Frequently Asked Questions
To help you gather the information you need about the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Lee University, please see below for some of the most commonly asked questions. Contact us at [email protected] or (423) 614-8526 for additional information.
What is the DNP degree?
- The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of two terminal degrees for the discipline of nursing. It prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice, which involves leading change by applying evidence-based research into the clinical setting to improve health outcomes. The other terminal degree option is the PhD, which prepares nurse scholars for careers in research aimed at generating new knowledge.
- All DNP programs require the completion of a scholarly project to address an identified issue affecting healthcare and patient outcomes.
What is unique about Lee University School of Nursing DNP program?
- Flexibility of online learning, with both full-time and part-time plans of study available
- Authentic and attentive support from expert faculty
- Assistance with arranging practicum, leadership, and scholarly project experiences in your local geographic area
- Minimal on-campus commitment of yearly intensive sessions focused on student success
- Opportunities to engage with peers and faculty for mentorship and collaboration
- Innovative approaches to rural, global, and disaster healthcare delivery, with integration of a Christian worldview
What specialty tracks are offered in the DNP program at Lee University?
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): for applicants with BSN/RN, or MSN without advanced practice certification
- Be equipped to deliver quality advanced nursing care in a variety of settings
- Participate in a unique skill immersion lab in our state-of-the-art simulation lab
- Complete precepted practicum experiences in your local geographic area
- Prepare to sit for national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Transformational Executive Nursing Leadership (TENL): for applicants with RN license (can enter with BSN or MSN)
- Combine your passion for nursing leadership with business expertise in preparation for advanced nursing leadership positions
- Learn to leverage data to influence organizational decisions and advocate for strategic change to improve outcomes
- Complete mentored leadership experiences in your local geographic area
- Option for students to complete MBA degree with Lee University School of Business in combination with the DNP degree
- Post-Master’s/APRN: for applicants with MSN and APRN certification
- Advance your nursing career to the highest level
- Prepare to lead change in advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership, or nursing education settings
- Complete your DNP degree in six semesters (part-time plan of study)
Will I obtain certification as an advanced practice nurse as part of the DNP program?
- The DNP program awards the doctoral degree but does not guarantee that students will obtain certification as a nurse practitioner or licensure as an advanced practice nurse.
- The FNP track prepares graduates to sit for FNP certification through either AANP or ANCC; students may choose which certification exam they wish to take.
- Advanced practice nurse licensure is granted by the board of nursing of the state in which the graduate chooses to practice. Students are responsible for knowing the licensure requirements of their state. Additional information can be found here: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/nursing/dnp/
How long will it take me to complete the DNP-FNP program?
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track: 72 credits
- Full-Time: 9 semesters (Spring/Summer/Fall)
- Part-Time: 12 semesters (Spring/Summer/Fall)
- Transformational Executive Nursing Leadership (TENL) track: 55 credits
- Full-Time: 7 semesters (Spring/Summer/Fall)
- Part-Time: 10 semesters (Spring/Summer/Fall)
- Additional courses required to complete optional MBS
- Post-Masters/APRN: 28 credits
- Part-Time option only: 6 semesters (Spring/Summer/Fall)
When can I start the DNP program?
- Lee University enrolls DNP students every fall.
Do you have rolling admissions?
- Yes, we accept and process applications at any time.
- The priority deadline is April 15 of each year, with a final deadline of June 1 for fall enrollment.
I already have a master’s degree. Will any of my credits count toward the DNP degree?
- We review all transcripts and will offer transfer credit for graduate-level courses (maximum of 9 credits) on a case-by-case basis.
Does the DNP program assist with arranging practicum and leadership experiences?
- Yes, the FNP track and the TENL track each have a dedicated coordinator who assists with negotiating practicum and leadership experiences in the student’s local geographic area.
How is the program delivered? Is it online or do I have to come to campus?
- The majority of DNP coursework is delivered online via weekly modules on a learning platform called Moodle.
- Most courses include at least 1-2 synchronous virtual sessions each semester.
- Students in the FNP track attend a 3-day on-campus skills lab immersion during the semester prior to beginning practicum.
- All DNP students are required to attend yearly on-campus Intensives sessions, which are focused on student success, collaboration with peers and faculty, and skill-building.
- Students complete practicum requirements (FNP track), leadership requirements (TENL track), and scholarly project requirements (all tracks) in their local geographic area. *Please note that some states restrict distance education. Contact your state board of nursing and/or board of education for additional information.
What is the cost to attend?
- Tuition and fee information can be found under this link: Doctoral Graduate Studies Tuition and Fees
- Scholarship awards are given to eligible incoming DNP students each year. Contact the DNP Program office ([email protected]) for more information.
What is the Scholarly Project?
- DNP students learn and apply the principles of translational research through the design, implementation, and dissemination of a scholarly project that addresses an identified issue affecting healthcare and patient outcomes.
- Developing and conducting the scholarly project is embedded in the DNP coursework, and students receive academic credit for completing the project.
- Students are matched with a faculty advisor who provides guidance and support throughout the scholarly project process.
School of Nursing
| PO Box 3450 Cleveland, TN 37320-3450 (423) 614-8526 [email protected] Hours: |