Adult-Gerontology Primary Care DNP
Highlights of the DNP Primary Care Track
In this track, you will:
- Focus on holistic patient-centered care for individuals from age 13 through the lifespan.
- Learn about health promotion, disease prevention, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
- Develop clinical expertise to step into a high-demand role and directly improve patient outcomes in urban and rural health care systems.
- Cultivate leadership capabilities so you can advocate for patients, drive positive change, and shape the future of health care in diverse internal medicine and specialty settings.
Priority Application Window: September-December 1
Take Your Next Step
Hybrid delivery
2–4 year
time frame
100% certification pass rate
Your Adult-Gerontology Primary Care DNP Experience
A Flexible, Hybrid Program
Our hybrid format blends the convenience of asynchronous online learning with the benefits of in-person sessions, typically held once or twice a month. During on-campus visits, you’ll engage in active learning and advanced simulation technology.
Share Your Scholarly Excellence
Work with primary care practice leaders to identify areas for improvement in primary care. Your scholarly project includes opportunities for podium presentations and manuscript development.
We Support Your Career Growth
Engage in hands-on learning, real-time coaching, a tight-knit community, and ongoing professional support. Our expert faculty provide personalized mentorship grounded in diverse, real-world experience.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Broaden your clinical expertise with advanced practice certificates from UW–Madison. These certificates complement the curriculum and set you up for success.
Outstanding Clinical Placements
Our clinical placement specialist works with our faculty to arrange placements in diverse settings, including academic and national health care systems, college health clinics, correctional facilities, long-term care, community health, urgent care, and home care.
100%
of clinical placements arranged for you
524
clinical site partners in Wisconsin in 136 municipalities
110
DNP clinical placements for 43 students in 2025-26
Advanced Practice Badger Nurses in Action
Brenda Coupar, DNP’18, RN, shares her inspiring journey. From her time as an Army combat lifesaver to becoming a Badger nurse, Brenda highlights how UW–Madison provided her with the tools and confidence to drive change in health care.
Student & Alumni Stories
-
System Change Begins with You: Joshua Hermsdorf’s Decision to Lead
From farm kid to nurse leader, Joshua Hermsdorf is devoted to transforming systems and elevating patient care.
-
Nurse Advocacy for Better Policies and Better Health
Laura Vergenz, BSN, RN, a graduate student in the systems leadership and innovation track of the UW–Madison School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, is a strong advocate for older adults.
-
From Battlefield to Clinic: Brenda Coupar’s Path from Combat Lifesaver to DNP
Brenda Coupar ’09, DNP’18, knows the true meaning of service. “I didn’t choose nursing. Nursing chose me,” she says.