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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Advance your skillset with unparalleled support to offer exemplary patient care.

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Earn Your DNP at WesternU

As a private, non-profit graduate university, WesternU’s College of Graduate Nursing programs offer diverse paths to inspire the next phase of your career. Our online hybrid programs support working professionals who want to balance their studies with career and family, featuring hands-on learning opportunities guided by our experienced faculty. With extensive clinical partnerships, one-on-one mentoring and hands-on learning, WesternU is dedicated to preparing tomorrow’s health practitioners to flourish as healers.
Application Requirements & FAQs
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Our Student-Centered Approach Sets Us Apart

The WesternU nursing high-touch philosophy begins from the moment you start at our college. You’ll be assigned a faculty advisor and have access to team leaders who work closely with you throughout your program, building a strong support system to help you succeed as you navigate your academic and clinical journey. With an emphasis on humanistic philosophy and holistic education, you’ll be well prepared to take on your new career and provide expert care for patients.
Admissions Information

Choose the pathway that’s right for you:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Leadership (DNP-Leadership)

Our DNP-Leadership degree prepares students to apply and evaluate clinical evidence, designing care delivery systems that are locally acceptable and economically feasible with a significant impact on determinants of health and outcomes.

Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP/FNP)

With advanced clinical experiences and elevated leadership training, our DNP/FNP program will prepare you for impacting quality of care at the department level to support staff in delivering more effective patient care.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP/PMHNP)

Our DNP/PMHNP program prepares graduates for psychiatric mental health care practice in acute psychiatric care hospitals, clinics, and behavioral health care settings.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Our hybrid FNP program integrates online learning with intensive campus-based seminars and clinical experiences across a variety of healthcare and community practice settings.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The PMHNP program integrates online learning with intensive clinical simulation days and clinical experiences in your own community.

Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)

Our ENP Certificate is designed for nationally certified Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) who wish to work in the subspecialty areas of Urgent Care or Emergency Department settings.

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Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Faculty shortages at nursing schools across the country are limiting student capacity at a time when the need for professional registered nurses continues to grow. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) forgives loan debt up to 85% of the cost of tuition and fees when earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Learn About the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
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  • Preparing You

    for Your Future

    WesternU support goes beyond the classroom. Your educational journey includes seminar weekends that offer practice immersion, standardized patient assessments, and simulations, in addition to specialized training for your specific role. Our extensive clinical partnerships extend to a strong network of partners and preceptors across the U.S, with dedicated clinical coordinators who work tirelessly to secure practice sites and preceptors for our students. Even after you graduate, you’ll have access to mentors who can help you achieve your goals in providing exceptional patient care—no matter the setting.

    About the College of Graduate Nursing Learn About DNP Nurse Scientist Careers
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“I am very grateful for the DNP program at WesternU. Upon completion of the program, I feel I am now capable of leading a team to implement change and increase overall public health.”

Erica Rodriguez, DNP Class of ’24
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WesternU Virtual Tours

Western University of Health Sciences is one of the most comprehensive graduate schools for the health professions in the nation. Immerse yourself in 360-degree views, videos and photos that showcase WesternU’s colleges, labs, and programs.
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Let’s Get Started!

Discover how the right Doctor of Nursing Practice or Certificate program for you can open the door to unlimited possibilities. Take your nursing career to the highest level of practice!