In October 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) proposed that the DNP be the entry degree for all advanced practice nurses, including NPs.  Many AANP members are seeking information on the practice doctorate, or doctor of nursing practice (DNP).  The following is a list of resources that provide information on the practice doctorate/DNP.

AACN:  The AACN site (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/) is a good source for the position paper and some related documents.  On the home page, you will find links to the position paper, press release, and answers to frequently asked questions.  AANC will be hosting a series of regional conferences where stakeholders, including practicing and student NPs, can learn more about the movement towards the DNP.  Information specific to these meetings can be located at: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/RegConf.htm.

NONPF: The National Organization of NP Faculties (NONPF) website (http://www.nonpf.org/) provides several documents related to the DNP under the Practice Doctorate Resource Center, which can be accessed from the home page.

Medscape:  Medscape has published articles on the practice doctorate.  Access requires free registration:

Marion, L., Viens, D., O’Sullivan, A., Crabtree, K., Fontana, S., Price, M. (2003).  The practice doctorate in nursing: Future or fringe?  Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal, 3 (2). Accessed 8/11/05 at:  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/500742. 

Marion, L., O’Sullivan, A., Crabtree, K., Price, M.; Fontana, S., (2005)  Curriculum models for the practice doctorate in nursing.  Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal, 5 (1).  Accessed 8/11/05 at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/453247.

An up-to-date listing of universities accepting students into Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs is maintained by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.