The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP) is the new name for the Bolton School's practice doctorate, previously known as the N.D. (Nursing Doctorate). The DNP is similar in concept to practice doctorates in other professions such as medicine (M.D.), law (J.D.) and dentistry (D.D.M.). DNP-prepared nurses are equipped for leadership roles in nursing practice, business, administration, clinical research, and academia.
Over the last several years, there has been an increased interest within the nursing profession to develop a universally recognized practice-focused terminal degree in nursing to complement the research focused degrees (PhD, DNSc, DNS). In October of 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) published a position statement (based on the recommendations of a national task force) stating that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the degree associated with practice-focused doctoral nursing education.
Individuals with practice doctorates are the most highly educated and qualified practitioners in their fields. Instead of focusing primarily on research and teaching, like those with Ph.D.'s within their fields, those with practice doctorates use their education and expertise in leaderships roles on the front lines of their profession.
If you do not hold a nursing license, please see our Graduate Entry Program for Non-Nurses entry option.
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