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Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post Graduate

  • Become an innovative systems leader 
  • Convenient online courses 
  • Post-Graduate DNP program students are eligible for a 25% tuition deduction

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • The DNP degree is designed for nurses seeking a terminal practice degree in nursing.   
  • The DNP Clinical Scholarship project focuses on a student’s professional interest and is developed using a team approach of dedicated faulty and clinical mentors. 
DNP Admission Requirements

The DNP program begins twice each year in the fall and spring term.

Enrollment is granted for a specific term, and all admission criteria must be maintained.

Completion of 600 contact hours of clinical experience in the master’s program is required to start the program. Graduates from advanced practice programs other than Allen College must provide verification of clinical hours from the NP program director. (If an applicant has less than 600 contact hours and is selected for admission, the additional hours to total 1000 will be included in the plan of study).

Contact admissions@c178.net with questions about admission requirements.  

DNP Application Materials

Required application materials can be submitted as they are completed, but all materials must be received before admission consideration.

Completed applicant files are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions take 3 to 4 weeks after the application is complete. 

DNP Curriculum

Innovative Systems Leader

Prepares students to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by leading healthcare innovation and improving quality of care.  

DNP Tuition and Fees

Your investment or cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled at Allen College.

Allen College School of Nursing

School of Nursing Mission and Philosophy

School of Nursing Mission

Allen College Nursing Programs prepare professional graduates who meet essential nursing practice standards in a variety of settings, caring for diverse individuals, families and populations. These programs emphasize the values of inclusion, scholarship, experiential and lifelong learning, service and interprofessional partnerships.

School of Nursing Philosophy

The philosophy and purpose of the nursing programs arise from the mission, philosophy and goals of Allen College. The faculty values the goals of higher education and supports the missions of teaching, scholarship, practice and service.

Nursing is an art and science that is continuously evolving through the synthesis of theory and knowledge. Caring and professionalism are the essence of nursing practice. As a holistic and humanistic profession, nursing is committed to addressing the individualized health-related needs of diverse clients. Nurses apply the nursing process while using healthcare technologies, evidence, critical thinking and clinical judgment to provide person-centered care. Nurses collaborate with other members of the interprofessional health care team in the delivery of safe, high quality, culturally sensitive care to diverse individuals, families and populations, with an emphasis on improving health outcomes within complex healthcare systems.

The faculty believes in an equitable and inclusive approach to nursing education, recognizing the uniqueness of each learner. The teaching-learning process involves a dynamic interaction among faculty, learner and environment. Faculty consider learning an active, lifelong, self-motivated process necessary for professional, personal and leadership development. Knowledge, skills and attitudes are best transferred using principles of good teaching and a variety of teaching methods in diverse settings. The Allen College faculty value service as an extension of learning that fosters the development of a sense of caring for others.

Program Goals and Graduate Outcomes

DNP Program Goals

To achieve the School of Nursing mission, the goals of the DNP program are to:

  • develop practice leaders in advance nursing roles to drive innovation through the translation of evidence across community and healthcare settings; 
  • prepare advanced practice nursing leaders to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations through curricular and experiential learning; and
  • provide leadership and clinical scholarship to optimize health care outcomes across systems. MSN Program Graduate Outcomes

    DNP Program Graduate Outcomes

    In concert with the Philosophy of Allen College, the doctorate graduate will:

    • Practice at the highest level of nursing through integration and application of nursing science in clinical practice, management and education. 
    • Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership to advance quality improvement and systems change. 
    • Apply analytical methods and research to develop best practices and practice guidelines.
    • Use information systems and technology-based resources to support clinical and administrative decision making and to improve the health care of individuals, families and populations. 
    • Advocate for healthcare change through policy development and evaluation. 
    • Assume leadership roles in inter-professional collaboration to improve the health outcomes of individuals, families and populations. 
    • Incorporate a firm conceptual foundation for clinical prevention and population health. 
    • Synthesize advanced practice nursing knowledge and competencies into the practice role.
    Out-of-State Residency or Clinical Rotations

    Applicants and current students must be aware select states require approval prior to Allen College offering online courses and clinical study in those states. Additionally, a state certification or governing licensing board may also require prior approval for an Allen College student to engage in clinical study within the state. Therefore, Allen College cannot guarantee out-of-state clinical or practicum placement. Allen College also cannot guarantee students maintaining residency in a state other than Iowa will be allowed to enroll in online courses.

    Applicants planning to maintain residency in any state other than Iowa and planning to enroll in an online course or engage in clinical study in any state other than Iowa, should consult an admission counselor prior to applying to Allen College.

    State Code (if you have a felony conviction)

    The Iowa Code (Chapter 147.3) states that conviction of certain felonies will make an individual ineligible for licensure. Previous conviction of a felony does not automatically bar an individual from eligibility for licensure. After completion of a nursing education program, the student will file an application for licensure with a state board of nursing. At that time, the board of nursing may review any felony convictions to determine eligibility for licensure.