Nursing Practice, D.N.P.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program provides a professional practice doctorate in nursing that is designed for applicants to matriculate at two entry points: post baccalaureate or post master’s degree with a major in nursing. The degree prepares you for a career with a focus on one of the following advanced professional practice specialties:
- Community Behavior
- Direct Practice
- Leadership/Administration
- Practitioner/Educator
The sequence of courses provides the DNP graduate with the skills to assume leadership in meeting the healthcare needs of clients in a variety of settings; the program has an emphasis on the care of vulnerable populations.
Admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice is competitive; only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the program. DNP applications are due by May 1st every year. Apply by visiting the Apply Online page of this website.
Approval to grant the degree was granted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in December, 2007. Approval for the Doctor of Nursing Practice has also been awarded by the Higher Learning Commission.
Quote from Nancy MacMullen
Our nursing students typically are nontraditional, juggling job and family responsibilities on top of school—and they work hard and collaborate with faculty to achieve their career goals. Upon graduation, our nursing students are prepared at to advance in their profession and provide excellent nursing care to local, regional, national, and international communities.
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
Interested in being a Preceptor/ Residency Supervisor?
Essential information and links that will clarify and expedite the clinical preceptor experience can be found on this page.
How to Apply
Take the next step in advancing your nursing career. Get your DNP degree at Governors State University today!
The DNP application deadline is May 1st, of every year. Applicants are admitted to the DNP program for fall semester only. Apply Online today for admission to the DNP program.
All admissions materials, including letters of recommendation and personal statements, are submitted to the admissions office. Decisions will be rendered 6-8 weeks after the application due date.
For more information, visit the Department of Nursing website, call 708.534.4040, or email the Department of Nursing at NursingAdvisor@govst.edu.
- Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate/masters program in nursing.
- A minimum nursing cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5, on a four-point scale.
- Evidence of current registered nurse license.
- A personal statement 1-2 pages describing goals and rationale for applying to the program.
- Three (3) letters of professional/academic recommendations are required.
- Validation of previous Nursing clinical *contact hours.(*1000 verifiable post-baccalaureate clinical hours required for the award of the DNP degree. Up to 500 hours may be applied from previous Nursing clinical at the Master's for post Masters admission hours). Any deficiency in clinical hour credit, that would result in a failure to meet the 1000 hours prior to graduation must be made up by taking Nursing 8701 with enough repeats to satisfy the clinical deficiency. Depending upon the number of hours deficient a student's progress in the DNP may be halted early in the program but no later than entry into the role practicum to assure that all hours are completed on time.
- The Nursing program reserves the right to deny admissions to any student whose clinical hour deficiency is such that it is clear that they cannot complete the 1000 hours required without putting a significant strain on faculty resources.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State’s mission is to offer accessible and exceptional education, which is why GovState offers the most affordable tuition rates in the Chicagoland area—all while maintaining our top accreditations.
As a student at Governors State University, you have many available ways to cover the cost of your tuition.
Contact Us
- Department of Nursing
- Governors State University
- 708.534.4040
- NursingAdvisor@govst.edu