The DNP program at Mizzou includes two entry pathways:
Post-Baccalaureate (BSN-DNP) — For registered nurses who have completed a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing degree. Post-baccalaureate students may choose from part time or full time plans of study.
Post-Master’s (MSN-DNP) —Post-masters students with or without advanced practice degrees may choose from part time or full time plans of study depending upon specialty area.
There are six areas of study:
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner- Primary Care
- Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care
Completion of coursework and clinical hours in specific emphasis areas prepares graduates to apply for national certification in specific Advance Nursing Practice roles and population foci (e.g. Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist).
Students may also be eligible for other national certifications in Nurse Leadership/Executive pending completion of specific coursework and expertise as required by specific accrediting and certifying bodies.
If you are a post-baccalaureate DNP student, a full-time plan can be completed in four years. Part time plans are available for 5 years. If you are a post-Master’s student, a part-time plan is available for 3 years. Refer to the DNP Areas of Study webpage to select an area of study and view sample curricular plans for your selected entry pathway.
Applications are accepted through Nursing CAS. The application deadline for a Spring start is September 30. The application deadline for a Summer/Fall start is January 31.
- A bachelors of science degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Completion of a graduate level statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher with in the last five years. If you have not taken a graduate level statistics course, you may complete Nursing 7010 (preferred) or STAT 7020 Statistical Methods in the Health Sciences within the first year of enrollment.
For additional admission requirements, see the applying to the DNP program.
To ensure your success in the program, we suggest that you consider your work and family obligations.
Most students find taking 2 courses per semester allows time for work and a personal life. If you have significant family and community obligations, one course per semester is recommended.
For every one credit hour in which you enroll, you will spend approximately two to three hours outside of class studying to ensure successful completion of course. Additional time may be necessary depending on your computer literacy, reading comprehension, and writing skills.
The exact cost of a program depends on whether you are a post-baccalaureate or post-master’s student and if you transfer in any coursework. For estimated tuition fees, see Missouri Online. Additional costs may include technology, clinical, or health insurance fees, as well as books, travel, and lodging. As our program is distanced-mediated, out-of-state tuition fees are not applicable. The University reserves the right to increase or decrease the fees charged for attendance and other services at the University when the Board of Curators considers it in the best interest of the University to do so.
Financial assistance programs are available. Contact the Student Affairs Office at 573-882-0277 or 800-437-4339 for further information. Positions as teaching assistants also are available and may provide tuition assistance.
For further information about financial assistance for graduate programs, contact the MU Office of Student Financial Aid at 573-882-7506.