Graduates of Belmont’s DNP program will be able to:

1. Integrate knowledge from nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational sciences to develop and transform advanced practice nursing.
2. Translate nursing, biophysical, social, analytical, and organizational knowledge to improve patient and population health outcomes.
3. Manage increasingly complex health care system demands by incorporating knowledge of current and emerging health technologies.
4. Provide leadership and advocacy for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.
5. Develop, implement and evaluate effective and sustainable educational programs for varying populations.
6. Demonstrate intra- and inter-professional collaboration to improve healthcare quality and outcomes across diverse populations and to address health disparities.

The BSN-to-DNP curriculum is based upon the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The BSN-to-DNP curriculum complies with accreditation standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) which ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing.

BSN-to-DNP Program of Study

All 6000-level courses are hybrid format, meeting 4 times each semester. Classes will be on Friday evening (4-8p) and on Saturday (8a-12p; 1-5p). The dates for upcoming academic years are as follows (all dates are subject to change).

Fall 2019 Semester
Aug. 23-24
Sept. 20-21
Oct. 25-26
Dec. 6-7

Spring 2020 Semester
Jan. 10-11
Feb. 14-15
Mar. 20-21
Apr. 24-25

Fall 2020 Semester
Aug. 21-22
Sept. 18-19
Oct. 30-31
Dec. 11-12

Spring 2021 Semester
Jan. 8-9
Feb. 12-13
Mar. 19-20
Apr. 30-May 1

Fall 2021 Semester
Aug. 27-28
Sept. 17-18
Oct. 22-23
Dec. 10-11

Spring 2022 Semester
Jan. 7-8
Feb. 11-12
Mar. 18-19
Apr. 22-23

 Note: BSN-to-DNP students will meet Fridays only for year 1; Saturdays only for year 2; and both Fridays & Saturdays for year 3.  MSN-to-DNP students will meet on Fridays and Saturdays.

How long will it take me to complete my degree?
The program can be completed in 6 consecutive semesters of full-time study plus some coursework during the summers.  This equals 33 months to complete the program.

What is the minimum GRE score required for the program?
We do not require a minimum score for the GRE. GRE scores are evaluated on an individual basis within the context of the applicant's total application package.

How can I find information about tuition and fees?
The Office of Student Financial Services has information regarding tuition and fees on its website: www.belmont.edu/sfs/cost/

Can I work while I go to school?
Many students find that the adhering to Belmont's rigorous clinical expectations make it difficult or impossible to maintain outside employment after the first clinical semester. While some students do choose to continue working, the responsibility for managing the balance between class, clinical and work requirements falls entirely on the student.

Are classes offered at night or on weekends?
The 5000 level graduate courses meet just once a week during the day and are clustered on 2 to 3 days per week.  The 6000 level graduate courses are offered in a hybrid format with on-campus meetings on 4 weekends each semester.

Are any classes offered online?
All our courses have an online component, so comfort with computers is really important. Belmont graduate nursing classes combine on-campus experiences with appropriate technology, however, none of our classes are offered completely online. We have found the personal student-instructor contact in the classroom is a valuable component in our students' success.