Curriculum Overview

Join the Wake Forest DNP Program and Be a Catalyst for Positive Change in Healthcare.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey toward excellence in nursing leadership and practice? Apply now! Don't miss out on the opportunity to join a community of passionate and driven professionals dedicated to advancing healthcare through education and innovation.

Our Curriculum

Designed with the working professional in mind along with the convenience of online learning, the post-master’s DNP is a part-time, two-year online program. The program includes an online elective in the Wake Forest University School of Law and/or the Wake Forest University School of Business. The program’s objective is to advance the education and preparation of registered nurses so they can assume greater leadership and advanced clinical roles that will translate evidence into practice, evaluate clinical outcomes and improve models of health care delivery.

Curriculum Overview

DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, offering an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. The changing demands of the nation’s healthcare environment require the highest level of nursing knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient care.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Offers the flexibility for working nurses to pursue advanced education without having to relocate or disrupt their careers

Personalized Learning

Allows working nurses to set their own study schedules, accommodating the demands of professional and personal life

Interactive Learning Environment

Uses technologies to create an engaging and interactive virtual classroom, including live webinars, discussion forums and video lectures.

Diverse Cohorts

Attracts a diverse cohort of students from various geographical locations and backgrounds.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Encourages collaboration with other professionals from different disciplines, including business and law.

Comprehensive Support Services

Offers comprehensive support services, including technical support, academic advising, and student wellness to assist students throughout their DNP journey.

Accreditation

Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Competitive Tuition Rates

Cost-effective, with competitive tuition rates.

Access to Expert Faculty

Scholars benefit from access to experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Online Learning

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a flexible and accessible way for nurses to advance their careers while maintaining their current professional commitments. This program equips nurses with advanced leadership skills and a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, preparing them for impactful careers in health care. Graduates are well-positioned to lead, advocate for patients and make substantial contributions to the field of nursing.

Course Descriptions

Course provides an in-depth exploration of the methodologies, tools, and strategies used to enhance healthcare quality and ensure patient safety. Students will learn to lead and manage quality improvement initiatives, identify and mitigate risks, and foster a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. The curriculum covers the theoretical foundations of quality improvement and patient safety, practical approaches to analyzing and improving care processes, and the application of evidence-based practices to reduce errors and enhance patient outcomes. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the use of technology and innovation to drive improvements.

Leadership and Ethics (2 credits)

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of leadership and ethical principles as they apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice role. Emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical applications, learners will engage in critical analysis of contemporary leadership models and ethical frameworks to enhance their capacity to lead and advocate within complex healthcare environments. The course will also address current issues and trends in healthcare leadership and ethics, including regulatory and accreditation standards, health disparities, and the integration of technology and innovation in patient care. Learners will apply knowledge and skills necessary to lead with integrity, advocate for ethical practices, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Applied Biostatistics for Evidence-based Practice (4 credits)

The purpose of this online course is to prepare the learner to critically appraise, analyze, and synthesize evidence in a variety of forms for application to practice. This course will build on concepts from statistics, epidemiology, and theoretical models for translational science and evidence-based practice (EBP). The learner will cultivate a critical attitude towards analyzing data and scientific literature for the purposes of evidence translation through the application of a variety of appraisal tools. Learners will apply skills in organizing, cleaning, and analyzing data with an emphasis on interpretation and reporting of results. 

Healthcare Informatics and Technologies (2 credits)

This course analyzes the application of data in the healthcare system and the policies surrounding its collection and use. Students explore the role of the electronic health record, telemedicine, and ethical big data collection in improving population and individual health and driving clinical decision making. Students will evaluate the use of technology for health planning and delivery of care. 

Epidemiology and Population Health (3 credits)

This course provides a thorough grounding in the principles and methods of epidemiology, focusing on the distribution and determinants of health and diseases in populations. learners will learn to apply epidemiological concepts and techniques to assess, monitor, and improve the health of communities and populations.  Scholars use biostatistical methods for data analysis, and the interpretation of epidemiological data to inform clinical practice and health policy. Special emphasis is placed on the role of social determinants of health, health disparities, and strategies for disease prevention and health promotion. 

Evidence Translation and Implementation Science (2 credits)

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methodologies of implementation science, emphasizing strategies to overcome barriers and facilitate the adoption, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices in diverse healthcare settings.  Scholars will explore theoretical frameworks and models of implementation science, examine methods for assessing and enhancing the fidelity and effectiveness of interventions. The course will also cover strategies for engaging stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, to support evidence translation efforts. 

Healthcare Management and Finance (3 credits)

The course provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare management principles, financial management strategies, and economic factors influencing the healthcare industry. Students will learn to navigate complex healthcare systems, optimize resource allocation, and implement financial strategies that enhance organizational performance and patient care.  This course covers key topics such as strategic planning, budgeting and financial analysis, and cost containment. Emphasis is placed on integrating management and financial acumen to improve healthcare delivery and achieve sustainable outcomes. 

Healthcare Policy, Advocacy, and Law (3 credits)

This course examines the ethical principles of moral reasoning and its practical application. Learners debate and critique moral, ethical, legal, and political arguments using case studies, as well as examine current political events that impact nursing practice 

DNP Project Proposal Seminar (1 credit)

During the doctoral study, students will synthesize learning throughout the program through the construction and dissemination of an evidence-based practice project. The scholarly project will be derived from practice needs that focus on a change initiative such as a quality improvement project, program evaluation, or evaluation of a new practice model. 

DNP Project Planning (1 credit)

DNP Project Implementation (1 credit)

DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (2 credits)

Doctoral Study

With an assigned advisor, scholars will plan, implement, when appropriate, evaluate, and disseminate an evidence-based project, policy development, program development, program evaluation, or quality improvement project which addresses a practice issue affecting selected populations, organizations, health care systems, or health care policy. 

Wake Forest University School of Business Electives

Access Wake Forest University School of Business MBA course descriptions.

Wake Forest University School of Law Electives

DNP law electives can be accessed here.

For more information, visit “Track Courses” on the WF MSL Health Law Policy website.

Wake Forest University School of Law Academic Calendar.

Part-Time Plan of Study

Year	Fall Course (Credits)	Spring Course (Credits)	Summer Course (Credits)
1	Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (3)	Applied Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (4)	Epidemiology and Population Health (3)
	Leadership and Ethics (2)	Healthcare Informatics and Technologies (2)	Evidence Translation and Implementation Science (2)
			DNP Project Proposal Seminar (1)
2	Healthcare Management and Finance (3)	Healthcare Policy, Advocacy, and Law (3)	DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination (2)
	DNP Project Planning (1)	DNP Project Implementation (1)	*WFU School of Law or School of Business Electives (3)

*Flexible Offering: To determine when each law elective is offered, refer to the “Track Courses” on the WF MSL Health Law Policy website

Minimum Requirements for Online Learning

A basic knowledge of computer and internet skills is required to be successful in an online course. Skills needed include:

Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:

Using keyboard and mouse
Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, and check properties
Software installation, security and virus protection
Using software applications, such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or Google Docs
Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking and saving files in different formats
Using email, including sending and downloading attachments
Internet skills (i.e., connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases
Familiarity with and use of online educational resources (i.e., podcasts, Webex, video calls)
Communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom website
Allowing pop-ups from websites (i.e., Canvas)
Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, URL, and application

Personal skills including

Self-discipline and time management skills
Problem-solving skills
Critical-thinking skills
Netiquette and strong communication skills
Research skills

Minimum hardware specifications

Memory (RAM) – 8GB or Greater (16GB is recommended)
Hard drive – 256GB or higher
CPU – Quad core 2.0gHz + (Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, non-Arm based)
Operating system – Minimum Windows 10 or MacOS 12.0 Monterey
Microsoft Office 2016 or newer
WebCam – HD camera 1920X1080

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

More Resources

Curriculum Overview

Our Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

Online Learning

Course Descriptions

Wake Forest University School of Business Electives

Wake Forest University School of Law Electives

Part-Time Plan of Study

Minimum Requirements for Online Learning