Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Every day, nurses solve complex problems and advocate for better care. Molloy University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) helps you expand that influence, preparing you to lead healthcare change across patients, populations, and systems. Designed for working professionals, this part-time hybrid DNP program offers flexible study options, close mentorship, and advanced clinical residencies. As one of the most respected DNP programs in New York, Molloy equips you to turn your experience into leadership and measurable healthcare improvement.
About the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
We prepare advanced practice nurses to lead at the highest levels of clinical and organizational care. Through rigorous DNP courses grounded in evidence-based practice, health policy, and systems leadership, you’ll learn to design and implement solutions that transform healthcare delivery.
Molloy offers three distinct DNP pathways:
- BSN to DNP (5 years, part time)
- MS to DNP (3 years, part time)
- Advanced Certificate to DNP, for nurses seeking a new specialty and doctoral training
Each option blends online coursework with on-campus learning in Molloy’s state-of-the-art simulation labs, accredited by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Our CCNE-accredited DNP program emphasizes small cohorts, individualized advising, and mentorship from expert faculty who maintain active clinical practices, ensuring your learning stays connected to the realities of modern healthcare.
Benefits of Molloy’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Flexible Classes Designed for Working Nurses
Balance your career and academic goals with a part-time DNP program that combines online asynchronous, synchronous, and on-campus instruction. This hybrid model allows nurses across the region to pursue a DNP degree while continuing professional practice.
Faculty Mentorship and Scholarly Growth
Every DNP student is paired with a faculty mentor who provides ongoing guidance through the scholarly project—from research design to project defense. Small DNP residency cohorts (1:4 student-faculty ratio) ensure personalized feedback and professional growth as you translate research into measurable improvement in patient outcomes.
Advanced Clinical Preparation and Leadership Training
Our CCNE-accredited DNP reflects the highest standards of academic and clinical excellence. Through DNP clinical hours and leadership residencies, you’ll deepen your expertise in informatics, healthcare finance, and organizational management.
Scholarships and Affordability
Students benefit from multiple funding opportunities, including the Mother Cabrini Mobile Health Van Scholarship, graduate assistantship positions, and eligibility for Nurse Faculty Loan Forgiveness programs, making this one of the most affordable and valuable DNP programs in New York.
Careers for Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Molloy opens doors to influential clinical and leadership roles. Graduates excel in both direct patient care and system-level positions, advancing healthcare access, quality, and equity.
Career paths include:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in specialties such as Family, Pediatric, Adult-Gerontology, and Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) or Executive Nurse Leader
- Clinical Nurse Specialist or Director of Clinical Operations
- Nursing Faculty and Researcher
- Policy Advisor or Global Health Consultant
- Population Health or Quality Improvement Coordinator
With 100% national board certification pass rates and strong employer demand, Molloy’s DNP graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for doctoral-prepared nurse leaders. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% growth in advanced nursing careers by 2034.
DNP Pathways and Clinical Requirements
Each DNP pathway integrates coursework, residency, and clinical immersion tailored to your career stage:
- BSN to DNP: 67–70 credits, part-time over 5 years, with at least 1,000 clinical hours
- MS to DNP: 37 credits, part-time over 3 years, with 500 clinical residency hours
- Advanced Certificate to DNP: Based on individual gap analysis; includes 500 clinical hours plus specialty coursework
Across all pathways, students complete four DNP residencies, culminating in a scholarly project that translates evidence into practice to improve healthcare outcomes.
Specialties and Focus Areas
Students may choose from several DNP specialties, including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan)
Each specialty prepares you for national certification and state licensure in advanced clinical practice.
Elevate Your Practice With Molloy’s DNP
Join a community of compassionate nurse leaders redefining the future of healthcare. Start your journey toward your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Molloy University today.
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