Nursing Practice (DNP)
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Major Credits
80
Total Credits
80
Time to Completion
3 Years
Locations
Mankato,Edina
Accreditation
CCNE
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Overview
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a graduate program for students interested in becoming a doctorally prepared family nurse practitioner and also offers a post-graduate program for advanced practice registered nurses interested in obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Program Highlights
- Students admitted into the BSN to DNP Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner program progress full-time through the curriculum and obtain the DNP degree in 3 years.
- All APRNs admitted to the 36-credit program are awarded 9 tuition-free credits for prior learning based on earning and maintaining your current APRN national certification.
- Graduates and certificate awardees are eligible for national certification as family nurse practitioners and are prepared to practice in primary care settings where they diagnose and treat individuals across the life span and their families.
General Information on Each Track
Designed to advance nursing careers, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for future roles as primary care providers and healthcare leaders. FNPs deliver care across the lifespan in a range of clinical settings, addressing health needs from wellness to illness.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the FNP certification exam and apply for APRN licensure.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Metro-based location with modern facilities and accessible parking
- Coordinated clinical placements and support for rural and underserved communities
- Practicing NP faculty, strong certification pass rates, and respected reputation in healthcare settings
The Post-Master’s APRN to DNP track is designed for nationally certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking doctoral-level education. This 36-credit hybrid program builds leadership and evidence-based practice skills for advanced clinical roles. Students apply research in practice, lead quality improvement initiatives, and influence health policy.
- Nine credits are awarded for prior learning based on APRN certification, reducing required coursework to 27 credits.
- The program combines online flexibility with monthly virtual seminars and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Flexible 2-year (summer start) or 3-year (fall start) enrollment options
- 300 DNP project hours completed locally with mentor and placement support
- 36-credit program with 9 tuition-free credits awarded for current APRN certification
Application Requirements
| Requirement | BSN Track | APRN Track |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirement |
BSN, BS, BA, or entry level master’s degree from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited school. |
Graduate degree in nursing (MSN, MS, MA, MN) from an accredited program (CCNE, ACEN, COA, or ACME for nurse-midwifery programs). |
| GPA Requirement |
3.0 or higher; <3.0 requires GRE scores submitted to Admissions Office (GRE Code: 6677) |
3.0 or higher; <3.0 requires GRE scores submitted to Admissions Office (GRE Code: 6677) |
| Licensure Requirement |
Current RN licensure with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota. |
Current RN and APRN license required in the state where DNP project hours will be completed |
| Work Experience |
1 year as baccalaureate-prepared RN before starting coursework |
Not explicitly required |
| Certification |
Not required |
Must hold national APRN certification (NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM) |
| Letter of Recommendation |
1 from current/recent supervisor using School of Nursing Reference Form (find link below the chart) |
1 from current/recent supervisor using School of Nursing Reference Form (find link below the chart) |
| Essay Requirement |
Professional essay (APA format, 2-page limit) responding to three required questions (listed below) |
Not Required |
| Resume C/V |
Required |
Required |
| Online Interview |
Required |
Required |
- School of Nursing Reference Form
- Required Essay Questions (BSN track)
- Describe a situation that challenged you as a nurse and how did you respond/resolve it.
- Why do you think you will be a successful family nurse practitioner?
- What is your ultimate goal as a nurse practitioner?
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
The program is not eligible for I-20 issuance.
- TOEFL ibt scores sent directly to University Admissions using code 6677. A minimum score of 84 is required with a minimum speaking score of 26.
- Credential Evaluation prepared by a National Association of Credentials Evaluation Service member
Nursing Practice DNP Application Deadlines
| U.S.-Based Applicants: BSN-DNP Track | U.S.-Based Applicants: APRN-DNP Track | International Applicants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Start | N/A | March 1 (3-year option) | N/A |
| Spring Start | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer Start | November 1 | March 1 (2-year option) | N/A |
