Overview

This doctoral degree in Nursing Practice at Western Carolina University will give you the opportunity to hold leadership roles within the health care system of public and private practices, can lead to administrative opportunities or you can choose to pursue teaching in a postsecondary environment.

Key Features

This program is a partnership between the Schools of Nursing at Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The D.N.P. is a 42-semester hour (post-master level) program that also includes 1,000 clinical practice hours (including 500 from MSN program). The classroom curriculum will focus on subjects like Health Care Policy and Ethics; Global Health and Social Justice; Economics of the Health Care System; and other 800-level courses.

Programme Structure

A D.N.P. gives you the opportunity to continue clinical work at a public hospital or private practice, advance to administrative roles in the health care system, teach postsecondary courses to the next generation of nurses, research best practice policies or pursue other professional opportunities.

According to NursingLink.com the average salary for D.N.P. degree holders is $95,000. If you’re looking to explore teaching, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing states there is a shortage of qualified nursing faculty with doctoral-level degrees.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-05-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00

More details

summer - online

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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PTE Academic

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Duolingo English Test

105

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Credits

42 SCH

34 for online program

Delivered

Blended, Online

Campus Location

Cullowhee, United States
Asheville, United States

Disciplines

Nursing View 312 other PhDs in Nursing in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

Earned an MSN or applicable graduate degree in an advanced nursing practice specialty from a nationally accredited program

Applicants with a master's degree in Nursing Education are welcome to apply

Overall GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the MSN program

Current RN licensure in the U.S. at the time of application with eligibility for NC licensure

For Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNS), evidence of current national certification and fulfillment of state requirements for practice in their state of licensure

An essay that addresses advanced practice expertise, career goals, how earning the DNP degree will foster achievement of these goals, and plans for a DNP project

Resume/curriculum vitae

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Western Carolina University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

26178 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13089 USD per semester during 24 months.
National

26178 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 13089 USD per semester during 24 months.
In-State

15460 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 7730 USD per semester during 24 months.

Living costs for Cullowhee

900 - 1400 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Nursing Practice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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