Requirements:

• Online application submitted directly to Chatham University.
• Official academic transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
• Applicant must have completed Master of Science in Nursing degree – cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater. Please note that while we do not require any specific pre-requisite classes, Chatham faculty expect that students will enter the program with foundational knowledge of research methodology and basic statistics (from their baccalaureate or master’s program).
• Copy of Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
• Copy of current RN license.
• APRN Certificate (if applicable).
• Two letters of professional recommendation addressing the candidate's strengths, scholarly achievements and activities, and ability to succeed in the program.
• Virtual 20-minute interview with two nursing faculty members.
• Admission essay addressing the following prompt: Describe a clinical problem specific to your practice setting and explain why it is a problem warranting a change utilizing the 500 practice experience hours in this program to impact patient and organizational outcomes.
  • The essay submission must be an original piece of work and not a previous academic assignment.
  • The essay should be at least 500 words and professional, not personal.
  • While you may not currently function in a direct care role, be sure the problem can be tied to patient outcomes.
  • The problem addressed in the essay may be used as the focus of the evidence-based practice clinical immersion experience project pending faculty approval once enrolled in the DNP program.
  • Essays should be written according to APA Style 7^th Edition formatting and be free from spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Beyond content and writing, the essay will be assessed for plagiarism and/or artificial intelligence (AI) generated writing. Applicants are expected to submit original work. Noted plagiarism and use of AI to write the essay may be cause for denial for admission.

State Restrictions for Online Learning

Chatham University requires state authorization to provide distance education in states other than their own. Please follow the link below to see if Chatham is authorized to deliver instruction in your state. Also, this program has a required practice experience component. Please check the information in the Practice Experience and Special requirements column to see if the state you plan on completing your practice experience hours is approved or has special restrictions.

State Authorization for Distance Education and Practical Experiences

International Applicants

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctorate that is earned through taking courses that prepare nurses to practice as clinical leaders in the healthcare delivery system. Graduates of the DNP program have a skillset and competencies to function in clinical leadership roles depending on student interest and career trajectory. 

Developing Evidence-based Practice

This course prepares students with the skills and competencies needed to assimilate knowledge for scholarly work. Emphasis is focused on the identification of a clinical problem and finding the best evidence for an intervention from established research studies to support a practice change project.

Technology and Informatics for Advanced Practice Nursing

This course focuses on the advanced practice nurse’s role in understanding and using information technology to promote safe, quality, and ethical care delivery across the healthcare continuum. Use of technology and data analysis to inform decision-making, lead inter-professional teams, and communicate with patients will also be explored.

Implementing and Evaluating Evidence-based Practice

This course provides an opportunity for the advanced practice nurse leader to implement, evaluate and disseminate a planned evidence-based practice project using the knowledge and competencies acquired throughout the program. The impact on healthcare delivery systems, health policy, and patient-centered outcomes for diverse populations are also explored.

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