Doctor of Nursing Practice
Further your education while continuing to care for your community
Our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctorate designed to prepare experts in advanced nursing practice. Our DNP emphasizes key nursing practice competencies and innovation, with several options for different fields of study in clinical practice, policy and leadership.
Emerging as the leader in policy, GW Nursing’s leadership, faculty and students make an impact on global policy decisions that improve health care for underserved communities.
Why GW Nursing?
As one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the nation, GW Nursing is proud to offer innovative educational programs led by top-tier faculty, supported by the latest in health care technology. We offer doctoral programs that will advance your practice and make it possible to succeed in providing high-quality, compassionate health care. Our presence in the greater Washington, DC region, and across the world, allows you access to a growing network of alumni and industry partners that can help transform your career.
Enhance Your CareerThe program of study provides the coursework, academic rigor and experiences needed to open up the doors of opportunity. |
Professional NetworkingTake advantage of professional networking opportunities by interacting with fellow classmates from all over the country as well as faculty members who are nationally recognized leaders in their fields. |
Supportive Online LearningWe welcome and encourage online engagement. Students have access to an academic advisor, approachable faculty and a learning environment intentionally crafted for excellence. |
Post-bachelor's DNP Options
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Provide care in high-intensity emergency environments such as urgent care centers, critical care, and inpatient medical-surgical or specialty units.
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Become the primary care provider your patients come to know and trust, with a focus on primary care for whole families and entire communities.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Care for children and adults alike in any number of clinical settings, with a focus on primary care for whole families and entire communities.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Expand your scope of practice to include the care of individuals, families and select populations with psychiatric and mental health needs.
Post-master's DNP Options
Executive Leadership
Focus on intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial approaches to leadership and incorporate experiential projects.
Health Policy
Gain in-depth knowledge of the processes shaping health policy and the economic forces, research evidence and political developments directly affecting health care and the nursing profession.
Nursing Practice
Learn to incorporate evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary organizational concepts, policy and research into clinical practice and leadership.
Program Highlights
Solid Foundation
Synthesize knowledge of nursing practice, theory and research as a foundation for advanced nursing practice.
Networking Opportunities
Build an interdisciplinary professional network that includes collaboration and teamwork.
Industry Impact
Promote positive changes in health care delivery and nursing practice.
Nationally Ranked
GW Nursing's doctor of nursing practice program ranks #30 according to U.S. News and World Report. Paired with the school's top rankings in many speciality areas, our solid position is a testament to GW's growing reputation as a premier destination for nurses looking to advance their careers.
Ranked #6
Nursing (DNP)
Administration
Ranked #7
Adult/Gerontology Acute
Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Ranked #10
Adult/Gerontology Primary
Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Ranked #11
Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Family
At GW Nursing we are focused on your future
GW Nursing is committed to effecting change in our health care system by developing the nurse leaders of tomorrow and maintaining connections with the world's most influential health organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health. Our students study the world as they work to improve it and we make sure they have the skills and resources to do so.
Online LearningPrograms are delivered in an online format and are skillfully designed by our instructional designers to be both readily comprehensible and engaging. |
Exceptional FacultyOur faculty members are nationally recognized leaders in nursing who actively engage and inspire students to improve global health care for all. |
Flexible FormatOnline courses are asynchronous, allowing the program to adapt to your needs and fit into your busy schedule. |
Diversity & InclusionWe are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community to prepare our students to facilitate value-based health care delivery. |
"One of the main reasons I was attracted to GW was the DNP curriculum. It is comprised of courses that are relevant to nursing and healthcare today and to my career. The Health Care Quality Improvement course provided the latest concepts that I could apply to my quality practice. It also sparked my interest in attaining the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification."
Deborah Cardenas, DNP, MSN, RN, Paralegal, CPHQ
DNP '18