Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP Degree Overview

Fall 2026

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Redefine Healthcare Through Rural Innovation

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D.N.P. Program Overview (Major Code 7300)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)* program at West Texas A&M University prepares advanced practice nurses to lead rural health innovation, strengthen healthcare leadership, and create transformational impact in underserved communities. Designed for nurses ready to advance beyond the MSN degree and expand their influence beyond clinical practice, the program builds skills in systems leadership, quality improvement, and population health. What sets WT apart is our deep commitment to rural health innovation. Graduates are equipped to turn evidence into action, improve outcomes, and help shape the future of healthcare where it is needed most.

As a program requirement, students complete a Scholarly Delivery Project in place of a traditional dissertation. This practice-focused initiative centers on applying evidence to improve clinical practice, healthcare systems, and patient outcomes through quality improvement, systems leadership, and policy development.

The program also requires an all-day on-site intensive each semester. These sessions bring students together for lectures, peer collaboration, skill-building workshops, and presentations, providing the hands-on experience needed to apply advanced concepts in real-world healthcare settings.

*Pending final approval by SACSCOC.

Earn Your DNP in Two Years

Complete your Doctor of Nursing Practice in two years with 37 semester credit hours designed to fit your professional life.

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Questions about the DNP Program?

Browse our FAQ page to learn more about program requirements, clinical hours, and what to expect as a DNP student at WT.

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Goals of the Program

Upon successful completion of the DNP programs, graduates will be prepared to:

Lead Healthcare Transformation: Demonstrate advanced leadership skills to improve healthcare delivery systems, influence organizational change, and advance health outcomes across diverse populations.
Translate Evidence into Practice: Integrate and apply the best available evidence to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that improve quality, safety, and patient-centered care.
Advance Population and Rural Health: Develop and implement strategies that address health disparities, improve access to care, and promote health equity, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Influence Health Policy and Advocacy: Engage in policy development, advocacy, and leadership to shape healthcare systems and improve population health at local, state, and national levels.
Utilize Data and Technology: Leverage health information systems, data analytics, and emerging technologies to support clinical decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes.
Foster Interprofessional Collaboration: Lead and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams to enhance care coordination and improve system-wide outcomes.
Demonstrate Scholarly Practice: Design, implement, and disseminate a scholarly DNP project that addresses real-world healthcare challenges and contributes to practice improvement.
Promote Professional and Ethical Leadership: Exhibit ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and professional accountability in advanced nursing practice and leadership roles.

Program Admission

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree and a master’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution.
The applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to demonstrate their preparedness for the rigor of a doctoral program.

Application Deadline

Application Checklist