Applying to the Herzing Doctor of Nursing Practice: A Step-by-Step Admissions Guide

Many nurses preparing to apply to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program expect the admissions process to be as rigorous and demanding as earning the doctorate itself. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. At Herzing, we've made applying to our online DNP program as streamlined as possible.

That said, you'll still want to be organized in how you approach your application, because a few key details (your license, your GPA and your prior degree) need to line up before you can start. This guide explains what you'll need to apply to our DNP program and walks through the process step by step, for both BSN to DNP applicants and MSN to DNP applicants.

What Is a DNP, and Why Should I Earn One?

The DNP is a practice-focused doctorate in nursing. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), DNP programs “prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice.”

This sets the DNP apart from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing. The PhD in nursing prepares you to conduct original research and teach in higher education settings, while the DNP prepares you to put evidence to work solving problems and improving quality in patient care and health systems.

Nurses pursue a DNP for a few common reasons:

• To prepare for a clinical specialty. Many DNP students are working toward a nurse practitioner (NP) role, such as family NP, psychiatric mental health NP or pediatric primary care NP.
• To build systems-level leadership skills. A DNP can help prepare you for executive roles in hospital systems, informatics, public health and policymaking as well as clinical practice.
• To stand out in the job market. The AACN reports growing employer demand for DNP-prepared nurses as the complexity of care rises. Doctoral preparation may enhance your competitiveness and salary potential, depending on your local job market.

Another reason to earn a DNP is to get ahead of changing standards. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) has committed to making the DNP the entry-level qualification for nurse practitioners over the next several years. While it’s still possible to become an NP with an MSN, that will change. Earning a DNP now means you’ll already meet the requirements of any new policies that could take effect in the future.

Herzing DNP Specialty Options

We offer nine DNP specialties, plus a post-master's DNP with no specialization for nurses who already hold an MSN and are certified in another specialty.

You can enter the DNP through one of two pathways: BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP. Every DNP pathway at Herzing combines 100% online didactic classes, hands-on clinical experience and a DNP practice project.

While the application process is largely the same for both, there are some differences in what you'll need to provide as supporting material.

Admission Requirements for Herzing's Online DNP Programs

BSN to DNP Admission Requirements

The BSN to DNP pathway is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who want to move directly into doctoral study. Completing the DNP takes 28 to 32 months, depending on your specialty.

To apply, you'll need:

• A current, active and unrestricted RN license in your state of residence
• A BSN from an accredited university or college
• An overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Residence in a state where Herzing is authorized to offer your chosen specialty
• Completion of a background and clinical compliance check (depending on your specialty)

MSN to DNP Admission Requirements

The MSN to DNP pathway is for RNs who have already earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This option takes 20 to 24 months, depending on your specialty. Requirements include:

• A current, active and unrestricted RN license
• A completed MSN with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• An MSN from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
• No prior failure from a doctoral program
• Residence in a state where Herzing is authorized to offer your chosen specialty
• Completion of a background and clinical compliance check (depending on your specialty)
• If you choose our post-master's DNP, which takes about 20 months and has no specialization, you'll also submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.

DNP Admission Requirements Compared

Here's how the two pathways line up.

Complete details about background and clinical compliance check requirements can be found in our catalog. Requirements and policies may vary depending on the clinical site.. Requirements and policies may vary depending on the clinical site.

Applying to Herzing's DNP: Step-by-Step Overview

Herzing offers rolling admissions for the DNP, so there's no application deadline to work around. Here's how the process typically unfolds:

1. Confirm your eligibility. Check that Herzing is authorized to offer your chosen specialty in your state, and that your RN license and GPA meet requirements. MSN to DNP applicants should also confirm that their MSN program was accredited by ACEN, CCNE or NLN CNEA.
2. Meet with an admissions advisor. Schedule an interview to talk through your career goals, your specialty and which pathway fits your background.
3. Submit your graduate application online.
4. Request official transcripts. Your advisor will send you a Transcript Release Request Form so you can request official transcripts from every college you've attended.
5. Gather supporting materials. You may need to complete a background and clinical compliance check. Post-master's DNP applicants also submit a CV or résumé.
6. Build your financial aid plan. Explore your financial aid options and complete any required documentation.
7. Pay the enrollment fee and get registered. After you pay the $50 enrollment fee and are admitted, you'll be automatically registered for the classes in your program.

Browse our DNP programs and specialties to find the path that matches your goals. Or, if you're ready to take the next step, get in touch with an admissions advisor to start your application.