Our DNP curriculum model enhances the master’s prepared nurse practitioner or nurse educator specialty preparation and abilities. In the DNP program, the emphasis is on the application and evaluation of research. The practice-focused doctorate is a distinct model of doctoral education that provides an additional option for obtaining a terminal degree in the discipline. Students accepted into the DNP program will complete core courses and select a concentration they wish to specialize in. Initially, two concentrations will be offered: advanced clinical practice and education. The strategic plan calls for a third concentration to be added: health care management and leadership.

Core Courses

Epidemiology (3) 
Statistical Methods in Research (3 )
Health Policy Issues in Nursing and Health Care (3)
Advanced Pathophysiology II (3)
Evidenced Based Practice (3)
Writing for Publication (3)
Ethics in Research and Practice (3)
Leadership and Systems Analysis (3)
Elective (3)


Residency in Direct Care or Indirect Care: 500 clinical hours minimum
Evidenced Based Research  Project (4)
The residency and research project are done over a minimum of two semesters.


The advanced clinical practice cognate includes pharmacotherapeutics, advanced physical assessment, practice management, diagnostic reasoning, and advanced practice procedures. The educational leadership includes a selection of courses offered at the College of Nursing and/or the College of Education.

Disclaimer

Past experience has proven that new nursing students are more successful if they begin the program with an orientation. Therefore, students accepted to any program at the College of Nursing are required to attend a new student orientation. This is the final step in the application and acceptance process and it cannot be waived or postponed.

Accepted students should not make final plans for travel, studying abroad, or other activities that may interfere with attendance at the mandatory orientation. In addition, students are encouraged to clear attendance at the mandatory orientation with their current professor if they are enrolled in a class at the time of orientation.

Students who are unable to attend the orientation will not be permitted to enter the program that semester and may apply again to be accepted for a later term.