Advance your nursing career with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Public and Community Health
USC Upstate’s DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses in Public and Community Health Nursing to take on vital leadership roles.
You will appreciate that our primary goal is to provide advanced knowledge and leadership practice to nurses. We are dedicated to helping nurses improve health outcomes for patients, families, and populations, transform healthcare, and reduce costs.
Open Doors to Impactful Roles
Shape communities and healthcare. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from USC Upstate is your gateway to diverse and impactful roles in healthcare.
Elevate Your impact
with a 2-Year Journey
In just 2 years, gain evidence-based skills to enhance patient outcomes and drive change. Become a leader in nursing education and practice.
Empower
Yourself
Our online DNP program (37 credit hours) is tailored to make you a successful healthcare professional. Equip yourself to tackle complex healthcare challenges in any organization.
Jonathan Green, DNP Program
“My passion for helping the impoverished and ensuring high-quality patient care led me to this program. I saw the DNP as a way to amplify my impact—whether by advancing nursing practice, integrating evidence-based care, or advocating for patients who need it most.”
learn more about the program!
USC Upstate’s academic catalog gives you detailed information about the major, courses, and any additional requirements. To complete the nursing graduate degree, you will need 37-40 credit hours.
You can also contact your admissions counselor to assist you in your next steps. Please get in touch with our nursing advisor if you have any questions about the program.
Earn this degree 100% online.
Our online Programs are:
• Convenient • Affordable • Relevant
Choose from this doctoral program or a master’s in Nursing that can be completed entirely online.
Ready to get started? Speak with admissions and let us help you start the admission process and give you more details about your program.
Lead with Vision
Develop advanced insights to guide innovative solutions in healthcare. As a DNP graduate, take on leadership roles and steer positive transformations. Make strategic decisions based on data and insight.
Five Ways Your DNP Empowers You:
- Enhance healthcare quality
- Analyze system outcomes
- Drive programs at all levels
- Catalyze organizational change
- Deliver transformative care
Admission Made Simple
Start your journey by meeting our admission criteria: a current RN license without restrictions, BSN, and MSN from an accredited institution (or completed MSN by class start). Apply online and choose the DNP program. Submit transcripts and fees for acceptance.
Paying for your degree
Consider the BOLD Career Pathways Nursing Faculty Loan Program, a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with USC Upstate. This unique opportunity is tailored for practicing nurses, nursing students on the verge of graduation, and other individuals holding a nursing degree.
Access up to $30,000 per academic year in tuition reimbursement, with a potential total of $90,000 making earning your doctorate even more appealing.
But it’s not just about financial aid – it’s about you making a difference in the future of nursing in our state. As a participant in the program, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact by serving in a nursing faculty role for a minimum of two years. This invaluable experience not only enhances your own career but contributes to the growth and development of the next generation of nursing professionals.
Learn more about the BOLD Career Pathways Nursing Faculty Loan Program and how you can become a driving force in shaping the future of healthcare.
DNP ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must meet and/or furnish the following criteria:
- Completed application and residency form with supporting documents.
- Preferred cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for graduate coursework.
- Transcripts: All graduate applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges or universities from which they earned a degree or certificate. In some cases, transcripts may be required even if a degree was not completed to verify prerequisite work was completed. Include transcripts for all BSN and MSN coursework. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to USC Upstate or delivered in a sealed envelope bearing a registrar’s stamp.
- Personal goal statement (Applicants are required to submit a 1 – 2 page that describe career goals and how the DNP Degree with a concentration in Public and Community Health will be utilized)
- Current CV or Resume (in addition to their education and professional experiences, to include any certifications, leadership experiences, experiences with diverse or underserved population, paid or volunteer healthcare experiences)
- A letter of reference that attests to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency and personal character from doctoral-prepared registered nurses or physician.
- Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license in state where clinical experiences will occur.
- Must be licensed in the United States
- Current BLS certification.
- No GRE Required
Required Prerequisites
Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from a nationally accredited program
Unencumbered, active registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license in state where clinical experiences occur