College of Nursing

DNP FAQ's

 

The DNP degree was endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2004) to give nurses the option of pursuing a practice doctorate instead of the traditional research doctorate. The practice doctorate is intended for advanced clinicians who are in direct or indirect clinical practice. The focus of the DNP is to provide nurses with additional education in the areas of health policy, organizational leadership and management, and additional clinical expertise with a focus on evidence-based practice. The overall intent is to improve the health outcomes of individuals, families and communities through translation of clinical research into practice.

Further information about the DNP can be found at the following web sites:

 

UMSL College of Nursing DNP FAQs

What is a DNP and how does it differ from the research nursing doctorate (PhD, DNSc, DNS)?

The DNP degree was endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in their 2004 Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing to give nurses the option of pursuing a clinically-focused practice doctorate instead of the traditional research doctorate. The practice doctorate is intended for advanced clinicians who are in direct or indirect clinical practice. The focus of the DNP is to provide nurses with additional education in the areas of health policy, organizational leadership and management, and additional clinical nursing expertise with a focus on evidence-based practice. The overall intent is to improve the health outcomes of individuals, families and communities through translation of clinical research. The research nursing doctorate is a research intensive degree and is designed to prepare leaders in nursing science and scientific investigation.

Do I have to be an advanced practice nurse to be admitted to the UMSL DNP Program?

Yes, at this time, the DNP Program is a post-Masters degree for advanced practice nurses (APNs). APNs (nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists) must be currently certified by a national certification board and be recognized by the Missouri State Board of Nursing as Advanced Practice Nurses.

Why do I have to declare an area of interest?

In order to ensure that students have the best education possible, it is important to know their area of interest. For example, a WHNP may have interest in improving patient outcomes in individuals who are undergoing fertility treatments. This student would need a preceptor who can provide additional experiences in fertility management and would be matched with a faculty member with similar interests and experiences.

Are there clinicals in the DNP curriculum?

Yes, UMSLs DNP program requires at least 550 hours of clinical experience. This time will be used to implement a translational or clinical practice improvement applied research project.

What is a DNP preceptor?

A preceptor is an advanced practice nurse or licensed physician or other advanced clinician such as a clinical pharmacist or physical therapist with expertise in the students area of interest. Preceptors must be willing to work closely with students in advanced clinical settings. Preceptors do not have to have a doctoral degree, but must be a licensed health professional in their area of practice. Under normal circumstances, the preceptor will not work in the students practice site nor will the preceptor be the students collaborating physician.

Do I have to do a dissertation?

All students completing doctoral study through the UMSL Graduate School are required to complete a dissertation project. However, the definition of dissertation is determined by the specific doctoral degree program. The dissertation for DNP students will be a data based clinical project that seeks to improve healthcare outcomes or patient safety.

How long is the DNP program?

The UMSL Post-Masters DNP Program is a 30 credit program that can be completed in two and half (2 ) years of part time study.

How much will the program cost?

Information about fee rates, payment programs, and other information can be found online through the campus cashiers office at http://www.umsl.edu/services/finance/fee_sch.htm. Fees are subject to change according to University policy as described at this web site.

How can I apply for financial aid?

Information about financial aid can be found online through the campus financial aid office at http://www.umsl.edu/services/finaid/