Doctor of Nursing Practice
DNP
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DNP Degree Program Overview
Purdue University Northwest’s postmaster’s doctor of nursing practice program focuses on translation science. Nurses who earn this degree are prepared to lead transformative healthcare by becoming experts in the search, appraisal, synthesis, transfer and application of evidence and in the evaluation of its impact on outcomes.
This program prepares excellent graduates who hold diverse roles in the healthcare field. You’ll learn to improve patient outcomes by making an impact on patient care, nursing practice and organizational systems.
You’ll also learn to translate and embed best evidence into your practice as you work with experienced faculty and organizational facilitators.
Effective July 18, 2022, the post-master’s Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) program was granted by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires in Spring 2028.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.
DNP Curriculum
Your plan of study builds on your previous master’s-level coursework. You might need to take advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and/or physical assessment in addition to DNP core courses. Then, you’ll move to the translation science course sequence, where you’ll build on what you learn by completing a practice inquiry project.
You can currently complete this degree online, except for a one-week, on-campus summer intensive.
Part-time students follow a three-year plan. In the first year, your primary focus is on core doctor of nursing practice coursework.
Sample Courses
- NUR 50200 – Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nursing
- NUR 50300 – Advanced Health Assessment
Complete core DNP courses; begin taking evidence-based practice and translation science courses.
Sample Courses
- NUR 52500 – Informatics In Nursing
- NUR 63200 – Health Policy Local to Global
- NUR 65600 – Healthcare Organization, Policy and Economics
Focus on your practice inquiry project through independent residencies, supported by guidance from your faculty chair.
Sample Courses
- NUR 59900 – Special Topics/Independent Study In Nursing
- NUR 62400 – Evidence Based Practice
- NUR 62600 – Applied Biostatistics for Outcome Evaluation
DNP Degree Program Highlights
Graduates enter the marketplace with real-world experience and vital skills under the guidance of expert faculty. You’ll hone your ability to acquire, appraise, and implement best practices.
Our College of Nursing is home to the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, an Affiliate Center of JBI.
DNP Degree Program Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to integrate your knowledge of systems, theory, science and evidence to advance care. You’ll also be able to translate evidence to support practice; design evidence-based cost-effective nursing interventions; influence policy; initiate change; and evaluate outcomes. Finally, you’ll demonstrate role competence as a DNP.
DNP Degree Program Career Paths
This degree prepares you for a number of roles in the field, including:
- Management of individual patients and populations
- Leadership in nursing practice
- Clinical education
DNP Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
We encourage students to be members of professional organizations that align with their area of practice. Eligible students may join Sigma Theta Tau.
DNP Degree Program Employers
Graduates of this program are employed by organizations like:
- Ambulatory care practices
- Hospital systems
- Schools of nursing
DNP Degree Program Scholarships
We offer College of Nursing scholarships to DNP students. Graduate assistantships are also available.
Nationally Recognized
PNW’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is nationally recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 list of top nursing graduate programs.
PNW’s DNP program taught me exactly how to search for evidence, evaluate the reliability of research and interpret complex data with confidence. Being able to extract meaningful data and apply it to transform practice and improve care is invaluable.
What set this program apart from others was that it wasn’t just about learning theory, it was about applying it. It connected my nursing experience and theory to real practice – suddenly everything clicked.
PNW’s DNP program gave me a deeper understanding of the systems we work in, not just the clinical side. I now understand why decisions are made, how organizations run and the bigger picture behind organizational changes.
Meet the Faculty
FNP Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Dr. Jodi Allen is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner program in the College of Nursing. She teaches while maintaining practice as an FNP.
Manisa Baker, D.N.P., APRN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-K
Assistant Professor
Baker is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing. Her teaching responsibilities include coursework in both the undergraduate and graduate programs.
Cari Furst, Ph.D., RN, CNE, SCRN
Professional/Clinical Instructor of Nursing
Cari Furst is a Professional/Clinical Instructor for PNW’s College of Nursing. Her teaching focus is Research, Ethics and Leadership and Management.
Maria V. Hughes, DNP, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, ACUE
Assistant Professor
Maria has made notable contributions to science and research through presentations on topics like neonatal abstinence syndrome and cultural awareness among new graduate nurses. Purdue University Northwest and the Indiana Organization of Nurse Leaders have awarded her research grants and accolades.
Patti Ludwig-Beymer, Ph.D., RN, CTN-A, NEA-BC, CPPS, FTNSS, FAAN
Professor of Nursing
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses, engage in scholarly activities, serve as coordinator for the MSN nurse executive concentration, and participate on College of Nursing, university and nursing organization committees.
Julia L. Rogers, D.N.P., APRN, CNS, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor of Nursing
Julia Rogers is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing. Her teaching focus is game-based learning, pathophysiology, and nursing faculty orientation. Her research focus is the B.R.I.D.G.E.
Beth Vottero, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF
Professor of Nursing
Beth Vottero teaches in the undergraduate, graduate, online, and Doctor of Nursing practice programs focusing on quality improvement and evidence-based practice. As the Director of the Indiana Center for Evidence Based Nursing Practice, she works closely with JBI to bring evidence to the bedside.
Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice at PNW
Whether you just completed your master’s degree or are looking to take the next step to advance your career, Purdue University Northwest’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) allows you the ability to level up your skills.
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW can meet your needs.
