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

• BS-DNP program

  The BS-DNP program is designed for bachelors-prepared RNs who aim for the highest clinical nursing degree. It focuses on producing expert clinicians, health policy leaders and healthcare improvement catalysts. Graduates are equipped to hold clinical leadership roles, innovate in healthcare delivery, advocate for health policies, lead in adopting advanced healthcare technologies and excel in interdisciplinary collaboration.

  The curriculum emphasizes improving healthcare outcomes, expanding access and enhancing healthcare delivery environments through strategic development, assessment and leadership in evidence-based nursing practices. This involves translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, informed decision-making and introducing clinical innovations to positively impact healthcare outcomes.

  The BS-DNP program is also appropriate for masters-prepared RNs who are not practicing nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists pursuing a DNP degree in their current specialization. Applicants with a master’s degree in a nursing specialization or role different from their current specialization or role will have their coursework evaluated for potential course waivers and the creation of individualized program plans.

  The BS-DNP program requires the completion of 77–78 credits, depending on the area of specialization. 

• Advanced Standing DNP program

  The Advanced Standing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctoral degree program that prepares nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists to adapt to changes in healthcare delivery and address emerging healthcare needs. It equips graduates with knowledge and skills in health systems leadership, policy development and the ability to work across disciplines. This comprehensive approach aims to improve healthcare outcomes and expand healthcare access. 

  Graduates learn to shape and improve the environment for healthcare delivery through development, assessment and enhancement strategies. The curriculum covers vital clinical, organizational, economic and leadership skills needed to significantly and positively impact healthcare outcomes. 

  The program also emphasizes leadership in innovative and evidence-based nursing practices. This involves training in translating research findings into practical applications, critically evaluating evidence, making informed decisions, applying research in clinical settings and introducing effective clinical innovations.

  The Advanced Standing DNP program requires the completion of 35–38 credits, depending on the area of specialization. 

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

• Note 1

  Graduates of the Family Health Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a family nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

• Note 2

  Graduates of the Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (across the lifespan) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

• Note 3

  Graduates of the Community Health Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as a community health primary care nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

• Note 4

  Graduates of the Adult Gerontological Primary Care NP program will be eligible to apply for New York state licensure as an adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner. They will also be eligible for national certification as an adult gerontological primary care nurse practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP). 

Curricula

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

• Advanced standing DNP curriculum plan, 2-years
  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  Course			Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics			OS		1–4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing			OA		3
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice			OA		3
  Elective (for students who have completed NURS 540 or equivalent)			varies		3
  Total for this semester					7–10
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning			OS		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation			OH		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				120	9
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior			OA		4
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II			OS	120	3
  Elective			varies		3
  Total for this semester				120	10
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare			OA		3
  NURS 650/NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience			OS	180	3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				300	9
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION				540	35–38

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• Advanced standing DNP curriculum plan, 3 years

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  Course			Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics			OS		1–4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing			OA		3
  Elective (for students who have completed NURS 540 or equivalent)			varies		3
  Total for this semester					4–7
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare			OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation			OH		3
  Total for this semester					6
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior			OA		4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice			OA		3
  Total for this semester					7
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning			OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				120	6
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II			OS	120	3
  Elective			varies		3
  Total for this semester				120	6
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 650/NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience			OS	180	3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III			OS	120	3
  Total for this semester				300	6
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION				540	35–38

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, adult-gerontological nurse practitioner curriculum plan

   Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 511: Adult-Gerontological Nursing I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  NURS 514: Adult-Gerontological Nursing NP Role I	TR	120	4
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 512: Adult-Gerontological Nursing II	TR	60	3
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 554: Family/Adult-Gerontological NP Role II	TR	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 513: Adult-Gerontological Nursing III	TR	120	3
  NURS 555: Family/Adult-Gerontological NP Role III	TR	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, community health nurse practitioner curriculum plan

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 515: Functional Role I: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 541: Community Health Nursing Practice I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 516: Functional Role II: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 542: Community Health Nursing Practice II	TR	60	3
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 517: Functional Role III: Community Health Primary Care NP	TR	120	4
  NURS 543: Community Health Nursing Practice III	TR	60	3
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,320	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, family nurse practitioner curriculum plan  

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 521: Nursing in Family Practice I	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	60	3
  NURS 553: Family NP Role I	TR	120	4
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		180	13
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 522: Nursing in Family Practice II	TR	60	3
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 554: Family/Adult-Gero NP Role II	TR	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		180	14
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1)
  NURS 555: Family/Adult-Gero NP Role III	TR	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 596: Nursing in Family Practice III	TR	120	3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	13
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	77

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

• BS-DNP, family psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner curriculum plan

  Instructional method key:

  • TR = Traditional: This is a traditional campus-based course.
  • OA = Online asynchronous: Instruction is recorded/stored and then accessed by students at another time.
  • OS = Online synchronous: Students view online instruction as it occurs. Set remote meeting times.
  • OC = Online combined: A combination of asynchronous and synchronous instruction.
  • OH = Online hybrid: Online instruction combined with a set number of campus-based class sessions.

  Year 1, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  Course	Instructional method	Clinical hours	Credits
  NURS 502: Advanced Physical Health Assessment	OH	60	3
  NURS 518: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan	OA/TR		3
  NURS 532: Healthcare Delivery Systems	OS		3
  NURS 600: Advanced Research Methods and Quantitative Analyses	OA/TR		3
  Total for this semester		60	12
  Year 1, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 1–2)
  NURS 519: Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice	OA/TR		3
  NURS 562: Psychopharmacology	OH		2
  NURS 565: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role I: Assessment and Diagnosis	TR (+3 OS IPE dates)	120	4
  Elective	varies		3
  Total for this semester		120	12
  Year 2, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 540: Elements of Epidemiology and Biostatistics	OS		4
  NURS 563: Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization I: Acute Illnesses	OH	120	4
  NURS 566: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role II: Individual Therapy	OH	120	4
  NURS 610: Evidence-Based Practice	OA		3
  Total for this semester		240	15
  Year 2, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 564: Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization II: Chronic Illnesses	OH	120	4
  NURS 567: Psychiatric Mental Health NP Role III: Group and Family Therapy	OH	120	4
  NURS 579: Advanced Diagnostics and Clinical Reasoning	OS		3
  NURS 651: DNP Scholarly Project I	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		360	14
  Year 3, fall (estimated days per week on campus: 0)
  NURS 548: DNP Organizational Behavior	OA		4
  NURS 601: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing	OA		3
  NURS 650: DNP Practicum Experience	OS	180	3
  NURS 652: DNP Scholarly Project II	OS	120	3
  Total for this semester		300	13
  Year 3, spring (estimated days per week on campus: 0–1)
  NURS 615: Information Systems and Technology in Healthcare	OA		3
  NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation	OH		3
  NURS 653: DNP Scholarly Project III	OS	120	3
  NURS 655: DNP Practicum Experience II	OS	180	3
  Total for this semester		300	12
  TOTAL REQUIRED FOR DEGREE COMPLETION		1,380	78

  NOTE: Curriculum plans and course scheduling are subject to change.

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 felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker School of Nursing and/or to meet licensure requirements for nursing or advanced practice licensure. If you are concerned about this, contact the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence, the graduate nursing program director or the Decker College Dean's Office. You must report felony convictions while enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing as it may change your progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact your ability for licensure, check with the State Board of Nursing in the state where you plan to practice.