Nursing, DNP

Contact Info

For questions about the program and admissions process, contact:

Victoria Hough
703-993-1961
vhough@gmu.edu

Coordinators
K. Pierre Eklou
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Nursing Administration programs
keklou@gmu.edu

Shanti Chang
Family Nurse Practitioner & Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs
schang13@gmu.edu

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is nursing's highest professional practice degree. George Mason's School of Nursing offers an innovative DNP program including post-baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) and post-master's (MSN to DNP) options. The DNP program provides an opportunity for nurses to become experts as nurse practitioners and nurse administrators. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and applying the evidence that supports practice, understanding and creating practice delivery systems based on patient outcomes, and assuming leadership roles in practice settings.

Classes are offered in a variety of ways: executive format on the Prince William or Fairfax Campuses, online core courses, and advanced clinical expertise development in traditional format at the Prince William or Fairfax Campuses. Our executive format meets approximately once every three weeks on campus, with the rest of the course materials offered online. The complete DNP curriculum and course descriptions may be found in the university catalog.

Students may draw on the expertise from throughout the College of Public Health in such areas as health economics, health policy, and epidemiology. Graduates of the program will be able to assume many roles in the health care system, including direct patient care, clinical nursing faculty, practice management, and policy development.

Graduates are eligible for certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Concentrations

  • Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Nursing Administration

Mission Statements

Mission statements for George Mason University, the College of Public Health, and the School of Nursing are available for review.

DNP Program Mission Statement

The mission of the program is to prepare DNP graduates to assume leadership roles in clinical practice and nursing administration.

DNP Program Goals Statement

The goal of the program is for DNP graduates to have the highest level of preparation in specialty nursing practice. They will have the skills to increase practice innovation and improve health care.

Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool (https://provost.gmu.edu/licensure) for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

The Doctoral of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) is an CCNE-accredited program for those nurses who want to achieve the highest level of nursing practice.  They ensure that evidenced-based research is translated into practice in order to advance the field of nursing.

After graduating, DNPs practice in a variety of clinical setting, such as ambulatory clinics, occupational clinics, primary doctor’s office, public health clinics, and hospitals.  Some graduates may seek leadership positions in healthcare organizations, government agencies, or nongovernmental agencies.  DNPs also hold positions at colleges and universities, where they educate the next generation of nurses.