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DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) Curriculum-at-a-Glance


The Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is committed to transforming advanced nursing practice in preparing nurse practitioners and leaders through the following programs:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP

The BSN to DNP pathway is designed for registered nurses who have completed a BSN from an accredited institution and wish to earn their DNP. This pathway is ideal for graduating nursing students, recent BSN graduates, and experienced nurses who aspire to advance their careers and gain the highest level of clinical expertise.

Pre-Graduate Option (PGO) to DNP

The PGO to DNP pathway is for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field who wish to earn their DNP.

The PGO to DNP curriculum includes 1 to 2 additional courses taken during the summer prior to fall matriculation, ensuring all students are well-prepared to succeed in their advanced nursing studies and professional careers:

  • N525 Concepts of Professional Nursing III
  • Community/Population Health with Independent Study (Determined by gap analysis)

DNP Program Tracks:

Pursuing one of the fours tracks offered allows learners to tailor their advanced practice education to align with their career goals and interest in specific patient care areas.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track equips future clinicians with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers caring for acute, acute on chronic, and critically ill adult patients. 

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track curriculum is based on generalist training in primary care with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and chronic disease management across diverse settings and populations for ages 13 and older.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner track equips future FNPs to provide family-centered primary care, from wellness to illness, to diverse populations across the lifespan.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is geared towards providing classroom and clinical experience needed to address the mental health needs of patients across the lifespan.


Full-Time DNP (Doctor of Nursing Program) Curriculum

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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


Part-Time DNP (Doctor of Nursing Program) Curriculum

The DNP program is available on a part-time status during the first year curriculum only. The total length of the program would increase from 3 years full-time to 4 years part-time. The final 2 years of the DNP program must be taken on a full-time basis to accommodate the clinical practicum and scholarly project hour commitments.

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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


DE to DNP Curriculum tracks


Non-Degree Course Offerings

For those considering the DNP program, we invite interested students to take up to 3 courses (9 credits) as a non-degree student under Continuing Education at the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing. Non-degree courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters with a flexible enrollment process.

Up to 3 courses can apply towards DNP degree completion. Non-degree courses that are offered to consider include Advanced Pathophysiology and Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics. Please reach out to GSNadmissions@umassmed.edu for additional guidance.


DNP Curriculum Archive

Curriculum PDFs are available for students enrolled PRIOR TO FALL 2024.