George Mason University’s DNP program is ranked #1 among public institutions by U.S. News and World Report.
Quick Links
- MSN to DNP Pathway
- BSN to DNP Pathway
- George Mason University Mission
- College of Public Health Mission
- School of Nursing Mission
Contact Info
Victoria Hough
Administrative Assistant, School of Nursing
vhough@gmu.edu
703-993-1961
Coordinators
K. Pierre Eklou
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner & Nursing Administration programs
keklou@gmu.edu
Shanti Chang
Family Nurse Practitioner & Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs
schang13@gmu.edu
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Prepare for the highest level of nursing practice with Mason’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Emphasis is placed on leadership, deconstructing research and putting the evidence into practice, providing better patient-centered care with systems thinking, and engaging in advocacy. Mason offers you the flexibility to tailor the DNP program to your future professional goals
Strong Learning Outcomes
Ranked #1 among public institutions by U.S. News and World Report, our DNP program will transform you into a strong leader in healthcare.
Clinical Experience
Put your advanced knowledge to work by completing 1,000 precepted/mentored clinical hours and two practice inquiry project (PIP) courses over two semesters.
Program Flexibility
Classes are held on the Fairfax campus in a flexible hybrid or executive format. Advanced clinical expertise development is offered in traditional format. Find complete curriculum details in the university catalog.
Concentrations
Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Focus on the care and treatment of adults from later adulthood to end of life. You’ll advance your knowledge on how to assess and manage states of health and illness, develop strategies to reduce risks and improve health outcomes, and more. Courses include Health Assessment in Clinical Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics, Physiology and Pathophysiology in Advanced Practice, and more.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNUP)
Advance your knowledge of the care and treatment of patients of all ages. You’ll gain the critical thinking, problem solving, and research skills you need to take the next step of your nursing career into a leadership role. Courses include Decision Making and Pharmacologic Management in Practice, Health Assessment Practicum, Family Primary Care I, and more.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHN)
Learn to provide a wide range of mental health services to patients and families in a variety of settings. You’ll advance your skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions across the lifespan. Courses include Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders, Individual Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychopharmacology, and more.
Nursing Administration (NUAD)
Prepare for administrative leadership roles in healthcare organizations and advanced clinical practice. Courses include Financial Management in Health Systems, Administrative Theory in Nursing, Administrative Strategies in Nursing, and more.
Flexible Formats
Students who hold an RN license may enter the DNP program either post-baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) or post-master's (MSN to DNP).
Certification
Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Faculty
George Mason's School of Nursing faculty are not only skilled educators dedicated to their students’ success, they are also nursing professionals who make impactful contributions to their field.
Opportunities
The DNP degree program is focused on real-world experience. Our students are out in the field regularly working alongside their expert professors in clinical care. Throughout the program, Mason nurses serve underrepresented communities (including jail systems, homeless shelters, community centers, and more) through nurse-led MAP clinics.
Mason’s College of Public Health is also home to the first interdisciplinary Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab in Virginia. DNP students acquire new skills through hands-on learning and applying classroom theory to this immersive environment.
Graduates of the program will be able to assume many roles in the health care system, including direct patient care, clinical nursing faculty, practice management, and policy development.
Outcomes
The College of Public Health’s Career Advising Center is committed to providing career advising, internship, and job support for undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.
This support paired with experiential learning opportunities leads to impressive alumni outcomes:
- 89% of employed graduates work full-time
- 89% work in a field related to career goals
Information for International Students
The College's faculty and staff value diverse opinions, perspectives, and world views. An educational environment in which students are encouraged to explore and celebrate diversity provides a powerful foundation on which to launch successful careers in national and international health and human services organizations.
We encourage international students to apply to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which requires applicants to submit an application for graduate admission to the university.
Accreditation
The Doctoral of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) is an CCNE-accredited program for those nurses who want to achieve the highest level of nursing practice. They ensure that evidenced-based research is translated into practice in order to advance the field of nursing.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.