DNP Programs in Washington

Washington State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offers a transformative pathway for nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The hybrid program prepares practitioners to operate autonomously across multiple healthcare settings, emphasizing evidence-based practice and clinical expertise. Students gain comprehensive skills in population health, diagnostic interpretation, and independent treatment capabilities. With interactive videoconference delivery and multiple campus location options, the program supports working healthcare professionals. The CCNE-accredited curriculum focuses on developing advanced clinical leaders who can prescribe medications, diagnose illnesses, and implement innovative healthcare interventions across diverse specialties.

• Practice-focused doctoral degree
• Multiple specialization tracks
• Interactive videoconference delivery
• CCNE accredited program
• Independent practice preparation
• Four campus location options
• Advanced clinical leadership training

Washington State University's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner track provides an intensive, flexible pathway for nurses targeting comprehensive primary care across age groups. The hybrid program uniquely balances online learning with strategic in-person lab experiences, enabling students to complete their degree in 3-4 years. Designed for ambitious nurses, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and independent clinical expertise. Graduates are equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care autonomously, with extensive practicum experiences spanning Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The program requires a nursing bachelor's degree, unencumbered RN license, and offers robust preparation for advanced practice.

• Hybrid online/campus program
• Independent practice preparation
• 3-4 year completion options
• Comprehensive primary care focus
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Practicum in Washington/Idaho/Oregon
• 1,000 total practicum hours
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple campus location options

Washington State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP track addresses critical mental health needs through a comprehensive, flexible hybrid program. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses to diagnose, treat, and manage complex mental health disorders across diverse populations. Students complete 1,000 practicum hours, gaining advanced clinical skills through online coursework and targeted in-person lab experiences. The program emphasizes independent practice potential, requiring an active RN license and preferably one year of nursing experience. Graduates emerge as specialized mental health practitioners prepared to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in various healthcare settings.

• Hybrid online/campus program
• Comprehensive mental health specialization
• Flexible 3-4 year completion options
• Advanced practice nurse preparation
• 1,000 total practicum hours required
• Multiple campus locations available
• CCNE Accredited program
• Independent practice potential
• RN license prerequisite
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Washington State University's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration offers a rigorous pathway for healthcare professionals seeking independent primary care practice. The hybrid program prepares nurses to diagnose and manage patient health across the lifespan, combining online learning with strategic clinical experiences. With approximately 74 credits and resident tuition around $1,180 per credit, students develop advanced clinical decision-making skills and evidence-based practice expertise. The program requires a nursing bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and 936 nursing hours. Graduates are positioned as crucial healthcare leaders in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho's evolving medical landscape.

• Hybrid online/campus learning
• Independent practice authorization
• Comprehensive primary care focus
• 1,000 total practicum hours
• Multiple campus options
• Advanced clinical decision skills
• Resident tuition ~$1,180/credit
• Requires 936 nursing hours
• Synchronous Zoom sessions
• DNP project capstone experience

Washington State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program provides an advanced, practice-focused pathway for nurses specializing in mental health care. Through a hybrid learning model, students develop comprehensive skills to assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders with expertise and compassion. The program prepares independent practitioners capable of addressing critical mental health needs in diverse communities. With CCNE accreditation and multiple campus options, the curriculum supports working professionals seeking to advance their clinical capabilities. Graduates emerge as skilled mental health practitioners ready to make significant contributions to patient care and community wellness.

• Practice-focused doctoral degree
• Hybrid program delivery
• Independent practice eligible
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple campus options
• Prepares advanced mental health practitioners

The University of Washington-Tacoma's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Acute Care DNP track is a specialized program targeting advanced nursing professionals focusing on complex pediatric acute health conditions. Students receive comprehensive training in diagnostic interpretation, health assessments, and patient-centered interventions across critical healthcare settings like emergency departments and intensive care units. With nationwide recognition and a 9-quarter curriculum, the program provides pre-arranged clinical placements and scholarship opportunities totaling $3.8 million. Graduates become eligible for PNCB certification with recommended prior RN experience, preparing them for high-intensity pediatric acute care environments.

• 9-quarter DNP program
• Full-time, in-person training
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Only WWAMI region PNP-AC track
• $3.8M in DNP scholarships
• Graduates eligible for PNCB certification
• One year RN experience recommended

University of Washington-Tacoma's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care DNP track delivers comprehensive pediatric healthcare education emphasizing holistic care and disease prevention. Students learn advanced skills in comprehensive assessments, condition management, and therapeutic interventions for children from late preterm through young adulthood. The program's full-time, hybrid format offers pre-arranged clinical placements and national certification eligibility. Ranked #2 among public nursing schools, the curriculum enables graduates to practice across diverse healthcare settings, from primary care clinics to international health environments.

• 9-quarter Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Full-time, in-person program
• National certification eligibility
• Comprehensive pediatric healthcare focus
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings

The University of Washington-Tacoma's Family Nurse Practitioner DNP track provides advanced nursing professionals comprehensive training in lifespan healthcare delivery. Students develop sophisticated skills in health assessments, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions across patient populations. The 9-quarter program features state-of-the-art simulation training, pre-arranged clinical placements, and leadership development opportunities. Ranked #2 among public nursing schools, graduates receive national certification eligibility and can practice independently or within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, with potential specializations in veteran's health and diverse medical environments.

• #2 Public DNP Nursing School
• 9-quarter full-time program
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Practice across patient lifespan
• National certification eligible
• Multiple practice settings
• State-of-art simulation center
• Leadership skill development
• Veteran's health opportunities

University of Washington-Tacoma's Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track prepares healthcare professionals for comprehensive adult and senior patient care. The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies across diverse healthcare settings. Students receive extensive training in comprehensive health assessments and patient-centered interventions. With pre-arranged clinical placements, $3.8 million in scholarships, and a #2 national ranking among public nursing schools, the curriculum provides exceptional preparation for advanced practice nursing in adult and geriatric healthcare environments.

• 9-quarter full-time DNP program
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• $3.8M in DNP scholarships
• Practice in diverse healthcare settings
• National certification eligibility
• Focuses on adult and senior care
• State-of-art simulation training
• Comprehensive health assessment skills
• Leadership and advanced practice foundation

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP track at University of Washington-Tacoma equips advanced practice nurses with expert skills in diagnosing and managing acute and critical healthcare conditions. Students receive comprehensive training in procedural skills, patient care strategies, and clinical interventions for adult and aging populations. The 9-quarter program offers pre-arranged clinical placements, state-of-the-art simulation training, and national certification preparation. With recommended prior RN experience and a focus on diverse practice settings, graduates are prepared for high-intensity acute care environments.

• 9-quarter full-time DNP program
• Comprehensive acute care training
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• National certification preparation
• Diverse practice settings available
• One year RN experience recommended
• State-of-art simulation center
• Extensive procedural skills training
• Focus on adult and geriatric care

University of Washington-Tacoma's Women's Health Clinical Nurse Specialist DNP track provides advanced nursing professionals specialized training in comprehensive reproductive healthcare. The program develops expertise in direct and indirect care, emphasizing quality, safety, and leadership across the childbearing continuum. Students learn to address physiological and psychosocial aspects of women's health from adolescence through older adulthood. With $3.8 million in scholarships and pre-arranged clinical placements, graduates are positioned to become leaders in maternity units, healthcare education, and specialized women's health roles, supported by a curriculum focused on anti-racism nursing education.

• #2 Public DNP Nursing Program
• 9-quarter full-time program
• Pre-arranged clinical placements
• Comprehensive women's health focus
• Multiple career path options
• Advanced practice nursing training
• State-of-art simulation center
• Leadership and research emphasis
• Anti-racism nursing education

Seattle University's DNP program delivers transformative advanced nursing education across multiple specialized tracks. Ideal for nurses and career changers, the program offers flexible 3-4 year completion paths with concentrated areas including Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nursing, Women's Health, Psychiatric Mental Health, and Certified Nurse-Midwifery. With an exceptional 95% board certification pass rate, graduates are positioned for high-demand healthcare leadership roles. The program provides direct entry for non-nurses, comprehensive clinical experiences, and prepares students for competitive healthcare positions with average annual salaries around $145,400 in Washington state.

• 3-4 Year Completion Options
• Multiple Specialized Tracks
• 95% Board Certification Rate
• Hands-On Clinical Experience
• Direct Entry for Non-Nurses
• High Employment Demand
• Purpose-Built Clinical Labs
• Comprehensive Patient Care Focus

Seattle University's Family Nurse-Adult Gerontology Primary Care DNP track prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive care across diverse populations. This 3-4 year program emphasizes evidence-based healthcare and leadership development, offering certification pathways in Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks. Students gain expertise in managing complex healthcare challenges while learning to provide quality patient care across age groups. With a robust 85.7% job placement rate and CCNE accreditation, graduates are well-positioned for meaningful careers in primary care settings.

• Doctorate in Nursing Practice
• 4 years non-nurses, 3 years RNs
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 85.7% Job Placement Rate
• 109-166 Total Credits
• In-Person Learning Format
• ANCC/AANPCB Certification Eligible
• State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab

Seattle University's Post-Master's DNP in Health Systems Leader empowers experienced nurses to revolutionize healthcare through advanced leadership strategies. Designed for master's-prepared professionals, this 11-quarter program enables students to develop evidence-based practice approaches and drive systemic improvements. Offering flexible full-time and part-time options, students can balance professional commitments while gaining critical competencies in healthcare policy, technological integration, and interprofessional collaboration. With 44 total credits and an 85.7% job placement rate, the program prepares nurses for transformative leadership roles.

• 3-year program duration
• Full and part-time options
• 44 total credits required
• CCNE Accredited program
• 85.7% job placement rate
• Clinical hours transferable
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Located near major medical centers

Seattle University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP track equips advanced practice nurses to transform mental healthcare across patient lifespans. The comprehensive program develops skills for integrated mental health and addiction treatment in diverse clinical settings. Graduates become leaders addressing healthcare disparities through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care. The 3-4 year in-person program offers clinical immersion, preparing students for ANCC certification examinations. With a focus on lifespan mental health and an 85.7% job placement rate, students gain advanced clinical preparation for impactful careers.

• CCNE Accredited Doctoral Program
• Lifespan Mental Health Focus
• In-Person Clinical Training
• 108-171 Total Credits
• 85.7% Job Placement Rate
• 3-4 Year Program Duration
• State-of-the-Art Clinical Lab
• Comprehensive Mental Health Curriculum
• Advanced Clinical Preparation

Seattle University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program cultivates advanced practitioners specializing in comprehensive women's healthcare. Students develop expertise in gynecological services, prenatal and postnatal care, family planning, and diagnostic procedures. As Washington's top-ranked nursing school, the program emphasizes evidence-based research and critical thinking. The 3-4 year curriculum welcomes both BSN graduates and non-nurse professionals, offering multiple entry pathways. With national certification eligibility and an average annual salary of $145,400, graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in women's healthcare.

• Washington's #1 Nursing School
• 3-4 year program duration
• In-person clinical training
• Eligible for NCC certification
• State-of-the-art clinical lab
• Located near major medical centers
• CCNE accredited program
• 113-176 total credits
• Multiple entry pathways

Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP track prepares advanced practice nurses for intensive care environments. The rigorous 3-year full-time program requires two years of acute care experience, providing 90 quarterly clinical hours in inpatient, emergency, and critical care settings. Students develop critical skills through evidence-based practice, leadership training, and healthcare innovation. With an 85.7% job placement rate and ANCC certification exam eligibility, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions in urban and rural healthcare settings. The program emphasizes comprehensive clinical preparation and professional development.

• 3-year full-time DNP program
• 90 clinical hours per quarter
• 2 years acute care experience preferred
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 85.7% job placement rate
• State-of-the-art Clinical Performance Lab
• Located at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center
• Eligible for ANCC certification exam
• 110-173 total program credits
• In-person learning format

Seattle University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care DNP concentration provides intensive training for nurses seeking advanced practice in critical healthcare environments. With 90 quarterly clinical hours, students gain hands-on experience in emergency and intensive care units. The program develops expert clinical skills and leadership capabilities, ideal for nurses wanting to maximize their professional impact. While two years of acute care experience is preferred, the curriculum ensures comprehensive preparation. Graduates benefit from high employment potential, with Washington nurse practitioners earning an average annual salary of $145,400.

• 90 clinical hours quarterly
• Acute care practice focus
• Two years experience preferred
• $145K average annual salary

Seattle University's Certified Nurse-Midwifery DNP track (#22 nationally ranked) combines traditional midwifery expertise with modern hospital technologies. Students receive comprehensive training to support families through childbirth, developing advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice knowledge. The program emphasizes compassionate care techniques essential for delivering high-quality maternal healthcare across diverse settings. Graduates are prepared to provide critical women's health services, integrating trusted midwifery traditions with contemporary medical approaches.

• Comprehensive midwifery training
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Trusted midwifery traditions
• Advanced clinical preparation

Pacific Lutheran University's DNP program in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an innovative pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking comprehensive clinical leadership training. Designed with flexible full-time and part-time options, the hybrid program emphasizes quality healthcare system development and patient outcome improvement. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, inter-professional team preparation, and strategically arranged clinical placements. The CCNE-accredited curriculum prepares graduates for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensure, equipping them with specialized skills to address complex healthcare challenges. Entrance exam requirements include national certification exams for licensure.

• Three program pathway options
• Full-time and part-time study
• Small cohort sizes
• Clinical placements arranged
• CCNE accredited program
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Inter-professional team preparation

Pacific Lutheran University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP concentration provides an advanced educational experience for nursing professionals seeking specialized mental health expertise. The hybrid program offers three distinct pathway options, accommodating BSN, MSN, and APRN backgrounds. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum focused on developing advanced clinical skills, leadership strategies, and innovative mental health treatment approaches. With faculty-arranged clinical placements and a commitment to small cohort learning, the program ensures personalized, high-quality education. Graduates are prepared to take national certification exams and obtain state licensure in psychiatric nursing.

• Flexible full-time/part-time options
• Small cohort learning environment
• Faculty-arranged clinical placements
• CCNE accredited program
• Three pathway options: BSN-DNP, MSN-DNP, MSN-APRN to DNP

Pacific Lutheran University's DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner delivers a transformative educational experience for nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. The hybrid program features flexible full and part-time options, enabling students to develop sophisticated skills in psychiatric healthcare delivery. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and quality improvement, the curriculum prepares graduates to lead innovative mental health solutions. With personalized clinical placements and small cohort sizes, students receive individualized attention and comprehensive training. The CCNE-accredited program equips nurses with the expertise to drive significant patient outcome improvements and excel in leadership roles within psychiatric nursing.

• Three pathways to DNP
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full and part-time options
• Specialized PMHNP concentration
• Clinical placements arranged by faculty

Gonzaga University's DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner concentration delivers a transformative educational pathway for advanced nursing professionals. Through a meticulously designed hybrid program, students accumulate 1,000 practicum hours across diverse primary care environments. The comprehensive 78-credit curriculum balances sophisticated online coursework with strategic on-campus immersions, ensuring graduates develop robust clinical competencies. Students prepare comprehensively for national certification, mastering complex patient care techniques across different life stages. The program's innovative structure allows working nurses to advance their expertise while maintaining professional commitments, with competitive per-credit tuition and a flexible learning model.

• 78 Total Credits
• 1,000 Practicum Hours
• Online with On-Campus Immersions
• Average 5-Year Completion Time
• Prepares for National Certification
• Minimum 8 On-Campus Immersions
• Faculty Clinical Site Visits
• Comprehensive DNP Project Required

Gonzaga University's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers an intensive educational experience targeting advanced mental health care delivery. Students engage in a rigorous 78-credit hybrid curriculum that emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric practice and prescriptive authority. The program's 1,000 clinical practicum hours enable deep experiential learning across multiple healthcare settings, preparing practitioners to diagnose, treat, and manage complex mental health disorders. With seven on-campus immersions and a focus on national certification preparation, graduates emerge as highly skilled advanced practice nurses equipped to address critical mental health challenges in contemporary healthcare environments.

• 78 total program credits
• 1,000 clinical practicum hours
• Hybrid online/on-campus format
• 7 on-campus immersions
• Prepares for national certification
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Multiple healthcare practice settings