DNP Programs in North Carolina

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UNC prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead healthcare transformation. This comprehensive doctoral program equips nurses with cutting-edge clinical expertise, research skills, and systems leadership abilities. Designed for practicing nurses seeking to elevate their professional impact, the program offers advanced training in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and complex patient care management. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners ready to address critical healthcare challenges and drive innovative patient-centered solutions across diverse clinical settings.

• Doctoral nursing practice program
• Advanced clinical leadership training
• Evidence-based healthcare approach
• Systems leadership development
• Comprehensive professional preparation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at UNC focuses on advanced healthcare leadership, preparing nurses to excel in complex clinical and administrative roles. This comprehensive program empowers healthcare professionals to drive systemic improvements, implement evidence-based practices, and lead transformative patient care strategies. Designed for experienced nurses seeking to elevate their expertise, the program offers specialized training in healthcare administration, emphasizing strategic leadership, quality improvement, and innovative healthcare delivery models.

• Health Care Leadership Focus
• Doctoral Level Nursing Practice
• Advanced Clinical Leadership Training
• Specialized Healthcare Administration
• Innovative Patient Care Strategies

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Health Care Leadership and Administration. This program is designed for nurses aiming to lead and transform healthcare systems. It focuses on advanced practice, leadership, and policy to improve patient outcomes. The curriculum is tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility with online coursework. Admissions require a master's degree in nursing, a current RN license, and professional experience. Costs are competitive, with financial aid options available. This program prepares graduates for top-tier roles in healthcare administration and leadership, emphasizing innovation and evidence-based practice.

• Online program format
• Focus on Health Care Leadership
• Requires master's degree
• Competitive tuition costs
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice
• Financial aid available
• Requires RN license
• Focus on improving patient outcomes

The University of North Carolina's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals an opportunity to elevate their clinical expertise. This hybrid program prepares nurse practitioners to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care for adult and elderly patient populations, emphasizing evidence-based practice and advanced clinical skills. Students gain specialized knowledge in geriatric health management, complex disease treatment, and patient-centered care strategies.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Evidence-based clinical education
• Specialized geriatric healthcare training

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UNC Charlotte empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare leaders. This advanced online program prepares both organizational leaders and advanced practice registered nurses to innovate in complex healthcare systems. Students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership through a comprehensive 42-credit curriculum. The program requires a master's degree in nursing, maintains a competitive 3.5 GPA requirement, and offers flexible coursework designed for working professionals seeking to elevate their nursing expertise.

• Online program with synchronous immersion
• 42 credit hours total
• Post-master's degree pathway
• 1000 total clinical practice hours
• Resident tuition $288.82 per credit
• Post-master's advanced nursing preparation
• Flexible coursework for professionals
• Leadership and innovation focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Personalized faculty mentorship

The Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia provides advanced clinical training for healthcare professionals seeking to specialize in anesthesia care across patient lifespans. This comprehensive program prepares students to become expert practitioners through rigorous theoretical and hands-on clinical experiences, partnered with Atrium Health. Graduates are equipped to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care and are prepared to sit for national certification examinations. The program offers specialized clinical experiences in Charlotte area healthcare facilities, focusing on patient safety, leadership, and advanced nursing practice.

• Terminal practice degree in Nursing
• Nurse Anesthesia Concentration
• Partnership with Atrium Health
• On-campus clinical experiences
• Prepares for national certification

East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares advanced nursing professionals through an innovative, interprofessional curriculum. Designed for experienced nurses seeking leadership roles, the program emphasizes mentorship, rural healthcare, and cutting-edge technology. Students benefit from doctorally prepared faculty with extensive clinical and research expertise, gaining specialized skills to address complex healthcare challenges. The program offers personalized guidance, simulation experiences, and flexible course options to support professional development and career advancement.

• Online DNP program available
• Focus on rural healthcare populations
• Personalized faculty mentorship
• Interprofessional curriculum approach
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple practice concentration options
• Innovative technology integration
• Simulation laboratory experiences
• Clinical site placement assistance
• Flexible elective course selections

East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive 70-semester-hour curriculum designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. This hybrid program combines online learning with clinical experiences, preparing professionals to deliver high-quality primary care. Students complete 840 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, focusing on comprehensive health promotion and care for patients across diverse settings. The program emphasizes community-oriented primary care and serves rural and underserved populations in Eastern North Carolina.

• 70 semester-hour curriculum
• 840 clinical practice hours
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• North Carolina RN licensure required
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
• Part-time and full-time options
• Community-focused primary care

East Carolina University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced practice nurses to serve diverse patient populations. The 61-semester-hour curriculum focuses on comprehensive healthcare for adolescents through elderly patients, emphasizing rural and underserved communities. Students complete 720 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, developing skills to work in community clinics, health departments, and long-term care settings. Graduates are eligible for national certification and prepared to deliver high-quality, interprofessional healthcare.

• 61 semester-hour curriculum
• 720 clinical practice hours
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• North Carolina RN licensure required
• Interprofessional healthcare focus
• ANCC/AANP certification eligible
• Part-time and full-time options

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips nursing professionals to provide advanced primary healthcare across patient lifespans, particularly in underserved rural and urban communities. This comprehensive program integrates nursing science with multiple disciplines, preparing clinical leaders to transform healthcare delivery. Graduates become eligible for national certification exams, enabling practice in North Carolina and other states. The 70-credit hour program offers a robust curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positioning students for significant healthcare impact.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• National certification preparation
• Advanced primary healthcare focus
• Hybrid program delivery

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration equips advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare across patient lifespans, particularly in underserved rural and urban populations. Students integrate nursing science with multiple disciplines to understand healthcare delivery and transform patient care. The 70-credit program prepares graduates to pursue national certification through ANCC or AANP, enabling professional advancement and independent practice in multiple states.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• Certification exam preparation
• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with Nurse Executive Leadership concentration at UNCW prepares advanced nursing professionals to lead transformative healthcare initiatives. This rigorous 36-credit program equips nurses with critical leadership skills to drive organizational change, improve patient outcomes, and innovate healthcare delivery. Graduates emerge as strategic executives capable of translating evidence-based practices into comprehensive leadership strategies across diverse healthcare settings.

• 36 credit hour program
• Completed in five semesters
• Leadership trajectory focus
• Advanced nursing leadership preparation
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Hybrid program format
• AACN DNP Essentials aligned

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across all life stages. This 70-credit program equips students with sophisticated clinical leadership skills, integrating nursing science with biophysical and organizational sciences. Graduates gain expertise in transforming healthcare delivery, becoming eligible for ANCC certification and advanced practice opportunities. The program offers a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to elevate their professional impact in psychiatric and mental health care.

• 70-credit DNP program
• 8-semester completion timeline
• ANCC certification preparation
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 600 hours RN experience
• Across lifespan psychiatric care
• North Carolina licensure compatible

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Doctor of Nursing Practice program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients aged 13 through end of life. This rigorous program integrates nursing science with analytical and organizational sciences, equipping graduates to provide high-quality primary care, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and excel in advanced practice provider roles across diverse healthcare settings.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care focus ages 13+
• Hybrid program delivery
• Comprehensive healthcare preparation
• Interdisciplinary scientific approach

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UNCW provides advanced nursing professionals with comprehensive skills in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. This specialized concentration prepares practitioners to deliver high-quality healthcare to patients aged 13 through end of life, focusing on primary care settings. Graduates gain comprehensive clinical expertise, integrating nursing science with analytical and organizational approaches to enhance patient care and healthcare delivery effectiveness.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care for ages 13+
• Comprehensive healthcare approach
• Prepares advanced practice providers
• Integrates multiple scientific disciplines

The Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across patient lifespans. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills integrating nursing science with biophysical and organizational knowledge. The 70-credit program enables professionals to transform healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and pursue certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Designed for experienced nurses seeking leadership roles, the program offers flexible learning with clinical leadership training.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• ANCC certification eligible
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• Advanced clinical leadership training

North Carolina A&T State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a specialized Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed to prepare advanced nursing professionals. This innovative hybrid program uniquely integrates emerging healthcare technologies with a focus on health equity and social justice. Students develop critical skills to address complex mental health challenges, advance healthcare access, and diversify the healthcare workforce. The program emphasizes leadership, cultural competence, and cutting-edge practice techniques to transform nursing education and patient care.

• Hybrid program format
• Focuses on health equity
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Two specialized tracks offered
• Emphasis on leadership skills
• UNC system approved
• Minority representation focus
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• Multiple simulation lab facilities

North Carolina A&T's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals for transformative leadership roles. This comprehensive program offers two specialized tracks, with a focus on Transformational Nursing Leadership, empowering students to drive healthcare innovation. Graduates develop advanced clinical skills, technology competence, and cultural competency to improve patient care and healthcare systems. The program equips nurses to excel in clinical practice, leadership positions, and advocacy roles across diverse healthcare settings.

• Terminal practice degree
• Two specialized tracks
• Innovative simulation labs
• Interdisciplinary approach
• High employment demand
• Technology-focused curriculum
• Cultural competence emphasis
• Leadership skill development
• Research translation focus
• Advanced clinical preparation

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical mental health needs across diverse populations. This comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program equips students with comprehensive clinical skills through 1,040 clinical hours, including direct patient interactions. Graduates become skilled nurse practitioners capable of serving adolescents, adults, elders, and families in various healthcare settings. Students can specialize in Emerging Technological Innovations or Health Equity and Social Justice, enhancing their professional versatility and impact.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Focus on underserved populations
• Two optional specialty concentrations
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

North Carolina A&T State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares advanced nursing professionals through an innovative hybrid program focusing on transformational leadership and healthcare innovation. Designed to enhance healthcare access and address systemic inequities, the program integrates emerging technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence. Students develop critical leadership skills while addressing complex healthcare challenges, with a commitment to diversity and social justice in nursing practice.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Transformational Nursing Leadership concentration
• Health equity focus
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• UNC system approved program
• Multiple simulation lab facilities
• High-demand career opportunities

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations. The comprehensive 70-credit curriculum develops expert clinicians capable of serving adolescents, adults, elders, and families in various healthcare settings. With a focus on health equity and social justice, students gain advanced clinical skills through 1,040 clinical hours, preparing them for professional certification and impactful community healthcare roles.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Optional concentration options
• Advanced practice preparation
• Interprofessional team training
• Diverse patient population focus
• AANC Board Certification preparation

North Carolina A&T State University's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to address complex mental health needs across diverse populations. The comprehensive 70-credit hybrid program focuses on developing skilled practitioners who can serve adolescents, adults, elders, and families. Students complete 1,040 clinical hours, including direct patient interactions, and must pass the AANC Board Certification Examination. With an optional concentration in Emerging Technological Innovations, graduates are equipped to collaborate in various healthcare settings and contribute to underserved communities.

• 70 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Practice across diverse settings
• Focuses on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration