- Health Care LeadershipAcademic ProgramsBachelor of Science in NursingAccelerated OptionRN-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 NursingHealth Care Leadership
- 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.
Post-MSN/DNP Curriculum
Fall Credits NUR 703 - Epidemiology 3 NUR 711 - Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 Credits 6 Spring Credits NUR 712 - Organizational & Systems Leadership in Healthcare 3 NUR 713 - Business & Legal Aspects of Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NUR 770 - Evidence Based Practice for Advanced Practice Nurses 2 Credits 8 Summer Credits NUR 799A* - DNP Project: Development
(0 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)2 Credits 2 Fall Credits NUR 799B* - DNP Project: Implementation
(2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)4 Credits 4 Spring Credits NUR 799C* - DNP Project: Evaluation
(2 + 2 credits: 140 clinical clock hours)4 Credits 4 * - Course enhancements may be required if post-BSN clinical hours do not total 1000.
Criteria for Admission into the Post-MSN/DNP Program
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate Division, which include:- Completed Post MSN-DNP application form;
- 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 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;
- 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 15th in order to be considered.
For more information about the College of Nursing program
Visit their website athttp://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.