Doctor of Nursing Practice / Professional Practice
Rivier University

Program Details

The clinically focused DNP with a concentration in Professional Practice prepares students to lead interdisciplinary healthcare teams while improving healthcare systems, patient outcomes, quality, and safety.  There is a great need for nursing leaders, not only to serve patients as doctors and nurses, but also to advocate for change to improve the healthcare environment, and this online nurse practitioner degree meets this need.  

Designed for advanced practice nurses who have earned an MSN and passed a certification exam, this program builds on previously completed practicum hours as students complete an additional 500 hours while completing their DNP Scholarly Project.  This project is completed over four clinical practicum semesters and is designed to address complex practice issues that affect groups of patients, healthcare organizations, or healthcare systems utilizing informatics, technology, and in-depth knowledge of the clinical and behavioral sciences.  Each student chooses a topic of interest and then develops a sustainable, evidence-based project designed to improve patient safety and quality of care in a complex healthcare system.  

Courses emphasize:

  • Direct care of patients
  • Care of patient populations, including community health nursing
  • Practice that supports patient care

% Online

100% Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

School Accreditation & Licensing

Rivier University is accredited by:

New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

Master Degree

Recommended GPA

3.2 or above (4.0 scale)

Application Requirements

Essay/Writing Sample, Occupational License, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV

Restricted States

California, Iowa, Washington