DNP Student Handbook 2026-2027 - Rev. July 20, 2026

Sep 21, 2026

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DNP Student Handbook 2026-2027 provides guidance for students enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It introduces the program’s practice-focused doctoral mission to prepare clinical leaders and advanced practice nurses (including APRN concentrations) to drive innovation in nursing practice and healthcare. The handbook outlines program outcomes and expectations emphasizing translation of research findings into evidence-based practice, leadership for patient safety and quality improvement, and competence in interpreting research, measuring system and population outcomes, and using appropriate information systems and technology. It also lists key academic and clinical support areas, policies, and program contact information for students’ progression and degree completion planning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Welcome to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

General Information

Program Outcomes

DNP Core Competencies

DNP Program Overview

Curriculum Plan

Student Requirements and Progression

Student Enrollment Status

Student Advisement

Clinical Residency Requirement & Scholarly Project Development Process

DNP Scholarly Project Advisory Committee

Steps and Timeline for Project Completion and Work with Committee

Multiple Author Policy

IRB Approval

Degree Completion and Graduation

Use of Degree Credentials

Time Limits for Degree Completion

Amount of Transfer Credit Accepted

Financial Aid

Grades Required

Grading and Appeal Policies

Student Complaints

Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

DNP Program Instructional Technology Requirements

Clinical and Health Requirements

Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP) Program DNP Student Handbook 2026-2027 Rev. July 20, 2026 Table of Contents Welcome to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program 3 General Information 4 Program Outcomes 4 DNP Core Competencies 5 Other UNC Charlotte Handbooks 5 DNP Program Overview 6 DNP Program Contact Persons 6 Curriculum Plan 6 Student Enrollment Status 11 Student Advisement 11 Overview of Clinical Residency Requirement & Scholarly Project Development Process 12 A. Course Requirements for Clinical Residency – Post-Master’s DNP ONLY: 12 B. Course Requirements for Clinical Residency – Nurse Anesthesia DNP 14 C. Requirements and Process for DNP Scholarly Project Development & Completion 14 B. Sites for Clinical Residency/Project Development 16 DNP Scholarly Project Advisory Committee 17 Steps and Timeline for Project Completion and Work with Committee 17 Multiple Author Policy 19 IRB Approval 20 Degree Completion and Graduation 20 Use of Degree Credentials 20 Time Limits for Degree Completion 20 Amount of Transfer Credit Accepted 21 Financial Aid: Contact UNC Charlotte ’s financial aid office for information. 21 Grades Required 21 Grading and Appeal Policies 21 Student Complaints 21 Office of Civil Rights and Title IX 22 DNP Program Instructional Technology Requirements 22 Clinical and Health Requirements 22 Welcome to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program The faculty and staff at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte ( UNC Charlotte) welcome you to the Doctor of Nursing Practice ( DNP) program. We are proud to offer our DNP program to students interested in advancing their clinical practice, scholarship, and leadership skills. Our DNP program is a practice-focused doctoral program designed to prepare health systems/organizational nursing leaders (non-APRNs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to lead innovation in nursing practice and healthcare. The Post-Master’s DNP program educates nurses prepared in advanced practice nursing roles ( NP, CRNA, CNL, CNM, and CNS) or health systems/organizational leadership in clinical inquiry, scholarship, policy, and innovation in health care. The post-baccalaureate Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan DNP provides students both the theory and clinical practice required to meet the educational requirements to take the national certifying examination upon graduation. The DNP degree prepares graduates of both concentrations to analyze systems of care and provide transformational leadership to improve patient safety, quality of care, and implement evidence-based, person-centered healthcare practices. Translation of research findings into evidence-based practice is emphasized throughout the program, and broad goals of the program include the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply research findings to clinical and systems/population level practice settings, determine and measure system and population outcomes, manage information systems, and use appropriate technology for health and risk management and communication. We are committed to preparing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals who will achieve the DNP as their terminal degree in nursing for clinical practice. This handbook serves as a guide to the DNP program; it ensures clarity regarding the curriculum requirements and progression criteria for the DNP program. It is our hope that you will find the handbook helpful as you progress through the program. On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration, we wish you much success as you pursue your doctoral education with us through the DNP Program at UNC Charlotte. Our goal is for you to experience a supportive, innovative, and rich learning environment as you complete your degree and educational journey For general DNP program information, please contact: Dr. Katherine Shue-McGuffin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CHSE UNC Charlotte Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Coordinator Clin

FAQs

What is the purpose of the DNP program and who is it designed to prepare?

The program is practice-focused and designed to prepare health systems/organizational nursing leaders and advanced practice registered nurses to lead innovation in nursing practice and healthcare. It emphasizes transformational leadership to improve patient safety and quality of care.

What competencies and program outcomes are emphasized throughout the handbook?

The program emphasizes interpreting, analyzing, and applying research findings to clinical and systems/population level practice settings. It also highlights measuring system and population outcomes, managing information systems, and using appropriate technology for health and risk communication.

Where can students get general program contact and support information?

The handbook provides a general contact section for DNP program information, including the named program coordinator and associated school and college details. Students can use this contact information for questions about the DNP program.

Sep 21, 2026

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