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DNP Preparatory Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nurses make a critical difference in patient care and outcomes.If you want to have even more impact, Capella’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preparatory pathway program* is for you. Designed for nurses with a non-nursing master’s degree, this program offers a three-course pathway that provides the essential skills and knowledge needed before you progress into our CCNE-accredited** DNP program.
* The DNP is not designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, or certified nurse anesthetists.
**The BSN, MSN, and DNP degree programs at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Classes start April 11
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online
- 8 Core courses
- 5 Specialized courses
- Capstone
- 0 max transfer credits
- 3 Preparatory program courses
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won't pay more than $32,000 in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details. Books and supplies and other fees apply.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A bachelor's degree in nursing from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution.
- A master's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution.
- Your official master's transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification.
- RN license verification and work experience acknowledgment form that verifies:
- Your current, unrestricted RN license (or its equivalent) to practice in the United States.
- One year of licensed RN work experience or current employment as an RN.
On admission to the program, a background check is required before enrolling in courses. GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$800 per credit, 32 coursework credits, 0 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
GuidedPath pricing
Program Phases
Preparatory coursework
$435
12 preparatory coursework credits.
Preparatory coursework
$435
12 preparatory coursework credits.
Coursework
$800 Per quarter credit
32 coursework credits; capstone is additional 20 credits.
Coursework
What is coursework?$800
Practicum
— Included in program costs
Additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included.
Practicum
What is practicum?—
Included in program costs
Additional expenses such as site-required expenses not included.
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$32,000 Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through April 2022
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$32,000
Per quarter credit
- Pay no more than $32,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Applies to both GuidedPath and FlexPath learning formats
- Available to all students who start now through April 2022
*Books, supplies and other fees apply
Fees
Resource kit fee—applicable during preparatory coursework
$125 Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee—applicable during preparatory coursework
$125
Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee—applicable during remaining coursework
$175 Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Resource kit fee—applicable during remaining coursework
$175
Per quarter
Includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials.
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Background Check
$32.00 One-time fee*
Background Check
$32.00
One-time fee*
*You may need to complete an additional background check later in the program if your practicum site requires it.
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Amount of time spent working on practicum
- Complexity of your capstone
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
| Estimated cost of completion |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $800/credit 12 quarters |
$41,600.00 |
| Preparatory courses: $435/credit 3 quarters |
$5,220.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$46,820.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-14,820.00 |
| Est. Total with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$32,000.00 |
| Preparatory Coursework Resource kit fee: $125 3 quarters |
$375.00 |
| Remaining Coursework Resource kit fee: $175 12 quarters |
$2,100.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
| Background fee: $32.00 one-time fee |
$32.00 |
|
Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap* 15 quarters |
$34,557.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details. Capella Tuition Cap is available to students who start now through April 2022.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future. And it may be well within reach – with more ways to save than you might think.
Our online DNP preparatory pathway program can help you increase your mastery in assessing and applying theory, building relationships, designing and implementing interventions, and leading in health care environments.
| NHS8002 |
Collaboration, Communication, and Case Analysis for Doctoral Learners
This course prepares learners for doctoral-level coursework in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Throughout the course, learners analyze and evaluate how the scholar-practitioner model provides guidance for developing competencies in effective and ethical health care leadership, including professional and interprofessional collaboration, communication, inclusion, and decision making. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| NHS8040 |
21st-Century Health Care Improvement
Learners in this course build foundational knowledge and skills needed to shape the future of health care. Through the lens of a 21st-century health care leader, learners use critical thinking, analysis, and creative insights to examine a problem, gap, or opportunity for improvement within a health care or public health delivery system. Learners also complete a culminating project charter to further develop a coherent quality improvement plan for 21st-century health care. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS8010 |
Executive Leadership in Contemporary Nursing
Learners in this course analyze and evaluate interrelationships within complex health care delivery systems, including organizational stakeholders; executive power structures; and population, fiscal, and policy issues. Learners apply this knowledge as well as executive leadership skills to professional practice and recommend policy changes that support system-level strategic priorities. For DNP learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NHS8070 |
Evaluation and Interpretation of Data in Health Care
In this course, learners examine underlying concepts and reasoning involved in the collection, preparation, and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data in health care research. Learners apply appropriate analytical techniques using commonly used software and/or best practice guidelines. Learners also interpret and report the analytical results. For DNP learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS8035 |
Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
In this course, learners apply the steps of the evidence-based practice process to a health care challenge, evaluate qualitative research methods and results, and interpret the results and practical significance of qualitative health care data analyses. Learners also assess their own strengths and weaknesses in relationship to writing as a doctoral professional. For DNP learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS8012 |
Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems
Learners in this course apply information technology and research methods used within the health care environment. In particular, learners evaluate the use of technology in health care information systems for the purposes of monitoring outcomes of care and assessing quality improvement. For DNP learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS8014 * |
Global Population Health
In this course, learners evaluate global health issues and propose and evaluate culturally sensitive interventions to address global health concerns. Throughout the course, learners build the knowledge and skills necessary to lead the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, national, or international health care initiatives. For DNP learners only. Prerequisite(s): NURS8010. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS8045 * |
Doctoral Writing and Professional Practice
Learners in this course write as doctoral professionals, including crafting a compelling argument and creating a literature review that supports a possible intervention or process change. Learners also obtain approval for their practicum site and preceptor and complete the related paperwork. For DNP learners only. Prerequisite(s): NURS8030, completion of or concurrent registration in NURS8012. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| NURS9901 * |
Nursing Doctoral Project 1
Learners in this course obtain university approval to begin the implementation phase of their project. At the completion of the course, learners associate project outcomes with a quality/performance improvement framework and formalize the project implementation plan. This course requires completion of practicum hours. For DNP learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): NURS9100. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This program emphasizes effective health care delivery; patient advocacy; and health care policy development, implementation, and reform. Program graduates are prepared to apply their knowledge and skills to meet diverse patient needs and improve health care delivery.*
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Employ a science-based theoretical foundation to develop and evaluate new practices and approaches to health care delivery
- Lead and create health care delivery models for quality improvement
- Evaluate and analyze theory- and research-based methods to improve the reliability of health care practices and outcomes
- Lead planning and implementation of health care technologies for quality improvement appropriate for specialized areas of practice
- Develop, implement, and advocate for health care policy that meets the needs of specific populations
- Employ interprofessional collaboration skills to improve patient and population health
- Develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based health promotion, prevention, and intervention service delivery models for individuals, aggregates, and populations
- Apply the advanced communication skills needed to create scholarly products and lead in professional and academic endeavors
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
* The DNP degree program is not designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses for roles as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, or certified nurse anesthetists.
“Nurses with advanced degrees can help advocate for patients, create change within health care, and make sure they have a seat at the table when it comes to leading the health care change.”
— Jennifer Shepard, Capella School of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board
This specialization is for nurses with a non-nursing master’s degree who want to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, such as the CCNE-accredited DNP program offered by Capella. It helps prepare these professionals to take leadership roles in health care organizations.
Related job titles to explore*
- Nurse manager
- Full-time nursing faculty
- Adjunct or part-time nursing faculty
- Director of nursing
- Chief nursing officer
Employment settings to explore
- Ambulatory care office
- Hospital
- College or university
- Health insurance company
- Government—local, state, federal
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Meet your faculty
Our distinguished faculty members are scholar-practitioners, active in their professions, who bring real-world experience to the courseroom. Each faculty member has completed specialized training in our distinctive outcomes-based approach to education.
Lisa Kreeger, PhD, RN
Interim Dean, School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Bridget Roberts, DNP, CNE, BC
Associate Dean
Corinne Cochran, DNP, NNP-BC
Faculty chair, DNP
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
DNP Program Guide
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