DNP Programs in Louisiana

Louisiana DNP Programs

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal level nursing degree that focuses on clinical practice, which differs from the research-centered PhD. There are currently five DNP programs in Louisiana. This number is likely to grow as the DNP becomes necessary for advanced practice certification in the future.

The common mission of these programs is to prepare nurses to be leaders in the healthcare field. The programs often have a strong focus on evidence-based practice and on improving the quality of care provided in medical facilities. The programs aim to not only further the expertise of advanced practice nurses, but also to prepare graduates to transform clinical practice and shape healthcare policy.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Some Louisiana DNP programs are open to only applicants with a master's degree, while others also offer a post-baccalaureate pathway. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for example, offers a post-MSN program which consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours and 1000 post-BSN clinical hours, and a doctoral project with a 3.0 GPA. Students must earn at least a 'B' in a course or they must repeat it. Loyola University New Orleans, on the other hand, offers two post-master's tracks and one post-bachelor's track. Students must complete 1000 post-BSN clinical hours in addition to coursework (about 78 credits post-BSN and 39 for post-MSN) and a capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ slightly for each program, but there are many similarities. Applicants to Louisiana DNP programs should expect to meet the following requirements:

  • Master's or bachelor's degree from an accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Official transcripts
  • Current, unencumbered RN or APRN license and certification
  • Applicants who are not primarily English speakers: TOEFL
  • Completed application with essay describing motivation for DNP
  • Current resume
  • Interview
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Completion of an approved statistics course
  • Background check

Tuition

Tuition varies from program to program. This information is sometimes difficult to find online. Loyola University New Orleans discloses that it costs $818 per credit hour to attend its DNP program.

Additional Resources

DNP Schools Near You & Online in Louisiana

Loyola University New Orleans

  • 6363 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, RN to BSN
    1(800)456-9652