Post Master's DNP - FAQs

Gonzaga University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The baccalaureate, MSN and DNP programs at Gonzaga are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 877-6791.

No, the DNP program is a general DNP program, designed to enhance your current specialty with a terminal degree. If you are interested in gaining a different specialty, please contact our admissions office about Gonzaga's Second MSN program.

The program can be completed within 2 years. Should you require more than the minimum 28 credits or desire to be a part-time student, it can take longer to complete the program.  On average students take 7 to 8 semesters. Factors that may require additional credits hours are the number of clinical hours completed during a student's MSN program and whether a student has completed a graduate-level inferential statics or biostatistics course and evidence based practice course.  You must complete the program within five years.

You must complete your degree program within 5 years.

Yes, our program is designed for working professionals and the majority of students are able to continue working as they attend full-time.  However faculty highly recommends that you work part-time (maximum of 20 hours a week), once clinical hours begin. You will have the flexibility to adjust your progression plans.

Yes, you can find out more about the fees here.

You may transfer up to 6 credits to apply toward the completion of the DNP program. Transfer credits must be earned through graduate level courses that are not part of a conferred degree and are accepted at the discretion of faculty.

Graduates of the DNP program can request a verification of education (VOE) letter by emailing voe@gonzaga.edu.

We are happy to complete verification of education (VOE) forms throughout your career.  Please email voe@gonzaga.edu with your request.

All courses in the DNP program are offered as 16-week courses (except NURS 563, which is 8 weeks) during the Spring and Fall semesters, and as 12-week courses during the Summer semester.

The DNP Program uses a cohort model only for the DNP project courses. The program allows you the flexibility to alter your progression plan as long as you complete degree requirements within 5 years.

You must provide evidence of completion of a 3-credit graduate-level biostatistics or inferential statistics course within the last 5 years with an earned grade of a B or better. If you are unsure if the course meets the requirement, you can submit the course description for evaluation with the completed application packet. If you have not completed the course prior to being accepted into the DNP program, it can be taken during the first semester of course work.

You must provide evidence of completion of a 3-credit graduate level EBP for Quality and Safety course within the last 5 years with an earned grade of a B or better. If you are unsure if the course meets the requirement, you can submit the course description for evaluation with the completed application packet. If you have not completed the course prior to being accepted into the DNP, it can be taken during the first semester of course work.

The team is comprised of a minimum of two doctorally-prepared Gonzaga nursing faculty, one of whom functions as the faculty mentor. An optional third member on the team may be a non-faculty expert in the area of study.

• The Student Services team is available to answer questions and connect students to the resources needed.
• Students are also assigned a faculty advisor to help meet their academic goals.

Online students have access to all of Gonzaga's resources including:

• Foley Library
• IT Help Desk
• Career Center
• Graduate Student Council
• Disability Access
• University Ministry 

There is two required campus visits, one at the beginning of your program and one immediately before your first practicum course. The first DNP immersion (NURS 705) provides an orientation to the program and overview of program requirements. You will receive valuable information related to accessing electronic library resources, creating an electronic portfolio, conducting a DNP project and writing for publication.  The second immersion (NURS 760) provides an orientation to your DNP project.  You also have the option of coming to campus for the oral defense of your DNP project proposal. This proposal defense can also occur through teleconferencing.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing requires the completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum experience spanning a MSN and DNP program. The minimum number of practicum hours that must be completed as part of Gonzaga's DNP program is 340 hours, even if a student enters the program having completed the required 1,000 hours of practicum. Practice hours in the Post-Master's DNP Program are not direct care hours; rather, they are considered indirect care hours that are completed as part of the student's DNP project.

You may complete practicum hours at your current workplace. However, you cannot complete practicum hours in the area of the organization where you are employed or during time on the job when being paid. Your preceptor cannot be a direct supervisor.

The cost is competitive at $1,170* per credit.

*Tuition rates are subject to change.

We have a number of resources to help you fund your education.  As a graduate student you qualify for Federal Student Aid. This funding is not need based, follow the link to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Gonzaga also offers payment plan options and other financial resources.

The School of Health Sciences offers scholarships every semester, funds permitting. 

Gonzaga's Financial Aid Office maintains a database of scholarships for students to access, search and apply for awards.