The online DNP Emergency Nurse Practitioner option for master's-prepared family nurse practitioners is intended to prepare nurses to practice in emergency and urgent care settings. Graduates are educated to effectively advance the management of individuals, families and the population to improve the safety and quality of patient care. In addition to obtaining the DNP degree outcomes, this option allows you the following opportunities:
- Obtain specialty certification as an emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
- Expand your practice to include urgent care facilities and hospital-based emergency departments
- Provide care congruent with the Emergency Nurses Association Competencies for Nurse Practitioners in Emergency Care
- Increase your marketability as a provider with multiple certifications (FNP and ENP)
This program is completed in 24 months. Courses are offered online with minimal campus visits.
Why Samford?
- Earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice online without having to relocate
- Participate in cutting edge, web-based learning with clinical experiences close to home
- Access all coursework and resources anywhere, anytime and from any internet-connected electronic device
- Complete clinical hours in a variety of primary care sites across the United States, ranging from pediatrics to obstetrics/gynecology to adult/geriatrics
- Receive instruction from experienced nurse practitioners and physicians who are dedicated to excellent patient care and student education
- Receive close, personal attention from highly educated and experienced faculty who are readily available to you
- Experience a rich tradition of high academic standards and quality education practices
- Access to Samford’s beautiful campus and all the amenities that Samford has to offer
Admission Information
Emergency Nurse Practitioner Admission Dates
Summer DNP Entry Month: May
Slate Application Deadline: January 15, 2024
Admission Criteria
- Unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse
- National certification as a family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Master's degree from a CCNE, CNEA or ACEN (formerly NLNAC) and institutionally accredited college or university in the area of family nurse practitioner (FNP)
- Master's degree cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Emergency department or critical care experience preferred
- A video interview submission
- American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $750 is required to secure admission to the program. This fee is applied to the first semester's tuition.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts can be sent electronically to gradnurse@samford.edu or by mail to:
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Graduate Student Services
800 Lakeshore Drive
Birmingham, AL 35229 - Three letters of recommendation – two professional (at least one supervisor) and one academic
- Personal statement indicating career plans and likelihood of success in graduate study
- Professional resume
- California
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- New York
- Oregon
Practicum & Clinical Hours
This program of study requires clinical hours with patients across the lifespan in an emergency setting. The minimum number of clinical hours per course are noted in red on each plan of study below. Students should anticipate spending an average of 16 hours each week in clinical rotations (clinical courses only).
The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing has affiliation agreements with several clinical agencies across numerous states, with the majority being in the Southeast. Students may request additional affiliation agreements based on preceptor availability and proximity. Professional and personal connections are essential to help secure clinical placement opportunities close to home.
Clinical placements can be very competitive and similar to obtaining employment. Many facilities require an application, resume and/or interview with prospective clinical students. Professionalism and good communication skills are critical for successful placement. Traveling for clinical opportunities is sometimes needed to meet requirements and/or learning needs. The school does not arrange or provide reimbursement for travel.
Plan of Study
Traditional Plans of Study
Fall Start
No plan of study is available
Spring Start
No plan of study is available
Summer Start
Nurse Faculty Loan Plans of Study
Fall Start
No plan of study is available.
Spring Start
No plan of study is available.
Summer Start
Periodic On-Campus Requirements
The majority of the program is accomplished through asynchronous learning modules provided on-line in Canvas. There are periodic synchronous sessions via Zoom (typically one-two per semester). Students are required to be on-campus in Birmingham, Alabama a total of two or three times depending on the plan of study selected. The campus visits are generally two-three days in length and students are notified of the dates at least three months in advance.
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for in-state and out-of-state students can be found on our graduate tuition worksheet. Tuition may be paid online or at Samford One Stop, and must be paid by the first day of each semester/term. Policies and methods for tuition and fee payment can be found in the Samford University catalog and the Samford One Stop website.
Fees are automatically generated following registration. For a full list of university, school and course fees please view our graduate fees worksheet.
The following additional fees are applicable for the 2023-2024 academic year:
- Background check – cost varies by state
Financial Aid
A financial assistance program administered by Samford One Stop has been established to aid students in attending Samford University.
To learn more about financial aid options, please visit the Samford One Stop or call 205-726-2905.
*The nursing school offers certificate-only programs, which are not eligible for federal aid. However, educational expenses related to these certificates may be covered by private loans or institutional scholarships. Please contact the financial advisor for nursing students for additional information.
Other options are also available, such as the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. For additional information concerning these opportunities, please contact graduate admission in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing.
Scholarships
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing is proud to offer a variety of scholarship opportunities.
Through our Nurse Faculty Loan Program, you could qualify for up to 85% loan forgivness.
The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing, Master's Degree Program in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Program at Samford University, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
