DePaul University Online NP Programs

What to Expect from DePaul University Online NP Programs

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements vary depending on the program.

For the certificate programs, applicants must submit an application package consisting of an online application, official transcripts verifying completion of a master’s degree in nursing as well as transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a personal statement that describes both the applicant’s reasoning for completing a post-master’s certificate at DePaul as well as short- and long-term professional goals within the student’s current area of practice, two letters of recommendation, a copy of their CV or resume, an application fee, proof of an unencumbered RN license in the state in which the student intends to complete the clinical practicum, and, if necessary, proof of English language proficiency.

For the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program, applicants hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from an ACEN-, CNEA-, or CCNE-accredited nursing program, provide proof of a current, unencumbered RN license in the state in which they will complete their clinical practicum, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the RN program. Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a current resume, and official transcripts from each college or university attended are also needed.

State Restrictions: Both the DNP and the certificate programs are not available to students in all fifty states. They are not open to students who plan to complete their clinical practicum requirement in any of these states: Arizona, California, Colorado, ​Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, and Washington. Students planning to secure advanced practice licensure outside Illinois after graduation are strongly recommended to contact the licensing agency where they plan to practice to verify all requirements and restrictions that may apply to them before they begin additional nursing education.

DePaul University’s programs also accept international students. International applicants complete an online application, pay a non-refundable application fee, and submit adequate proof of English language proficiency. Also necessary to a complete application is the credential evaluation process. This process is required to confirm that students who completed training outside the United States have an education equivalent to that of domestic students and will thus possess the requisite training needed to practice responsibly upon completion of the certificate program. As this credential evaluation process can be complex, prospective international applicants are recommended to learn more about the process on the DePaul website and contact DePaul University with any additional questions.

Study Plan: DePaul University offers flexible online study options for both its post-master’s NP certificate programs and BSN-to-DNP programs, allowing students to balance personal and professional commitments. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with start dates available in the fall (July), winter (November), spring (February), and summer (April) terms.

The AGNP certificate comprises 43 credits, while the FNP certificate requires 44 credits. Both certificate programs are offered entirely online, enabling students to complete coursework from any location without on-campus visits.

The BSN-to-DNP program includes a 40-credit doctoral core in addition to specialized track requirements. Students pursuing the AGNP track complete a 51-credit advanced practice core and eight credits in doctoral specialty coursework. In comparison, the FNP track requires a 52-credit advanced practice core and eight doctoral specialty credits. All DNP students must also complete a culminating DNP Project, which involves a needs assessment, development and implementation of a research initiative, program evaluation, and the production of a publishable-quality manuscript and formal presentation.

Certificate Core Curriculum: The AGNP and FNP certificate programs have nearly identical coursework requirements. Both programs require completion of a standard set of 38 credits of core coursework. These courses include pathophysiology for advanced practice; health assessment for advanced practice; pharmacology for advanced practice; primary care of the adult and older adult; clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses in primary care; and a series of practicums in population-based nursing practice.

• AGNP Certificate Courses: This 43-credit certificate requires completion of the aforementioned 38 credits of core coursework and a five-credit course in advanced gerontological nursing and pharmacotherapeutic implications.
• FNP Certificate Courses: This 44-credit certificate requires completion of the aforementioned 38 credits of core coursework and a six-credit course in women’s health, maternal child, and adolescents.

DNP Core Curriculum: As mentioned above, the BSN-to-DNP program includes a 40-credit doctoral core. Courses in the core curriculum include finance and costing in healthcare; culture, ethics, and policy analysis; healthcare economics; leadership and organizational behavior; informatics and technology applications; biostatistics & research methods for advanced practice; evidence-based practice research; and a DNP project practicum. In addition to this core curriculum, students must also complete the track requirements for their one designated concentration track.

• BSN-to-DNP AGNP Track Courses: The AGNP track requires students to complete 51 credits of advanced practice core courses and eight credits of coursework in a doctoral specialty. Courses include theoretical components of nursing; pathophysiology for advanced practice; health assessment for advanced practice; primary care of the adult and older adult; clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses in primary care; pharmacology for advanced practice; professional issues & research in population-based advanced practice nursing; population health quality and safety; advanced gerontological nursing & pharmacotherapeutic implications; and a series of practicums in population-based nursing practice.
• BSN-to-DNP FNP Track Courses: The FNP track requires students to complete 52 credits of advanced practice core courses and eight doctoral specialty credits. Courses include theoretical components of nursing; pathophysiology for advanced practice; health assessment for advanced practice; primary care of the adult and older adult; clinical management of acute and chronic illnesses in primary care; women’s health, maternal child, and adolescents; pharmacology for advanced practice; professional issues & research in population-based advanced practice nursing; population health quality and safety; and a series of practicums in population-based nursing practice.

Online Experience: DePaul University offers its nursing programs using an online delivery model. This model meets the flexibility that many working nurse professionals require to pursue additional education.

On-Site Requirements: Though DePaul University’s post-master’s certificate programs are offered online, students must still complete the series of population-based nursing practice clinicals in person. Likewise, students in the BSN-to-DNP tracks are required to fulfill in-person clinical practicums within their state of licensure to meet advanced practice competency requirements.