About the Program Nursing Practice, Post-Master鈥檚 DNP
This practice-focused post-master鈥檚 doctoral program is designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. It centers on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) DNP Essentials guide the curriculum and include eight concepts: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice; Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking; Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice; Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care; Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care; Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes; Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation鈥檚 Health; and Advanced Nursing Practice.聽
The post-master鈥檚 DNP is a terminal, graduate degree and curriculum is based on the DNP candidate鈥檚 prior education, experience, and choice of specialization. Competencies for the DNP build and expand upon those attained through master鈥檚 study and achieve the same end-of-program competencies as the post-baccalaureate DNP. All applicants must be board certified in their specialty area and hold a master of science in nursing from a regionally and nursing accredited program. It is anticipated that a minimum of 12 months of full-time, post-master鈥檚 study will be necessary to acquire the additional doctoral level competencies. The post-master鈥檚 Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum prepares and requires students to engage in evidenced-based clinical projects that primarily focus on the appraisal and translation of theory and all forms of best evidence to practice.
The purpose of the program is to foster the development of a community of expert advanced practice nurses who will transform practice and improve health care outcomes through the application of nursing knowledge.
Program Goals
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Advanced Practice Leadership
Expert advanced practice nurses who provide and lead healthcare services for increasingly complex patients by integrating multiple knowledge bases and methods by developing comprehensive high-level advanced practice nursing care. -
Advocacy
Advocates who will improve the quality and safety of care, patient outcomes, and health policies that impact the health of society. -
Scholarship
Scholar-Practitioners who are rooted in the critical appraisal and application of evidence-based methods in clinical practice.