Gannon University | Nursing Practice

Program Overview

We are now accepting applications for the upcoming Fall 2024 semester (8/19 start). There is no fee to submit an online application at apply.gannon.edu.

Gannon University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares students as leaders in their practice area. Course content directs the DNP student to prepare, deliver and evaluate an evidence-based practice project in the clinical arena. This project is an immersion experience and not a research dissertation. Students may use their previous MSN level thesis work as a pilot study or starting point to develop the project.

The program is offered as a "bridge program" or Master's add-on from the MSN to the DNP that is 26 to 32 credits in length, depending on the number of clinical hours brought in from the MSN degree. Qualified candidates may complete the program in as little as 23 credits. An individualized Gap Analysis is completed on all applicants. The program can be completed in four to six part-time semesters. The degree is designed for nurse administrators, nurse educators, and advanced practice RNs who hold active certification in their respective field.

Upon completion of the program, students are awarded the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. To comply with required educational changes, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) the Villa Maria School of Nursing offers courses that meet identified core content and competencies outlined by the AACN specific to the practice doctorate. In addition, The Doctor of Nursing Practice program has received full CCNE accreditation.

What Makes Us Different

100% Online

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can be completed with flexible scheduling to meet your needs.

Earn your DNP degree in as little as 23 credits.
MISSION
Villa Maria School of Nursing faculty, staff, and students are committed to a culture of knowledge, kindness, and compassion within our respective roles to promote the health and wellbeing of those entrusted to our care.
VISION
Co-Creation of a student focused educational experience to guide the next generation of exceptional nurse professionals who embody a commitment to the global community, the profession, and themselves as leaders in service to promote health during times of illness, and wellness. 
State Authorization

Due to state authorization regulations, Gannon University does not accept applications for the online nursing programs from residents of Arizona, California, Tennessee, and Washington.

View Gannon's State Authorization page for more information on SARA and state authorization. Have a complaint about a distance ed program or courses? Read the state contact information document to learn more about filing a complaint.

Student Success

Gannon's Online Engagement Coordinator facilitates our online new student orientations, implements strategies to ensure that online students are active in their online courses, and provides general online student support through a variety of high-touch methods to engage students and support student retention efforts. Gannon online students can reach out with general questions about online learning or how to remotely access Gannon's comprehensive student services.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing/master's degree program in nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice program and/or post-graduate APRN certificate program at Gannon University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Student Learning Outcomes

Be prepared in advanced nursing practice as culturally sensitive, competent and safe practitioners and who deliver care and act as advocates for individuals, aggregates and communities of varying diversity and socioeconomic levels.
Effectively use technology, large aggregate data bases, and information systems to identify, use and create therapeutic nursing interventions that promote health and prevent disease.
Identify, analyze, and create evidence-based solutions to individual practice and organizational health care dilemmas.
Synthesize and utilize ethical, legal, political, and advocacy methodologies to positively impact health care practice and health care delivery systems.
Promote collaborative and multidisciplinary delivery of health care as members of teams and organizations across the health care arena.
Provide quality nursing leadership and serve as mentors to other nurses, from novice nurses to nurses in advanced practice roles.

Online Learning Readiness Assessment

Online instruction can be different from instruction in the classroom. Before enrolling in an online program at Gannon, you should first assess your readiness for stepping into the online learning environment. Your results from the online questionnaire will help you identify the requirements necessary to succeed at online learning and areas you may need to explore before starting your online program.