DNP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is extremely selective. Applicants must have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from a nationally accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0, evidence of completion of a graduate-level statistics course and a graduate-level research course. Applicants must also have documentation of the number of supervised clinical hours completed in a previous master’s in nursing program.

Yes, Colby-Sawyer's Doctor of Nursing Practice program accepts transfer students. Up to nine (9) graduate-level credits may be transferred from other programs after evaluation by the registrar.

A minimum grade of B is required in all nursing courses. DNP students may only repeat a single nursing course one time, if necessary. In addition, the nursing faculty reserves the right to require withdrawal of any student whose health, conduct or academic standing makes it unsafe for the student to remain in a nursing course or in a clinical setting. Failure to comply with the clinical agency policy is also cause for dismissal.

Academic policies regarding probation, suspension and dismissal can be found in the Graduate and Professional Studies Course Catalog.

The degree prepares graduates for career advancement in healthcare leadership, advanced clinical care or health policy, and offers a path to a career as a nurse executive, clinical educator or clinical scientist. Colby-Sawyer graduates have careers in a wide range of organizations: inpatient, ambulatory, integrated systems and community-based, as well as colleges and universities.

Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in 8- and 15-week blocks. DNP courses are designed to respond to the unique needs of adult learners who are currently engaged in nursing practice.

The DNP program can be completed in less than two years. The program's combination of online work and clinical practice is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) The Essentials: Core Competencies For Professional Nursing Education