Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Preparing expert nurse leaders in specialized advanced practice
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, rated as one of the top online DNP programs in the country by Nursing School Hub, prepares advanced practice nurses for increasingly complex evidence-based nursing practice.
All DNP courses are offered completely online. Students gain experiential learning through clinical internships. The final scholarly requirement, the DNP project, is an opportunity to translate research evidence to a chosen clinical practice setting.
Note: We are unable to accept DNP students residing in AL, MN, NY, OR or WA. See statement here.
For more information about the DNP program, see the Doctor of Nursing Practice information in our Graduate Student Handbook or contact kayotte [at] umass [dot] edu (Karen Ayotte).
Specialization Areas
Post-Baccalaureate role concentrations:
Post-MS Option:
DNP students may opt to earn an MS in Nursing Science while they are pursuing a doctoral degree.
Benefits list
Reach the highest level of clinical expertise
Our graduates are nurse leaders in health care settings across the U.S. and around the globe.
Engage in rigorous research
Graduates of the DNP program are uniquely prepared to help bridge the research-practice gap by appropriately developing, tailoring, implementing, and evaluating theoretically and evidence- based projects and programs and disseminating the results.
Learn with supportive faculty and mentors
Students work with supportive faculty and site mentors to prepare for leadership roles in an increasingly complex health care system.
Respond to health disparities and societal needs
DNP graduates are prepared to provide culturally proficient care, advocate for improvements in health care policy and systems, and practice interprofessional collaboration for improving patient and population healthcare outcomes.
Featured classes
Learn the diagnostic processes in mental health/mental disorders using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, ICD coding, and other tools while considering family, community, and cultural influences.
Improve your ability to perform comprehensive health assessments by developing enhanced clinical reasoning and laboratory test interpretation skills in this 1-credit class.
Featured faculty
Karen A. Kalmakis
Professor
DNP Graduate Program Director
Karen Kalmakis is a Professor and Director of the DNP Program at the UMass Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing.
In the spotlight
Ronald Rollon earned a DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization in 2023. He is the recipient of the 2023 Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Leadership Award. He is currently a registered nurse in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and also serves as a military nurse in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Application information & deadlines
To apply to the Online Doctor of Nursing Practice program, visit the Graduate School page.
Priority admission deadline
Note: Unable to accept DNP students residing in Alabama, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, or Washington
Nursing
UMass Amherst's Nursing programs prepare culturally proficient nurses and health leaders for a global society.
Accreditation
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The baccalaureate degree program in Nursing is fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
The baccalaureate degree program in Nursing, master's degree program in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.