The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing launched its new Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Doctor of Nursing Practice (APRN DNP) program beginning in Fall 2026. This innovative pathway to a doctoral degree will replace the School’s previous path for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree as an APRN. Applications for the program will be open from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1, 2025.
“It is an exciting time to be at UT Austin, especially at the School of Nursing, as we transition all our Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist programs from MSN to DNP degree plans,” said Stephanie Key, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, clinical assistant professor. Key serves as program director for the School’s original DNP program, the Post-Master's DNP. “Our graduates will possess the knowledge and expertise to make a meaningful impact in clinical practice, education and systems-level change. What Starts Here Changes the World.”
Meeting the demand
Prior to this program change, the UT Austin School of Nursing’s NP and CNS programs had been master's programs since their inception. U.S. News & World Report ranked the School of Nursing’s DNP program #36 in the nation, #16 among public schools and #2 in Texas.
“With the complexity of contemporary health care and the need for advanced specialized training, the DNP degree makes sense,” Key said. “The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties have encouraged programs to transition entry-level APRN programs to the DNP by 2025.”
Growth in the profession
“In addition to the increased clinical hours that the students will complete, which increases their preparedness for clinical care, the coursework in quality improvement, leadership and research will ensure that the graduates stand out after graduation,” said Clinical Assistant Professor Amanda Alvarado, DNP, CPNP-AC, RN-C, program director for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program. “The shift from MSN to DNP acknowledges the incredible work done by nurse practitioners today as the profession continues to grow.”
This standard highlights the expanding role of APRNs, who are expected not only to provide high-quality, evidence-based patient care but also to lead, advocate and influence health care systems, policy and education.
Preparing nurse leaders
The APRN DNP program is a three-year, full-time hybrid program that will prepare nurses for the APRN specialty of their choice:
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Carefully designed to align with the AACN Essentials and NONPF’s NP Role Core Competencies, the program blends rigorous coursework with immersive clinical experience.
Students will complete:
- 750+ hours of clinical training with assigned preceptors
- Comprehensive didactic coursework
- A doctoral scholarly project that demonstrates expertise in evidence-based practice and leadership
“My hope for our DNP graduates is that they will receive advanced clinical training in their population-focused area, thereby improving patient outcomes, seek out more opportunities for leadership and serve as a sound voice at the table within health care organizations.” Key concluded.
With the launch of the APRN DNP program, the School of Nursing reaffirms its commitment to preparing graduates for the full complexity of modern health care. By investing in this next generation of nurse leaders, the School is shaping the future of health care in Texas and beyond.