Graduate Studies & Continuing Education

Graduate School & Continuing Education

Post-MSN/Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Description

In October 2004, the members of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorsed the Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing which called for moving the level of preparation necessary for advanced nursing practice roles from the master's degree to the doctorate level by the year 2015. The practice doctorate is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice. The DNP curriculum builds on the master's program by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems thinking among other key areas. DNP graduates will likely seek practice leadership roles such as: advance practice nurses, managers of quality initiatives, executives in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and faculty responsible for clinical program delivery and clinical teaching.

The DNP programs utilize hybrid course delivery. The majority of classwork is done online with constant communication among students and with faculty members. However, students will be required to visit campus multiple times each semester for class meetings or individual appointments with professors. In addition, students must come to campus for the initial program orientation and to present their final projects.

Post-MSN/DNP Curriculum

Fall		6 credits
NUR 703	Epidemiology	3 cr
NUR 711	Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing	3 cr
Spring		8 credits
NUR 712	Organizational & Systems Leadership in Healthcare	3 cr
NUR 713	Business & Legal Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice	3 cr
NUR 770	Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Practice Nurses	2 cr
Summer		2 credits*
NUR 799L*	DNP Project Lab A: Development (2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)	2 cr*
Fall		4 credits*
NUR 799L*	DNP Project Lab B: Implementation (2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)	4 cr*
Spring		4 credits*
NUR 799L*	DNP Project Lab C: Evaluation (2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)	4 cr*
* Certification as a CNS may require course enhancements to complete the 1000 clinical hours required post BSN. Note: Course enhancements are not required if certified as an FNP.

Criteria for Admission into the Post-MSN/DNP Program
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of The Graduate School, which include:

A MSN degree from an accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.25;
Unencumbered Indiana license or eligibility for RN licensure in the State of Indiana
Copy of all registered nurse licenses
Certification as an advance practice nurse
Copy of current APN certification for advanced practice nursing specialty

As part of the application process, students must provide:

Valparaiso University Graduate Application and Post-MSN/DNP Application;
Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate coursework. If you have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from Valparaiso University, you are not required to submit an official transcript from Valparaiso University;
Letter of recommendation from three clinical peers/supervisors who attest to communication and clinical competence (VU alumni need only submit two letters of recommendation);
A reflective essay relating doctoral study to professional goals;
Submission of a portfolio to include curriculum vitae/resume that includes a description of current and past clinical practice as well as any presentations and/or publications;
Interview with the Dean of the CON and Faculty
Criminal background check and drug screen will be required through VU to begin clinical courses;
Application Fee: $30 for U.S. citizens.

Regular Deadline is April 15th for Fall Admission.

For more information about the College of Nursing program
Visit their website at http://www.valpo.edu/nursing/.

Interested students should request an information packet from the Office of Graduate School through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.School@valpo.edu.

Click here to apply online!