DNP student with standardized patient during simulation training.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Become a healthcare leader with WSU
College of Nursing’s DNP degree.

With a DNP degree from WSU, you will be prepared to be a nurse leader who is an expert in evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality healthcare for patients, families, and communities.

About the Program

Hybrid program with primarily online coursework and a limited number of in-person labs offered at campus locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, WA.
Choose from 3 tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or Post-Master’s General (PMG).
Our Clinical Placement Coordinator will place licensed students in sites for direct-care practicums in Washington or Oregon.

Application Deadlines

Family Nurse Practitioner & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Applications Open: August 8
Priority Deadline: November 15
Final Deadline: January 15

Post-Master’s
DNP General

Applications Open: August 8
Priority Deadline: January 15
Final Deadline: March 15

Learn more about the DNP Program

Who Should Apply?

If you are a nurse desiring to become an advanced practice nurse or seeking leadership positions in a health care setting or organization, our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program is for you!

As a health care provider, I recognize that I am responsible for the health of individuals and the community. Pursuing my DNP-FNP is helping me become more efficacious in that mandate. I love the intellectual and emotional growth I am gaining and look forward to more skillfully contributing to individual and community health.
Natasha T., DNP Student

Specialty Tracks

Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) – prepares you for a career in primary care. In many states, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, a Family Nurse Practitioner can operate an independent practice, diagnosing and treating illness, ordering and interpreting tests and prescribing medication.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) – prepares you to provide psychiatric and mental health services using a full scope of therapies to diagnose and treate a wide range of psychiatric and mental health disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.
Post-Master’s General (PMG) – for nurses who’ve already earned their advanced practice degree and want to advance their leadership and research utilization skills and take their specialty to the doctoral level.

Learn more about the DNP Program

The Washington State University College of Nursing BSN, MN and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K. Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.