Doctor of Nursing Practice
Now accepting students for fall 2025
At Salve Regina University, our fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement and systems thinking, preparing you for leadership roles as advanced practice nurses, managers of quality initiatives, executives in health care organizations, directors of clinical programs and faculty responsible for clinical program delivery and teaching.
Our holistic approach provides the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to become a leader and advocate for healthy living and social justice. Through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, you will develop a supportive community of peers and faculty in a welcoming virtual environment.
By completing this online program, you will be well-prepared for a leadership role that expands your influence on the health and wellness of others in your community.
Program Features
10 courses offered fully online with an average time to complete of 20 months.
$23,160 for nurses from partner institutions. $25,440 for nurses from non-partner institutions.
Purpose-Driven Education
With a focus on patient-centered care, Salve's nursing programs prepare you to address the future health needs of various populations. Guided by Salve’s mercy mission, we seek to develop compassionate, professional nurses who are liberally educated, ethically grounded and clinically competent health care providers.
Lead with knowledge, advocate with purpose and serve with mercy.
Our DNP program will prepare you to:
- Apply critical thinking and collaborative, interprofessional communication utilizing evidenced-based resources to evaluate, improve, address and transform health care across all populations and organizational systems.
- Use a systematic process through theoretical and evidence-based strategies to provide solutions in healthcare. Evaluate, facilitate and transform processes and policies to ensure quality, cost-efficient, equitable and innovative solutions, including technological advancements to improve global health while upholding cultural, ethical and diverse aspects of healthcare.
- Engage in advocacy and policy formation as a change agent and a transformational leader, critically analyzing health care policies to promote, collaborate and improve health care outcomes while addressing the social determinants of care and the diverse needs of individuals, organizations and communities in which we serve.
- Engage in global networking to provide servant leadership within the nursing profession and health care communities as a transformational leader embodying the Sisters of Mercy mission to encourage a world that is harmonious, just and merciful, remaining entrenched as a lifelong learner to uphold the highest level of nursing practice.
Degree Options
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing. The DNP curriculum educates nurses in evidence-based practice, quality improvement and systems thinking, and leadership.
You will earn your DNP by completing 30 credits. All courses must be taken at Salve to obtain your advanced degree. To apply, you must have a master's degree in nursing, hold the RN license (or eligibility for RN licensure in Rhode Island) or an APRN license and certification and you must have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher at your prior institution(s)
CCNE accredited
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Salve Regina University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. These programs are also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Meet Our Experts
Recognized for their expertise, compassion and vast knowledge, our nursing faculty encourage students to continue their development as health care providers and members of the global health partnership.
