Doctor of Nursing Practice

Developing a New Generation of Innovative Nurse Leaders.

The DNP program at Florida Southern College is a leadership-focused post-master’s program of study designed to prepare graduates in healthcare policy and advocacy, finance, information systems, project management and organizational leadership.

Realize your full potential as a health systems leader with a DNP Degree from Florida Southern College. This program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed for upward career mobility and better job opportunities across the healthcare continuum. Become an innovative nurse leader and shape the future of health care.

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CCNE Accredited

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

Why choose Doctor of Nursing Practice at FSC?

Gain a Competitive Edge in Your Career

The changing demands of this nation’s complex healthcare environment require the highest levels of practice expertise. Employers are quickly recognizing the unique contributions that DNP-prepared nurses are making in healthcare organizations. As a result, the demand for nurse leaders with doctoral preparation continues to grow. Nursing is moving in the direction of other health professions in transitioning to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/DNP-Fact-Sheet

Learn More, Earn More

A DNP Degree from Florida Southern College will prepare you for the highest level of advanced nursing practice. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data clearly show that with each level of education attained, individuals have access to higher-level and better-paying jobs. In the U.S., the median salary for individuals with a doctoral degree is approximately 20% higher compared to those with a Master's Degree. In 2020, the median pay for health services leaders and managers in the U.S. was $104,280.

Faculty with Real-Life Experience

When it comes to helping nurse leaders achieve their potential, there is no substitute for experience. Our DNP faculty come from diverse backgrounds and have the knowledge and expertise required to help students prepare for the real-life challenges they will encounter as the next generation of health systems leaders.

Return on Your Investment

The DNP Program tuition is competitively priced to provide students with a high rate of return on their investment in education. Out-of-state students pay the same rate and our online-delivery format makes it easy for students living in the region and beyond to complete program requirements.

Showcasing Excellence in Scholarship and Evidence Translation

Our students are solving real-life problems in healthcare organizations through the DNP project and practicum experiences.

In High Demand

Employment opportunities for health system leaders and managers are projected to grow by 32% by 2030---much faster than the average for all other occupations in the U.S.

Meet Our Mocs

Carol Anderson, DNP

I chose FSC for a number of reasons, primarily because of the reputation of the college. After speaking with other alumni students, I was sold. During my campus visit, I met such wonderful staff that made me feel accepted, even prior to applying. I truly love FSC and the staff is amazing. The faculty were the main reason I remained at FSC to complete my BSN, MSN, and DNP! It was not an easy journey but the journey was well worth it. Shortly after graduating from the DNP program, I was promoted to Regional Medical Director with my company.

Carol Anderson, DNP

Cory Lord, DNP, APRN, NP-C

The DNP degree has elevated my ability to evaluate clinical practices, implement evidence-based improvements, and effectively lead healthcare teams. The program's multifaceted approach, focusing on clinical practice, leadership, and process improvement, has made me a more effective healthcare provider. Dr. Jenkins's leadership course was particularly impactful, enhancing my communication skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues. The program's emphasis on developing and evaluating DNP projects has also been crucial in refining my approach to healthcare delivery.

Cory Lord, DNP, APRN, NP-C

Amy Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

My advice is that it will be challenging and difficult at times, but with perseverance, you will succeed. FSC has a vast number of resources and advisors with goals for everyone's success! I really would not have been able to complete the program without Dr. Michael, she was and is compassionate in all she does and aimed us for success! There are not enough words to describe how dedicated she is to the DNP program, her staff, and the graduates. Dr. Michael was transparent, honest, and willingly offered her knowledge and wisdom. She aimed and set the graduates for success. The DNP program was difficult and challenging at times; however, with perseverance, close-knit friends, community among our cohort, and an excellent advisor who offered consistent motivation and encouragement, we found success.

Amy Davis, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Tawana L. Cooper, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C

All of the staff took the time to teach the required information, but more importantly, they took the time to make sure I had an understanding of the information given. The DNP program at Florida Southern College will help you to develop great relationships with your peers. My educational journey would have been so difficult without the guidance, the encouragement, and the counseling from Dr. Michael. She had so much patience when I had to ask questions. To accommodate my work schedule, sometimes we had to meet on Zoom in the afternoon and on weekends. Florida Southern College is the place to attend for your next educational journey. The faculty will educate you on the tools needed to go to the next level of leadership. The class/cohort size is small, which allows faculty and students to have a closer relationship which allows a better success rate.

Tawana L. Cooper, DNP, APRN, WHNP-C

Ann Roberto, DNP, APRN, CPNP

FSC stood out to me because, for this degree, I knew a smaller college would provide a more involved faculty and dedicated staff. And that turned out to be true. The faculty was dedicated and attentive to our needs as students and my program allowed me to drastically improve my ability to write and do research. I am forever grateful to FSC for a wonderful educational experience.

Ann Roberto, DNP, APRN, CPNP

Doris Thornhill, DNP, ARNP

The DNP curriculum is well suited to manage work/home life with school. The student to faculty ratio definitely enhance my learning. I now have a much better understanding of project planning, business plan development, and implementing systems improvements in the workplace. I found the faculty very supportive; my overall experience with Florida Southern was excellent!

Doris Thornhill, DNP, ARNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice Learning Outcomes

DNP students are required to demonstrate a broad set of advanced-level nursing and leadership competencies defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).

Upon completion of the program, DNP students will be able to:

Demonstrate socially and professionally responsible nursing leadership
Lead the translation of evidence to improve healthcare systems and outcomes
Design, implement, and evaluate population health improvement strategies
Incorporate informatics processes and technologies to manage and improve healthcare

Read the DNP Handbook for more details

Featured Doctor of Nursing Practice Faculty

Melanie Michael

Dr. Michael’s teaching is guided by the theories and works of Nobel Laureate Herbert A. Simon in the area of active learning and the proposition that “Learning results from what the student does and thinks and only from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can only advance learning by influencing what the student does to learn,” (as quoted in Ambrose, S.A., et al. 2010).

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

Admission Requirements

Completed online application
Official transcripts of all academic work
A master's degree in nursing from an accredited CNEA, ACEN or CCNE program with certification as a Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Practitioner at a regionally accredited college or university
OR
A nursing master's degree in nursing leadership, health policy, population or community health, or informatics from a nationally accredited CNEA, ACEN or CCNE program at a regionally-accredited college or university
Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in graduate level course work
Résumé or CV of educational and work experience
Licensure as a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse without restriction in the state, territory, or local where the student will complete DNP Project or Practicum requirements.
Complete a virtual interview at the discretion of the faculty (by invitation only)

If admitted, all DNP students must comply with applicable institutional or organizational policies regarding vaccinations, drug testing, and background checks required for completion of DNP Project and Practicum experiences.

Course Delivery

Fully Online

Our program offers fully online coursework.

Curriculum

Course Number	Course Name
DNP 7100	Philosophical, Theoretical, Professional, and Conceptual Foundations
DNP 7110	Leadership and Interprofessional Practice
DNP 7120	Introduction to DNP Project
DNP 7200	Professional, Business, and Scholarly Writing
DNP 7210	Health Care Business and Financial Management
DNP 7300	Practice Scholarship: Evidence-based Practice and Quality Improvement
DNP 7310	Data Management and Analytics for Evidence-based Practice
DNP 7400	Clinical Prevention and Population Health
DNP 7410	Health Policy and Advocacy in Health Care
DNP 7420	Information Management and Technology
DNP 7500	DNP Project and Practicum I
DNP 7510	DNP Project and Practicum II
DNP 7520	DNP Project and Practicum III
DNP 7530	DNP Project and Practicum IV

Program Costs

2025-2026

Base Required Fees	Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour	$775
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled	$30 to $120

$500 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first semester tuition balance)

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Related Materials

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of your DNP program?

Rather than direct patient practice, Florida Southern College's DNP program focuses on nursing leadership, administration, healthcare policy and advocacy, and project management.

Is this an on-campus program?

This program is fully online.

Do you require the GRE for admission?

No, we do not require the GRE for consideration for admission to our nursing programs.

How does the DNP differ from a PhD in Nursing?

While both are terminal degrees within nursing, the DNP focuses on practice in direct and indirect care roles while the focus of the PhD is on nursing research. Indirect care roles include health care leadership or administration, health policy, and informatics.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Join us to learn more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice program and what sets it apart from other programs you may be considering. Hear from our program director and your admission counselor to go over the course plan, get next steps for admission and hear more about our support process throughout your DNP project.