Frequently Asked Questions

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an academic designation. The DNP is the first practice doctorate available for nurses. Practice doctorates apply knowledge gained from evidence-based practice to patient care. The DNP offered by Goshen College, in partnership with Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), is a post-MSN, 9-semester program (33 credits, 10 courses), with a 6-semester 22-month accelerated option.

The DNP is a practice doctorate, not a research doctorate. Rather than writing a dissertation based on original research, the DNP graduate completes an evidence-based practice (EBP) project. This project requires that the student spend a significant amount of time examining an EBP question based on the student’s specific area of interest. Students might choose to focus their DNP project on the care of individuals, aggregate, systems or organizational level.

The DNP educates nurses to improve safety, effectiveness and efficiency in patient care. Essentially, the DNP graduate uses the research completed in the EBP project to influence their practice.

Anyone who has earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited school with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher is eligible to apply.

These are some of the reasons someone might seek a DNP:

• The DNP is a terminal degree. Some nursing programs, including GC and EMU, will allow someone with a DNP to teach in their program.
• The DNP program educates nurses to be change agents in their clinical settings.
• The DNP allows a professional to enhance their education and stay involved with patient care.
• Some DNP graduates will expand their work as administrative leaders.
• This degree will provide tools for the nurse who wishes to be part of improving the healthcare system.
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (APRN) will be required to have a DNP by 2025.
• Any masters-prepared nurse who wishes to be an interdisciplinary leader should seek the DNP.

Goshen College and Eastern Mennonite University are partners in offering the DNP.

• You can enroll at either Goshen or EMU.
• You will take courses from faculty at both Goshen and EMU.
• Your degree will be granted by the institution where you enrolled.