visit our Google drive for printer-friendly curriculum plans and worksheets for each specialization and functional area.

Application Criteria

International students are ineligible to enroll in the DNP program due to U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations, since all DNP core course are provided online.

Applicants to the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at the Decker School of Nursing must satisfy the general conditions and procedures for graduate admission to Binghamton University. They must also adhere to all policies outlined in the Graduate School Manual.

In addition, the following are required and will be evaluated for admission:

  • For Advanced Standing DNP only: A master's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited program
  • For Advanced Standing DNP only: A current, unencumbered license as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in the U.S.
  • For Advanced Standing DNP only: Proof of current, national certification as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist
  • A bachelor's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited program
  • Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A current, unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse in the U.S.
    • Prior to beginning clinical experiences in a New York clinical facility, students must submit a copy of their current, unencumbered RN license in New York; this is required by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions
  • Completion of a descriptive statistics course with a grade of C or better within the past five years
  • Applicants must submit a 500-word personal statement that includes the following:
    1. Identifies their particular area of clinical interest
    2. Identifies which of the following three areas they wish to complete a DNP project in:
      1. Development of a process/plan that improves patient outcomes, OR
      2. Program evaluation that improves patient outcomes, OR
      3. A process that influences health policy that may improve patient outcomes
    3. Includes their reasons and/or career goals for obtaining a DNP and notes any unique aspects of their background that will contribute to the Decker nursing graduate community
  • 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment authoritatively on the applicant's academic achievements and/or work or internship experience related to the program; appropriate recommenders include academic references or individuals in supervisory positions — recommendations from coworkers or friends will not be accepted
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • NOTE: Information about application criteria, clinical practice requirements and other requirements, review the Academic Guide (formerly, the Bulletin). The rules and regulations posted in the Academic Guide at the time of a student's matriculation into the University are the ones to which that student is held.

Application Procedures

Instructions for applying to Binghamton University are available on the Graduate Admission How to Apply webpage. If you have questions, call 607–777–2151 or email gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

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If you have a felony or child abuse conviction
Students who have a previous felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or meet the licensure requirements of certain professions. Students with a prior criminal history should also be aware that agencies for clinical, field or internship experiences may require a background check. A prior criminal history may preclude participation in such experiences at these agencies. Students concerned about these restrictions are advised to contact the program director of their intended academic program.

Nursing students who are convicted of a felony or child abuse while enrolled in Decker College must report those convictions to their academic program director, as it may change their progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. Nursing students who wish to learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact their ability for licensure should check with the State Board of Nursing in the state where they plan to practice.