Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP (Distance Ed)

Program Description

The DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice and offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.  DNP-prepared nurses are well-equipped to fully implement the science developed by nurse reserchers prepared in PhD, DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates.

This DNP program offers three tracks:

• BS to DNP (65 Credits)
• MS to DNP (56 Credits)
• MS/APRN to DNP (40 Credits)

Interactive Online Programs

This is a fully interactive online program only (see School of Distance Education  Definitions).  The courses follow fixed enrollment with semester start and end dates.  Participants interact with each other and with instructor throughout all courses.  This program does not require any time on campus.  Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Information/Application Process

Students must apply first to the University’s School of Graduate Studies and Research at:  andrews.edu/apply.  Then they must complete criminal background checks, health forms, and drug screen information to be sent to the Department of Nursing at:  Marsh Hall, Room 200, 8475 University Boulevard, Berrien Springs, MI  49104 or e-mail to kama@andrews.edu.  For questions in the Department of Nursing, call 269-471-3311 or 3312.

Degree Core

All three options take the following core clases the first year:  21 Credits

• NRSG 710 - Principles of Epidemiology Credits: 3
• NRSG 644 - Research Methods for Evaluation and Outcomes of Advanced Clinical Practice Credits: 3
• NRSG 685 - DNP Advanced Practice Role Credits: 2
• NRSG 700 - Theoretical Foundations for Scholarship in Advanced Practice Nursing Credits: 2
• NRSG 705 - Christian Ethics and Advanced Practice Nursing Credits: 2
• NRSG 616 - Biostatistics for Clinical Data Management Credits: 3
• NRSG 715 - Organizational Leadership in Health Care Systems Credits: 2
• NRSG 720 - Information Systems and Patient Care Technology for Health Care Credits: 2
• NRSG 730 - Health Care Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing Credits: 2

Admission Requirements

• Standard admission requirements for Graduate Admission at Andrews University must be met.
• GRE: Required.
• GPA: 3.25 at admission; with matriculation to 3.5 at graduation.
• Experience:
  • BS to DNP: must be working while in school to gain nursing experience.
  • MS to DNP: must be certified as advanced practice nurse, or working as a MS prepared nurse.
• Letters of Recommendation (Three required):
  1. Supervisor from current employment setting, who can address clinical competence;
  2. Doctorally prepared faculty member, who can address academic competence and scholarly potential;
  3. Professional colleague who holds at least a Masters Degree in Nursing.
• Portfolio Which Includes:
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Three page essay on how they have promoted or advanced the profession of nursing in the past; and goals and objectives for the future, utilizing their advanced education.
  3. A statement regarding the type of Capstone Scholarly Project they would be interested in.
• Language: Must be able to speak English and present work in English.
• Nursing Degrees: Must have Degrees that are from schools accredited by ACEN, CCNE, NLNAC in the U.S.; or whatever accrediting organization that exists within their country.
• Pre-requisites for BS to DNP: must have undergraduate statistics, research, health assessment and pathophysiology.
• Pre-requisites for MS to DNP: must have graduate level statistics, and research.
• Credentials: Must have RN license for all options, and Certifications of Advanced Practice for the APRN to DNP option.
• Criminal background check: Must have national background check.
• Health Status: Immunization and Physical Exam health records required.
• Drug Screen: Must submit drug screen for admission, and repeat before beginning clinical practicum.
• Interview: with Department.

Graduation Requirements

Number of Credits

The total number of credits required for the degree of BS-DNP is 65.

Twenty-four (25) credits are DNP Nursing Core courses; and 40 credits are DNP/FNP degree specific. Of those 40, 13 credits are practicum credits.  One practicum credit is equal to 80 literal practicum hours. There is no dissertation to speak of, but there is a scholarly project students are to complete.

For those students who are MS prepared, but are not already FNPs and will be completing the MS to DNP curriculum, the total number of credits required for the degree is 56. Twenty-one (21) credits are DNP core courses; and 35 credits are DNP/FNP specific. Of those 35, 13 credits are practicum credits.  One practicum credit is equal to 80 literal practicum hours.  There is no dissertation to speak of, but there is a scholarly project students are to complete.

For those students who are APRNs and wish to complete their DNP degree, the total number of credits required for the degree is 40. Twenty-one (21) credits are DNP core courses; and 19 credits are DNP terminal degree focused. Of those 19, six credits are for practicum.  One practicum credit is equal to 80 literal practicum hours.  There is no dissertation to speak of, but there is a scholarly project students are to complete.

In order to graduate, students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA)  no lower than 3.5. During the program, students are allowed to receive a B- in one course only; but the GPA must be at least 3.0 when this occurs. Two courses below 3.0 will cause termination of the degree process.

Program Completion Events

• Successful completion of Comprehensive Exam
• Satisfactory completion of the Capstone Project
• Satisfactory completion of supervised Clinical Practicums
• Satisfactory completion of Certification Preparation/Review course