Become a leader and innovator in Doctor of Nursing Practice specialty care through research, innovation, transformation.
Earning your Duke University DNP will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to fulfill your role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Through our DNP degree programs, what you learn will have a transformative effect on your professional practice and the future of equitable, patient-centered care.
The Duke University DNP focuses on three hallmarks:
- Translation – Learn to evaluate research credibility and use research findings to inform advancements and create positive change.
- Transformation – Create strategies to move organizations and individuals forward through innovation and visionary leadership.
- Leadership – Develop skills to assume leadership positions in specialty care and work across disciplines to further innovations in health care settings.
Each of our innovative DNP degree options offers a rigorous course of study that builds upon knowledge from previous coursework. Doctor of Nursing Practice courses are distance-based with on-campus sessions typically held twice (with the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia DNP program, which is completed on campus). The curriculum for our doctorate of nursing programs is based on the Essentials of the Doctor of Nursing Practice issued by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and is in accord with the guidelines issued by nursing specialty practice organizations.
Duke University DNP students complete a DNP Project course merging practice and scholarship. Unlike many other DNP programs, our DNP offers you the opportunity to have your results published. Hundreds of our DNP students have had their results published.
Duke University’s School of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education. We collaborate with international organizations to develop evidence-based practice solutions to assist our partners in improving patient care, reducing costs and increasing productivity. We do this by offering customized consultation, training and education programs to improve the nursing workforce and enhance patient outcomes.
#3
Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Among doctorate of nursing programs in the country, the Duke University DNP is ranked #3 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
DNP Programs
With the exception of our on-campus Nurse Anesthesia DNP program (completed on campus), our DNP programs can be completed while working full time. Additionally, small cohorts of students foster meaningful relationships with you, your peers, and your professors. As a DNP student, you’ll also benefit from personal career advising and a wide variety of student support, ensuring your success in the classroom and beyond:
DNP Certificates
For DNP students and graduates looking to further their career potential and impact, the School of Nursing also offers certificate programs in Executive Leadership and Nursing Education. These focused programs provide the specific knowledge and tools to make a difference, whether leading health care teams or shaping the future of nursing education.
Add-On Specialty Certificates
Add a Specialty to your DNP. We offer specialty certificates for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students along with practicing nurse practitioners.
Post-Graduate Certificates
Gain specialized knowledge with our post-graduate certificates. These certificates allow a master's degree holder, especially registered nurses from an ACEN or CCN accredited school, to specialize in any of the majors we offer. Credit requirements vary by major.
Assistant Dean
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Dr. Affronti is a three-time graduate of the Duke School of Nursing and has been an adult oncology advance practice provider (APP) for more than 40 years. As one of the first Duke oncology nurse practitioners who incorporated primary care in her practice with the Duke’s Bone Marrow Transplant Program and Brain Tumor Center, she became the Adult Clinical Director and led interdisciplinary teams to provide evidence-based clinical care while advocating for APP roles as a clinical nurse researcher.
Learn more about Mary Lou Affronti: Scholars@Duke
Meet Our DNP Faculty
Our faculty are renowned scholars who are passionate about igniting a lifelong love of learning in their students. This diverse group fosters a global mindset, empowering you to excel in nurse leadership to confidently solve tomorrow’s health care challenges.
The Duke Difference
Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.
Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.
Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.
Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.
We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.
DNP Admissions
To qualify for our DNP program, you’ll need a master’s degree in health care leadership from a nationally accredited CCNE or ACEN program with at least five years’ experience in nurse leadership. Candidates must also be currently licensed as a registered nurse.
If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.
We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.
Student Testimonials
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I witnessed patients forced to leave treatment prematurely due to financial difficulties and observed cultural conflicts in healthcare. This experience fueled my belief in fair and culturally competent healthcare for all. As an international student in the U.S., I realized similar challenges exist here.
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Duke struck my interest when I found out about their simulation labs, regional anesthesia course and wide variety of clinical rotations that allow you to get the best experience you can throughout your three years.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for DNP Students
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree isn’t just an educational credential; it’s a powerful investment in your future and the future of health care. We recognize the financial commitment involved, and Duke is dedicated to making your journey more attainable. We offer a variety of financial aid options for DNP students, including select merit- and need-based scholarships and federal loan opportunities.
Note: Federal financial aid and scholarships from Duke School of Nursing are not available for specialty certificate students.
Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post-Graduate APRN Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Duke University School of Nursing are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The Nurse Anesthesia DNP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.