The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum at the UW School of Nursing is designed to equip you with advanced clinical and leadership skills. You’ll engage in a rigorous, evidence-based education that prepares you to influence healthcare outcomes, lead in complex systems, and advocate for patients and communities. Through immersive clinical experiences and interdisciplinary coursework, you’ll gain the expertise needed to excel as a healthcare leader and advance your practice to the highest level.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program has nine goals focused on preparing advanced practice nurses (approved by graduate voting faculty in October 2012) who are able to:

1. Provide advanced nursing care to individuals, families, communities, and populations.
2. Create, manage, and evaluate innovative programs and practices of care for diverse populations.
3. Appraise and utilize current technologies to advance the quality and accessibility of care.
4. Demonstrate enhanced clinical and health-related investigative competencies.
5. Critique and selectively translate science to guide clinical decision-making and program development.
6. Evaluate and influence health policy and systems.
7. Provide leadership and inter-professional collaboration in multiple health-related arenas.
8. Evaluate and influence accessibility and quality of care across diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations.
9. Demonstrate critical interrogation of positionality, recognition of implicit biases, as well as knowledge and application of anti-racism principles to promote health equity.

• An in-process or earned bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from a nursing program that is accredited by a national accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education (e.g., CCNE, NLN, ACEN). A nursing degree must be completed prior to beginning your program of study.
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 semester/90 quarter graded college/university credits
• Completion of a graded, for-credit basic course in descriptive and inferential statistics (three credits/one quarter):
  • Autumn 2026 start: completed between January 2021 and September 2026
  • Autumn 2027 start: completed between January 2022 and September 2027
• Meet the Essential Behaviors for DNP students
• Have an active, unrestricted Washington state RN license by the time you begin your program of study
  • If you hold an ARNP license, that must also be active and unrestricted in Washington state
  • International applicants must have an active, unrestricted U.S. RN license at the time of application; if you hold an ARNP license, that must also be an active, unrestricted U.S. license
• If your native language is not English, proof of proficiency in English (including spoken English)
• Some tracks may have additional requirements

Online Application

• Submit the online application through the UW Graduate School (use the correct system for your intended entry term)
• Pay the non-refundable application fee at the time of submission

Prepare now: Review deadlines, confirm the correct term and track, and plan for the application fee.

Transcripts

• Upload transcripts from every college or university attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for review)
• Official transcripts required if admitted and enrolled
• Transcripts must show degree awarded and date conferred, if applicable
• International degrees require official English translation and credential evaluation
• Study abroad transcripts are not required if credits appear on your primary institution’s transcript

Prepare now: Request transcripts early and confirm degrees are clearly posted. Plan ahead for translation or credential evaluation processing if needed.

Resume

• Submit a current resume outlining education, clinical and professional experience, leadership, certifications, research, and community involvement

Prepare now: Update your resume to reflect recent accomplishments and readiness for doctoral-level study.

Admissions Essays

• Respond to required essay prompts within the application

Prepare now: Reflect on your professional goals, leadership development, clinical expertise, scholarly interests, and alignment with doctoral nursing practice.

Optional Statement

• May be submitted to provide context about academic challenges, breaks in education or employment, significant life circumstances, or experiences demonstrating resilience and growth

Prepare now: Consider whether additional context would help the admissions committee better understand your academic and professional journey.

Statistics Course Information

• Provide details about completed statistics coursework or planned completion

Prepare now: Review statistics requirements and be ready to report course information accurately.

Nurse Licensure Information (if applicable)

• Submit current RN licensure information if required for your track

Prepare now: Confirm your license is active and unrestricted and have accurate license details available.

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required
• Recommenders submit materials through the application system

Prepare now: Select individuals who can speak to your clinical expertise, leadership potential, academic readiness, and professional integrity. Provide them with sufficient time and background information.

Proof of English Proficiency (if applicable)

• Required for applicants whose first language is not English

Prepare now: Review requirements and schedule any required testing well in advance of the deadline.