University of Arizona Online DNP Programs

What to Expect from the University of Arizona Online DNP Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the BSN-to-DNP program must hold a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must hold a current, unencumbered RN license and keep it in good standing throughout their program. Application materials include an application, two recommendations, all transcripts, and a current resume or CV. No interview is required for BSN-to-DNP applicants.

State Restrictions: The University of Arizona continually monitors federal, state, and territory requirements for distance learning education and clinical placement relevant to the DNP program and its specialties (AGACNP, FNP, PNP, NM, and PMHNP). Due to certain restrictions, the University of Arizona DNP program may not be offered to applicants living or practicing in certain states or territories.

The following states do not meet the University of Arizona DNP program individual state distance learning and clinical placement requirements: American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, District of Columbia, Georgia, Guam, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Students from all states outside of Arizona should always check with their State Board of Nursing, as well as the College of Nursing through the University of Arizona, to verify enrollment eligibility.

Study Plan: The BSN-to-DNP program takes 2.5 years to complete on a full-time basis or 3.5 years on a part-time basis. Students pursuing the dual DNP specializations add one full year of three semesters to their program, while those pursuing the RHPP or RTCP additional certificate add one to two semesters, or take more classes during certain semesters. The University of Arizona admits BSN-to-DNP students in the Fall only in cohorts; however, dual DNP students may procure authorization to begin in the Spring. Nurse-midwifery students begin in the summer. The average cohort sizes for the specializations are as follows:

• AGACNP: 20 students
• FNP: 60 students
• PNP: 10 students
• PMHNP: 30 students

BSN-to-DNP Curriculum: The BSN-to-DNP program comprises 65 to 70 credits and includes a minimum of 720 clinical hours completed in the area of specialty. Students admitted to the DNP nurse-midwifery program must complete a rigorous curriculum consisting of 69 credits and 900 clinical hours.

The dual FNP/AGACNP specialization comprises 91 credits, the dual FNP/PMHNP comprises 89 credits, and the dual PNP/PMHNP comprises 90 credits. The dual programs require 720 credits for each specialty for a total of at least 1,440 clinical specialty hours plus DNP project hours.

Courses for all specializations include statistical inference for evidence-based practice; methods for scholarly inquiry; DNP forum; philosophy and theory for the dnp; advanced physiology and pathophysiology; health policy and economics; evidence-based practice; advanced pharmacotherapeutics for nursing; interprofessional collaboration in healthcare teams; evaluation methodologies for safety and quality improvement; advanced health and physical assessment; healthcare informatics: theory and practice; organizational leadership and finance in health systems; and population health for DNPs. As well, DNP students complete DNP project courses to complete a DNP project.

• AGACNP Specialization Courses (70 credits): pharmacology in acute care; adult-gerontology: diagnosis and management of chronic and acute illnesses I-II; cardiac rhythm analysis and interventions; women’s health in advanced practice nursing; adult-gerontology traumatic injury and emergent illness; clinical issues in the care of acutely ill older adults; and clinical residency
• FNP Specialization Courses (69 credits): pediatric health assessment; pediatric pharmacotherapeutics; pediatrics in advanced practice; introduction to primary care; women’s health in advanced practice; advanced primary care; advanced practice nursing issues in the care of older adults; and clinical residency
• PNP Specialization Courses (65 credits): pediatric health assessment in advanced practice; pediatric pharmacotherapeutics; care of the well child and adolescent; diagnosis and management of acute and chronic conditions in children and adolescents; women’s health in advanced practice nursing; and clinical residency
• PMHNP Specialization Courses (70 credits): psychopharmacology; pediatric pharmacology; introduction to behavioral health therapy across the lifespan; advanced psychiatric mental health nursing I-II; advance PMHNP III: focus on children and adolescents; advanced practice nursing issues in the care of older adults; and clinical residency
• Nurse-Midwifery Specialization Courses (69 credits): pharmacotherapeutics in midwifery care; women’s health in advanced practice; routine antenatal and gynecologic care; midwifery care in the birthing experience; advanced midwifery management of gynecologic care; midwifery management of complications in the birthing process; introduction to primary care for the nurse midwife; and clinical residency
• Dual Specialization Courses: Dual specialization DNP students take all required courses for all DNP specializations, plus the required specialization courses. Clinical hours equal 1,440, and these students attend three RISE and two CSIs.

Rural Health Certificate Courses: The rural health certificate comprises nine credits and includes the following courses: conceptual foundations for rural health nursing; rural health systems; rural community health; and clinical residency. The residency must be served at an approved rural site, and the DNP Project must be rural-focused. As well, students choosing to add this certificate must participate in RHPP activities, including the annual RHPP interprofessional rural health conference.

Rural Telehealth Certificate Courses: The rural telehealth certificate comprises nine credits and includes the following courses: technology for expanding healthcare capacity; conceptual foundations for rural health; and clinical residency. In addition, depending on the semester offered, students take either rural health systems or rural community health.

Online Experience: The University of Arizona utilizes D2L Brightspace as its online learning management system (LMS) and offers students the course Launch Pad. This course walks them through the D2L system, ensuring students know where everything is located and accessed, as well as how to communicate with faculty and peers online. Students will need to use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari internet browsers. Online students have access to faculty and academic advisors who guide them through the entire DNP process. These advisors meet frequently with students to ensure they are meeting personal and academic goals, that clinical sites are approved, and that questions are answered. 

Students have access to the think tank online tutoring, student academic success specialists, the UA Library and librarian consultations, the blue chip leadership program, an enrollment team, academic skills coaching, a disability resource center, the wildcat career network, and the UA bookstores.

On-Site Requirements: BSN-to-DNP students completing a single NP specialization are required to come to the Tucson, AZ campus for two one-week Resident Intensive Summer Experiences (RISE) and one Clinical Skills Intensive (CSI). Dual specialization students attend three RISE intensives and two CSIs. During RISE, students collaborate with peers in their cohort as well as faculty and faculty advisers. In addition, students begin courses for their specialization, learn more about their program and coursework, and can find out about funding opportunities. CSIs focus on skill development in preparation for clinical practicums.