Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Academic Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Academic Bulletin [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 (FNP or NE Focus) - 65 Credits
  • MSN to DNP (FNP Focus) - 56 Credits
  • APRN/MSN to DNP (NE Focus) - 40 Credits

For additional information about these tracks, refer to the curriculum below.

Delivery: 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. Most of the degree is done through online methods, but students should refer to the DNP Student Handbook for any expected on-campus time, especially in regards to comprehensive exams.

Accreditation: The Andrews University nursing program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Total Credits - 40-65


Track 1: BSN to DNP (FNP or NE Focus) - 39


This track offers nurses with a BSN degree the opportunity to complete a terminal degree in nursing practice or nursing education without needing to achieve the MSN degree first.

Focus Areas - 24


Students must choose a Family Nurse Practitioner focus (FNP) or a Nursing Education focus (NE).

Track 3: APRN/MSN to DNP (NE Focus) - 14


This track offers nurses who already have advanced practice certification or masters-prepared nurses the opportunity to complete a terminal degree in nursing practice with a focus in Nursing Education (NE). 

Additional Requirements


Grade Point Average: In order to graduate, students must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) not lower than 3.25. 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.

Graduation Requirements


  • Successful completion of all Required Courses with 3.25 GPA.
  • Successful completion of Comprehensive Exam.
  • Satisfactory completion and defense of the Scholarly Project.
  • Satisfactory completion of supervised Clinical/Practicums.
  • Satisfactory completion of Certification Preparation/Review course.

Progress Towards Degree: Cohorts with differing degree options have anticipated completion at differing times within three to five years. Any student dropping out of a cohort may resume with a subsequent cohort but must complete the degree in no more than seven years.

Admission Requirements


  • Must meet standard admission requirements for graduate admission at Andrews University.
  • Other requirements below:
Requirements Standard
Minimum overall GPA 3.25
GRE Not required
Letters of recommendation

Two:

  • Professional colleague with at least Master’s degree
  • Current supervisor
Resume CV also acceptable

Goal Statement (500 words)

Use these points to develop your goal statement:

  • Identify your area of focus (choose Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator)
  • Describe how this focus will help you achieve your future goals.
Degrees BSN or MSN from an accredited school (ACEN or CCNE and other accrediting bodies for foreign degrees).
Undergraduate/Graduate courses required with a grade of B or better
  • Statistics
  • Track 3: APRN/MSN to DNP (NE Focus) students must have graduate level pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology.
License

 

  • Current unencumbered RN license.
  • APRN certification where appropriate with evidence of practicum hours completed in APRN education.
  • Faculty reserve the right to require an interview of applicants based on reasons they identify.

Student Learning Outcomes


Students who successfully complete the program will:

  • Integrate knowledge from nursing, biophysical, social, analytical and organizational sciences into practicing, developing and transforming advanced practice nursing within a spiritual context.
  • Integrate organizational and system thinking as well as leadership knowledge in designing, implementing and/or evaluating approaches to quality in care delivery.
  • Use clinical scholarship and analytical methods to critically appraise the literature, and develop, implement and evaluate strategies and best practices in providing healthcare.
  • Develop leadership in critical analysis, information management, advocacy and education, in shaping healthcare policy at the local, state and national levels.
  • Employ consultative, collaborative and leadership skills with intra-professional and inter-professional teams to foster effective communication, enhance health outcomes, and create positive change in complex healthcare delivery systems, and across diverse populations in order to address health disparities.
  • Implement principles of learning theory, curriculum development, and teaching strategies in advanced practice for impacting individuals, families, communities, institutions and/or systems, in order to achieve the goals of improved healthcare (APRN–DNP track only).
  • Transition from entry level of nursing practice to advanced level of nursing practice, while developing higher level clinical, leadership, advocacy, and scholarship, knowledge and skills (BSN–DNP Track only).

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