Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Serve with purpose. Lead with compassion.

At Hawai‘i Pacific University, the online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares experienced nurses to lead health care transformation with cultural humility, clinical insight, and ethical leadership. This flexible, CCNE-accredited DNP program supports your advancement as a practitioner, educator, or systems-level leader — while you continue to serve your community.

Whether you’re a BSN-prepared RN or an MSN-prepared APRN, HPU offers two tailored DNP pathways that combine asynchronous online learning, clinical placement support, and a faculty-guided scholarly project.

Why Choose HPU's DNP Program?

Is This DNP Program Right for You?

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Hold a BSN or MSN and want to advance into leadership or systems-level roles
• Are passionate about improving outcomes, equity, and care delivery
• Want to apply research and evidence to real-world health challenges
• Prefer flexible, part-time study while continuing to work
• Value mentorship, cultural humility, and community-centered learning

The online DNP is designed for experienced nurses who are ready to take the lead in transforming health care at the clinical, organizational, or policy level.

Online DNP Curriculum Overview

The online DNP curriculum at Hawai‘i Pacific University is aligned with the AACN DNP Essentials and designed to prepare working nurses for advanced leadership, clinical, and systems-level roles. Program content varies by your entry point — either BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP — but both include clinical hours and a scholarly project that applies your knowledge in real-world settings.

BSN to DNP Pathway

The BSN to DNP curriculum combines foundational APRN training with advanced doctoral coursework. You’ll begin with core courses in advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, assessment, policy, and evidence-based practice, before moving into your chosen NP specialization and completing a faculty-guided scholarly project.

Choose from three specializations:

Each track includes over 1,000 clinical hours and prepares you to sit for national board certification and pursue APRN licensure in your state.

MSN to DNP Pathway

The MSN to DNP curriculum builds on your advanced practice background and focuses on systems transformation, policy, and clinical scholarship. You’ll complete eight doctoral-level courses and a scholarly project rooted in real-world application and leadership.

Key focus areas include:

• Evidence-based practice and research translation
• Health systems leadership and strategic planning
• Policy advocacy, population health, and ethics
• Informatics, quality improvement, and financial stewardship
• Doctoral project development and implementation

This pathway is ideal for APRNs, educators, and nurse leaders seeking to expand their impact across organizations and communities.

Scholarly Project: Leading Change Through Practice

All DNP students complete a faculty-guided scholarly project that demonstrates your ability to apply evidence-based practice and lead system-level improvements. This capstone project is completed in the final phase of the program and is supported by coursework, mentorship, and practicum hours.

Your project may focus on a specific population, setting, or health care challenge, such as:

• Reducing readmissions through coordinated discharge planning
• Expanding telehealth access for rural or underserved communities
• Improving screening protocols for mental health in primary care
• Standardizing ICU workflows for better patient safety

Projects are designed to be directly applicable to your current role or future goals.

Clinical Placement Support

HPU supports clinical placement to ensure your learning experience is aligned with your goals and meets certification requirements. Here’s what you can expect as an online DNP student at HPU:

• Clinical hours supported for NP specializations (BSN to DNP)
• Practicum hours aligned to project focus for MSN to DNP
• Placement assistance included for all students
• Sites selected based on location, specialty, and licensure

Tuition & Financial Aid

HPU offers competitive tuition, transparent pricing, and personalized support to help you plan your investment in a doctoral nursing degree.

• $1,065 per credit
• Total credits vary by entry point (BSN to DNP or MSN to DNP)
• Scholarships, grants, and employer reimbursement available
• Military and veteran benefits supported

FAQs: DNP Program