The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Degree From MBU

at Murphy Deming College of Health Science School of Nursing

Lead with Expertise, Care with Confidence

Step into the future of advanced nursing with our Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program. Designed for working nurses who aspire to provide comprehensive primary care, the DNP-FNP degree program combines flexible online coursework with in-person clinical experiences that help you develop expertise and leadership skills.

With a focus on independent practice and interprofessional leadership, the DNP-FNP program equips you to excel as a healthcare provider, educator and innovator.

Why Earn Your DNP-FNP at MBU?

The DNP-FNP program from the MBU School of Nursing, part of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, builds on the foundation of your nursing education and experience. Graduates from the program are prepared to provide primary care to patients across their lifespan. It’s an ideal program for nurses seeking both advanced clinical expertise and the highest degree in nursing practice. Skills gained in the program include:

  • Conducting comprehensive health history assessments.
  • Physical examination techniques.
  • Diagnosis and treatment of common acute and chronic conditions.
  • Interpretation of laboratory results and diagnostic procedures.
  • Prescription and management of medications and therapies.
  • Supportive counseling, patient and family education.
  • Ability to incorporate evidence-based practices into the care and coordination of patients

Graduates from the program are prepared to provide primary, acute, chronic and specialty care to patients of all ages. FNPs work in private practice, community health centers, healthcare systems and universities. FNPs often serve as the main provider of primary care.

Curriculum Highlights

The DNP-FNP program is divided into eight semesters. Graduates earn 74 credits. The curriculum is designed to build on existing clinical skills. Courses focus on patient outcomes, evidence-based care and healthcare policy.

A DNP not only prepares you to provide primary care, but also provides a proven pathway to leadership, research and educator positions. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the highest academic credential in the nursing field and prepares you for certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Potential Careers

  • Chief Nursing Officer
  • Director of Nursing
  • Nursing Operations Manager
  • Program Director
  • Nurse Educator (Faculty)

Admissions Requirements

The DNP-FNP program is open to nurses who have earned a Bachelor of Nursing Science. 

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • No GRE/GMAT entrance exam is required. 
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Personal statement (no more than 500 words) about short-term and long-term goals after completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
  • BSN from an accredited CCNE or ACEN School of Nursing.
  • Completion of undergraduate or graduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Current unrestricted RN and/or an APRN license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or state participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) or be eligible for licensure in Virginia.
  • Current BLS certification.
  • A minimum of one year (2080 hours) of current, continuous, acute care experience* as a registered nurse within two years of application is preferred. Orientation hours do not count towards minimum hours.

Ready to Find Out More about MBU Online Degree Programs?

If you have questions, reach out to discuss your goals and explore how this program aligns with them. Our admissions team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way – from selecting your degree and completing your application to preparing for your first day of class.

We’re excited about the opportunity to help you take the next step in your academic journey.

Other Programs You May Be Interested In:

Those interested in the DNP program may also have interest in the Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program that offers nurses the opportunity to gain the knowledge and expertise needed to pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) in 20 months.