The DNP program at South Carolina prepares you to become an advanced practice nurse
or for a leadership role. Through online classes and select on-campus immersions,
you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to implement evidence-based practices
and system-wide changes to improve patient outcomes.
Plans of study
Enhance your leadership skills or gain certification as a doctoral-prepared advanced
practice registered nurse.
Executive Healthcare Leadership
The Executive Healthcare Leadership concentration is open to both BSN and master’s-prepared
applicants. Program graduates are prepared to influence health care environments through
professionalism, leadership, strong communication skills and business knowledge.
Clinical Concentrations
As a BSN-prepared student, you may choose to earn one of three DNP degrees with a
clinical concentration: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP),
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
As a post-master’s student with a certificate in advanced practice nursing, you may
expand on your APRN role with the advanced practice DNP (no concentration). All DNP
clinical concentration APRN graduates develop skills to assess research and evaluate
outcomes to improve patient care.
Information Sessions
Missed our DNP Ask the Expert Information Sessions? Click to view the BSN-DNP and post-master's DNP sessions. For more, visit Ask The Expert video sessions with our Graduate Program faculty and staff.
When you choose the DNP program at South Carolina, you’re choosing to learn from a
leader. Our program was one of the first four nationally recognized DNP programs in
the country, and our online graduate nursing programs continue to be nationally rated.
Online course delivery is paced for you to succeed at home, in the workplace and at
school. As a South Carolina DNP student, you’ll be able to collaborate with dynamic
faculty mentors on evidence-based projects, develop your own grants and participate
in a health policy internship. The College of Nursing offers assistance with clinical
placements in cases where you cannot complete your clinical experience in your current
workplace. The program also offers scholarships for qualified students.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from
nationally accredited programs and evidence of credentialing within the applicant's
specialty
Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate
coursework (official transcripts for all graduate coursework are required). Applicants
who attend(ed) a graduate program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes
will not be considered competitive applicants.
Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate
coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants
who attended a BSN or MSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes
will not be considered competitive applicants.
Applicants with a master’s degree in nursing must be certified, licensed and practicing
as an advanced practice nurse with prescriptive authority in order to proceed to the
33 credit hours DNP terminal degree unless seeking the Executive Healthcare Leadership
concentration.
Evidence of writing competence, which will be evaluated through the candidate’s prepared
written statement submitted with the application, as well as by written response to
an essay question given during the admissions interview
Personal goal statement
Current CV or Resume (in addition to your education and professional experiences,
include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved
population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences.)
Three letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional
competency and personal character from doctoral-prepared registered nurses or physicians
Executive Healthcare Leadership track only - Preferred work experience: 2400 hours
of experience in a leadership role over the last 5 years.* Submit official Verification of Work Hours Form from employer (upload with application)
Interview with nursing graduate faculty
Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
license in state where clinical experiences will occur
Current BLS certification
Verification of clinical hours completed during the applicant’s MSN program
GRE not required
* approved by DNP Council 12.14.2020
Successful completion of BSN degree from a nationally accredited program
Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate
coursework (official transcripts for all nursing coursework are required). Applicants
who attended a BSN program that issued pass or fail grades for all classes will not
be considered competitive applicants.
Three letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional
competency and personal character from doctorally prepared registered nurses or physicians
Personal goal statement
Evidence of writing competence, which will be evaluated through the candidate’s prepared
written statement submitted with the application, as well as by written response to
an essay question given during the admissions interview
Current CV or Resume (in addition to your education and professional experiences,
include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved
population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences)
Current unencumbered, active RN licensure in the state where clinical experiences
will occur
Current BLS certification
Current ACLS certification (AGACNP applicants only)
BSN to DNP applicants are required to have 2400 work hours within the past 24 months. Preferred
AGACNP clinical experience in an acute care setting (ICU, critical care, medical/surgical
or emergency department). Preferred FNP clinical experience includes critical care,
ICU, medical/surgical or emergency department. Preferred PMHNP clinical experience
includes psych or related fields.
Executive Healthcare Leadership track only - Preferred work experience: 2400 hours
of experience in a leadership role over the last 5 years.*
At the conclusion of the program, the DNP’s graduate will be able to:
Identify direct and indirect clinical problems in complex health settings and work
with interprofessional teams to address them.
Differentiate theoretical knowledge as it applies to direct or indirect clinical care.
Translate evidence to address population health problems.
Integrate data bases and information literacy in designing interventions for advanced
practice.
Execute evidence-based interventions to improve health care outcomes.
Complete graduate residency of at least 18 graduate hours for three consecutive semesters
Complete an approved program of study
Complete a DNP final project
Complete program within six years. Programs are designed for completion within six
to 12 semesters.
Master’s-prepared students / Executive Healthcare Leadership concentration – 36-39 hours
Master’s-prepared students / APRN no concentration – 33 hours
BSN-prepared students / Nurse Executive Leadership concentration – 74 hours
BSN-prepared students / Clinical Concentration – 73-74 hours, depending on specific track
Complete a minimum 1,000 clinical hours. Credit will be given via a gap analysis for
some clinical hours earned during the master’s program. Each student, after admission
will be required to submit a portfolio for evaluation of clinical hours and after
evaluation, the required number of hours required in the DNP program will be outline
prior to matriculation
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earn a 3.0 or better in all required classes
and courses number 700 or higher
The Graduate School coordinates online applications to our master's and doctoral programs. There may
be supporting materials that are required along with your online application for graduate
admission, so be sure to review the requirements before you apply.
The DNP program (BSN entry) accepts students for summer entry.
Admission cycle for summer entry: Application opens - July 1 Early decision deadline - September 1 Priority decision deadline - November 1 Final decision deadline – February 1
The DNP program (Post-Master's entry) accepts students for fall entry.
Admission cycle for fall entry: Application opens - November 1 Early decision deadline - January 15 Priority decision deadline - March 1 Final decision deadline - May 1
All students must begin coursework the semester of acceptance.
Only a limited number or type of courses may be transferred into the program. To be
eligible, you must have earned a “B” or better in the proposed transfer credit class.
The university evaluates prior coursework for transfer, a process that generally takes
six months to determine approval.
View our Ask The Expert video sessions with Director of Graduate Admissions, Scott Ranges and Graduate Program faculty!
DNP student success
Learn on Your Schedule
“I returned to school to further my career, I have always wanted to practice in the provider
role. I received my BSN from USC and had great experience, I loved it so much I decided
to come back. Go Gamecocks! I have been able to work full-time while attending school
part-time and appropriately balance both. I am thankful for the support I have received
from faculty and my colleagues and leaders at work." - Saraann Fagan, ‘16 BSN, DNP student
Dedication to Excellence
I chose USC Nursing because of its reputable nursing programs and dedication to excellence.
The DNP program was essential for me in understanding the importance of leadership
and advocacy for the nursing profession.”- Dwayne Alleyne, ‘08 MSN, ‘20 DNP
Student Support
"The faculty were so supportive and guided me throughout my journey. They were genuinely
invested in my success. I’m so proud to be a Carolina Nurse!" - Laura Herbert, 19 DNP
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.