Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Mission

The mission of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is based on the mission and goals of Allen College. In order to fulfill the mission, the College provides a quality doctoral program that prepares women and men from culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse communities for advanced roles in nursing practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice focuses on practice that reflects societal needs for complex nursing services in a variety of settings. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is dedicated to preparing individuals for the highest level of nursing leadership and practice within organizations and systems. Graduates are educated to analyze organizations and care management systems, critique evidence to support improved practice, improve the safety and quality of care, apply informatics to practice and health care problems, administer health care programs and organizations, and develop and implement health policy.

DNP Program Goals

  • Assume clinical and leadership roles in a variety of settings.
  • Perform as advanced clinical leaders in service and academic settings.
  • Function as practitioners at the highest level of nursing practice in areas of specialized advanced nursing practice.
  • Improve quality delivery and outcomes in the practice arenas of health care, administration, and education.
  • Advance innovative and evidence-based nursing practice to meet the demands associated with increasing complexity in the health care systems.

Graduate Outcomes

In concert with the Philosophy of Allen College, the graduate will:

  1. Practice at the highest level of nursing through integration and application of nursing science in clinical practice, management, and education
  2. Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership to advance quality improvement and systems change
  3. Apply analytical methods and research to develop best practices and practice guidelines
  4. Use information systems and technology-based resources to support clinical and administrative decision making and to improve the health care of individuals, families and populations
  5. Advocate for healthcare change through policy development and evaluation.
  6. Assume leadership roles in interprofessional collaboration to improve the health outcomes of individuals, families, and populations
  7. Incorporate a firm conceptual foundation for clinical prevention and population health.
  8. Synthesize advanced practice nursing knowledge and competencies into the practice role.

DNP Program Purpose

The purpose of the DNP program is to educate nurses to become experts in advanced practice roles, such as advocates for quality and safe clinical care, leaders in health policy, catalysts for change, and experts in information systems within the interprofessional environment.

Allen College considers admitting applicants living out of state or country. 

Applicants and current students must be aware select states require approval prior to Allen College offering online courses and clinical study in those states.  Additionally, a state certification or governing licensing board may also require prior approval for an Allen College student to engage in clinical study within the state.  Therefore, Allen College cannot guarantee out-of- state clinical or practicum placement.  Allen College also cannot guarantee students maintaining residency in a state other than Iowa will be allowed to enroll in online courses.

Applicants planning to maintain residency in any state other than Iowa, and planning to enroll in an online course or engage in clinical study in any state other than Iowa, should consult an admission counselor prior to applying to Allen College.