DNP Program Requirements

Academic Performance

Progression in the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program is contingent upon satisfactory academic achievement in all required courses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above in all courses taken for credit as a DNP student at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing to be awarded the DNP degree. All DNP students must successfully complete an oral presentation of their DNP project.

A grade of “I” (Incomplete) in a course is awarded when a student is meeting expectations in that course, is earning a passing grade, and due to extenuating circumstances is unable to complete a portion of the work on time for grade submission. This must be pre-arranged with course faculty, before the date on which grades are due. If a student receives a grade of “I” they have until the 11^th week of the following semester to complete the outstanding work. In this case the “I” will convert to the grade earned. If a student does not complete the outstanding work by the 11^th week of the following semester, in accordance with University policy, the grade will be converted to a failing grade (“F” or “NP”). Please refer to the full Incomplete policy in the School of Graduate Studies section of the CWRU Bulletin.

If a student receives a grade of “F” or “NP” as the final grade in a required course, that grade will be entered on the transcript. The student will be required to repeat the course during the next semester in which the course is offered and will not be allowed to enroll in other courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite.

DNP Project

The DNP program culminates in successful completion of the DNP project. The DNP project is designed by the student in collaboration with a three-member committee approved by the Program Director. The project must focus on a practice issue related to improving patient outcomes. The project report can take the form of a thesis or a manuscript suitable for publication. The procedures and written report must conform to the regulations of the FPB School of Nursing.

Please refer to the DNP Guidelines and Forms page for further details.

Students must successfully present their completed DNP project in an oral presentation with their committee members who are responsible for certifying that it meets acceptable scholarly standards. The presentation is open to faculty and students; the chair determines whether the defense is open to those outside of the University. The committee determines the adequacy of the oral presentation and written product. A student will pass if two or more of the committee members agree that the student successfully responded to questions during the oral presentation and the written product met scholarly standards.

Completion of Program

Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program (PMDNP) students have five years to complete the program. In unusual circumstances, students may petition the Program Director for individual consideration of this policy. 

If a student does not register for courses without an approved LOA for two years (Fall & Spring), it will be necessary for the student to apply to be reinstated in the program. The student should submit the Post-Master’s DNP application form, essays and one recent recommendation. The essays should address how the student plans to be successful in completing the program. The student should contact the advisor to determine if the advisor agrees with the plan and the advisor and Program Director will make the decision about the need to repeat coursework. Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies’ full policy regarding Leave of Absence and absence for maternity/paternity leaves and military service.