DNP Programs in North Carolina

UNC's Doctor of Nursing Practice offers a transformative educational journey for advanced nursing professionals seeking to revolutionize healthcare delivery. This comprehensive doctoral program cultivates exceptional clinical expertise, strategic leadership capabilities, and innovative problem-solving skills. Nurses engage in rigorous coursework that emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy analysis, and complex patient care management. The curriculum is meticulously designed to empower practitioners with advanced competencies, enabling them to address intricate healthcare challenges and implement patient-centered solutions across diverse clinical environments.

• Doctoral nursing practice program
• Advanced clinical leadership training
• Evidence-based healthcare approach
• Systems leadership development
• Comprehensive professional preparation

UNC's DNP in Healthcare Leadership and Administration prepares nurses to become visionary healthcare leaders who can strategically transform organizational systems. This advanced program equips healthcare professionals with sophisticated administrative skills, focusing on quality improvement methodologies, strategic planning, and innovative healthcare delivery models. Participants develop comprehensive leadership competencies that enable them to drive systemic changes, implement evidence-based practices, and enhance overall patient care outcomes through strategic management approaches.

• Health Care Leadership Focus
• Doctoral Level Nursing Practice
• Advanced Clinical Leadership Training
• Specialized Healthcare Administration
• Innovative Patient Care Strategies

UNC's online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Leadership and Administration offers a flexible, comprehensive pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced administrative roles. Designed for working professionals, this program integrates cutting-edge leadership strategies with evidence-based practice principles. Participants develop sophisticated skills in healthcare system transformation, policy development, and strategic management. The curriculum emphasizes innovative approaches to improving patient outcomes, preparing graduates for high-level leadership positions in complex healthcare environments.

• Online program format
• Focus on Health Care Leadership
• Requires master's degree
• Competitive tuition costs
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice
• Financial aid available
• Requires RN license
• Focus on improving patient outcomes

UNC's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration provides advanced healthcare professionals an opportunity to specialize in comprehensive geriatric and adult patient care. This hybrid program develops sophisticated clinical expertise in managing complex health conditions, emphasizing patient-centered treatment strategies. Students gain in-depth knowledge of geriatric health management, advanced diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based interventions tailored to adult and elderly populations, positioning graduates as highly skilled primary care practitioners.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care focus
• Advanced nursing practice preparation
• Evidence-based clinical education
• Specialized geriatric healthcare training

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program designed to transform nurses into healthcare leaders. This program is tailored for those with a master's in nursing, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership across a 42-credit curriculum. With a focus on flexibility for working professionals, it includes 1000 clinical practice hours and personalized faculty mentorship. Highlights include synchronous online immersion, a post-master's pathway, and a leadership and innovation focus, making it ideal for advancing nursing expertise.

• Online program with synchronous immersion
• 42 credit hours total
• Post-master's degree pathway
• 1000 total clinical practice hours
• Resident tuition $288.82 per credit
• Post-master's advanced nursing preparation
• Flexible coursework for professionals
• Leadership and innovation focus
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Personalized faculty mentorship

UNC Charlotte's campus-based Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan concentration prepares students for advanced clinical roles in anesthesia care. Partnering with Atrium Health, the program combines rigorous theoretical learning with hands-on clinical experiences in Charlotte-area facilities. It's designed for those aiming to excel in patient safety, leadership, and advanced practice, culminating in eligibility for national certification exams. This terminal degree offers specialized training in anesthesia care, emphasizing high-quality, evidence-based practice for patients of all ages.

• Terminal practice degree in Nursing
• Nurse Anesthesia Concentration
• Partnership with Atrium Health
• On-campus clinical experiences
• Prepares for national certification

East Carolina University's DNP program stands out as a transformative educational pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. With a strategic emphasis on rural healthcare and interprofessional collaboration, the program leverages cutting-edge technology and personalized mentorship to prepare nurses for complex healthcare challenges. Doctoral faculty guide students through innovative curriculum design, offering comprehensive learning experiences that integrate simulation laboratories, flexible course options, and clinical site placement assistance. The CCNE-accredited program distinguishes itself by prioritizing comprehensive professional development and addressing critical healthcare needs in diverse practice environments.

• Online DNP program available
• Focus on rural healthcare populations
• Personalized faculty mentorship
• Interprofessional curriculum approach
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple practice concentration options
• Innovative technology integration
• Simulation laboratory experiences
• Clinical site placement assistance
• Flexible elective course selections

Tailored for nurses pursuing advanced family healthcare roles, this DNP program offers a comprehensive 70-semester-hour curriculum blending online learning with extensive clinical training. Students engage in 840 clinical practice hours, developing expertise in primary care delivery across diverse patient populations. The hybrid format accommodates part-time and full-time learners, preparing graduates for ANCC/AANP certification. With a strong commitment to community-oriented care, the program specifically targets rural and underserved populations in Eastern North Carolina, equipping professionals with advanced skills to address complex healthcare challenges and promote holistic patient wellness.

• 70 semester-hour curriculum
• 840 clinical practice hours
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• North Carolina RN licensure required
• Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
• Part-time and full-time options
• Community-focused primary care

East Carolina University's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program delivers a robust 61-semester-hour curriculum designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for comprehensive patient care. Emphasizing healthcare delivery from adolescence through geriatric stages, the program focuses on serving rural and underserved communities. Students complete 720 clinical practice hours and a three-semester DNP project, gaining proficiency in community clinics, health departments, and long-term care settings. The hybrid learning model enables graduates to become interprofessional healthcare providers eligible for national certification with deep understanding of complex patient needs.

• 61 semester-hour curriculum
• 720 clinical practice hours
• Hybrid online/clinical format
• North Carolina RN licensure required
• Interprofessional healthcare focus
• ANCC/AANP certification eligible
• Part-time and full-time options

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a transformative educational pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced primary healthcare expertise. This innovative 70-credit program strategically prepares students to deliver comprehensive care across diverse patient populations, with a specific emphasis on underserved rural and urban communities. By integrating sophisticated nursing science with interdisciplinary approaches, graduates develop critical clinical leadership skills that enable them to dramatically improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• National certification preparation
• Advanced primary healthcare focus
• Hybrid program delivery

UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides an exceptional pathway for advanced nursing professionals to elevate their clinical capabilities. This meticulously designed 70-credit program emphasizes comprehensive primary healthcare delivery, focusing on preparing practitioners to serve diverse patient populations effectively. Students engage in rigorous interdisciplinary learning, developing advanced practice skills that enable independent professional practice and positioning themselves for national certification through respected healthcare credentialing organizations.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• Certification exam preparation
• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Interdisciplinary healthcare approach

The Nurse Executive Leadership concentration at UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice program represents a pinnacle of advanced nursing leadership education. This strategically crafted 36-credit curriculum empowers nurses to become transformative healthcare executives capable of driving systemic organizational change. Graduates develop sophisticated leadership competencies that transcend traditional nursing roles, enabling them to implement evidence-based practices, innovate healthcare delivery models, and create meaningful improvements across complex healthcare environments.

• 36 credit hour program
• Completed in five semesters
• Leadership trajectory focus
• Advanced nursing leadership preparation
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Hybrid program format
• AACN DNP Essentials aligned

UNCW's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration provides a comprehensive pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking to specialize in mental healthcare. This intensive 70-credit program equips students with sophisticated clinical leadership skills spanning comprehensive mental health interventions across all life stages. By integrating advanced nursing science with biophysical and organizational knowledge, graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners prepared to address complex psychiatric healthcare challenges and transform mental health service delivery.

• 70-credit DNP program
• 8-semester completion timeline
• ANCC certification preparation
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 600 hours RN experience
• Across lifespan psychiatric care
• North Carolina licensure compatible

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration at UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a robust educational framework for advanced practice nurses. This innovative program prepares practitioners to deliver exceptional healthcare for patients aged 13 through end-of-life, emphasizing comprehensive primary care strategies. By integrating sophisticated nursing science with analytical and organizational approaches, graduates develop advanced clinical competencies that enable high-quality, patient-centered healthcare interventions across diverse medical settings.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care focus ages 13+
• Hybrid program delivery
• Comprehensive healthcare preparation
• Interdisciplinary scientific approach

UNCW's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration represents an advanced pathway for nursing professionals seeking specialized primary care expertise. This comprehensive program prepares practitioners to deliver nuanced healthcare interventions for patients from adolescence through end-of-life stages. By synthesizing advanced nursing science with interdisciplinary analytical frameworks, graduates develop sophisticated clinical skills that enable effective, patient-centered care across complex healthcare environments.

• Advanced practice nursing skills
• Primary care for ages 13+
• Comprehensive healthcare approach
• Prepares advanced practice providers
• Integrates multiple scientific disciplines

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration within UNCW's Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides an exceptional educational trajectory for advanced practice nurses. This meticulously designed 70-credit curriculum prepares professionals to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifespans. By integrating advanced nursing science with biophysical and organizational knowledge, graduates emerge as transformative clinical leaders capable of implementing sophisticated mental health interventions and driving meaningful improvements in psychiatric care delivery.

• 70 credit hour program
• Complete in eight semesters
• ANCC certification eligible
• Lifespan psychiatric care focus
• Advanced clinical leadership training

North Carolina A&T State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an innovative hybrid program that transforms nursing education. By integrating emerging healthcare technologies and emphasizing health equity, students develop critical skills to address complex mental health challenges. The curriculum prepares advanced nursing professionals to enhance healthcare access, promote social justice, and diversify the healthcare workforce through leadership development and culturally competent practice techniques.

• Hybrid program format
• Focuses on health equity
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Two specialized tracks offered
• Emphasis on leadership skills
• UNC system approved
• Minority representation focus
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• Multiple simulation lab facilities

North Carolina A&T's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Transformational Nursing Leadership concentration empowers nurses to become healthcare innovators. This comprehensive hybrid program develops advanced clinical professionals who can drive systemic improvements. Students gain expertise in technology integration, cultural competency, and strategic leadership, preparing them to excel in complex healthcare environments and advocate for meaningful patient care transformations.

• Terminal practice degree
• Two specialized tracks
• Innovative simulation labs
• Interdisciplinary approach
• High employment demand
• Technology-focused curriculum
• Cultural competence emphasis
• Leadership skill development
• Research translation focus
• Advanced clinical preparation

This comprehensive BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program equips advanced practice nurses with extensive clinical capabilities. Through 1,040 clinical hours, students develop expertise in serving diverse patient populations, including adolescents, adults, and elders. The hybrid format allows specialization in Emerging Technological Innovations or Health Equity and Social Justice, enabling graduates to address critical mental health needs with sophisticated, patient-centered approaches.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Focus on underserved populations
• Two optional specialty concentrations
• Prepares for national certification
• Interprofessional team collaboration
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

North Carolina A&T's Doctor of Nursing Practice merges transformational leadership with technological innovation. This hybrid program prepares nursing professionals to navigate complex healthcare landscapes by integrating cutting-edge technologies like telehealth and artificial intelligence. Students develop critical leadership skills focused on addressing systemic healthcare inequities, promoting diversity, and driving meaningful change in clinical practice and patient care delivery.

• Hybrid program delivery format
• Transformational Nursing Leadership concentration
• Health equity focus
• Technology-integrated curriculum
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Advanced clinical practice preparation
• UNC system approved program
• Multiple simulation lab facilities
• High-demand career opportunities

The BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program emphasizes health equity and social justice, preparing advanced practice nurses for comprehensive mental health care. With 70 credits and 1,040 clinical hours, students gain expert skills in serving diverse patient populations. The curriculum develops clinically sophisticated practitioners capable of addressing complex mental health challenges while promoting inclusive, patient-centered healthcare approaches.

• 70 total credit hours
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Optional concentration options
• Advanced practice preparation
• Interprofessional team training
• Diverse patient population focus
• AANC Board Certification preparation

North Carolina A&T's BSN to DNP Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program focuses on technological innovations in mental healthcare. Through a 70-credit hybrid curriculum and 1,040 clinical hours, students develop advanced skills to serve diverse patient populations. The program's optional Emerging Technological Innovations concentration prepares graduates to leverage cutting-edge technologies while addressing mental health needs in underserved communities.

• 70 credit hour program
• Hybrid learning format
• 1,040 total clinical hours
• Optional technological innovations concentration
• Practice across diverse settings
• Focuses on underserved populations
• Interprofessional team collaboration