Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Specialty in the DNP Program

Students who attend UVA are mentored by faculty members who are experts in their field as educators, clinicians, researchers. Their experiences are additionally enriched by access to other disciplines across the University, including religion, ethics, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, and medicine. All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop.

Though it depends on the degree with which students enter the program (whether it's a BSN or MSN), DNP students who choose the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration typically complete core classes, specialty courses, electives, and 14 credits (750 hours) of direct care practicum. View complete plans of study on our School of Nursing community website.

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Post-BSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] 

Post-BSN DNP [part-time] 

Post-BSN DNP [full- and part-time] - Summer term

Post-MSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [part-time] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [full- and part-time] - Summer Term

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)

BSN to DNP pathway applicants must:

• Submit a completed application and submit an $85 application fee
• Have a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN ACEN) school
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
• Submit a resume or CV
• All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, and PhD students, are required to have an active unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
• Send official transcripts for all post-secondary study
• Be available for an interview, if requested
• Beginning with applicants matriculating in fall 2027, admission to the BSN to DNP program requires one year of full-time work experience as an RN by the time the student matriculates into the program (typically Fall of each year)

UVA School of Nursing alumni are guaranteed admission into the DNP program until capacity is reached.

Applicants who earned a BSN GPA of 3.25 or higher, who have an active membership in a national nursing organization, preferably in the applicant's practice area, who exhibit leadership behaviors in their professional practices, have earned a clinical certification, or are on a path to obtaining one, and have excellent writing skills are most competitive.

Candidates with generalist MSN degrees (CNL, nursing education, informatics, etc.) should apply to the BSN-to-DNP pathway. Enrolling students may petition to transfer up to 12 credits from their prior MSN degree to the DNP.

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