About

Are you interested becoming a clinical scholar skilled in the translation of research and other evidence into clinical practice, measurement of patient outcomes, and transformation of health care systems to ensure quality and safety?

The College of Nursing at East Carolina University offers a doctorate in nursing practice. The curriculum includes advanced study in the scientific underpinnings for practice, health-care finance, policy, and leadership, as well as patient safety and risk management. In this program, students gain greater depth of knowledge regarding policy issues, interdisciplinary models of health care delivery, techniques and models for influencing the health care system, particular problems of rural health populations, clinical scholarship to improve quality and safety, and translational research. This program is online. Our faculty is composed of highly experienced teachers and practitioners.

ECU Advantage

The National League has named East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing a Center of Excellence for 2011–2015. The College of Nursing is part of the Division of Health Sciences, which houses the Brody School of Medicine, including basic sciences.

We are located next to Vidant Medical Center, a magnet designated hospital serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. We offer many opportunities for interprofessional education, practice and research. The location and mission of the college as well as the expertise of the faculty provide a unique opportunity for the discovery of knowledge related to nursing and health issues in rural underserved areas.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Julie M. Linder (3185 Health Sciences Building; 252-744-6468; linderj19@ecu.edu)

Contact Information by Specialty Area:

The Nursing Practice, DNP degree is a practice-focused terminal degree earned by specialists in advanced nursing practice. The DNP focuses on developing nursing experts that can translate and apply research findings into clinical practice rather than in generating new knowledge.

The location and mission of the College of Nursing, as well as the expertise of the faculty, provide a unique opportunity for the application of research in the identification and resolution of individual and aggregate health systems problems related to nursing and health issues in rural underserved areas.

The DNP provides the knowledge base to:

The program's emphasis on strong faculty mentorship and integration of the scientific process throughout the curriculum is reflected in each student's DNP Project. The project is developed and implemented by the student to demonstrate use of the scientific process in translation of research in practice settings to advance and promote systems of improved patient outcomes. Components of the project include a podium presentation of the completed project and approval of the final written report by the DNP Project Team and Director for each specialty.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to assume leadership positions as clinicians, administrators in public and private health care organizations, policy makers and analysts, and university faculty. Additional course work may be required, depending on student objectives and focus.

I. Accreditation

ECU's Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750; Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791 (phone); 202-887-8476 (fax).

The Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA); 222 S Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068; 847-655-1160 (phone); 847-692-7137 (fax).

    II. Degree Pathways

    The DNP has two pathways to obtain the degree – the post-master's (MSN to DNP) and the post-baccalaureate (BSN to DNP). The DNP program is offered as a MSN to DNP for nurses in health system's leadership, organizational leadership and education, or advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). The BSN to DNP is offered for registered nurses seeking APRN certification as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNP) or family nurse practitioners (FNP).

      A. Post-Master's Pathway

      The MSN to DNP pathway builds on current East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing (CON) curricula which reflects The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2021). The pathway expands the knowledge of students from the master's level to the doctoral level and encompasses knowledge required as nurse leaders in increasingly complex healthcare systems.

      The curriculum for the MSN to DNP pathway is offered on a part-time only basis and can be completed in 36 semester hours, with the exception of an APRN with an earned master's degree and certified as a nurse anesthetist. CRNAs meeting both criteria are required to complete 27 semester hours.

        B. Post-Baccalaureate Pathway

        The BSN to DNP pathway curriculum is offered in three specialty areas. They are adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), and the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) entry level program.

        The curriculum for the post-baccalaureate pathway is offered full-time and part-time and can be completed in 61-90 semester hours. The AGPCNP program of study requires 61 semester hours, inclusive of 720 clinical practice hours; the FNP program of study requires 70 semester hours, inclusive of 840 clinical practice hours; and the CRNA program of study requires 90 semester, hours inclusive of a minimum of 2000 clinical practice hours.

        III. On-Campus Immersions

        Immersions provide students with a collegial experience alongside faculty and peers and facilitate the achievement of program and professional objectives. Our on-campus Immersions allow students face-to-face interaction with faculty and real-time collaboration to enhance critical thinking and clinical skill attainment. Students enrolled in online courses/pathways in the AGPCNP and FNP program specialties are required to attend on-campus sessions for 1-3 days near the beginning of each semester (September, January, June) for DNP Immersions (on-site education) during semesters of enrollment in clinical rotations. Students in NURS 6610  will have a minimum of three on-campus sessions.

        In addition, Post-Master's, ACPCNP, and FNP students enrolled in DNP courses are invited to attend on-campus sessions for two days during their first semester for New Student Immersion. Students enrolled in NURS 8372 are invited to campus for a 1-day workship as they begin their DNP Projects. Students enrolled in NURS 8377 are invited to campus for a 1-day workshop as they finish their DNP Projects. Completion of the DNP program and conferral of the DNP degree require students to be face-to-face on-campus to present their DNP Projects one day during their last semester. The presentation is scheduled by faculty and conducted as a conference-style event.

        The BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthetist specialty clinical didactic and practicum courses are provided in a face-to-face format. 

          IV. Requirements
            A. Post-Master's (MSN to DNP) Pathway
              1. Post-Master's Nurse (APRN or other earned MSN) Option

              The DNP post-master's option provides an opportunity for nurses with an earned MSN in leadership, education, certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse practitioner (NP), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to expand competencies beyond the master's level and encompasses knowledge required in increasingly complex healthcare systems. Nurses with an earned MSN in all nursing specialties will be considered for admission.

                a. Admission Requirements
                  b. Application Requirements

                  The DNP post-master's pathway admits students in fall and spring semesters each year. Please refer to the Graduate School website for application deadlines. Those who are admitted begin coursework in the following fall or spring semester. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in four areas: GPA, references, essay, and interview. The post-master's DNP specialty considers qualified applicants on a rolling admissions cycle. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after receipt of the completed application. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

                  Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are expected to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall or spring semester, whichever is applicable. 

                    c. Degree Requirements

                    The DNP post-master's option is offered as an online, 36-semester hour program of study beyond the master's degree, which includes DNP core, project courses, and 9 semester hours of electives at the master's or doctoral level. Students with an earned MSN and who are certified registered nurse anesthetists are required to complete 27 semester hours (DNP core and project course requirements with no electives). Campus requirements and group learning will serve as a foundational component of the DNP program of study. A minimum of 9 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 3 to 4 semesters depending on project complexity. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Practice hours earned in accredited MSN/APRN programs are included in the total of the minimum required hours.

                    As in other programs of doctoral study, students in this program may expect to enroll in more than the minimum required credit hours and be aware that study opportunities that focus on particular areas of study are in addition to the basic program requirements. Additional study is individualized and depends on the student's background and graduate preparation as well as the employment role identified as a career focus.

                    The DNP post-master's advanced practice registered nurse option requires a minimum of 36 s.h. (27 s.h. for CRNAs) as follows:

                      Core courses - 18 s.h.
                      • NURS 8361 - Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                      • NURS 8363 - Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development
                      • NURS 8367 - Design and Statistical Methods in Advanced Interprofessional Practice and Scholarship
                      • NURS 8369 - Communication and Technology in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                      • NURS 8370 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                      • NURS 8373 - Health Care Finance in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                      DNP project courses - 9 s.h.
                      • NURS 8372 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
                      • NURS 8374 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
                      • NURS 8377 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
                      Electives - 9 s.h.

                      Students can select from elective areas of study (nursing education, nursing leadership, emergency and disaster management, and others). Academic advisors are available to assist students in selecting or customizing electives in an area of study.

                    2. Nurse Anesthetist Option

                    Note: The MSN to DNP nurse anesthetist option is currently not accepting students. If you have questions, please reach out to the program coordinator for this degree. 

                    The DNP post-master's nurse anesthetist (CRNA) option provides an opportunity to expand competencies beyond the master's level and encompasses knowledge required as nurse leaders in increasingly complex healthcare systems.

                      a. Admission Requirements
                        b. Application Requirements

                        The post-master's DNP pathway admits students in fall and spring semesters each year. Please refer to the Graduate School webpage for application deadlines. Those who are admitted begin coursework in the following fall or spring semester. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in four areas: GPA, references, essay, and interview. The post-master's DNP specialty considers qualified applicants on a rolling admissions cycle. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after receipt of the completed application. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

                        Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are expected to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall or spring semester, whichever is applicable. 

                          c. Degree Requirements

                          The DNP post-master's nurse anesthetist option is a 27-semester hour program of study. Students are required to complete a minimum of 27 semester hours beyond the master's degree; DNP Core Courses represent 18 semester hours. A minimum of 9 semester hours for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Project will be divided over 3-4 semesters depending on project complexity. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Practice hours earned in accredited MSN/APRN programs are included in the total of the minimum required hours. Students may enroll in a part-time program of study, completing their degree requirements in 6 semesters. As in other programs of doctoral study, students in this program may expect to enroll in more than the minimum required credit hours and to be aware that study opportunities that focus on particular areas of study are in addition to the basic program requirements. Additional study is individualized and depends on the student's background and graduate preparation as well as the employment role identified as a career focus. The DNP post-master's pathway nurse anesthetist option requires a minimum of 27 s.h. as follows:

                            Core courses - 18 s.h.
                            • NURS 8361 - Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                            • NURS 8363 - Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development
                            • NURS 8367 - Design and Statistical Methods in Advanced Interprofessional Practice and Scholarship
                            • NURS 8369 - Communication and Technology in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                            • NURS 8370 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                            • NURS 8373 - Health Care Finance in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                            DNP project courses - 9 s.h.
                            • NURS 8372 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
                            • NURS 8374 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
                            • NURS 8377 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
                            Note:

                            Campus requirements and group learning will serve as a foundational component of the DNP program of study. A minimum of 9 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 3 to 4 semesters depending on project complexity. Students will enroll in full-time programs of study, including core courses, DNP project courses, and CRNA clinical didactic, lab, and clinical experiences. 

                          3. Nursing Leadership Option

                          The DNP post-master's leadership option is designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions within health-care delivery systems. Students develop specialized knowledge and practice in leadership, including but not limited to administrative and organizational theory and ethics, financial management, human resource management, health policy, and law and regulation.

                            a. Admission Requirements
                              b. Application Requirements

                              Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until the end of the first full week in January. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in five areas: GPA, GRE (if applicable), references, essay, and interview. Completed applications are considered in a competitive review process. All completed applications received by the final filing date will be given careful consideration. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after the admission deadline. All completed applicant packets are discussed among the DNP admissions committee until consensus has been attained for competitive rankings for admission decisions. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

                              Preference is given to those who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

                                c. Degree Requirements

                                The DNP post-master's nursing leadership option requires a minimum of 36 s.h. as follows:

                                  Core courses - 18 s.h.
                                  • NURS 8361 - Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                  • NURS 8363 - Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development
                                  • NURS 8367 - Design and Statistical Methods in Advanced Interprofessional Practice and Scholarship
                                  • NURS 8369 - Communication and Technology in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                  • NURS 8370 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                  • NURS 8373 - Health Care Finance in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                  DNP project courses - 9 s.h.
                                  • NURS 8372 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
                                  • NURS 8374 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
                                  • NURS 8377 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
                                  Leadership core courses - 9 s.h.
                                  • NURS 8290 - Organizational Behavior in the Healthcare Environment
                                  • NURS 8291 - Analytical Decision-Making in Complex Healthcare Systems
                                  • NURS 8292 - Legal Aspects of Health Care Operations
                            B. Post-Baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) Pathway
                              1. Nurse Practitioner Program

                              The DNP post-baccalaureate pathway nurse practitioner program of study includes adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialty areas and is designed to prepare nurses for entry into advanced practice. The program focuses on developing nursing experts in translating and applying research findings in clinical practice. Graduates of the program are prepared as nurse leaders in inter-professional health care teams and work to improve systems of care, patient outcomes, quality, and safety.

                              The AGPCNP program of study requires 61 semester hours, inclusive of 720 clinical practice hours, while the FNP program of study requires 70 semester hours, inclusive of 840 clinical practice hours. Additional practice hours are included in the DNP project courses to total a minimum of 1,000 practice hours for the program.

                                a. Admission Requirements
                                  b. Application Requirements

                                  Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until January 10th. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in four areas: GPA, references, essay, and interview. Completed applications are considered in a competitive review process. All completed applications received by the final filing date will be given careful consideration. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after the admission deadline. All completed applicant packets are discussed among the DNP admissions committee until consensus has been attained for competitive rankings for admission decisions. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

                                  Preference is given to those who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. In the case of equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to individuals who intend to pursue doctoral study on a full-time basis. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

                                    c. Degree Requirements

                                    The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse practitioner program requires a minimum of 61-70 s.h. as follows:

                                      Core courses - 18 s.h.
                                      • NURS 8361 - Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                      • NURS 8363 - Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development
                                      • NURS 8367 - Design and Statistical Methods in Advanced Interprofessional Practice and Scholarship
                                      • NURS 8369 - Communication and Technology in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                      • NURS 8370 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                      • NURS 8373 - Health Care Finance in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                      DNP project courses - 9 s.h.
                                      • NURS 8372 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
                                      • NURS 8374 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
                                      • NURS 8377 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
                                      Clinical core courses - 34-43 s.h.

                                      (Select one of the below specialty areas.)

                                        a. AGPCNP clinical core (34 s.h.)
                                        • NURS 6050 - Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 6611 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 8113 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Introduction to the Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8114 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8115 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Reproductive Healthcare
                                        • NURS 8118 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8121 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Older Adults
                                        • NURS 8122 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum II: Care of Older Adults with Acute and Chronic Illnesses
                                        • NURS 8123 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum III: Specialty Care of Adults and Geriatrics
                                        • NURS 8124 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum IV: Primary Care Clinical Residency
                                        b. FNP clinical core (43 s.h.)
                                        • NURS 6050 - Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 6611 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                        • NURS 8113 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Introduction to the Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8114 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8115 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Reproductive Healthcare
                                        • NURS 8116 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Obstetrical Healthcare
                                        • NURS 8117 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatric Healthcare
                                        • NURS 8118 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care of Adults
                                        • NURS 8119 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum II: Obstetrics and Pediatrics
                                        • NURS 8120 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum III: Synthesis in Primary Care
                                        • NURS 8121 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Older Adults
                                        • NURS 8124 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum IV: Primary Care Clinical Residency
                                  2. Nurse Anesthesia Program

                                  The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia program is a face to face 36-month course of study designed to prepare professional nurses as practitioners of nurse anesthesia eligible for national certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. A minimum of 90 semester hours including 12 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 9 semesters. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Students enroll in a full-time program of study, completing their degree requirements in 9 semesters.

                                  This nurse anesthesia program only enrolls full-time students. Students need to closely adhere to the plan of study, as some courses are offered only once a year.

                                    a. Admission Requirements

                                    Note: The out-of-state student must procure a North Carolina RN license upon admission to the program.

                                      b. Application Requirements

                                      Applications to the DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia specialty area entry level program are accepted throughout the year for consideration by the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee.  Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. All completed applications are reviewed by the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee. The application deadline for the nurse anesthesia program is October 30. Each new class will begin in May. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

                                        c. Degree Requirements

                                        The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthetist specialty requires a minimum of 90 s.h. as follows:

                                          Core courses - 18 s.h.
                                          • NURS 8361 - Translating Evidence into Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                          • NURS 8363 - Interprofessional Leadership and Role Development
                                          • NURS 8367 - Design and Statistical Methods in Advanced Interprofessional Practice and Scholarship
                                          • NURS 8369 - Communication and Technology in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                          • NURS 8370 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                          • NURS 8373 - Health Care Finance in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
                                          DNP project courses - 9 s.h.
                                          • NURS 8372 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
                                          • NURS 8374 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
                                          • NURS 8377 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
                                          Clinical core courses - 63 s.h.
                                          • NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
                                          • NURS 8805 - Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists I
                                          • NURS 8806 - Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists II
                                          • NURS 8810 - Human Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists
                                          • NURS 8811 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I
                                          • NURS 8812 - Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia
                                          • NURS 8813 - Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia
                                          • NURS 8814 - Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia
                                          • NURS 8815 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II
                                          • NURS 8816 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III
                                          • NURS 8817 - Clinical Correlations I
                                          • NURS 8818 - Clinical Correlations II
                                          • NURS 8819 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia I
                                          • NURS 8820 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia II
                                          • NURS 8821 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia III
                                          • NURS 8822 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia IV
                                          • NURS 8823 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia V
                                          • NURS 8824 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia IV
                                          • NURS 8893 - Anesthesia Synthesis Course
                                          • PTHE 8008 - Gross Anatomy
                                  For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.