Doctor of Nursing Practice
Developing a New Generation of Innovative Nurse Leaders.
The DNP program at Florida Southern College is a leadership-focused post-master’s program of study designed to prepare graduates in healthcare policy and advocacy, finance, information systems, project management and organizational leadership.
Realize your full potential as a health systems leader with a DNP Degree from Florida Southern College. This program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed for upward career mobility and better job opportunities across the healthcare continuum. Become an innovative nurse leader and shape the future of health care.
Upcoming Term Start Dates
1/7/2025
CCNE Accredited
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ()Top Reasons
Gain a Competitive Edge in Your Career
The changing demands of this nation’s complex healthcare environment require the highest levels of practice expertise. Employers are quickly recognizing the unique contributions that DNP-prepared nurses are making in healthcare organizations. As a result, the demand for nurse leaders with doctoral preparation continues to grow. Nursing is moving in the direction of other health professions in transitioning to the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Learn More, Earn More
A DNP Degree from Florida Southern College will prepare you for the highest level of advanced nursing practice. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data clearly show that with each level of education attained, individuals have access to higher-level and better-paying jobs. In the U.S., the median salary for individuals with a doctoral degree is approximately 20% higher compared to those with a Master's Degree. In 2020, the median pay for health services leaders and managers in the U.S. was $104,280.
Faculty with Real-Life Experience
When it comes to helping nurse leaders achieve their potential, there is no substitute for experience. Our DNP faculty come from diverse backgrounds and have the knowledge and expertise required to help students prepare for the real-life challenges they will encounter as the next generation of health systems leaders.
Return on Your Investment
The DNP Program tuition is competitively priced to provide students with a high rate of return on their investment in education. Out-of-state students pay the same rate and our online-delivery format makes it easy for students living in the region and beyond to complete program requirements.
Showcasing Excellence in Scholarship and Evidence Translation
Our students are solving real-life problems in healthcare organizations through the DNP project and practicum experiences.
In High Demand
Employment opportunities for health system leaders and managers are projected to grow by 32% by 2030---much faster than the average for all other occupations in the U.S.
Meet Our Mocs
Carol Anderson, DNP
Cory Lord, DNP, APRN, NP-C
Amy Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Tawana L. Cooper, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C
Ann Roberto, DNP, APRN, CPNP
Doris Thornhill, DNP, ARNP
Doctor of Nursing Practice Learning Outcomes
DNP students are required to demonstrate a broad set of advanced-level nursing and leadership competencies defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).
Upon completion of the program, DNP students will be able to:
- Demonstrate socially and professionally responsible nursing leadership
- Lead the translation of evidence to improve healthcare systems and outcomes
- Design, implement, and evaluate population health improvement strategies
- Incorporate informatics processes and technologies to manage and improve healthcare
Featured Faculty
Melanie Michael
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts of all academic work
- A master's degree in nursing from an accredited CNEA, ACEN or CCNE program with certification as a Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Practitioner at a regionally accredited college or university
OR
A nursing master's degree in nursing leadership, health policy, population or community health, or informatics from a nationally accredited CNEA, ACEN or CCNE program at a regionally-accredited college or university - Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in graduate level course work
- R茅sum茅 or CV of educational and work experience
- Licensure as a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse without restriction in the state, territory, or local where the student will complete DNP Project or Practicum requirements.
- Complete a virtual interview at the discretion of the faculty (by invitation only)
If admitted, all DNP students must comply with applicable institutional or organizational policies regarding vaccinations, drug testing, and background checks required for completion of DNP Project and Practicum experiences.
Course Delivery
Fully Online
Our program offers fully online coursework.
Curriculum
| Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|
| DNP 7100 | Philosophical, Theoretical, Professional, and Conceptual Foundations |
| DNP 7110 | Leadership and Interprofessional Practice |
| DNP 7120 | Introduction to DNP Project |
| DNP 7200 | Professional, Business, and Scholarly Writing |
| DNP 7210 | Health Care Business and Financial Management |
| DNP 7300 | Practice Scholarship: Evidence-based Practice and Quality Improvement |
| DNP 7310 | Data Management and Analytics for Evidence-based Practice |
| DNP 7400 | Clinical Prevention and Population Health |
| DNP 7410 | Health Policy and Advocacy in Health Care |
| DNP 7420 | Information Management and Technology |
| DNP 7500 | DNP Project and Practicum I |
| DNP 7510 | DNP Project and Practicum II |
| DNP 7520 | DNP Project and Practicum III |
| DNP 7530 | DNP Project and Practicum IV |
Program Costs
2024-2025
| Base Required Fees | Cost |
| Tuition Per Credit Hour | $775 |
| Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled | $30 to $120 |
$500 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first semester tuition balance)
*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.
Related Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of your DNP program?
Is this an on-campus program?
This program is fully online.
Do you require the GRE for admission?
No, we do not require the GRE for consideration for admission to our nursing programs.
How does the DNP differ from a PhD in Nursing?
While both are terminal degrees within nursing, the DNP focuses on practice in direct and indirect care roles while the focus of the PhD is on nursing research. Indirect care roles include health care leadership or administration, health policy, and informatics.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Join us to learn more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice program and what sets it apart from other programs you may be considering. Hear from our program director and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get next steps for admission and hear more about our support process throughout your DNP project.
Program Contact
Melanie Michael, DNP, MS, APRN, FNP-C, CPHQ, FNAP
Associate Professor
Director
Graduate Nursing Program Director
