Prepare for the future as a leader and educator
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) provides opportunities for advanced leadership positions while satisfying your intrinsic motivations to continue to impact individual population and systems outcomes through innovative and evidence-based practice initiatives.
With an online DNP degree, you will prepare to lead the way in navigating complex healthcare environments, educate fellow nurses and advance interprofessional collaboration and the nursing practice.
DNP-prepared leadership professionals are highly sought after for high level positions of authority involving clinical applications, quality improvement, and contributions to healthcare policy. Spring Arbor University’s online DNP program offers a curriculum founded on the Christian worldview.
Accreditation
Spring Arbor University’s online DNP program is CCNE-accredited* and recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Dedicated Faculty
Work one-on-one with faculty with similar research interests, throughout your journey and DNP project.
- CCNE-accredited online DNP in leadership program
- Less than two years to complete
- Two start dates per year
- A virtual residency prior to the start of the program
Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program includes:
- Practicum work and coursework
- Open to APRNs and non-APRNs
- No set login times, allowing you to prepare for DNP Leadership roles while continuing to work
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
To be accepted into the online DNP program, students must have:
- An MSN program accredited by the ACEN and CNEA or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
- A 3.0 GPA is calculated from the most recent 60 academic credits. If your GPA is below 3.0 please include an additional document explaining your GPA
- An unrestricted, unencumbered, current nursing license from the state of employment; license must be kept current throughout the program
- Two letters of recommendation
- Completed application
- Brief goal statement essay and video introduction
Spring Arbor University (SAU) is recognized as a “Best Value” school by U.S. News & World Report. The online DNP program provides academic quality with competitively priced tuition of $892 per credit hour
You may also be eligible to receive financial aid. SAU will work with you to determine any benefits for which you qualify, including student aid, military discounts and tax benefits.
The nursing programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE),* which ensures students, employers and graduate nursing programs that SAU graduates have received an education that meets CCNE’s rigorous standards.
Spring Arbor University is an NC-SARA approved institution. Our DNP program is offered for residents in all states.
For our nursing programs, please note the following authorized states:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Note the following states that do not have state authorization for nursing programs:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- New York
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, post-master certificates, and doctor of nursing practice programs at Spring Arbor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Key Courses
The Doctor of Nursing program prepares students to obtain advanced knowledge and skills to promote excellence in service and leadership in nursing that will enable them to meet the complex demands of healthcare environments. Building on previous learning from the MSN program, the four program goals of the DNP program are professional skills, evidence-based practice, theory application, and critical reasoning.
Meet your faculty
"I love the nursing profession and I love teaching in adult education. I believe that
it is my responsibility to facilitate learning opportunities, but that we all bring
amazing life experiences to the classroom that allow us to learn from one another.
What an honor it is to give God all glory through our simple day-to-day encounters."
Dawn Day
Professor of Nursing
School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences
The School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences prepares students to care for people, mind, body, and spirit. With nationally recognized programs, state-of-the-art labs, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, students are trained to lead in healthcare and science while embodying compassion and integrity.
Career Pathways
Grow as a Christ-Centered Nurse
At Spring Arbor University, it is a privilege to provide a Christ-centered nursing education to our students and to participate in their journey. You will grow spiritually, personally and professionally throughout this program and will gain a better understanding of what it means to live out your faith as a nurse.
While the Christian faith is the foundation of our program, we welcome all students regardless of personal faith. All students will benefit from introspection and critical thinking as they consider how to meaningfully care for patients of different faith backgrounds.
FAQ
The MSN programs are designed for registered nurses looking to expand their skillset in specific areas. The DNP program is built for students who already have their MSN and are looking to move into advanced leadership positions.
While an MBA is a significant addition to an MSN degree, there are some specializations, including most faculty teaching positions as well as medical facilities that prefer and/or require candidates with a DNP. It can depend on the field and/or job you are interested in obtaining.
Where Our Alumni Work
Our alumni have vast connections and are spread out throughout the country. These are some of the notable companies where our alumni work.
