Doctorate Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at La Roche University prepares you to make a real impact on patient outcomes and health care policy.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

This 26-credit program is designed for experienced nurses who want to develop their expertise in the rapidly evolving field of health care. Students in the program benefit from: 

• A curriculum focused on evidence-based practice and leadership
• Working closely with experienced faculty and network with other nursing professionals
• The opportunity to conduct research in various areas, from public health to chronic disease management
• Low residency requirement

Complete the DNP in three semesters full time or six semesters part time!

Upon graduation, you will obtain a DNP and have the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed as a leader in the nursing profession.  

Effective Aug. 1, 2023, this nursing program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on Aug. 1, 2025.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissioners granting initial accreditation.

Admissions Requirements

The requirements below are required with your online application. 

• MSN or comparable nursing degree from an accredited program
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Current, unrestricted nursing license from the state where clinical coursework will be completed
• National certification in area of nursing specialty, if applicable
• At least one year of professional experience as a registered nurse
• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate research course within the last 10 years
• Completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course within the last 10 years
• Submission of curriculum vitae and three professional references
• Submission of two essays:
• Essay focusing on the applicant’s philosophy of nursing and professional goals
• Essay focusing on the applicant’s area of research interest and proposed doctoral project
• Successful completion of interview with the DNP committee
• Documentation of clinical experience

International Applicants

In addition to meeting the standard academic criteria for the program to which you are applying, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. All international students must take one of the tests indicated below and meet the university minimum score requirement:

• A minimum TOEFL iBT of 100.
• A minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.0.
• A minimum Duolingo English test score of 125.
• Proof of 1000 hours of clinical practice experience within the past year in a US healthcare agency prior to admission.