The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to prepare advanced practice nurses at the highest level. This professional nursing preparation will include advanced coursework in leadership, research translation, and clinical knowledge and skills. This change was driven by evolving nursing roles in an increasingly complex health care system, new scientific knowledge, and ongoing concerns about the quality and outcomes of patient care.

Please visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) website and view the position statement regarding the Practice Doctorate in Nursing, DNP frequently asked questions, and other important topics. ( FAQ )

The Online Education Experience: The DNP program is a distance accessible program offered through a mixed delivery method. Coursework is predominantly online, though some campus visits are required and vary with each semester. Due to the rigor of the program, it is recommended that students who wish to take more than two classes per semester do not work full time.

All DNP courses are offered through the Division of Continuing and Professional Education. For more information about distance education and online learning, please feel free to take a “test drive”on www.umassulearn.net . Technical support for online courses is available to all enrolled students. Information about the technical requirements necessary for online learning can be find at: click here

Announcement: Our Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP) Track is Currently suspending admissions for Fall 2009. We are not accepting any applications to that track until further notice.

Application: Application deadline for the class that starts Fall of each year is February 1st. Applications received after the February 1 st deadline will be forwarded to the following year's application pool. The application is a two part process. The applicant must fill out an application to the Graduate School available at 413.545.0721 or online at www.umass.edu/gradschool in addition to the School of Nursing Application .

Cost of the Program : For the most updated information regarding the cost of the program, please visit the Division of Professional and Continuing Education website at www.umassulearn.net or call 413.545.2368.

For Additional Information: For more information or questions, please contact Karen Ayotte, Administrative Assistant, Graduate Program, School of Nursing, at 413.545.1302 or kayotte@nursing.umass.edu .