The College of Nursing offers a 36-45 credit Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree program for the student who has completed an M.S.N. with a major in Advanced Practice Nursing (A.P.N.) or Health Systems Administration (H.S.A.), or 72 credits for the post-B.S.N. applicant. The program prepares graduates to improve the health care of diverse populations through the application of research, analysis of health care systems and leadership in development of practice models, health policy and standards of care. The D.N.P. curriculum is comprised of core course requirements in theory and research, and didactic and practice course requirements in a chosen specialty area, either Adult or Pediatric A.P.N. or H.S.A. These courses are offered within the College of Nursing, as well as at other schools and colleges in the university.
To prepare the students for practice with other professionals while implementing quality improvement, patient safety programs and information systems, the D.N.P. requires up to 500 hours of additional clinical practice for students with an M.S.N. and will culminate in completion of a Scholarly Project. Applicants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine required coursework and clinical hours.
Upon completion of the program, the D.N.P. graduate will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply conceptual models, theories and research in order to improve the health care of diverse populations
- Analyze the social, economic, political and policy components of health care systems which affect care planning and delivery
- Assume leadership roles in the development of clinical practice models, health policy and standards of care in order to advance health care
- Integrate professional values and ethical decision-making in advanced nursing practice
- Systematically investigate a clinically-focused area of nursing
Who Should Apply?
Individuals with a B.S.N. degree may apply or those who have an M.S.N. degree with a major in advanced practice nursing.
Career Advancement
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing submitted a position statement recommending that the Practice Doctorate in Nursing be the terminal degree for advanced nursing practice. Because health care is becomingly increasingly complex, doctors of nursing practice will be well-positioned across the nursing spectrum to advance their careers.
