Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Highlights

Two pathways: The path that RNs in this program take is determined by the degree they already hold.

B.S. in Nursing to DNP: This 72-credit program is an entry-level pathway for RNs with a current New York state license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which allows them to earn a doctorate without a master’s degree needed in between. The field experiences range from 1,150 to 1,200 clinically precepted, faculty-supervised hours in the students’ population focus and specialty track. Including summers, students can complete this program in three years if full time or five years if part time.

M.S. in Nursing to DNP: This 24-credit program is for master’s prepared Nurse Practitioners who wish to achieve a doctoral degree and are admitted with advanced standing after a gap analysis is conducted to determine if additional credits are needed. In addition to didactic courses, 500 hours of clinical must be completed. If full time, students can complete this program in one year (including summer) or two years on a part-time basis without summer studies.

Flexible format: With the exception of in-person clinical practice hours with a preceptor and 4 to 6 health assessment labs, the program considers the schedule of the working nurse by offering coursework online in a convenient synchronous format with faculty who are expert nurse practitioners and researchers.
Work smarter: Graduates have refined critical thinking skills and clinical knowledge to translate research into practice, evaluate outcomes using information systems and fiscal analysis and provide clinical leadership across healthcare settings. The DNP degree can significantly contribute to professional growth, leadership competencies, and expanded career opportunities.
Focus on equity: Address social determinants of health with the goal of increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion across healthcare settings, including the formulation of policy, advocacy, and social justice initiatives that lead to improved health outcomes and the implementation of innovative quality improvement processes.
Become a strong partner: Collaborate in innovative interprofessional clinical practice and research teams and develop stronger systems leadership skills.
Be ready for what’s to come: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest academic preparation for nursing practice and obtaining a DNP may, in the near future, become a prerequisite for board certification and licensure for APRNs.
Be a leader: Create and evaluate healthy work environments and learn to utilize new sustainable care delivery models.

Admission Requirements

Start the program in the fall or spring semesters. M.S. in Nursing to DNP advance standing students can apply today for a January 2025 start.

Applicants to the DNP program must:

Be a Registered Nurse with a current unencumbered license
Meet Russell Sage graduate admission requirements, including having achieved a 3.0 grade-point average or higher in previous academic programs
Complete an online Russell Sage College graduate application
Provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Submit a 2- to 3-page personal statement that includes reason the DNP is being sought, career goals, scholarly project idea and how the applicant will balance the demands of doctoral education with other life responsibilities.
Provide a current resume
Submit three letters of recommendation, with one letter or more from a doctorally prepared nurse. One should be from someone in academia, one from a supervisor, and one from an advanced practice RN who can speak to the applicants breadth and depth of experience and potential as a doctorally prepared nurse.
Successful completion of a descriptive statistics course within 5 years.
Have one year or 2,000 hours experience as a Registered Nurse

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by the DNP Admissions Committee.

Note: Applicants with a master’s degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program who apply to the DNP program for advanced standing must meet with the DNP program director for a gap analysis to determine eligibility and additional requirements. They must hold a current unencumbered New York state RN and NP license and have current national certification as a nurse practitioner.

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Clinical Partners

Students have the opportunity to complete the required clinical practicums in their region or with tertiary, comprehensive, and community hospitals, primary care clinics, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings based on course and track requirements.

Industry Need

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates demand for Nurse Practitioners is expected to grow by 45% nationally between 2022 and 2032, with NPs making a median annual salary of $126,260.

In New York state alone, the Center for Health Workforce Studies has projected a nearly 56% increase in available NP positions between 2020 and 2023, with the need growing by about 52% in just the Capital Region.

Alumni of our graduate Nursing programs have career opportunities as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse executive-administrators and clinical nurse specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Nurse Practitioners.

$126,260

the median annual wage for nurse practitioners.

56%

increase in employment opportunities predicted between 2020 and 2023.

Personal advising, experienced faculty

Our DNP program comes with a deep, Russell Sage-level of support from an assigned faculty advisor who works with you to ensure your success.