Curriculum

Requirements for the Degree

The DNP Program is available at two entry levels - post-baccalaureate and post-master's. There is a core curriculum that all students must complete, and courses specific to population-focused advanced practice nursing concentrations that lead to eligibility to sit for national certification. The course requirements for this program include 14 DNP core courses, 5 nurse practitioner core courses, and 7-8 courses specific to the population foci. These foci include family nurse practitioner (FNP), adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).

All students must complete the DNP and NP courses. Clinical hours are included in course requirements for both core courses and for population-focused concentration courses. Students are admitted as cohorts into 3-year full-time and 5-year part-time plans of study and are expected to maintain progression with their cohort as outlined upon admission. However, students must complete all course work within a 7-year time frame to be eligible to earn the degree.

Post-Baccalaureate DNP ProgramThe Post-baccalaureate DNP Program requires the completion of 78 course credits. All students complete the DNP Core and the Nurse Practitioner Core and then select one of the three specialty cores. Students entering the Post-baccalaureate DNP Program will choose a population-focused clinical concentration and complete all courses to meet eligibiilty requirements to become certified and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). There are full-time and part-time options for the post-baccalaureate program. Upon program completion, students will be eligible to apply for a national certification exam in one of the population foci. Credits for the specific population foci are as follows:

Required Credits and Clinical Hours

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): 78 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784; indirect: 336)

Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): 78 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours (direct care: 784; indirect: 336)

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): 78 credit hours and 1008 clinical hours (direct care: 672; indirect: 336)