Doctor of Nursing Practice

What is a DNP?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate, versus the PhD, which is a research doctorate. The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, such as nurses who desire to become advanced practice nurses or those who are seeking leadership positions in a health care setting or organization. DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nursing and other health science researchers to improve health care delivery to maximize the health of patient populations. 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recommends the DNP degree for nurses who want to work as Nurse Practitioners. In many states, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, Nurse Practitioners are licensed to operate a full, independent practice, with the ability to diagnose and treat illness, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications.

News

• WSU College of Nursing Expands Rural Nursing Pathway with Arbor Health Partnership Washington State University College of Nursing is expanding its Rural Nursing Pathway through a new partnership with Arbor Health in Morton, WA. The collaboration will provide rural clinical learning experiences for nursing students while supporting workforce development in East Lewis County and surrounding communities.
  August 3, 2026
• ‘It didn’t really matter who said no’ James created a novel training program to combat inherent bias in decision-making by police officers, which hundreds of officers have taken at departments around the country. That program began in the research lab as James was working on her PhD; she had developed simulations to study officer responses, and potential biases, when making decisions in encounters involving the use of force and other situations.
  July 20, 2026