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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.
Fall 2026
August 15 - May 31
Spring 2027
July 1 - October 15
Engage in in-depth online coursework, hands-on clinical rotations, immersive residencies and expert mentorship to develop advanced practice excellence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| NRDNP873 | Scholarly Inquiry in Practice Systems: Identifying and Framing the DNP Project Problem | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry & IRB | 3 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| NRDNP708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 38 | |
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.
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| Semester Total | 4 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| NRDNP873 | Scholarly Inquiry in Practice Systems: Identifying and Framing the DNP Project Problem | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 2 |
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry & IRB | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 38 | |
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.
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| NRDNP873 | Scholarly Inquiry in Practice Systems: Identifying and Framing the DNP Project Problem | 3 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
| 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 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| NRDNP875 | Palliative Care Management II | 3 |
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry & IRB | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 8 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 44 | |
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.
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRPHD708 | Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| NRDNP846 | Frameworks for Leadership | 3 |
| NRDNP874 | Palliative Care I | 3 |
| Semester Total | 9 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP860 | Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 4 |
| NRDNP875 | Palliative Care II | 3 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP873 | Scholarly Inquiry in Practice Systems: Identifying and Framing the DNP Project Problem | 3 |
| NRDNP836 | Informatics in Healthcare Delivery | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP858 | Evidence-based Practice, Quality & Safety | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 2 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP862 | Practice Inquiry & IRB | 3 |
| NRDNP830 | Applied Healthcare Economics & Finance | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP850 | Organizational Theory & Healthcare Management | 3 |
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 3 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NRDNP890 | Residency | 5 |
| Semester Total | 5 | |
| Curriculum Minimum Total | 44 | |
Additional palliative care clinical hours may also be added dependent on individual student goals/needs with the course NRDNP876.
Graduate students can elect to add Nurse Educator courses to include:
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSM615 | Methodology of Online Teaching | 3 |
| NURSM703 | Instructinoal Processes | 3 |
| NURSM713 | Curriculum Design & Development | 3 |
| NRPHD800 | Mentored Teaching | 3 |
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.
Build connections through virtual cohorts, annual on-campus residencies and a vibrant online community that supports peer learning and professional growth.
Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.
All applicants must:
Our admissions committee provides preference to applicants with a nursing GPA of 3.0 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs. These include a range of observational, communication, motor, intellectual and behavioral skills necessary for safe and effective practice.
The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.
MUSC's College of Nursing degree programs are unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.
Explore tuition, program costs and financial support for the DNP - Post-MSN program designed for APRNs ready to advance their leadership and impact in health care.
Tuition and fees listed below apply to the 2025 to 2026 academic year and are per semester unless otherwise noted.
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 |
| Clinical Course Fee (per course) | $250 |
| Online Program Fee (additional fee per credit hour) | $70 |
| NRDNP890 Course Fee | $233 |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | - |
The Cost of Attendance, or COA, is an estimate of a student's total educational expenses for an enrollment period. The information below reflects the 2025-26 academic year. The COA includes tuition and fees, which are direct costs billed to you by the university, as well as indirect costs you may incur, including food, housing, transportation, books, etc.
The COA is important because it reflects the maximum amount a student may borrow in an academic year to attend the program.
With careful budgeting, students can substantially lower their indirect costs, so their actual expenses are well below the COA. MUSC's Office of Student Financial Literacy can help students develop a budget that supports their educational and personal financial goals.
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs |
|||
| In-State Tuition | $24,348 | $16,232 | $40,580 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $32,574 | $21,716 | $54,290 |
| Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $7,560 |
| Fees | $4,180 | $2,880 | $7,060 |
| In-State Total Direct Costs | $32,308 | $22,892 | $55,200 |
| Out-of-State Total Direct Costs | $40,534 | $28,376 | $68,910 |
| Indirect Costs |
|||
| Living Expenses (Food and Housing) | $24,882 | $18,096 | $42,978 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $2,640 | $1,920 | $4,560 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,160 | $5,130 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | $5,114 | $1,886 | $7,000 |
| Total Indirect Costs | $35,606 | $24,062 | $59,668 |
| In-State Total Costs | $67,914 | $46,954 | $114,868 |
| Out-of-State Total Costs | $76,140 | $52,438 | $128,578 |
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.
Whitney A. Smith, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GNP, is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from MUSC.
Amy Williams is an Associate Professor in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program at The Medical University of South Carolina. She received her BSN, MSN to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, and DNP from The Medical University of South Carolina. She is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.
Dr. Williams has practiced pediatric nursing since beginning her career, first as a bedside nurse in an infant and toddler unit, then as a nurse practitioner both in pediatric pulmonology and pediatric primary care, where she still maintains an active practice. Dr. Williams is certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB). She currently provides primary care for pediatric patients at MUSC University Pediatrics- Northwoods in North Charleston, South Carolina. The clinic has a large Spanish-speaking population; Dr. Williams speaks Spanish in her practice. Dr. Williams serves on the board of PASOs, a statewide Latinx advocacy organization. She weaves her clinical and advocacy knowledge into her teaching in the DNP program.
Hannah Robidoux, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is an Assistant Professor and Lead Faculty for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) programs in the College of Nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. She oversees the PMHNP Certificate and PMHNP MSN/DNP programs. Dr. Robidoux advanced to the rank of Assistant Professor in 2024 and assumed the role of Lead PMHNP Faculty in July 2025.
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).
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.
The DNP – Post-MSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
Upon completion of the DNP – Post-MSN program, graduates should be able to:
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Hear from DNP students whose journeys highlight support, transformation and leadership in nursing.
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.