Program Overview

The DNP-FNP program at the University of Portland School of Nursing & Health Innovations prepares advanced practice nurses to lead in providing holistic, evidence-based, and person-centered care across the lifespan.

University of Portland DNP-FNP Applications are now open! Applications accepted through mid February 2027.

Apply to the DNP-FNP Program

We encourage you to apply and take the next step toward advancing your education and professional goals! For questions about the program please contact Chris Harsell, Graduate Program Director at harsell@up.edu.

Program Highlights

• 72- credit program of study accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Hybrid format: Combines online coursework with limited in-person weekend immersions featuring dynamic hands-on simulation and experiential learning
• Graduates are eligible to sit for national board certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• 1.020 total clinical hours: 900 direct care + 120 project practicum hours
• High-fidelity simulation and standardized patient encounters to build critical clinical skills
• 100% board certification pass rate
• Scholarships available for eligible students (see tuition & fees)
• Strong community partnerships and pathways to post-graduate residencies
• Cohort-based learning environment fostering connection and collaboration

Clinical Preparation

Students will complete 900 hours of direct patient care in primary care settings across four FNP clinical courses and one directed clinical course. Clinical hours are designed to provide broad exposure across the lifespan and do not require pairing with specific management courses, increasing placement flexibility.

Our Graduates are Prepared to:

• Practice independently across a variety of primary care settings
• Translate best evidence into practice to improve patient and system outcomes
• Demonstrate leadership at both the system and practice levels
• Proactively advance social injustice and health equity
• Address health disparities in local and global communities
• Practice with cultural humility, engaging effectively with diverse and underserved populations

View the Program Outcomes & Course Requirements

Questions?

We invite all prospective students to attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions, where you can learn more about the program, meet faculty, and get your questions answered in a group setting.

The University of Portland’s DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program meets the state educational requirements for FNP licensure in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, North Dakota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Florida, Montana, and Illinois. The University of Portland has not determined whether the program meets the FNP licensure requirements for other states but can do so on a case by case basis. Please contact the School of Nursing & Health Innovations at nursing@up.edu if you have questions about a state not listed above.

The University of Portland is approved by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to conduct practice experiences in the state of Washington for the DNP-FNP program.