Three DNP students in white coats.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Preparing nurse leaders who are experts in evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality health care for patients, families, communities, and populations.
College of NursingGraduate Program OverviewDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

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DNP Program Track Options

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.

Family Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master's General

News

  • First-gen at WSU: Called to care More than 37% of Washington State University College of Nursing students are the first in their families to attend college. For many, that path is shaped by a desire to serve their communities and address real gaps in health care access. Students like Jorge Gaytan Garcia and Edith Torres are turning personal experience into purpose—returning to rural and underserved areas with the skills to make a difference. With strong support systems and a shared commitment to care, first-generation Coug nurses are helping shape the future of health care across Washington and beyond.
  • WSU Nursing Honors Symposium Highlights Student Research, SURCA Award Winner WSU nursing honors students presented research on real-world health care challenges during the April 3 symposium. Topics ranged from neonatal care to Parkinson’s disease, with Cadence McLin, BSN ’26, earning top SURCA honors.

Program Information Guide

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree Tracks

DNP student giving little girl an exam

Family Nurse Practitioner Track

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program 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 diagnostic tests, and initiating treatments. 

Learn more about FNP
Paisha Anderson, WSU College of Nursing DNP graduate.

Post-Master’s General Track

The Post-Master’s General (PMG) degree is focused on evidence-based practice, leadership, and research. This degree is for nurses who’ve already earned their master’s degree and want to advance their area of specialty.

Learn more about PMG

Thomas Wright with female student

Psychiatric Mental Health Track

The PMHNP prepares you to provide psychiatric and mental health services using a full scope of therapies. A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner assesses, diagnoses, and treats people with psychiatric disorders or the potential for such disorders.

Learn more about PMHNP

Experience what makes WSU extraordinary!

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

Earning my Nursing degree from WSU means accomplishing my goal and also pursuing the dream of having my daughter see me graduate as a doctor.

Paisha A., DNP Student

I am a married mother of two. I grew up in Uganda but moved to the United States with my siblings 16 years ago. While growing up in Uganda I had a dream to become a nurse and later also became interested in public health. I hope to use my DNP in Advanced Population Health to better my community by focusing on the prevention of illness.

Ashymin K., DNP Student

I am currently a DNP student at WSU’s College of Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track. I will use my degree to serve rural and underserved populations and to expand access to health care in our community.

Courtney P., DNP Student

Graduate Program Advisors

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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.

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