Doctor of Nursing Practice
Applications open October 1, 2025 for a Summer 2026 entry.
We are pleased to announce that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will begin accepting applications for Summer 2026 entry. The application cycle opens on October 1, 2025. For questions about the program or admissions process, please email Joy Moceri, Graduate Program Director at joymoceri@up.edu.
Program Highlights:
- 72-credit program of study
- 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)
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- 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
- Strong community partnerships and pathways to post-graduate residencies
- Cohort-based learning environment fostering connection and collaboration
For more program specific information, visit the School of Nursing and Health Innovations.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The DNP-FNP program prepares students to become FNPs at the doctoral level. These health care professionals work independently, and collaboratively with other health care professionals, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic health conditions, and promote health and wellness to families and individuals of all ages.
The University of Portland’s DNP-FNP program meets the state educational requirements for FNP licensure in Oregon, Washington, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Vermont. 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 Stacey Boatright at boatrigh@up.edu if you have questions about a state not listed above.
Graduate School Application
DNP-FNP Admission Requirements:
- DNP Writing Sample
- Essay prompts are provided within the application.
- Current Resume/CV
- A bachelor's degree in nursing or a master's degree in nursing from a school of nursing accredited by an appropriate national nursing accrediting body
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the most recently completed nursing program
- Official Transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions)
- Must be submitted directly from the institution
- Electronically to gradschl@up.edu
- By mail to the University of Portland, ATTN: Graduate School, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97203.
- International Applicants: Transcripts from foreign universities must follow the above guideline as well as be in English or be accompanied by an English translation certified as authentic
- Current (or eligible to earn) unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in state of residence
- RN licensure in Oregon is recommended
- RN licensure in the state in which a student completes clinical hours is required
- Additional cost may be incurred for clinical placements outside of Oregon
- International Applicants: Official test score from TOEFL (minimum score of 100), IELTS (minimum score of 7.5), or Duolingo (minimum score of 120) is required.
- International Applicants: Proof of financial support will be required to attend the University of Portland, but is not required for application review
- If applicant meets the minimum requirements, an admission interview will be offered.
Application Timeline
- Applications will open on October 1st, 2025.
Program Contact:
International Applicants:
- Please note the additional application requirements listed above in the "Admission Requirements" section
- For additional information, visit International Student Services
