May 23, 2026

2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

Nursing Major, DNP

The College of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, designed for individuals in nursing who aspire to achieve a clinical doctorate. Our DNP program prepares graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to emerge as influential clinical scholars, leaders, and practitioners committed to improving healthcare outcomes. The curriculum strongly emphasizes clinical decision-making through an evidence-based practice improvement approach. We are committed to ensuring our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared across innovative and diverse healthcare settings.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) - At the completion of the DNP program, students will be able to:

Utilize nursing science with knowledge from other disciplines to implement evidence-based advanced nursing practice.
Integrate core professional behaviors to provide ethical and equitable care in advanced nursing practice.
Lead interprofessional teams to coordinate person-centered and population-based healthcare.
Translate critically appraised evidence from nursing and related sciences into advanced nursing practice.
Utilize relevant information systems and technology to drive decision-making in advanced nursing practice.
Evaluate improvement science initiatives designed within diverse health systems.

The DNP program offers two full-time pathways to accommodate nursing professionals. The BSN-DNP program features advanced practice clinical concentrations in Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Primary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), or Dual concentration in Primary and Acute Care Pediatrics. Applicants pursuing the Nurse Anesthesia concentration begin their studies in the summer semester and complete the DNP program over 10 semesters, including summer terms. All other concentrations start in the fall semester, with the FNP, PMHNP, and Primary PNP tracks designed to be completed in eight semesters, incorporating summer terms. The dual concentration in primary and acute care pediatrics extends over 11 semesters, including summers.

Post-master's applicants do not choose a concentration; instead, they complete the core DNP course requirements, an individualized practice immersion, and a scholarly project to earn the DNP degree. These applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a master's degree in nursing, and national certification in one of the four Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) roles. The post-master's DNP program starts in the fall semester and is designed to be completed within five full-time semesters, which includes one summer term.

Post-master’s international applicants: International post-master’s applicants do not choose a concentration but will complete the core DNP course requirements, an individualized practice immersion, and a scholarly project to earn the DNP degree. Practice immersion and the scholarly project are completed in the student’s home country. International applicants must hold a BSN and master’s degree in nursing and be certified or licensed in an advanced practice registered nurse concentration/role (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, or clinical nurse specialist) or country of residence equivalent. The post-master’s DNP concentration does not confer qualifications for or meet any requirements for clinical nursing practice or professional licensure (RN or APRN) in the United States. Admitted international students are not eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Admissions occur in the fall semester only.

All post-master’s DNP students are required to attend in-person, on-campus doctoral intensives twice each semester during Fall year 1, Spring year 1, and Fall year 2. These sessions are scheduled early in the semester and again late in the semester and are a duration of three days. Doctoral intensive dates are published before the start of each academic year. Doctoral intensives are comprised of in-person class meetings, appointments with project chairs, and attendance of colloquium, which promotes development of the scholarship of practice for DNP students beyond coursework.

Distance Education (DE) programs in the College of Nursing that lead to professional licensure or that require clinical placements or clinical coursework must abide by board and state regulations in the state where the student resides and/or will be completing the clinical experiences. Before applying to and beginning a program, you should become familiar with your state's licensing and professional requirements and that of the state in which you plan to reside as a practitioner.

It is the responsibility of the graduate student to ensure the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing has a state authorization with their state of residence. Students who reside outside of Tennessee who plan to complete a clinical placement in a state other than Tennessee will need to take additional steps to comply with the requirements of that state. Graduate students may only complete clinical practicum in the state of their official residence (as noted in MyUTK) and licensure. If the student moves from the state of residency after admission to the program, continuation in the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student physically resides. It is the student's responsibility to notify the College of Nursing Graduate Programs at congrad@utk.edu of a change in physical residence.

Students may complete a clinical practicum in states other than their official residence only if they are unable to obtain authorization in their state of residence, and it is agreed upon among the student, Concentration Coordinator, Graduate Clinical Coordinator, and Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. If it is necessary to complete clinical practicum in a state other than their official residence due to being unable to obtain state authorization in the student's state of official residence, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that their RN licensure is valid in the state of clinical practicum. Students should obtain a multi-state license or temporary licensure (as applicable by state). Clinical practicum cannot be completed in any state where the student is not authorized to practice as an RN.

Distance Education programs in the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville cannot currently admit students from the states of Alaska, Arizona, and California.

To find additional information about pre-licensure distance education requirements in individual states, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

For further assistance, reach out to the College of Nursing Graduate Programs at congrad@utk.edu.

Concentrations (Required for the BSN to DNP applicants)

Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Anesthesia
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Campus Code

Distance Education

Admissions Standards/Procedures

All DNP applicants must:

Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education (or country of residence equivalent for international post-master’s students).
Hold an unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the state of residency (or country of residence equivalent for international post-master’s students).
Submit online application and meet admission requirements of Graduate School.
Have a minimum cumulative graduate grade-point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for previous college work.
Have a total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL or a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS if native language is not English.
Submit College of Nursing Graduate Rating Forms from three college level instructors and/or nurses and administrators who have supervised the applicant’s professional work.
- If the applicant has completed an academic program in the last two years, one rating form must be completed by a faculty member from that program.
- See specific requirements for the College of Nursing Graduate Rating Forms for the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration and Post-master’s DNP.
Submit an essay addressing College of Nursing essay prompts.
Complete an interview with the College of Nursing DNP admissions committee, as specified by the program.

Additional Requirements for Applicants to the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration:

Hold an unencumbered license as a registered professional nurse and/or an APRN in the United States or its territories or protectorates.
Complete at least one year of current, full-time adult ICU work experience as a Registered Nurse in the United States, its territories, or a US military hospital outside of the United States prior to program matriculation.
Hold current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications prior to program matriculation.
Only applicants with a cumulative GPA from all nursing degrees of less than 3. 3 must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A combined score of 300 on the verbal and quantitative sections and an analytical writing score of 3. 5 or above is recommended.
Submit (3) College of Nursing Graduate Rating Forms from:
1. A former nursing professor that is familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
2. The applicant’s immediate nursing supervisor in ICU that is responsible for completing the applicant’s employee evaluation.
3. An attending physician who works directly with the applicant in the ICU.
For additional information, please visit the Nurse Anesthesia Concentration website.

Additional Requirements for Applicants to the Post-master’s DNP:

U.S. residents must hold a master’s degree (MSN or MS) in Nursing from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education accredited school of nursing with an APRN concentration/role (NP, CRNA, CNM, or CNS).
International residents must hold a master’s degree (MSN or MS) in Nursing from a nationally accredited school of nursing with an APRN concentration/role (NP, CRNA, CNM, or CNS) or country of residence equivalent role.
Requirements of the master’s degree must have included:
- Supervised clinical practice in a specified population focus area.
- Successful completion of graduate courses in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology.
- Applicants may apply pending completion of a master’s degree. Degree conferral is required before the selected application term.
U.S. residents must hold a current national certification in a specified APRN population focus.
- Applicants may apply pending board certification. Board certification must be awarded before the selected application term.
International residents must hold current certification or licensure in a specified APRN population focus or country of residence equivalent role.
- Applicants may apply pending certification or licensure. Licensure and certification must be awarded before the selected application term.
Submit College of Nursing Graduate Rating Forms from three graduate-level faculty, administrators, or nurse/provider colleagues who have supervised the applicant’s professional work.
- If the applicant has completed a graduate degree in the last 2 years, one rating form must be completed by a faculty member from the program.

Academic Standards

Prior to enrollment in the DNP program, each student must successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screen.
Each student must hold personal professional liability insurance and health insurance.
As Registered Nurses, DNP students must be licensed to practice nursing in the state where employed and in all states where their clinical experiences will occur (if different from state of employment).
Each student must present evidence of meeting current health and wellness requirements, as specified by the college.
Each student must present evidence of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS).
A maximum of 6 graduate credit hours taken before acceptance into the DNP program may be applied toward the degree.

Residence Requirement

For the doctoral degree, students must meet the residence requirement as specified by the Graduate School.

Required Program GPA

A minimum final course grade of 83 in all nursing DNP courses is required; however, the College of Nursing will allow one final course grade of 75-82 in the following nursing DNP core courses: N557, N604, N612, N613, N622, N624, N628, & N631. A second grade of 82 or below in these courses will result in dismissal from the program. A minimum final course grade of 83 is required in other courses. A 3.00 graduate cumulative GPA is required for continuation in the program.
The College of Nursing prohibits students from repeating graduate coursework.

The College of Nursing will observe the following grading scale:

A = 92 – 100	4 quality points
B+ = 88 – 91	3.3 quality points
B = 83 – 87	3 quality points
C+ = 78 – 82	2.3 quality points
C = 75 – 77	2 quality points
D = 67 – 74	1 quality point
F = 66 or below	0 quality points

Post-master’s DNP

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 36 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.
Post-master’s DNP students will need to list coursework from the master’s degree on the Admission to Candidacy form to fulfill part of the requirement for the DNP degree (a minimum of 12 credit hours).

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 67 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Doctor of Nursing Practice Core Courses:

Family Nurse Practitioner Requirements:

Concentration courses before Spring 2026:

Concentration courses starting Spring 2026:

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.

Nurse Anesthesia Concentration

Credit Hours

Minimum 117 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 68 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Doctor of Nursing Practice Core Courses:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Requirements

Concentration courses before Spring 2026:

Concentration Courses starting Spring 2026:

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.

Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 80 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Doctor of Nursing Practice Core Courses

Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner Requirements

Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner Requirements Concentration courses before Spring 2026

Pediatric Acute Care Requirements Concentration courses before Summer 2027

Pediatric Primary/Acute Care Dual Nurse Practitioner Requirements Concentration courses starting Spring 2026

Pediatric Acute Care Requirements Concentration courses starting Summer 2027:

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Credit Hours Required

Minimum 69 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

Doctor of Nursing Practice Core Courses

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Requirements

Concentration courses before Spring 2026:

Concentration courses starting Spring 2026:

Non-Course Requirements

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the DNP Scholarly Project Proposal and oral defense for all DNP students.
The DNP Scholarly Project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from the project immersion experience and is reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee.
The committee for the DNP Scholarly Project consists of at least one faculty member who holds a doctoral degree (either DNP or PhD) and a second member who is external to the university. This external member must possess specialized expertise related to the specific project and be employed at the project’s location.
When appropriate, a third committee member may be selected, who holds special expertise relative to the specific project. The third member may be a faculty member from another academic unit, or external to the university.