Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Overview
Turn your clinical expertise into transformative leadership.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Rutgers University–Camden prepares nurses to lead with confidence, translate evidence into practice, and elevate patient and population outcomes across complex healthcare systems. This practice-focused doctoral program blends academic rigor, clinical relevance, and flexible learning options within a nationally recognized research institution and a vibrant regional healthcare hub.
Why choose the Rutgers–Camden DNP?
A program built for real-world impact
The DNP program is designed for nurses who want to be change agents in clinical practice, health systems leadership, and population health. Through online and in-person coursework, you will gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience to drive meaningful improvements in care delivery.
Your education culminates in a DNP Scholarly Project, where you will:
- Identify a significant practice or systems problem
- Design and implement an evidence-based intervention
- Evaluate outcomes and sustainability
- Present your work to faculty, peers, and clinical partners
This project not only demonstrates doctoral-level competency but also positions you as a leader capable of improving care in real settings.
BSN TO DNP — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- For: BSN-prepared registered nurses training to become licensed nurse practitioners in primary care. Students may begin the program and complete foundational coursework (the 3Ps) prior to meeting the clinical entry requirement. A minimum of 2 years of registered nurse experience is required before progressing into Primary Care Clinical I.
- Format: Clinical theory courses are held in person on campus. Students also complete two clinical days per week at approved healthcare sites. Some scholarly and didactic coursework is offered in a hybrid format.
- Clinical hours: Clinical hours at Rutgers School of Nursing - Camden go well beyond the national minimum because we believe there is no substitute for experience. Our students complete approximately 1,400–1,600 supervised clinical hours so that when they graduate, they are not just technically qualified, they are clinically confident, well-practiced, and ready to provide exceptional care from day one.
- Commitment note: This is a rigorous, full-time program. Due to the in-person course schedule and two clinical days per week, most students in this track are not employed full time during their clinical coursework. Prospective students should plan accordingly.
- Culminating requirement: DNP Scholarly Project with a primary care focus.
MSN TO DNP — Clinical Leadership
- For: Licensed advanced practice nurses (APNs), including nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists, in any clinical setting, whether acute care or ambulatory. This track builds on your existing MSN and clinical license, focusing on doctoral-level scholarship, evidence-based practice, and clinical leadership development.
- Format: Synchronous remote courses meet during evening sessions. This track is intentionally designed for working professionals who are currently employed as licensed APNs.
- Culminating requirement: DNP Scholarly Project.
MSN TO DNP — Health Systems Leadership
- For: MSN-prepared nurses who are not nurse practitioners or advanced practice clinicians, and who are pursuing leadership roles in hospital administration, community health organizations, health policy, or systems-level operations.
- Format: Synchronous remote courses meet during evening sessions. This track is intentionally designed for working professionals.
- Culminating requirement: DNP Scholarly Project.
Exceptional support at every step
Clinical placement assistance
A dedicated School of Nursing–Camden staff member supports students in securing preceptors and clinical sites. This structured assistance helps ensure that your clinical experiences are high quality, relevant, and aligned with your specialization and career goals.
Faculty mentorship
You will work closely with experienced, engaged faculty who:
- Guide you through advanced coursework
- Mentor you in your DNP Scholarly Project
- Support your professional development and networking
Faculty bring expertise in advanced practice, health systems leadership, quality improvement, and population health.
State-of-the-art learning environment
The School of Nursing–Camden is located in a modern health sciences facility that includes:
- High-fidelity simulation laboratories
- A case-study room and active learning classrooms
- Collaborative research and study spaces
These resources support immersive, practice-focused learning that prepares you for complex clinical and leadership roles.
Strategic healthcare partnerships
Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden maintains clinical partnerships with a robust network of leading health systems, hospitals, community health organizations, and primary care practices across New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia region, providing students with diverse, high-quality clinical placement opportunities aligned with their specialty and career goals.
Career outcomes that make a difference
Graduates of the Rutgers–Camden DNP program are prepared for advanced and influential roles, including:
- Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP or FNP)
- Clinical or service line director
- Health systems or practice administrator
- Quality and safety leader
- Population health or care coordination leader
- Policy advocate or consultant
- Clinical or academic educator
Alumni serve across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and beyond, shaping the future of healthcare through evidence-based leadership and practice innovation.
Accreditation you can trust
The DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Rutgers University is regionally accredited. Your degree carries national recognition and credibility across academic, clinical, and administrative settings.
Take the next step
Your next chapter in advanced nursing leadership begins at Rutgers University–Camden.
Connect with Graduate Nursing Admissions at gradsnc@camden.rutgers.edu or 856-225-6226