- Academic ProgramsBachelor of Science in NursingAccelerated OptionBachelor of Science in Health Care LeadershipRN-BSN ProgramRN-MSN ProgramMaster of Science in NursingMS in Nursing / Master of Business AdministrationDoctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)Post Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)RN RefresherParish Nursing
- 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 baccelaurate 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.
DNP Curriculum (70 credits)
Family Nurse PractionerFall Semester, Year 1:
Course Credits BIO 590 - Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology 3 NUR 612 - Foundational Concepts 3 NUR 662 - Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NUR 701 - Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 3 Total Credits 12 Spring Semester, Year 1:
Course Credits NUR 605 - Advanced Health Assessment 3 NUR 606 - Pharmacologic Principles for Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NUR 670 - Research Methods for Evidence-based Practice 3 NUR 702 - Family Theories 3 Total Credits 12 Fall Semester, Year 2:
Course Credits NUR 703 - Epidemiology 3 NUR 711 - Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 NUR 721 - Health Promotion Across the Lifespan 3 NUR 722 - Application of the APN Role I
(0 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)2 Total Credits 11 Spring Semester, Year 2:
Course Credits NUR 712 - Organizational & Systems Leadership in Healthcare 3 NUR 731 - Managing Common Health Conditions 3 NUR 770 - Evidence-based Practice for Advanced Practice Nurses 2 NUR 732 - Application of the APN Role II
(0 + 3 credits: 210 clinical clock hours)3 Total Credits 11 Summer, Year 2:
Course Credits NUR 799A - DNP Project: Development
(0 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)2 Total Credits 2 Fall Semester, Year 3:
Course Credits NUR 741 - Managing Complex Health Conditions 3 NUR 799B - DNP Project: Implementation
(2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)4 NUR 742 - Application of the APN Role III
(0 + 3 credits: 210 clinical clock hours)3 Elective * 3 Total Credits 13 Spring Semester, Year 3:
Course Credits NUR 713 - Business & Legal Aspects of the Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NUR 799C - DNP Project: Evaluation
(2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)4 NUR 752 - Application of the APN Role IIII
(.0+ 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)2 Total Credits 9 Note: Coursework in the DNP may be completed on a part-time basis.
Criteria for Admission into the BSN/DNP Program
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:- A BSN degree from an accredited university with a grade point average of at least 3.0;
- Unencumbered license or eligibility for RN licensure in the State where clinical course work hours will be completed
- Copy of all registered nurse licenses
As part of the application process, students must provide:
- Valparaiso University Graduate Application and DNP Application;
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and any 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 professinal goals;
- Submission of a portfolio to include curriculum vita/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.
Application materials are due by April 15 in order to be considered for the 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 application packet from the Office of Graduate Studies through our website or by e-mailing Graduate.Studies@valpo.edu.