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Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN
book_2 Learning Mode: Online
Program Overview
Built for nurses who hold a master's degree, this hybrid program elevates your ability to lead systems-level change and deliver exceptional care. You will deepen clinical judgment, translate evidence into practice and design quality initiatives that improve outcomes for patients and populations. Flexible hybrid delivery supports your work and life while you learn from dedicated faculty and an engaged peer network. Through purposeful coursework and mentored practice experiences, you will strengthen your voice as a leader who advances patient advocacy . Graduates emerge prepared to influence policy, steward resources wisely and guide teams to consistent, measurable improvement.
Application Timeline
Fall 2026
August 15 - May 1
Spring 2027
July 1 - September 15
Learning Experience
Engage in in-depth online coursework, hands-on clinical rotations, immersive residencies and expert mentorship to develop advanced practice excellence.
Inside the Program
The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN at MUSC is built for nurses who are ready to elevate their leadership and clinical influence in today’s complex health care environment. Designed to deepen your expertise in evidence-based practice, health systems, and interprofessional collaboration, the curriculum helps you advance as a nurse leader who shapes patient care, influences policy, and drives meaningful change within health systems.
You will engage in purposeful online coursework that expands your knowledge of key topics, including organizational theory, epidemiology, quality and safety, and leadership frameworks. Courses are structured to build sequentially, so you can integrate new insights into your current practice while continuing to work. By combining theory with real-world health care challenges, the program prepares you to think strategically and apply innovative solutions to improve outcomes.
Personalized mentorship and scholarly growth
Throughout the program, you receive guidance from faculty who are active in clinical practice, academia, and health leadership. This mentorship supports your development as a reflective practitioner and scholar. As you progress, you will refine your ability to analyze complex systems, critique evidence, and contribute to quality improvement that matters in your own setting.
Two pathways aligned with your goals
You can choose between two areas of study depending on your career aspirations. Whether your path emphasizes Advanced Practice Nursing or a specialized focus such as Lifespan in Palliative Care, the curriculum is structured to enhance your capacity to lead, transform care, and advance nursing practice across a range of clinical environments.
Learning that fits your professional life
Delivered predominantly online with opportunities for immersive experiences, this program offers the flexibility you need to balance work, life, and doctoral study. As you move through your coursework, you strengthen the scholarly foundation that prepares you to translate evidence into practice and drive improvements that matter to patients, teams, and communities.
Curriculum
Advanced Practice Nursing - Fall Start
The fall start Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN with an area of study in Advanced Practice Nursing curriculum consists of 38 credits and is designed to be completed in five semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings IV | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry and IRB | 3 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 38 | |
Advanced Practice Nursing - Spring Start
The spring start Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN with an area of study in Advanced Practice Nursing curriculum consists of 38 credits and is designed to be completed in seven semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 4 | |
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings IV | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 2 |
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
Year 2, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry and IRB | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 3, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 38 | |
Lifespan in Palliative Care - Fall Start
The fall start Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN with an area of study in Lifespan Palliative Care curriculum consists of 44 credits and is designed to be completed in five semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP860 | App Epi Biostatistics Healthcare | 4 |
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings IV | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRDNP874 | Palliative Care Management I | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| NRDNP875 | Palliative Care Management II | 3 |
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry and IRB | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Adv Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 44 | |
Lifespan in Palliative Care - Spring Start
The spring start Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-MSN with an area of study in Lifespan Palliative Care curriculum consists of 44 credits and is designed to be completed in seven semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| NRDNP874 | Palliative Care I | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 4 |
| NRDNP875 | Palliative Care II | 3 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP873 | Scientific Underpinnings IV | 3 |
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-Based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 2 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
Year 2, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry and IRB | 3 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 2, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
Year 3, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Curriculum Total | 44 | |
Additional palliative care clinical hours may be added based on individual student goals/needs via NRDNP876.
Graduate students can elect to add Nurse Educator courses to include the following.
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSM615 | Methodology of Online Nursing Education | 3 |
| NURSM703 | Instructional Processes | 3 |
| NURSM713 | Curriculum Design & Development | 3 |
| NRPHD800 | Mentored Teaching | 3 |
Clinical Education
Clinical education is a vital component of the Post-MSN DNP program. Students build on their prior master’s-level experiences through advanced, faculty-guided clinical training designed to expand competencies in leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient care. Faculty work closely with each student to ensure that clinical experiences align with program expectations, professional standards, and exposure to a broad range of patient populations.
Students pursuing the Psychiatric Mental Health (PMH) certificate also engage in structured clinical experiences across multiple semesters, with faculty providing mentorship and oversight to ensure readiness for advanced practice roles.
Areas of Study
You’ll choose one area of study to guide your advanced practice journey. Each prepares you to meet today’s health care challenges with clinical expertise, compassion and purpose.
The Advanced Practice Nursing area of study is designed for certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) seeking to elevate their leadership in direct care, systems improvement and health policy. Through this pathway, students build upon their existing clinical expertise and acquire advanced skills in evidence-based practice, clinical scholarship and interprofessional collaboration. The curriculum strengthens critical thinking and prepares APRNs to serve as catalysts for transformative change across the continuum of care.
Graduates are positioned to lead health care innovations in complex practice environments and drive measurable improvements in population health. Emphasizing quality improvement, informatics and organizational leadership, this area of study reflects MUSC's commitment to shaping confident, forward-thinking leaders who are ready to take on emerging challenges in health care and deliver real impact in their communities.
The Lifespan Palliative Care area of study prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver expert, compassionate care. Students gain advanced clinical skills in symptom management, communication and psychosocial support while learning to lead interprofessional teams in health care environments. The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making and person-centered approaches that preserve dignity and enhance quality of life.
Rooted in MUSC's mission to improve health and transform care, this pathway empowers nurses to become change agents in one of the fastest-growing fields in health care. Graduates are uniquely positioned to lead palliative care innovations, expand access to services and ensure that individuals and families receive holistic, evidence-based care throughout their health care journey.
Engage with our community
Build connections through virtual cohorts, annual on-campus residencies and a vibrant online community that supports peer learning and professional growth.
Funding your path forward
Explore cost awareness, financial aid options and scholarships designed explicitly for APRNs transitioning into doctoral studies.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 |
Course Fees
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Clinical Course Fee (per course) | $250 |
| NRDNP 890, Residency | $233 |
| Online Program Fee (additional fee per credit hour) | $70 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
Full-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $8,116 | $8,116 | $8,116 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $10,858 | $10,858 | $10,858 | - |
| Program Fee | $560 | $560 | $560 | - |
Part-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $835 | $835 | $835 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $1,120 | $1,120 | $1,120 | - |
| Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $285 | $285 | $285 | - |
Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | |||
| Tuition – In-state/Out-of-state | $24,348 / $32,574 | $16,232 / $21,716 | $40,580 / $54,290 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $7,560 |
| Fees | $4,180 | $2,880 | $7,060 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $32,308 / $40,534 | $22,892 / $28,376 | $55,200 / $68,910 |
| Indirect Costs | |||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $18,096 | $42,978 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $1,920 | $4,560 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,160 | $5,130 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $5,114 | $1,886 | $7,000 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $35,606 / $35,606 | $24,062 / $24,062 | $59,668 / $59,668 |
| Total – In-state/Out-of-state | $67,914 / $76,140 | $46,954 / $52,438 | $114,868 / $128,578 |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees.
If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Program Faculty
Whitney Smith, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP
Co-Director of Education and Outreach
Amy Williams
Hannah Robidoux, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee review each application in its entirety. Undergraduate and BSN GPA, professional goals and references are used in the decision-making process. Another important aspect is what an applicant shares in their essay, as well as their leadership and volunteer experiences.
MUSC accepts applications to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program from students who live in all states except the following: Louisiana, Arizona, Oregon, Mississippi and Washington.
The College of Nursing is an integral part of the Medical University of South Carolina, which is the only academic health science center in the state. We are widely recognized for providing a supportive learning environment that has a low student-to-faculty ratio, expert faculty and preceptors as well as highly successful complex clinical settings.
We do offer a campus virtual tour and multiple information sessions to educate prospective students about the programs we offer in the College of Nursing. For more information on current sessions and when tours will resume, please visit our campus tours page.
All newly admitted DNP students will travel to MUSC to attend orientation held over the summer. Students living in South Carolina will present their project proposal during NRDNP 862 and the final poster presentation during the last Residency course on campus. Out-of-state students in these courses are able to present remotely. In addition, Post-MSN certificate students will have to travel to campus during NRDNP 856B and NRDNP 865. Please refer to the posted program plans of study to determine if and when these classes are scheduled. Each of these visits is 2-4 days and students are given at least 90 days’ notice of exact dates.
The integrity of our doctoral coursework, mentoring, and interaction with faculty and students is preserved in our online doctoral program through the use of synchronous and asynchronous technology. The only thing that differs between an online and campus-based program is the method through which access is achieved - through advanced technology and yearly Residency programs.
The DNP program consists of four post-baccalaureate clinical specializations all with a primary care focus, which include adult-gerontology, pediatric, family, psychiatric mental health and acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, and a post-master's option for advanced practice nurses. A DNP student may elect to take education courses as well.
The Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program will open in Fall 2026.
Please click here to learn more about about the similarities and differences between a Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant.
Please click here to review your options of adding Nurse Educator courses to your plan of study.
The Board of Nursing for each state dictates licensure requirements for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. MUSC College of Nursing applicants and students should familiarize themselves with the requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice using this site. DNP graduates are eligible to sit for national certification (ANCC, AANP, PNCB) in their specified track (A/GNP, FNP, PMHNP, PNP, ACPNP).
Living in Charleston
Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents, striking a balance between work and leisure.
Guided by purpose & principles
Grounded in evidence-based health care practice and community impact, the program aligns with MUSC’s commitment to purposeful leadership, professional integrity and patient-centered care.
Objectives
The DNP – Post-MSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Advance the integration of clinical practice and applied research to inform health system innovation, policy and improved patient outcomes.
- Assume scholarly leadership roles across multiple settings, contributing to ethical and system-level improvements in health care delivery.
- Engage in lifelong, evidence-informed inquiry that shapes professional practice, education and health care systems in regional and broader societal contexts.
Competencies
Upon completion of the DNP – Post-MSN program, graduates should be able to:
- Critically evaluate and synthesize scientific literature to guide evidence-based practice and health system redesign.
- Design, implement and assess rigorous practice improvement projects that reflect ethical principles and scholarly rigor.
- Demonstrate advanced leadership in clinical, policy or organizational contexts to influence care quality and health outcomes.
- Employ health informatics, epidemiology and biostatistics to analyze complex data and drive system-level decision-making.
- Advocate effectively for health policy development and reform using scholarly and ethical reasoning.
- Contribute to the scholarly community through dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed forums, interprofessional collaboration and teaching.
Vision
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
Mission
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories worth sharing
Hear from DNP students whose journeys highlight support, transformation and leadership in nursing.
College of Nursing + Nursing Lifelines
Hearst Foundation Scholarship Paves the Way for Aspiring Nurse
College of Nursing
MUSC College of Nursing Announces Interim Academic Leadership Appointments
Giving Impact + College of Medicine
Three inspiring MUSC scholarship stories: How donors and students are changing health care together
Accreditation & Recognition
Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online DNP program empowers graduates to pursue national certification and licensure, preparing them to become competent leaders in advanced nursing practice.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at the Medical University of South Carolina are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. CCNE accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.