Doctor of Nursing Practice: The Clinical Practice Doctorate
The UAB School of Nursing offers five pathways to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree
Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Practitioners
This pathway is for nurses who have not completed an advanced practice specialty at the MSN level. The pathway curriculum integrates the DNP core curriculum with the curriculum for a variety of nurse practitioner specialties.
Upon completion of the curriculum, applicants are prepared to apply to sit for certification as a nurse practitioner in a specific specialty area.
The Pathway is offered in a distance accessible format that combines online didactic coursework with face-to-face clinical practicum experiences and on-campus clinical specialty track intensives. In addition, students are required to attend an annual on-campus DNP intensive, and an orientation.
Post-BSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Anesthesia
This pathway is for nurses who have not completed an advanced practice specialty at the MSN level. The pathway curriculum integrates the DNP core curriculum with the clinical specialty curriculum for nurse anesthesia.
Upon completion of the Pathway, applicants are prepared to apply to sit for certification as a nurse anesthetist.
The Pathway is offered in a distance accessible format that combines online didactic coursework with face-to-face clinical practicum experiences. In addition, students are required to attend an annual on-campus DNP intensive, as well as an on-campus orientation.
Post-MSN to DNP Pathway
This post-masters pathway is for nurses who have completed the MSN degree in an advanced practice nursing specialty and who are certified or eligible for certification in an advanced practice specialty role inclusive of Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Additionally, advanced nursing roles of Nursing Health Systems Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Education, Clinical Nurse Leader or Nurse Management of Care Transitions.
The Post-MSN to DNP curriculum builds on the MSN curriculum with a core program of study that includes didactic and clinical immersion experiences that prepare students to lead improvements in practice supportive of population health and health system change.
Additionally, the RN-DNP Bridge option is an alternate pathway into the existing Post MSN to DNP pathway for individuals with a BSN or the equivalent with a masters degree in a non-advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specialty with a health related focus. This option applies to individuals who are currently licensed registered nurses who seek DNP preparation.
The Pathway is offered in a distance accessible format that combines online didactic coursework with face-to-face clinical practicum experiences. In addition, students are required to attend an annual on-campus DNP intensive, as well as an on-campus orientation.
Post-MSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Executives
The Nurse Executive Pathway is a practice-focused terminal degree that prepares experienced nurse managers/leaders for executive health system leadership roles including but not limited to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO) roles. The curriculum builds on master’s level curriculum in nursing or a master’s degree in business or health administration.
The Pathway is offered in a distance accessible format that combines online didactic coursework with face-to-face clinical practicum experiences. Students are required to attend an on-campus orientation.
Post-MSN to DNP Pathway for Nurse Leadership in Population Health
This post-masters pathway is for nurses who have completed the MSN degree in an advanced practice nursing specialty and who are certified or eligible for certification in an advanced practice specialty role inclusive of Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, Clinical Nurse Specialist or a Health Systems Leader in Nursing Health Systems Administration or Nursing Informatics.
The Post-MSN to DNP curriculum builds on the MSN curriculum with a core program of study that includes didactic and clinical immersion experiences that prepare students to lead improvements in practice supportive of population health and health system change.
The Pathway is offered in a distance accessible format that combines online didactic coursework with face-to-face clinical practicum experiences. In addition, students are required to attend an annual on-campus DNP intensive, as well as an on-campus orientation.
