Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 
    
2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse DNP (Distance Education)


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The DNP program 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 researchers prepared in PhD, DNSc, and other research-focused nursing doctorates.

This DNP program offers three tracks:

  • BSN to DNP (65 Credits)
  • MSN to DNP (56 Credits)
  • APRN to DNP (40 Credits)

Interactive Online Programs


This is a fully interactive online program only (see School of Distance Education and International Partnerships   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 gradnursing@andrews.edu.  For questions regarding the DNP Program, please call 269-471-3312.

Option 3: APRN to DNP - 40


Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) focus.  This track offers nurses who already have advanced practice certification and are already functioning as either a: 1) nurse practitioner, 2) nurse anesthetist, or 3) clinical nurse specialist in a particular practice area, the opportunity to complete a terminal degree in nursing practice.

Admission Requirements


  • Must meet standard admission requirements for graduate admission at Andrews University.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Students who are applying for admission to the DNP program are not required to take the GRE.
  • GPA: 3.25 at admission; with matriculation 3.5 GPA at graduation.
  • Experience:
    • BSN and MSN to DNP: must have either, at least one year working experience prior to admitted or be working while in school to gain nursing experience.
  • 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 conducting.
  • 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 BSN and MSN to DNP: must have undergraduate level statistics, research, health assessment and pathophysiology.
  • Pre-requisites for APRN to DNP: Evidence of supervised practicum hours, completed from school or accredited body.
  • Credentials: Must have RN License and APRN to DNP applicants must have Certifications of Advanced Practice.
  • 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.
  • CPR Certification: Required
  • Faculty reserve the right to require an interview of applicants based on reasons they identify.

Graduation Requirements


Number of Credits

The total number of credits required for the degree of BSN to DNP is 65.

Twenty-one (21) credits are DNP Nursing Core courses and four (4) credits are bridge courses; and 40 credits are DNP/FNP degree specific. Of those 40, 13 credits are clinical/ practicum credits.  One clinical/practicum credit is equal to 75 literal clock hours. There is no dissertation to speak of, but there is a scholarly project students are to complete.

 

The total number of credits required for the degree of MSN-DNP is 56.

This option is for students who are MSN prepared, but are not already FNPs and will be completing the MSN to DNP curriculum.  Twenty-one (21) credits are DNP core courses; and 35 credits are DNP/FNP specific. Of those 35, 13 credits are clinical/practicum credits.  One practicum credit is equal to 75 literal clock hours.  There is no dissertation to speak of, but there is a scholarly project students are to complete.

The total number of credits required for the degree of APRN to DNP is 40.

This option is for those students who are APRNs and wish to complete their DNP degree.  Twenty-one (21) credits are DNP core courses; and 19 credits are DNP terminal degree focused. Of those 19, 6 credits are for clinical/practicum.  One clinical/practicum credit is equal to 75 literal clock 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 Scholarly Project
  • Satisfactory completion of supervised Clinical/Practicums
  • Satisfactory completion of Certification Preparation/Review course

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