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Dual DNP-PhD

Preparing Clinician-Scientists

The dual DNP-PhD program prepares students for a dual role in research and advanced clinical practice in primary care. Students gain an essential skillset for conducting research and will be fully prepared to take the national board certification examination in their primary care specialty track upon graduation.

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Dual DNP-PhD Overview

The dual DNP-PhD in Nursing program admits students with an earned bachelor’s degree in nursing (BS) and requires full-time (nine credit hours minimum per term) enrollment for five years. Students can choose their specialty track for advanced practice from three primary care areas:

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM)
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Additional Information

    Dual DNP-PhD program applicants are required to complete separate applications for both the DNP and the PhD programs. Applications are reviewed by DNP specialty track faculty and PhD program faculty. Applicants must be accepted by both programs to enroll as a dual DNP-PhD student.  

    Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on December 1 to begin study the following fall. Incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.

    Join us at an information session in the fall to learn more about the dual DNP-PhD program. Dates and details will be posted at https://nursing.utah.edu/information

    ACADEMIC PROGRAM

    DNP

    PHD

    FOCUS Nursing practice Nursing research
    DEGREE OBJECTIVE Prepare the highest level of nursing practice scholars for clinical, administrative, and academic career; terminal degree in practice Prepare scholars for research and academic careers in public or private sectors of healthcare; terminal degree in research
    CAREERS High-level advanced leadership/practitioner within health care system, quality improvement management, health care informatics, clinical educator or professor, policymaker Nurse researcher, nurse scientist, policymaker, academic professor,  educator for health care facility, author
    CURRICULUM Coursework will focus on research and analytical methods, theory, and nursing science. Most programs allow student to specialize in research interests that will directly relate to their careers—this research will culminate in a dissertation. Coursework will focus on a combination of health care policy and advocacy, information systems and technology, health care quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and organizational/systems leadership.

    Contact Us

    DNP Program Manager 
    Shelley Kern, MPC
    Email: shelley.kern@nurs.utah.edu

    PhD Program Manager 
    Carrie Radmall
    Phone: 801-581-8798
    Email: carrie.radmall@nurs.utah.edu

    Office of Student Services
    Phone: 801-587-3194

    Welcome from the Assistant Deans

    Paula Meek, PhD, RN ,FAAN, ATSF
    Assistant Dean, PhD Programs
    Paula.Meek@nurs.utah.edu

    Julie Pelia Gee, PhD, MSNED, RN
    Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs
    juliepgee@nurs.utah.edu