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ABOUT THE DNP DEGREE

Why Pursue a DNP at Cedarville?

Advance your nursing career with a DNP from Cedarville University! Whether you want to deepen your expertise as a nurse practitioner or step into a leadership role, you'll be equipped to lead and collaborate as part of a medical team, improving patient and population outcomes. With nurse practitioner roles projected to increase by 45% in the next 10 years (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), a DNP from Cedarville will position you to meet this demand. Rooted in a biblical worldview, Cedarville's DNP program will prepare you to make a lasting Gospel impact through nursing.

Choose Your Pathway to a DNP
  • The BSN to DNP pathway allows BSN-prepared nurses to complete a DNP degree in 75–79 credit hours (approximately four years).
  • The MSN to DNP pathway allows MSN-prepared nurses to complete a DNP degree, customized to their career goals, in 35–68 credit hours. The total hours will be determined by an MSN transcript review and your desired track.
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Scholarships Available!

A limited number of $3,000 to $5,000 scholarships are now available to graduate nursing students with financial need. Apply today!

What Sets Cedarville Apart?

  • Biblical Worldview
    All courses are built on the solid foundation of Scripture.

  • Advanced Practice
    Cedarville's DNP will equip you with the training and skills you need to serve as an advanced practice nurse.

  • Convenient Courses
    All DNP courses are offered in an online format, with flexible part-time and full-time completion options.

Program Overview

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Highlights

Convenient — All DNP courses are offered in a convenient 7- or 14-week online format.

Flexible — Part-time and full-time completion options.

Outstanding Christian Faculty  — You will be taught and mentored by faculty members who have both high academic credentials and clinical experience. They are passionate about helping you use nursing as a ministry.

Affordable — Cedarville’s DNP is affordably priced, and financial aid and scholarships are available.

What Can You Do With a DNP?

As a graduate of the DNP program, you will be qualified to seek national certification and employment as a nurse practitioner or serve as a nurse leader. You will find open doors to professionally and financially rewarding careers like:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Executive

Each U.S. state and territory may have different professional licensure requirements governing nursing occupations. Cedarville ensures that its programs meet the educational prerequisites for professional licensure within the State of Ohio. If you reside outside Ohio, you should contact Cedarville's Director of Graduate Nursing Programs as well as your state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements for your state or territory before beginning the DNP.

Stewarding Your Gifts With a Graduate Degree

Listen as Cedarville's president, Dr. Thomas White, discusses how our graduate programs can help you steward your God-given talents for His glory.

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Nurse Practitioner Track:

You will complete 800 hours of direct care clinical experience in various aspects of primary or acute healthcare, depending on your concentration. Choose between the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner concentrations.

You will participate in four required 2–3-day on-campus experiences, which include face-to-face instruction of course materials and simulation experiences. As part of these simulations, faculty will guide you through clinical decision-making, gaining advanced practice nursing skills and competencies

Nurse Leadership Track:

You will work collaboratively with other online students in discussion boards and group work.

Post-Graduate Track:

The post-graduate DNP offers a pathway to a generalist DNP for MSN-prepared nurses.

Admission, Costs and Aid, Start Dates

Admission Requirements — The first step in your graduate school journey at Cedarville is to apply for admission.

DNP Admission Requirements

Costs and Financial Aid — Your decision to pursue quality, Christian graduate education represents a valuable investment in your career and professional development. To assure your degree is also affordable, Cedarville graduate programs are competitively priced and can be supplemented with a variety of financial aid, including a potential $3,000 – $5,000 scholarship provided by generous donors to assist graduate nursing students who have financial need.

DNP Cost Information

Program Start Dates — You can enroll and begin classes in January, May, or August.

Program Curriculum

You will take graduate core courses, direct care core, DNP core, and specialty courses for your track.

Female Healthcare worker in a hospital setting.

From Our Faculty:

  • Cedarville University's nursing programs and curricula prepare graduate students to implement the best evidence-based guidelines and expert clinician experience to develop equitable outcomes for populations. We integrate academic rigor, a biblical worldview, and low faculty-to-student ratios to use nursing as a ministry for Jesus Christ.
    Marcia Williams, PhD, APRN-FNP, Associate Dean, Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, Assistant Professor of Nursing
    Marcia Williams
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Program Contacts

Photo of Cliff Fawcett

Cliff Fawcett, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, MED

Coordinator of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus area, Associate Professor of Nursing

Contact

Photo of Maggie Hess

Maggie Hess

Director of Graduate Recruiting - Nursing and Ministry Programs

Contact

Photo of Chu-Yu Huang

Chu-Yu Huang, PhD, RN

Coordinator of Research, Professor of Nursing

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Photo of Anne Russell

Anne Russell, PhD, RN, CNS-BC

Associate Professor of Nursing

Contact

Photo of Becka Wagner

Becka Wagner, EdD, RN, CNE, MSN, MSN/ED

Coordinator of the Nurse Educator (NE) focus area, Associate Professor of Nursing

Contact

Photo of Aimee Wallis

Aimee Wallis

Graduate Enrollment Advisor

Contact

Program News

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Ribbon 1920

    Panel Discussion Focuses on Domestic Abuse Awareness

    Domestic abuse is estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States annually, meaning virtually every healthcare professional will treat or evaluate an abuse victim. This statistic highlights the importance of shining light on abuse as Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches in October. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Cedarville University will host a panel discussion on “Domestic Abuse: Our Responsibilities as Christians in the Workplace.”
  • Dr. Marsha Williams instructing students in nursing lab 1920

    Nursing Professor Raises the Bar

    Dr. Marcia Williams has taught in the Cedarville University School of Nursing since 2021. Her expertise in oncology, labor and delivery paired with her experience as the MSN clinical placement coordinator prepared her for a new role at Cedarville: associate dean and director of graduate programs.