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Apr 16, 2024
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (BFNP/DFNP) - DNP
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74 credits
3.0 GPA required.
There are three tracks to obtain a DNP:
- BS to DNP (BFNP): students with a bachelor’s degree who are pursuing a doctorate
- Post-Master’s DNP New Role/Specialty (DFNP): students with a master’s degree who are pursuing a doctorate and want to change professional roles in order to be eligible for certification as a FNP
- Post-Master’s DNP Non-Role Change (DFNP): students with a master’s degree who are certified or eligible for certification as a FNP who are pursuing a doctorate and do not desire a professional role change
A Plan of Study is available on the Doctor of Nursing Practice website.
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Description of Program (DNP)
Graduates of the DNP programs are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing roles such as nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. Graduates of the DNP program are prepared for the highest level of clinical nursing practice.
Nursing science core courses, taken by all graduate students, build on students’ baccalaureate nursing knowledge to integrate scientific underpinnings for practice, understand nursing information management and decision making, and advocate for health promotion. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care while demonstrating leadership and professionalism. Courses within the selected programs of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ; Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist ; Family Nurse Practitioner ; Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ; Nursing Leadership ; or Nursing Leadership: Practice and Leadership Innovations provide specialized knowledge and practice opportunities in each advanced nursing role. A unique feature of this program is the targeted emphasis on the nurse’s use of advanced knowledge and skills of health promotion with individuals, families, and systems in diverse populations to address health care needs within complex environments.
Family Nurse Practitioner (74 credits)
Students who elect the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP program are prepared to perform an expanded nursing role as primary health care providers. In addition to the nursing science core courses and the direct care core courses, content includes comprehensive assessment of the health status of adults, children and families; diagnosis and management of common acute and chronic health problems; provision of counseling and teaching in areas of health promotion and disease prevention; and collaboration with other health professionals. Clinical practicums are under the supervision of qualified nurse practitioners or other primary care provider preceptors who will focus on primary health care in a variety of settings. The Clinical Scholarship Project is completed with guidance of a clinical mentor by all DNP students and involves demonstration of knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care in a variety of settings and for a variety of populations. Graduates with the DNP award are prepared for eligibility for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Family NP exam or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Program’s FNP exam.
A total of 1,000 clinical/practicum hours are required for all graduates of a DNP program. This program provides 840 clinical hours. The remaining clinical/practicum hours may come from a previous master’s degree (appropriateness determined by faculty), or additional clinical/practicum courses may be necessary to achieve the 1,000 clinical hours requirement for DNP.
Traditional Track (BS to DNP) (BFNP)
Students with a bachelor’s degree who are pursuing a doctorate.
1080 Clinical Hours (1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time)
(BS to DNP) Nursing Science Core (36 credits)
(BS to DNP) FNP Concentration (35 credits)
(BS to DNP) Electives (3 credits)
Choose any 3 credits at 600/700-level. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor for direction on appropriate options.
Post-Master’s DNP (MS to DNP) (DFNP)
A total of 72 credits are required for DNP. Students receive credit for completion of their master’s degree plus credit for experience.
Students who have graduated from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing with a master’s degree and are certified or eligible for certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) may pursue a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.
There are two tracks for APRNs who wish to pursue a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice. Both tracks include pre-admission requirements and DNP Nursing Science Core Courses.
(MS to DNP) Required Courses for Tracks 1 & 2 (40 credits)
(MS to DNP) Pre-Admission Requirements (24 credits)
(MS to DNP) Nursing Science Core (16 credits)
(MS to DNP) Choose One Track: New Role or No Role Change
Students who desire a DNP and a role change should select Track 1. Students who desire a DNP without a role change should select Track 2.
Track 1 (MS to DNP): FNP New Role
This option provides nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited graduate program with the opportunity to obtain Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) preparation with eligibility for National certification with the DNP education preparation.
Track 1 (MS to DNP): Required New Role Courses (24 credits)
Track 2 (MS to DNP): No Role Change
This option provides APRNs who already have a master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited graduate program the opportunity to earn a DNP. The Clinical Scholarship Project is completed with the guidance of a clinical mentor by all DNP students and involves demonstration of knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care in a variety of settings and for a variety of populations.
*Clinical/practicum hour ratio is 1 credit hour to 60 clinical/practice hours.
960 Clinical Hours (1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time)
Track 2 (MS to DNP): No Role Change Electives (15 credits)
Choose any 15 credits at the 600/700-level. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor for direction on appropriate options.
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