Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Post-MSN Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to build upon the foundation of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role. The DNP program is directed toward advanced practice registered nurses and closely associated specialty areas (i.e. NP, CNS, CRNA, CNM preparation) and other specialty areas reviewed on an individualized basis. All applicants’ prior coursework will be reviewed, and individual DNP programs of study will be developed.

Admission is open to those who have:

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited institution with an advanced practice nursing focus. 
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for previous graduate coursework. 
• Completed a course in introductory statistics with a grade of C or better. 

To apply, please submit:

• An online application. (There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.)
• Georgia Southern University Health Services Form (must be completed before your first semester and completed each semester afterward).
• Three letters of recommendation. Forms in the online application are acceptable, or you can attach three recommendation letters to the application.
• Proof of American Heart Association Level C (2 person-BLS) or Red Cross CPR certification.
• Proof of Georgia RN licensure. (Write COPY over any replication of a license submitted.)

Submit all materials online with your application through the College of Graduate Studies Admissions office.

International Students

All international applicants, including resident and non-resident aliens, whose native language is not English and who do not have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, are required to submit official TOEFL scores taken within the year immediately preceding the requested semester of admission. 

You will need a minimum total score of 83 and minimum scores of 20 for each of the skills evaluated by the TOEFL: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. An original copy of the test score, sent by the testing agency to the Office of Graduate Admissions, is required before any action is taken on an application. Subsequently forwarding a copy of the score provided to you is not acceptable.

Application Deadlines

Your application and all required documents must be received by March 1 for admission consideration for the Summer cohort. 

Contact Information

Chelsea Doyle

Graduate Program Administrative Assistant

Office: Armstrong Campus-Ashmore Hall 266

912-344-2973chelseadoyle@georgiasouthern.edu

At Georgia Southern, enjoy the flexibility of fully online courses that fit within your busy schedule, allowing you to advance in your career while you continue to work and earn. Online instructors weave interactive experiences into your courses, ensuring you engage at a deeper level. 

Plus, you’ll have access to an academic and technical support team, so you’re never on your own.

The Post-MSN DNP program uses both synchronous (live, real-time) and asynchronous (on your own, not live) formats. Most of the coursework is asynchronous, but live sessions are scheduled for selected online courses. Students should consult with individual course syllabi for specific live session requirements.

Build on your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to qualify for advanced nursing roles, pursuing one of four nurse practitioner tracks, including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse or Psychiatric Mental Health. The program includes an option to finish with an MSN.

The DNP program at Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The School of Nursing anticipates that graduates of this program will seek the following professional state licenses or certifications: certification as an APRN (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [depending on which program they completed]) and licensure as an APRN.

The School of Nursing has determined that the required classes and educational activities of this online academic program will qualify a graduate to take the exam for certification as an APRN in Georgia and other states as listed on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The school has not determined whether this program satisfies the requirements of all states and territories for APRN certification and licensure. Visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to determine the requirements of your state or territory.

Many of the clinical programs offered by the Waters College of Health Professions require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements. Pursuant to the University’s legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. The University is aware of recent federal requirements that would mandate vaccination against COVID-19 for those working in certain settings, including health care. At this time, we expect that these new requirements may significantly impact our ability to locate a placement for students who remain unvaccinated. As always, WCHP will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.