As a D.N.P. student, you'll choose from five advanced practice specialties to prepare for certification as a nurse practitioner. Each specialty provides focused courses and clinical placements, helping you discover your professional passion.


Focused on clinical practice and translating research findings to benefit patients, our Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program will prepare you to become a critical thinker and evidence-based practitioner who can initiate change within increasingly complex health care systems.
Our post-baccalaureate D.N.P. program helps RNs take their practice and careers to new heights. This program is designed for you if you earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and your goal is to become an advanced practice clinician.
* Note: CSON does not require a GRE score if you are applying to the post-baccalaureate D.N.P. program
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
HLTH8ooo | Examining Diversity in Nursing and Health Care | 2 |
NURS8712 | Health Care Quality Management | 3 |
NURS8713 | Health Care Information Technology Management | 3 |
NURS8714 | Nursing Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice | 3 |
NURS8715 | Nursing Leadership in Complex Health Care Settings | 3 |
NURS8716 | Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders | 3 |
NURS8717 | Foundations of Evidence Based Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
NURS9717 | Methods of Advanced Scholarly Inquiry | 3 |
NURS9720 | Epidemiology | 3 |
NURS9730 | Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology across the Lifespan | 3 |
NURS9731 | Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
NURS9732 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment across the Lifespan | 3 |
NURS9814 NURS9842 |
Bridge to Primary Care for Nurse Practitioner Students OR Psychobiology of Mental Health and Illness (PM H NP only) | 3 |
NURS9815 | Advanced Practice Nursing Role | 2 |
NURS9816 | Population Health Principles, Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
NURS9904 | DNP Project Seminar I | 2 |
NURS9906 | DNP Project Seminar II | 1 |
NURS9908 | DNP Project Seminar III | 1 |
NURSXXXX | Specialty Clinical I | 6 |
NURSXXXX | Specialty Theory Requirement or Elective | 3 |
NURSXXXX | Specialty Clinical II | 6 |
NURSXXXX | Specialty Clinical III | 6 |
NURS9836 | Advanced Psychopharmacology (PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9838 | Individual therapy (PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9840 | Family and Group therapy (PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9844 | Current Issues in Sexual Health Across the Lifespan (WHNP) | 3 |
NURS9832 | Clinical Decision Making (PNP) | 3 |
NURS9834 | Developmental, Behavioral and Mental Health in Pediatrics (PNP) | 3 |
NURSXXXX | Elective(s)
No electives for PMHNP or PNP students |
|
Total Credits: | ||
AGNP, FNP, PNP, WHNP: |
71 | |
|
PMHNP |
74 |
The Direct Entry D.N.P. offers students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing an accelerated opportunity to become an in-demand nurse leader.
Throughout the first five semesters of intensive, full-time study, you will prepare to take the NCLEX exam and become a licensed RN. At the end of this portion of your studies, you will be conferred a generalist master of science in nursing.
During the final portion of your program, you will complete courses and clinical fieldwork in your specialty. You will graduate prepared for certification as a nurse practitioner.
You will complete both the Master of Science, Advanced Nursing Generalist curriculum and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program curriculum for a total of 106-109 credits.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that coursework they have completed satisfies the prerequisite requirements. The graduate program staff will not contact applicants during the admissions process to verify prerequisite coursework.
Direct entry students are required to complete prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. It is preferred that applicants have at least 4 of the following 5 science prerequisites completed or in process at the time of application: General Chemistry with Lab; Microbiology with Lab; Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab; Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab; Pathophysiology. All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation. Students must receive a minimum grade of B- (80) in each of the prerequisite courses. AP credit is NOT accepted as fulfilling prerequisite coursework.
For coursework completed before applying, please submit transcripts as part of your application. For coursework that you plan to complete after applying but before starting the program, please indicate this on the application and submit transcripts following course completion. The prerequisite courses include:
*Course waiver may be applied upon admission review for students with a biology or neuroscience degree.
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Fall Semester 1(16 credits) |
||
HLTH8000 |
Examining Diversity in Nursing and Health Care | 2 |
NURSXXXX |
Direct Entry Adult Health Nursing Theory | 6 |
NURSXXXX |
Direct Entry Adult Health Clinical w/lab | 5 |
NURS8001 |
Pharmacology/Nutrition | 3 |
Spring Semester 1(13 credits) |
||
NURS8007 |
Direct Entry Child Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
NURS8008 |
Direct Entry Child Health Nursing Clinical | 2 |
NURS8009 |
Direct Entry Childbearing Nursing Theory | 3 |
NURS8010 |
Direct Entry Childbearing Nursing Clinical | 2 |
NURS8715 |
Nursing Leadership in Complex Health Care Settings | 3 |
Summer Semester 1(9 credits) |
||
NURS8011 Nursing Synthesis Practicum [Clinical] (3 cr.) OR NURS8716 Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders (3 cr.) |
3 | |
NURS9720 |
Epidemiology | 3 |
NURS8712 Health Care Quality Management (3 cr.) OR NURS8713 Health Care Information Technology Management (3 cr.) |
3 | |
Fall Semester 2(13 credits) |
||
NURS9816 |
Population Health Principles, Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
NURS8012 |
Population Health Clinical | 2 |
NURS8005 |
Direct Entry Psych-Mental Health Nursing Theory | 3 |
NURS8006 |
Direct Entry Psych-Mental Health Nursing Clinical | 2 |
NURS8712 Health Care Quality Management (3 cr.) OR NURS8713 Health Care Information Technology Management (3 cr.) |
3 | |
Spring Semester 2(6 credits for MS) (9 credits for D.N.P.) |
||
NURS8011 Nursing Synthesis Practicum [Clinical] (3 cr.) NURS8716 Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders (3 cr.) |
3 | |
NURS8717 |
Foundations of Evidence Based Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
NURS9730 Required to continue on to D.N.P. coursework |
Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology across the Lifespan | 3 |
Total Advanced Generalist Master's Credits: |
57-60 | |
Master’s conferred in May & sit for the NCLEX |
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Summer Semester 2(9 credits) |
||
NURS9731 |
Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
NURS9732 |
Advanced Health/Physical Assessment across the Lifespan | 3 |
NURS8714 |
Nursing Ethics & Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice | 3 |
Fall Semester 3(9 credits) (12 credits for PMH) |
||
NURS9717 |
Methods of Advanced Scholarly Inquiry | 3 |
NURS9815 |
Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse | 3 |
NURS9814 |
Bridge to Primary Care Practice | 3 |
NURS9834 |
Developmental, Behavioral and Mental Health in Pediatrics | 3 |
NURS7426 |
Advanced Psychopharmacology | 3 |
NURS9842 |
Psychobiology of Mental Health & Illness | 3 |
Spring Semester 3(11 credits) |
||
NURSXXXX |
NP Clinical Specialty I | 6 |
NURS9904 |
D.N.P. Project Seminar I | 2 |
NURS9838 |
Individual Therapy | 3 |
NURSXXXX |
Specialty Elective | 3 |
Summer Semester 3No courses |
||
Fall Semester 4(7 credits for PNP and WH)(10 credits for PMHNP, FNP, AGNP) |
||
NURSXXXX |
NP Clinical Specialty II | 6 |
NURS9906 |
D.N.P. Seminar II | 1 |
NURS9840 [PMHNP Only] |
Family & Group Therapy | 3 |
NURSXXXX |
Specialty Elective | 3 |
Spring Semester 4(7 credits for FNP, AGNP, PMH) |
||
NURSXXXX |
NP Clinical Specialty III | 6 |
NURS9908 |
D.N.P. Seminar III | 1 |
NURS9844 |
Current Issues in Sexual Health Across the Life Span | 3 |
NURS9832 |
Clinical Decision Making | 3 |
Total Post-Master's D.N.P. Credits: 46-49 Total Credits required for Direct Entry D.N.P. degree Is 106-109 AGNP, FNP, PNP, WHNP: 106 PMHNP: 109 |
Our post-master’s D.N.P. program helps current NPs take their practice and careers to new heights. This program is designed for you if you earned a master's degree in nursing and your goal is to become an advanced practice clinician.
* Note: CSON does not require a GRE score if you are applying to the post-master's D.N.P. program
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
HLTH8ooo | Examining Diversity in Nursing and Health Care | 2 |
NURS8712 | Health Care Quality Management | 3 |
NURS8713 | Health Care Information Technology Management | 3 |
NURS8715 | Nursing Leadership in Complex Health Care Settings | 3 |
NURS8716 | Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders | 3 |
NURS8717 | Foundations of Evidence Based Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
NURS9720 | Epidemiology | 3 |
NURS9816 | Population Health Principles, Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
NURS8714 | Nursing Ethics and Professional Responsibility in AdvancedPractice | 3 |
NURS9717 | Advanced Scholarly Inquiry Methods | 3 |
NURS9904 | D.N.P. Project Seminar I | 2 |
NURS9906 | D.N.P. Project Seminar II | 1 |
NURS9908 | D.N.P. Project Seminar III | 1 |
Total Credits: | 33 |
Our program allows current RNs without bachelor’s degrees to maximize both their experience and the credits they have earned from previous programs (minimum of 110 earned credits required). If you are a motivated and accomplished student who wishes to transform your professional knowledge into a career as an advanced practice nurse, this program is for you.
* Note: CSON does not require a GRE score if you are applying to the RN to D.N.P. program
Course Number | Course | Credits |
---|---|---|
HLTH8ooo | Examining Diversity in Nursing and Health Care | 2 |
NURS8712 | Health Care Quality Management | 3 |
NURS8713 | Health Care Information Technology Management | 3 |
NURS8715 | Nursing Leadership in Complex Health Care Settings | 3 |
NURS8716 | Health Care Policy for Nursing Leaders | 3 |
NURS8717 | Foundations of Evidence Based Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
NURS9720 | Epidemiology | 3 |
NURS9730 | Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan | 3 |
NURS8714 | Nursing Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Advanced Practice | 3 |
NURS9717 | Advanced Scholarly Inquiry Methods | 3 |
NURS9731 | Pharmacotherapeutics in Advanced Practice Nursing | 3 |
NURS9732 | Advanced Health/Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan | 3 |
NURS9816 | Population Health Principles, Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
NURS9814
NURS9842 |
Bridge to Primary Care for Nurse Practitioner Students OR Psychobiology of Mental Health and Illness (PMH only) |
3 |
NURS9815 | Advanced Practice Nursing Role | 2 |
NURS9904 | D.N.P. Project Seminar I | 2 |
NURS9906 | D.N.P. Project Seminar II | 1 |
NURS9908 | D.N.P. Project Seminar III | 1 |
NURSXXX | Specialty Clinical I | 6 |
NURSXXX | Specialty Clinical II (all specialties) | 6 |
NURSXXX | Specialty Clinical III (all specialties) | 6 |
NURS9836 | Advanced Psychopharmacology (required for PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9838 | Individual Therapy (required for PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9840 | Family and Group Therapy (required for PMHNP) | 3 |
NURS9844 | Current Issues in Sexual Health Across the Life Span (required for WHNP) | 3 |
NURS9832 | Clinical Decision Making (required for PNP) | 3 |
NURS9834 | Developmental, Behavioral and Mental Health in Pediatrics (required for PNP) | 3 |
NURSXXX | Elective(s)
|
|
Total DNP Credits AGNP, FNP, PNP, AGNP: PMHNP: |
71 74 |
As a D.N.P. student, you'll choose from five advanced practice specialties to prepare for certification as a nurse practitioner. Each specialty provides focused courses and clinical placements, helping you discover your professional passion.
Our graduates have been hired at local and national institutions, including:
$111,680
Median annual wage for nurse practitioners
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
52%
Projected growth in the Nurse Practitioner field by 2030—nearly six times
the national average for all occupations.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
“At Boston College, you will be taught by actively practicing providers who work in a variety of health care settings. When you graduate, you will be prepared to provide excellent and equitable advanced practice nursing care in one of our five specialties. ”
In your last two semesters as a D.N.P. candidate, you'll apply your clinical and classroom experience in a rigorous practice change project, dedicated to improving health care outcomes for a patient population. These projects apply existing research in practice, develop evidence-based solutions, and identify ways and means of delivering more efficient care.
The GNA facilitates professional development opportunities and sponsors social events, connecting you to your fellow students and serving as a voice for the CSON graduate community.
The KILN program helps students maximize their leadership potential, prepares them to provide nursing care in an increasingly multicultural society, and nurtures their ability to create positive social change.
Participation in CSON's international programs can count toward nurse practitioner (NP) supervised hours for graduate students.
A non-refundable application fee of $40 is required; however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Deadlines
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
Please submit a goal statement which will be used as a source of information about your educational objectives and as a sample of your writing ability. The goal statement should be typewritten (double-spaced) and no more than four pages in length.
Two letters of recommendation:
Official transcripts are required for application.
If available, please have official digital transcripts sent to csongrad@bc.edu.
All hard copy transcripts may be sent to the following mailing address:
Boston College
Graduate Nursing Office
Maloney Hall - 2nd Floor
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
*If the last name on your transcript does not match the application name, please contact csongrad@bc.edu after submitting the application.
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores* (current within five years of application deadline). Institutional code 3062
* Please allow 2-4 weeks for test scores to be received in order to meet application deadline
CSON does not require a GRE score for students applying to the post-baccalaureate DNP and post-master's DNP program.
Based on the answers you provide in your application, you may need one or more of the following forms to complete your application: