School of Nursing - Duke University - Overview
A Variety of Graduate Nursing Programs at a Top-Ranking University
The Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) offers a Master of Science (MS) in nursing degree with several areas of specialization, as well as several graduate certificates. The school also offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree for working nursing professionals, and a PhD program that prepares students for careers in research.
The Duke University School of Nursing is ranked among the top 15 nursing schools in the country by "US News and World Report." In addition to traditional, on-campus programs, DUSON offers several online and distance-based graduate programs.
An MS with Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The adult acute care nurse practitioner program is designed to provide students with the training and clinical experience necessary for positions in hospitals, intensive care units, and urgent care settings. In addition to completing advanced nursing coursework, students in the acute care specialty gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. The on-campus program is open to full- and part-time students, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.
An MS with Oncology Adult Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The oncology adult NP program -- one of the only oncology nursing programs in the country -- gives students opportunities to gain clinical experience at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is ranked number 7 in the nation for cancer care by "US News and World Report." Students in the program work closely with experts in a variety of areas, from palliative care to radiation oncology. Some coursework for the program may be completed online; however, students are required to be on campus 2 days per week.
An MS with an Adult Nurse Practitioner Cardiovascular Specialty
Students in the adult cardiovascular care MS program have opportunities to work with DUSON's experienced cardiovascular faculty members in a variety of clinical settings, including the nationally-renowned Duke Heart Center. The Duke Heart Center is ranked among the 10 best hospitals in the nation according to "US News and World Report." The cardiovascular specialty prepares students to diagnose and provide counseling to adults with cardiovascular problems. Graduates work in inpatient and outpatient clinics, heart clinics, and diagnostic testing centers. Much of the coursework for this specialty is available online.
An MS with an Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Specialty
The adult primary care specialty designed for students who wish to work as generalists in settings including clinics and private practices. Coursework includes clinical reasoning, health promotion, and assessment and management of common adult health problems. Students in the program complete 612 hours of clinical work in primary care clinics. This specialty is available in online and on-campus.
The Family Nurse Practitioner Master's Degree
The family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialty prepares students for careers as primary health care providers for people of all ages. FNP students gain clinical experience in a wide range of settings, from health care facilities in rural North Carolina to clinics in Jamaica, Tanzania, and other international locations. Most FNP coursework can be completed online.
The Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP) MS Program
The GNP is highly customizable and can be combined with other specialties such as cardiology, oncology, or acute care. Curriculum for the program includes courses on issues facing the elderly including dementia, falls, and urinary incontinence. GNP students gain clinical experience in retirement communities, nursing homes, and primary care practices.
Pediatric and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MS Programs at DUSON
Graduate nursing students interested in working with children, adolescents, or infants may choose to pursue one of 3 specialties: pediatric acute care, pediatric primary care, or neonatal nurse practitioner. Students pursuing these specialties complete pediatric-focused coursework and gain clinical experience that prepares them for positions in intensive care units, hospitals, school clinics, and nurseries.
The Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Specialty
The Duke University School of Nursing offers a highly competitive, full-time program for students interested in becoming certified registered nurse anesthetists. The CRNA program at DUSON provides students with the academic and clinical foundations necessary to pursue careers as CRNAs. Students are required to have 1 year of critical care experience before entering the program.
Non-Clinical Master's Programs for Nurses and Health Care Professionals
DUSON offers 4 non-clinical master's programs for students interested in leadership, teaching, and research positions in health care settings. Specializations include clinical research management, informatics, nursing and health care leadership, and nursing education.
Graduate Certificates Available in Most Specialties
Students who already hold MSN degrees may choose to pursue graduate certificates in any of DUSON's master's degree programs. Certificate programs offer working professionals opportunities to enhance their knowledge in specific areas.
Doctoral Programs Prepare Students for Careers in Research or Practice
The Duke University School of Nursing offers 2 doctoral programs. The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for working professionals who plan to assume leadership positions in health care settings.
The PhD nursing program is a research doctorate that prepares students for careers as scholars, teachers, and researchers. The PhD program is full-time, and students receive stipends that pay for tuition and fees.
Distinguished Faculty Members with a Broad Range of Interests
The faculty members at DUSON comprise a diverse group of practitioners, scholars, and researchers. Notable faculty members include Dr. Jane E. Blood, who has 35 years of experience in pediatric primary care, and Dr. Michael Relf, an award-winning HIV/AIDS certified nurse who holds a PhD in nursing from Johns Hopkins University.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in the nursing MS program must hold BS in nursing degrees from accredited universities. Applicants to the Duke University programs must each submit GRE scores, a completed application form, an official transcript, 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement. Students should have GPAs of 3.0 or higher and be licensed as nurses.
A PhD applicant must submit GRE scores, a transcript, 3 letters of recommendation from individuals with doctorate degrees, a personal statement, and a resume. A personal interview is also required for all applicants.
Students applying to the DNP program should hold BSN or MSN degrees from accredited universities and must be licensed as registered nurses.