Prepare to be a leader in the healthcare field. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
in Population Health at UNCP equips you to translate research into real-world results.
Build on your experience, elevate your impact and become a driving force in the future
of healthcare.
Our DNP program is more than a degree — it's a pathway to meaningful leadership in
today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Whether you’re seeking to lead complex healthcare systems, enhance care in rural and
underserved communities, or shape the future of nursing, the DNP equips you with the
skills, experience and support to make it happen.
Advance Your Impact.
With a focus on advanced clinical practice and systems-level leadership, this program
emphasizes the application of evidence-based strategies to improve patient care and
community health. Join a program rooted in service, grounded in research and driven
by your passion to make a difference — because the community needs nurse leaders like
you.
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an NLN or CCNE-accredited School of Nursing.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate and any graduate
courses for full admission.
At least one year of nursing practice experience is recommended.
A current, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. or U.S. Territories,
valid in the state or territory where you reside and will complete your practicum
project.
Submission of a copy of your current nursing license.
A completed application, the non-refundable application fee ($55.00 or $60.00 for
international students) and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
sent directly to W.H. Dean Graduate School Admissions Department.
Successful completion of the following graduate-level courses (or approval to take
them concurrently):
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Health Assessment
Epidemiology and Global Health
A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining your education and work experience.
Plan of Study Fall 2026 Start
The DNP program involves 35* credit hours of study over 2 years. The program is completely
online with carefully selected clinical opportunities to enhance the advanced practice
role of the doctorally prepared nurse.
A sample plan of study for the Cohort entering the DNP program in August of 2026 can
be found below.
*Additional credits may be needed for those students who need an extension to complete
their DNP Quality Improvement Action Project.
Semester
Course Number
Course
Semester Hours
Fall 2026
NUR-8000
Population & Public Health Theory: Problem Discovery
3
Fall 2026
NUR-8010
Advanced Nursing Health Policy, Practice and Ethics
3
Spring 2027
NUR-8031
Clinical Practicum I: Organizational & Public Health Systems Leadership
4
*Includes 45 Clinical Hours
Spring 2027
NUR-8020
Evidence-Based Practice, Research Methods & Clinical Data Management
3
Summer 2027
NUR-8101
Nursing Inquiry: DNP Project I
3
*Includes 50 Clinical Hours
Fall 2027
NUR-8032
Clinical Practicum II: Population Assessment & Health Promotion Modeling
4
*Includes 180 Clinical Hours
Fall 2027
NUR-8102
Nursing Inquiry: DNP Project 2
3
*Includes 150 Clinical Hours
Spring 2028
NUR-8033
Clinical Practicum III: Population Intervention Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Strategies
4
*Includes 180 Clinical Hours
Spring 2028
NUR-8103
Nursing Inquiry: DNP Project 3
3
*Includes 300 Clinical Hours
Summer 2028
NUR-8034
Clinical Practicum IV: Project Evaluation and Dissemination
5
*Includes 180 Clinical Hours
35
*1085 Clinical Hours
In addition to the DNP Quality Improvement Project clinical hours, there are four
clinical courses provided throughout the program. In accordance with the Commission
on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation requirements, a minimum of one
thousand (1000) post-baccalaureate clinical hours are required for graduation.
The educational outcomes of the DNP program are guided by AACN Essentials (2021).
As a DNP graduate, you will be prepared to function at the highest level of advanced
nursing practice. You will be able to:
Synthesize evidence and knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to inform education,
practice and research.
Demonstrate socially responsible leadership and employ ethical decision-making to
advocate for health policies and interventions that influence health resources.
Analyze system-level and public policy to design evidence-based interventions to improve
population-focused outcomes.
Apply and critically evaluate advanced knowledge in quality improvement, research,
and evaluation methodologies.
Integrate outcome metrics in quality improvement to advocate for change and policy
recommendations.
Facilitate and direct interprofessional activities and initiatives.
Evaluate health policies based on an ethical framework considering cost, health equity,
and care outcomes.
Use standardized data to evaluate decision-making and outcomes across all systems
levels.
Completing Your DNP Project
Overview
The DNP project is your opportunity to translate evidence into practice. This is different
from a PhD dissertation, which fills research gaps. Instead, the DNP project uses
evidence-based research to create solutions for a specific population. This program
connects new scientific findings to practical nursing applications. It prepares you
to make a real-world impact.
Goals
As a DNP candidate, you'll focus on an important issue in your chosen population.
You'll use research to study nursing practices or policies and suggest evidence-based
changes. Your project may aim to:
Improve nursing practices or policies
Evaluate health outcomes and nursing care
Build new partnerships
Apply research to make practice changes
Process
You’ll begin your DNP project in your first semester. Here, you'll identify a concern
and a population of interest. With faculty guidance, you’ll craft a problem statement
based on theoretical, ethical and practical concepts. As you progress, a project mentor
will help you gain skills and confidence. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed,
implemented and evaluated a project tailored to your population's needs.
Your Clinical Hours
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2021) guidelines,
a DNP project typically requires a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours
to be completed as part of the program, which includes the time dedicated to developing
and implementing the DNP project itself; this means the hours should be directly related
to the student's chosen practice area and aligned with the DNP Essentials.
At UNCP, I’m not just learning the technical skills to become a great nurse — I’m
learning how to truly serve the people in my community. The program places a strong
focus on rural health care and shows us how to care for the whole person, not just
the condition. That’s what makes this experience so meaningful.
Matteo Rojas
Common Careers
Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Healthcare Administrator
Population Health Manager
Public Health Nurse
Quality Improvement Specialist
Mission & Vision of the McKenzie Elliott School of Nursing
Discover how the McKenzie Elliott School of Nursing is shaping the future of healthcare
through its commitment to teaching, research and community service.
Grounded in evidence-based practice and guided by a mission to prepare leaders in
professional nursing, the school provides accessible, high-quality education that
equips graduates to improve health outcomes across communities. Explore our mission and vision to see how the McKenzie Elliott School of Nursing is preparing nurses to lead with
skill, compassion, and purpose.
Navigating the financial aspects of your education can feel overwhelming. Understanding
tuition, fees and available financial aid options is essential for planning your path
to success. At UNCP, we're committed to helping you find the resources you need to
reach your goals.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education,
655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation
does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.