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.

DNP Curriculum (70 credits)
4 tracks: Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Nurse Practioner, Family Nurse Practioner

Fall Semester, Year 1:

Spring Semester, Year 1:

Fall Semester, Year 2:

Spring Semester, Year 2:

Summer, Year 2:

Fall Semester, Year 3:

Spring Semester, Year 3:

* Gero CNS will be required to take End of Life Course for the elective.
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 Indiana license or eligibility for RN licensure in the State of Indiana
• 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 2010 class.

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.