Submitting an Application
A new cohort of DNP learners begins each August. The part-time program is 30 credits, fully online and spans over 24 months. Applications for Fall 2025 are now being accepted on a rolling basis.
Requirements
- Completed online application.
- $100 application fee.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Master of Nursing program.
- Proof of current and unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse.
- If applicable, documentation of current certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae.
- Two (2) letters of reference that highlights the applicant’s personal character, professional accomplishments, leadership, and academic ability.
Note: Please complete the application accurately in its entirety. All information provided must be true. Evidence of false, deceptive or misleading information at any time will result in dismissal or rejection from the DNP program without refund of tuition or fees. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure all documents have been received.
A maximum of six credits may be approved for transfer from other regionally accredited graduate schools. Courses eligible for transfer must be similar in academic level, content, credit hours and contact hours to the equivalent courses offered at Wake Forest University. Transfer credit will be awarded only for academic work completed within the past three years.
Additionally, all courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better in order to be eligible for credit transfer. Transfer grades are not included in the DNP grade point average.
A student requesting transfer course work must provide a written request to the program director and provide a syllabus of the course to be considered for transfer credit. The decision to decline transfer of any course based on non-equivalence will be final.
Courses eligible for transfer must be at a doctoral level.
Additionally, all courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0) or better in order to be eligible for credit transfer. Transfer grades are not included in the DNP grade point average.
A student requesting transfer course work must provide a written request to the program director and provide a syllabus of the course to be considered for transfer credit. The decision to decline transfer of any course based on non-equivalence will be final.
Courses eligible for transfer must be at a doctoral level.
How will I pay for this?
The curriculum is laid out to foster at least half-time enrollment (at least 4 credits/semester). This enrollment preserves the ability to maintain family and career responsibilities, while also being eligible for federal financial aid. Most students pay for tuition from personal savings or with educational loans.
Do I need to be a computer expert to participate in this program?
No. Our online learning management system places everything you need to complete a course in one place. Your onsite orientation will provide you with help on navigating the course materials, how to post discussions, view your calendar, view live and recorded lectures, work in groups with classmates, and other things you’ll need to do. The bulk of the program will be the nursing knowledge that you bring and that you acquire; the computer is just the interface we use to bring students and faculty together.
What does it mean to study nursing in a medical school?
One of AACN’s eight essential elements of doctoral education is interprofessional collaboration. It is well-known that many medical errors occur because of poor communication and poor coordination of care. Our DNP program is administered and taught by professional nursing educators, but in a framework of leveraging the medical model of education, and with unique opportunities for communication and collaboration which should be prominent parts of any DNP program.
What is the time commitment?
The credit load can be used to estimate the time commitment. Each credit hour relates to one hour per week of engagement with faculty, and students can expect to spend 2-3 additional hours per credit on reading and other schoolwork. For a 5-credit semester, a student could expect to spend 15-20 hours per week in school-related activities. The advantage of a DNP program is that it is a practice doctorate. Therefore, students can apply their schoolwork to activities in their employed position, and potentially overlap some of the time commitment. For example, if you are a hospital administrator and you are seeking to implement a new patient safety system, you might use that endeavor as your doctoral project.
Do I need to move?
No. The program was designed for the working professional. On-site orientation is highly encouraged because of the opportunity to collaborate with classmates and meet professors. Our convenient learning management system provides access to your university and your DNP courses wherever you are.
Do I need to Complete the FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid?
Yes, to be eligible to receive financial aid you must complete the FAFSA.
The curriculum is laid out to foster at least half-time enrollment (at least 4 credits/semester). This enrollment preserves the ability to maintain family and career responsibilities, while also being eligible for federal financial aid. Most students pay for tuition from personal savings or with educational loans.
Do I need to be a computer expert to participate in this program?
No. Our online learning management system places everything you need to complete a course in one place. Your onsite orientation will provide you with help on navigating the course materials, how to post discussions, view your calendar, view live and recorded lectures, work in groups with classmates, and other things you’ll need to do. The bulk of the program will be the nursing knowledge that you bring and that you acquire; the computer is just the interface we use to bring students and faculty together.
What does it mean to study nursing in a medical school?
One of AACN’s eight essential elements of doctoral education is interprofessional collaboration. It is well-known that many medical errors occur because of poor communication and poor coordination of care. Our DNP program is administered and taught by professional nursing educators, but in a framework of leveraging the medical model of education, and with unique opportunities for communication and collaboration which should be prominent parts of any DNP program.
What is the time commitment?
The credit load can be used to estimate the time commitment. Each credit hour relates to one hour per week of engagement with faculty, and students can expect to spend 2-3 additional hours per credit on reading and other schoolwork. For a 5-credit semester, a student could expect to spend 15-20 hours per week in school-related activities. The advantage of a DNP program is that it is a practice doctorate. Therefore, students can apply their schoolwork to activities in their employed position, and potentially overlap some of the time commitment. For example, if you are a hospital administrator and you are seeking to implement a new patient safety system, you might use that endeavor as your doctoral project.
Do I need to move?
No. The program was designed for the working professional. On-site orientation is highly encouraged because of the opportunity to collaborate with classmates and meet professors. Our convenient learning management system provides access to your university and your DNP courses wherever you are.
Do I need to Complete the FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid?
Yes, to be eligible to receive financial aid you must complete the FAFSA.
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
Due to SARA regulations we are unable to accept students from the state of California.