DNP Programs in Virginia (VA)

There are several nationally accredited schools in the state of Virginia offering doctorate level degrees in Nursing. Those colleges and universities with Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Virginia can be found across the state in cities like Arlington, Norfolk and Charlottesville. Below you will find a list of those schools offering DNP degrees in the Old Dominion state.

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Marymount University
Malek School of Health Professions

The Malek School of Health Professions at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia offers highest credential in nursing practice: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Marymount offers three entries into the program: a BSN to DNP program, a non-clinical MSN to DNP program, and a clinical MSN to DNP program.

Marymount’s program is a part-time program designed for working nurses. Courses are delivered in a campus-based format.

Those entering the program with a BSN will be required to complete 72-74 credit hours. Those entering with a non-clinical Master’s will require 60-62 credits. Those entering with a clinical Master’s will require 30-32 credits.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

Nursing Department
2807 N Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
(800) 548-7638


Old Dominion University
School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at Old Dominion University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Students can choose from two tracks: an Advanced Practice Nurse track and a Nurse Executive track. Each track offers two entry pathways: a BS-MSN to DNP and a post-Master’s DNP.

Students in the Advanced Practice BS to DNP program will be prepared to sit for advanced practice certification in one of the following specialty roles:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Midwifery

They will earn a Master of Science in Nursing Degree and be eligible to sit for certification halfway through the program. Once the MSN is earned, students in the BS to DNP program will meet the same requirements as those in the post-Master’s program to finish the DNP program.

The post-Baccalaureate program can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 6 years of part-time study. The post-Master’s program can be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study or 2.5 years of part-time study.

Students in the Nurse Executive BS to DNP program will be prepared as a Nurse Executive. They will be awarded an MSN degree mid-way the program. Once the MSN is earned, students in the BS to DNP program will meet the same requirements as those in the post-Master’s program to finish the DNP program.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

School of Nursing
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-4297


Radford University
School of Nursing

Radford University has offered a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program since the Fall of 2010. The program prepares expert clinicians and leaders for our ever changing health care system through a distance-based learning experience.

There are three entry pathways to the DNP program:

  • BSN to DNP pathway
  • post-Master’s Non-Clinical pathway
  • post-MSN Clinical (FNP, CNS, and CNM) pathway

Students entering the BSN to DNP program have a choice of the following specialty roles:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Nurse-Midwifery

They will be prepared to sit for certification exam in their specialty.

NOTE: All but the Family Nurse Practitioner program are offered in collaboration with Shenandoah University and may require some on campus course work at Shenandoah University.

Applicants to the BSN to DNP program will need to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally (CCNE or NLNAC) accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must hold an unencumbered RN license in Virginia or the state of practice. Candidates must have one year of full-time clinical practice as an RN. The GRE is required.

Applicants to the post-Master’s Non-Clinical DNP program must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program and a Master of Science degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for their undergraduate and graduate work. Candidates must hold an unrestricted license as an RN in Virginia or their state of practice and have at least one year of full-time clinical practice as an RN. The GRE is required.

Applicants to the post-MSN Clinical DNP program must have a Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN, MS, or MN) from a nationally accredited program with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. They must hold an unrestricted RN license in Virginia or state of practice, and have at least one year of full-time clinical practice experience as a registered nurse. They must have an unrestricted Advanced Practice license/registry in Virginia or state of practice. National certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is preferred, but those not certified may still be accepted with competitive scores on the GRE.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

PO Box 6964
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-7741


Shenandoah University
School of Health Professions

Shenandoah University’s School of Health Professions offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for those seeking preparation for the role of primary health care provider in a variety of settings. Shenandoah University offers two entry pathways into the program: a BSN to DNP pathway and a post-Master’s pathway.

Students in the post-BSN DNP program can choose from the following specialty roles:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The program can be completed in 3 years of study as a full-time student (with summer courses). A part-time course of study is also available.

The post-Master’s DNP program is a part-time program that can be completed in 20 months.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

1775 North Sector Court
Winchester, VA 22601
(540) 678-4374


University of Virginia
School of Nursing

University of Virginia’s School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program to Master’s prepared nurses with clinical specialty preparation. The program has been in existence since 2007.

The post-Master’s DNP program at UV requires a minimum of 39 credit hours. The school offers both full-time and part-time study plans.

Applicants to the program must hold a Master of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all undergraduate and graduate work. Candidates must hold an unencumbered RN license in the state where they intend to perform their clinical practica. Prospective students should have advanced education in a clinical specialty. Those with specialty preparation as an Advanced Practice Nurse should have a valid APRN license. Those with other advanced specialty areas like Public Health or Health Administration need not have a APRN certification.

Accreditation:

Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education

Contact Information:

PO Box 800826
Charlottesville, VA 22908
(888) 283-8703