APNI-DNP Prelicensure Coursework

Learn more about the courses you'll take to prepare for RN licensure as a student in the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) to DNP pathway—designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Prelicensure Overview

The Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) to DNP pathway is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who want to become advanced practice registered nurses. Prior to beginning the advanced practice curriculum, students complete prelicensure nursing coursework and clinical experiences that prepare them for RN licensure and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After successfully completing the prelicensure portion of the program and passing the NCLEX-RN, students continue into the doctoral curriculum and follow the program of study for their selected nurse practitioner specialty.

Students choose from one of five nurse practitioner specialties when applying to the program:

Below are the prelicensure programs of study for both the 2026–27 academic year (quarter calendar) and the 2027–28 academic year (semester calendar).

Program of study is listed as proposed to WABON, and currently subject to their review and approval. Nursing programs of study may change periodically to address state regulations, national accreditation, professional standards, licensing and certification requirements, and quality improvements to the curriculum. All nursing courses begin with prefix NURS.

2026-2027 Academic Year Prelicensure Program of Study

During the 2026-2027 academic year, 探花精选 will operate on a quarter calendar system. Under the quarter calendar system, the prelicensure coursework for APNI-DNP students lasts 5 academic quarters and includes 67 credits.

Summer Quarter (12 credits) - Foundational Courses for RN Practice

5024 Pathophysiology

5041 Foundational Concepts and Skills for Nursing Lab

5141 Foundational Concepts and Skills for Nursing Theory

Fall Quarter (17 credits) - Application of Nursing Process in Pediatric and Community Settings

5005 Pharmacology for Nursing Care

5008 Nursing Care of Children Clinical

5108 Nursing Care of Children Theory

5031 Promoting Population Health Clinical

5131 Promoting Population Health Theory

Winter Quarter (15 credits) - Leadership and Caring for Families

5012 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical

5212 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Theory

5013 Leadership and Management

5021 Promoting Mental Health Clinical

5121 Promoting Mental Health Theory

Spring Quarter (17 credits) - Ethical and Evidenced Informed Care of Complex Patients

5025 Nursing Care, Acute and Chronic Altered Health Adults Theory

5027 Nursing Care, Acute and Chronic Altered Health Adults Clinical

6014 Theory Informed Critical Inquiry I

6110 Ethical Care for Social Justice

Summer Quarter (6 credits) - Population Based Health and Role Synthesis

5051 Population Health Role Synthesis Clinical

6120 Population-Based Health Care

2027-2028 Academic Year Prelicensure Program of Study

Beginning the 2027-2028 academic year, 探花精选 will operate on a semester calendar system. Under the semester calendar system, the prelicensure coursework for APNI-DNP students lasts 4 semesters and includes 43 credits. 

Semester 1 (14 credits)

5024 Pathophysiology

5005 Pharmacology

5141 Foundations of Nursing

5041 Foundational Concepts and Skills Lab

5XXX Med-Surg I: Promoting the Health of Older Adults Theory (course code TBD)

5XXX Med-Surg I: Promoting the Health of Older Adults Clinical (course code TBD)

Semester 2 (10 credits)

5XXX Research and Evidence-Based Practice (course code TBD)

5025 Med-Surg II: Promoting the Health of Adults Theory

5027 Med-Surg II: Promoting the Health of Adults Clinical

5121 Promoting Mental Health Theory

5021 Promoting Mental Health Clinical

Semester 3 (10 credits)

5013 Leadership and Ethics

5108 Promoting the Health of Children Theory

5008 Promoting the Health of Children Clinical

5212 Promoting Reproductive Health Theory

5012 Promoting Reproductive Health Clinical

Semester 4 (9 credits)

5XXX Clinical Judgement in Complex Care (course code TBD)

5031 Promoting the Health of Populations and Communities Theory

5131 Promoting the Health of Populations and Communities Clinical

5051 Program Synthesis: Theory and Clinical 

Transition to Semester Calendar

Beginning in summer 2027, 探花精选’s graduate programs will shift from a quarter calendar system to a semester calendar. As the transition takes place, the university is committed to minimizing impact on your time to completion and program cost as you progress toward your degree. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Attend a virtual information session to meet a member of our admissions team, learn more about our nationally ranked DNP and get answers to all your questions about the program, the application process and more.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2027-2028 academic year. Start your application now (for free!) and take the first step toward your future career as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner.

Explore DNP Programs

Not sure if this is the right DNP program for you? We offer flexible entry paths for RNs, BSNs and even non-nurses, as well as five distinct advanced practice specializations. Find the best fit for your career goals.

Get in Touch

We鈥檙e here to help. For information about DNP degrees at 探花精选, contact:

Oz Sener, MEd

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