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Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post Graduate

  • Become an innovative systems leader 
  • Convenient online courses 
  • Post-Graduate DNP program students are eligible for a 25% tuition deduction

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • The DNP degree is designed for nurses seeking a terminal practice degree in nursing.   
  • The DNP Clinical Scholarship project focuses on a student’s professional interest and is developed using a team approach of dedicated faulty and clinical mentors. 
DNP Admission Requirements

The DNP program begins twice each year in the fall and spring term.

Enrollment is granted for a specific term, and all admission criteria must be maintained.

Completion of 600 contact hours of clinical experience in the master’s program is required to start the program. Graduates from advanced practice programs other than Allen College must provide verification of clinical hours from the NP program director. (If an applicant has less than 600 contact hours and is selected for admission, the additional hours to total 1000 will be included in the plan of study).

Contact admissions@allencollege.edu with questions about admission requirements.  

DNP Application Materials

Required application materials can be submitted as they are completed, but all materials must be received before admission consideration.

Completed applicant files are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions take 3 to 4 weeks after the application is complete. 

DNP Curriculum

Innovative Systems Leader

Prepares students to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by leading healthcare innovation and improving quality of care.  

DNP Tuition and Fees

Your investment or cost of attendance is an estimate of the costs of being enrolled at Allen College.

Allen College School of Nursing

Mission, Philosophy & Outcomes

School of Nursing Mission

Allen College Nursing Programs prepare professional graduates who meet essential nursing practice standards in a variety of settings, caring for diverse individuals, families and populations. These programs emphasize the values of inclusion, scholarship, experiential and lifelong learning, service and interprofessional partnerships.

School of Nursing Philosophy

The philosophy and purpose of the nursing programs arise from the mission, philosophy and goals of Allen College. The faculty values the goals of higher education and supports the missions of teaching, scholarship, practice and service.

Nursing is an art and science that is continuously evolving through the synthesis of theory and knowledge. Caring and professionalism are the essence of nursing practice. As a holistic and humanistic profession, nursing is committed to addressing the individualized health-related needs of diverse clients. Nurses apply the nursing process while using healthcare technologies, evidence, critical thinking and clinical judgment to provide person-centered care. Nurses collaborate with other members of the interprofessional health care team in the delivery of safe, high quality, culturally sensitive care to diverse individuals, families and populations, with an emphasis on improving health outcomes within complex healthcare systems.

The faculty believes in an equitable and inclusive approach to nursing education, recognizing the uniqueness of each learner. The teaching-learning process involves a dynamic interaction among faculty, learner and environment. Faculty consider learning an active, lifelong, self-motivated process necessary for professional, personal and leadership development. Knowledge, skills and attitudes are best transferred using principles of good teaching and a variety of teaching methods in diverse settings. The Allen College faculty value service as an extension of learning that fosters the development of a sense of caring for others.

MSN and PGC Program Goals 

To achieve the School of Nursing mission, the goals of the MSN/PGC programs are to:
  • prepare graduates to assume professional roles and responsibilities consistent with standards of advanced practice and leadership in the profession;
  • prepare graduates to integrate evidence-based practice to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse individuals, families and populations; and
  • prepare graduates to engage in the profession and contribute to society through service, personal growth and life-long learning. 

DNP Program Goals 

To achieve the School of Nursing mission, the goals of the DNP program are to:
  • develop practice leaders in advance nursing roles to drive innovation through the translation of evidence across community and healthcare settings; 
  • prepare advanced practice nursing leaders to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations through curricular and experiential learning; and
  • provide leadership and clinical scholarship to optimize health care outcomes across systems. 

Outcomes

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

  • Synthesize advanced specialty knowledge to develop a foundation to guide clinical judgment and practice.
  • Integrate evidence-based practice to provide inclusive, compassionate, person-centered care across the health care continuum.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to address social determinants of health and advocate for health policy and equitable health outcomes.
  • Engage in scholarship using evidence-based practice to advance nursing practice.
  • Integrate safety principles and quality improvement processes to enhance care, improve outcomes and maximize system effectiveness.
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration with inter-professional teams to address health care needs.
  • Coordinate resources to provide safe, quality and equitable care within complex health care systems.
  • Evaluate information and healthcare technologies to drive clinical and administrative decision making for improved health care outcomes.
  • Demonstrate ongoing development of professional nursing and ethics in advanced practice.
  • Foster environments that promote personal, professional and leadership development.
RN Licensure & State Code

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.

State Code (if you have a felony conviction)

The Iowa Code (Chapter 272C.15) states that conviction of certain felonies will make an individual ineligible for licensure. Previous conviction of a felony does not automatically bar an individual from eligibility for licensure. After completion of a nursing education program, the student will file an application for licensure with a state board of nursing. At that time, the board of nursing may review any felony convictions to determine eligibility for licensure.

Clinical & Simulation Experiences

Important Information for Out-of-State Applicants and Students
Allen College is committed to providing quality education to all students; however, there are important considerations for applicants and current students residing outside of Iowa. State regulations may affect eligibility for online courses and clinical placements.

Key Points:

  • Some state licensing boards require prior approval before Allen College can offer online courses or clinical study in those states.
  • Allen College cannot guarantee clinical or practicum placements outside the state of Iowa.
  • Applicants who plan to live outside Iowa and wish to take online courses or complete clinicals in another state should consult an admission counselor before applying.

Unique Clinical Opportunities:

  • Rural and underserve emphasis available in all NP tracks.
    • Attend a one-day seminar
    • Complete 150 clinical hours in rural or underserved practice settings
    • Contact Jennifer.Edeker@allencollege.edu for more information
  • Dedicated Education Clinics (DECs) are an optional clinical setting.
    • Complete a minimum of 75 hours
    • Contact kristen.grapp@allencollege.edu for more information
  • Students may coordinate their preferred placement with the clinical coordinator or request placement assistance.
  • All students complete clinical hours at the Allen College DeBonis Free Medical Clinic in Waterloo, Iowa.