1. DNP Information Session

2. Making the decision Timing is personal (money, time, and goals)
Ability to commit to a full-time, hybrid program
Interested in the advanced practice and leadership roles in the field of nursing
Increase your knowledge of evidence-based practice and involvement in research

3. PhD vs DNP PhD DNP Program of Study
Terminal research degree in nursing science to conduct research to advance the science of nursing
Terminal practice degree in nursing to improve health outcomes and translate research into practice
Curriculum Focus
Commitment to research career
Commitment to practice career
Practice Hours
None
1,000 hours of clinically-focused learning
Project No
Yes
Dissertation
Program Outcomes
Contribute to health and healthcare improvements through the development of new knowledge and dissemination of results
Contribute to health and healthcare improvements through advanced practice and leadership

4. Which Track?
If you are not sure which track you would like to apply to please visit our website to learn more about each track
You must select a track when applying
Interested in multiple tracks? You will have to apply to each separate track

5. Eligibility Checklist
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 90 graded college/university quarter credits or equivalent credits completed
BSN from a CCNE or NLN accredited program
Proof of English language proficiency, if your native language in not English, regardless of citizenship. More information provided on International applicants page
3 quarter-credit (or equivalent) course in descriptive and inferential statistics with a minimum grade of 2.0 within in the last 5 years– this must be completed before program start. Click here to see a list of approved courses

6. Application Scoring Applications are divided up by track
Two faculty review your application with scores and comments
Offers are made based on the amount of student each track has space for
For example Population Health is budgeted for 16 students. The 16 highest scores are made offers and then faculty decide waiting list applicants
DNP Admissions Committee (AC) ensures scoring by faculty is fair and consistent across all applications

7. General Application Tips
Communicate that you understand what the DNP is about vs PhD or MSN
What has informed your track choice
Communicate that you understand and are prepared to handle the academic rigor of graduate studies
The AC and Faculty should able to match your resume and letter of recommendations to your essays

8. Resume
Organize your resume the exact way it is listed in the directions
The Admissions Committee looks for evidence of leadership and independent decision-making skills and responsibilities
Be descriptive, give the Admission Committee/Faculty context

9. Resume
Professional and/or community activities, this helps the admission committee/faculty learn how you manage time. Does not need to be health care related (within the last 2-5 years)
Unique experiences are items that tell the AC/faculty that your next step is graduate school
Proof read, no more than three pages in 12-point Arial/Calibri font, 1 inch margins
Follow the tips on the directions!

10. Admission Questions
Part I: This is where you tell the AC/Faculty why you are applying to a DNP program.
Use the AACN DNP Essentials
Reflect on your personal attributes
Part II: This section should speak to your resume and letter of recommendations
Go the track website and examine the objective and goals
Part III: Implicit bias
Pro tip: Harvard implicit bias test- do this to learn more about yourself and implicit bias

11. Grades /Academic Quality
3.0 GPA in the last 90 quarter-credits/ 60 semester credits
If you have less than a 3.0 GPA you will not be admitted to the Graduate School
Academic Quality is based on your transcripts, the AC/Faculty are looking at the trends in your grades

12. Letter of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required
One academic recommendation, one clinical recommendation, and the third can be either academic, clinical, or community recommendation
Pro Tip: Meet with the individuals who are writing your letters of recommendation
Talk about your goals, what program you are applying to, and what you want your letter or recommendation to reflect
Individuals will be sent an to fill out the form, tell them that it may go to their junk/spam inbox

13. Letter of Recommendation
Must be within five years of application
One letter should be completed by someone who has supervised you during your hands-on healthcare experience and can speak to your future ability to function in your chosen role (DNP).
Pro Tip: Get a letter from an individual who has an advanced practice degree in the track you are pursuing.
For example if you are applying to the FNP track try to get a letter from a practicing FNP you know

14. Interview
One way interview- there will be recorded videos of faculty asking you the interview questions
90 seconds to prepare before response
2 minutes to respond to the question
Can be done at anytime on your computer
Link to complete the interview will be sent to your shortly after the deadline for applications
Reserve a minimum of 30 minutes to complete the entire interview
You will not receive the questions in advance

15. Optional Statement This is optional- you do not have to do it!
If there are areas where life events happened this is the space to explain the context of the situation
For example if during one quarter your grades were lower than your normal due to family illness, financial strain, or anything hardship

16. Background Check Form
UW School of Nursing must have a copy of this document with your signature on it
Download this form
Electronically sign this form and save a copy for your own records
Do not pay to run a background check at the time you apply- you will be asked to pay ONLY if you are admitted to the DNP program and accept the offer

17. Submitting Transcripts
Upload an official transcript for each post-secondary college and university regardless of whether or not a degree was earned
The UW School of Nursing recommends that you can and upload official transcripts as they are easier to evaluate and process.
It is your responsibility to upload legible transcripts

18. How to apply Applying to the UW DNP program is completely online
You will complete and upload all components of the application via the UW Graduate School website.
All DNP applicants will be charged an $85.00 application fee
It is HIGHLY recommended that you save a copy of each PDF document for your own records. You will be unable to access them once you have submitted your online application

19. Thank you! Please if you have questions