DNP - Frequently Asked Questions

Exactly what is a DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is the recommended degree for advanced practice. At Iowa this degree will prepare nurses to assume the role of nurse practitioner or nurse executive. A very helpful site to learn about the DNP is at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/index.htm). Check out the position statement and especially the DNP Fact Sheet (new as of April, 2011). This is actually an excellent resource as you write the personal statement for your application.

I will not have my RN license by the application deadline.
If you will graduate in either the fall or spring semester, you can apply.  Classes start in the next Fall following the application deadline (10/1), so you will have your degree conferred and the NCLEX passed by the time you begin classes.

Is your DNP program online?
The vast majority of our courses are offered online. However, there are some where on site is required. For example, our didactic nurse practitioner courses are offered on-site only. Classes are scheduled so that students are on campus only once a week. Please remember, there may be other times when on site is required such as orientation or as enrichment days. These dates will be available to students well ahead of time so that arrangements can be made. Clinical practicums are arranged by the College of Nursing with consideration of where students live. Every effort is made to minimize long distances. However, the goal is to provide students with the best possible clinical experiences and this may require travel on the part of the student.

Do you need work experience prior to applying?
Some programs (Nurse Anesthesia and Neonatal) have specific requirements for one to two years of experience. For other programs, while it is helpful to have some experience it is not absolutely necessary and we would encourage potential students to apply when the time seems right for them to be successful. New graduates can gain experience before they begin classes and during the first year of graduate work.

What is the Clinical Leadership Project?
The project provides the opportunity for an in-depth analysis and synthesis of a chosen topic that contributes to some aspect of advanced nursing practice. The project is completed over three to four semesters with assistance from your advisor. All admitted students have access to the ICON site Office of Student Services (MSN, DNP & PhD) At the home page go to Content and scroll down to Capstone/Clinical Leadership Project. You will find quite a bit of information that should answer many of your questions. To see some of the projects past graduates have completed, click here.

Is the GRE required?
No, you do not need to take the GRE for our DNP program.

Will I need to travel to clinical sites?
You will be expected to travel up to 100 miles for preceptor experiences, and if you live in an area that has limited providers in your specialty, you may be required  to travel further.  Also, note that there is an expectation that your preceptor/provider is in the State of Iowa.

Can international students apply to the DNP program?
Due to the level of Internet-based course work required, international students in this program of study are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student immigration status. Questions regarding visas and immigration documentation should be addressed to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) via email at isss@uiowa.edu.