DNP
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FAQ
What are the residency requirements for the School of Nursing?
Please review the SON Admission Policy for information regarding residency requirements.
Is there an entrance exam required for your graduate programs?
No entrance exam is required for admission into the UMMC School of Nursing.
What are the GRE requirements?
There is no GRE requirement for the DNP program.
What are the GPA requirements?
A minimum cumulative GPA (undergraduate and graduate coursework) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, or alternatively, a nursing GPA of at least 3.2.
How many times a year do you admit students?
The Post-master's DNP program begins twice annually; new students start in the Fall and Spring semesters.
When is the deadline to apply?
What classes do I need to take before starting nursing school?
Students applying to the BSN-DNP program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Is there a part-time option available?
Yes, students arrange their plan of study with their faculty advisor.
Is it possible for a student to have a job while enrollend in the DNP program?
Yes, most of our DNP students work while they are enrolled in this program. Typically, they work full-time and enroll in school part-time or work part-time and enroll in school full-time.
What is the difference between DNP and PhD ?
The DNP is a practice-focused degree designed for nurses who want to become advanced practice providers (such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists), lead healthcare systems, or improve patient care through evidence-based practice. The DNP emphasizes clinical leadership, quality improvement, and translating research into practice. It’s ideal for nurses who want to stay directly involved in patient care or lead change in healthcare delivery.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree for nurses who want to generate new knowledge through original research. PhD-prepared nurses often work in academic or research settings, developing evidence that shapes nursing practice, education, and policy.
DNP vs. PhD
What is the benefit of earning a DNP degree?
Earning a DNP prepares nurses for leadership in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy. It offers advanced skills in evidence-based care, quality improvement, and patient outcomes—positioning graduates for high-level roles and career advancement in today’s complex healthcare environment.
What is the class schedule like?
Course delivery is a combination of online courses and intensive face-to-face sessions.
When do classes meet?
Actual meeting dates for intensive sessions are
Where do in-person classes meet?
In-person courses meet on the Jackson campus. Some courses may be transferred from other institutions with course coordinator approval.
Do you offer flexible plans of study?
Yes, plans of study can be tailored to each individual student. For post-master’s students, part-time study generally consists of two courses, rather than three. At the start of the DNP program, some students may take only one course.
Are there clinical hour components?
Yes. 1000 clinical hours are required to complete the DNP degree, many of which are transferable from an MSN program. Clinical practice hours ensure students develop advanced skills in patient care, leadership, and systems improvement and are completed through direct patient care, clinical immersions, or leadership projects, depending on the focus of the program and the student’s prior experience.
Is there a dissertation?
No, DNP students do not complete a traditional dissertation. Instead, they complete a DNP project—an evidence-based implementation or quality improvement project that addresses a real-world healthcare problem. This project demonstrates the student's ability to apply research to practice, improve patient or system outcomes, and lead change in a clinical setting.
Will it involve research?
The DNP project involves applying existing research rather than conducting original research. Students use evidence from the literature to design, implement, and evaluate a practice change initiative. While it’s not traditional research like in a PhD program, the project is scholarly and rigorous, focusing on translating evidence into real-world clinical practice.
What is the average class size?
In general, 15-25 students may be in any class.
Additional information
For additional reading on the DNP, including a comparison with PhD program content, please see the American Association of Colleges of Nursing website. DNP vs. PhD
For additional information, please email admissioncounselor@umc.edu. You may also call (601) 815-0124 or (601) 984-1080.