Doctor of Nursing Practice FAQs
How long does it take to complete the DNP program?
The DNP program Direct Care track is 30 credits and the Leadership tracks are 32 credits. If a student takes three courses each semester, they should finish the program within five (5) semesters (including summer). The time it takes a student to graduate is dependent on total credits taken each semester.
How many clinical practicum hours are required? Where is practicum?
Students must have a total of 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours by the end of the DNP program. Students can select their clinical practicum site based on their specialty.
How many clinical practicum hours can I transfer in?
Clinical practicum hours will be eligible for transfer under the following conditions:
- Obtained as part of a supervised, academic program.
- Designed to help students achieve specific learning outcomes from the Essentials: Core Competencies, role outcomes, and application of theory and evidence to practice.
- Have outcomes or experiences consistent with post-baccalaureate study.
- Provide evidence as to how the clinical practicum hours have integrated new knowledge and demonstrated attainment of DNP program outcomes.
- Evidence of current national board certification, if applicable
- Do not exceed the following number of maximum allowable hours to be transferred:
Upon admission, the DNP Program Director will review the evidence provided by each student and decide of total hours allowed to be transferred in based on the criteria above. Students will be notified via e-mail how many hours were approved, as well as how many hours will need to be completed in each of the clinical practicum courses throughout the DNP program.Maximum Allowable Transferable Hours Program Maximum Transferrable Clinical Practicum Hours Remaining Hours if Maximum Hours Approved Advanced Practice MSN Track Program (CRNA, NP, CNS) 600 DNP 830: 200
DNP 930: 200MSN Specialty Track Program (Nurse educator, informatics, nurse leadership, etc.) 550 DNP 830: 225
DNP 930: 225Direct Entry MSN Program 50 DNP 830: 475
DNP 930: 475
How many courses can I enroll in each semester?
Student may enroll in up to three courses each semester (generally six to nine credits per semester). Six (6) credits are considered full-time for graduate students.
When do you admit new students? Is there an application deadline?
New students can apply and are admitted at the beginning of the Fall, Spring and Summer terms. Applications are reviewed monthly (September-May). Applicants are encouraged to apply six (6) months prior to their desired start date.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the DNP program?
Applicants must have an MSN degree and an unencumbered RN license in the United States. Students pursuing the Direct Care track must also have a current advanced practitioner license and national certification. Students pursuing the Executive Leadership track must also have at least one year of professional experience.
Will I need to take a statistics course prior to applying?
Statistics courses completed with a minimum B grade within five (5) years of enrolling in the DNP program will be considered for transfer. Students who do not meet this course requirement must enroll in statistics during the first semester.
How much does the application cost and how do I apply?
Our application is free and available at alverno.edu/apply. Please be prepared to submit the following with your application:
- Two professional recommendations
- Official transcripts from pre-licensure RN and MSN programs from an accredited institution
- Documentation of supervised MSN clinical hours
- Personal statement
- Copy of an unencumbered nursing license
- Current resume/curriculum vitae
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to those who apply and qualify. Graduate students can qualify for federal loans. We suggest that all students begin the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) as soon as they apply. Alverno’s FAFSA code is 003832.
Alverno’s Financial Aid Office is happy to answer your questions. Call 414-382-6262 or email financial.aid@alverno.edu.
