Doctor of Nursing Practice

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.nBy 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. 

Salve also offers a BSN-DNP program with specialization tracks in family nurse practitioner (FNP) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), helping you accelerate your educational journey and prepare for advanced practice nursing in one seamless program.

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.

BSN- DNP Tracks

Salve offers two BSN-DNP specialization tracks so you can tailor your doctoral education to the type of care you feel called to provide: Family nurse practitioner (FNP) or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

Both BSN-DNP tracks require 72 credits and a minimum of 1,000 experiential hours, with at least 750 hours of direct, supervised patient care with a qualified preceptor. These hours fulfill the requirements for national certification as a family nurse practitioner or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.  

BSN-DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The family nurse practitioner track is ideal for nurses who want to build lasting relationships with patients and families across the lifespan. You will learn to deliver comprehensive primary care - from wellness and prevention to managing common acute and chronic conditions. You will be prepared to care for patients in outpatient and community‑based settings.

Courses and clinical experiences focus on advanced health assessment, diagnosis, clinical decision‑making and interprofessional teamwork, so you graduate ready to step into a primary care provider role. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to sit for national certification and practice in family practice clinics, community health centers, retail clinics and other ambulatory care settings where primary care providers are in high demand.

BSN-DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner track is ideal for nurses who are passionate about mental health and want to be part of the solution to the growing behavioral health crisis. You will gain advanced skills in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic management for children, adolescents, adults and older adults. 

With a strong emphasis on trauma‑informed, holistic care and integrated behavioral health models, you will be prepared to provide mental health care in outpatient clinics, community mental health centers, inpatient and partial programs, and telehealth settings. PMHNP graduates are prepared to sit for national certification and lead innovative approaches to improving access to mental health services for individuals, families and communities.