Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) Population/Role: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)

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Terminal Objectives

The DNP degree is designed to prepare graduates to function as highly developed clinicians/leaders in advanced nursing practice or systems of care. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a variety of complex clinical, organizational, and/or educational systems with diverse populations and will be able to affect changes in health care outcomes through evidence-based decision making and system redesign.

Integrate science-based theories and data-based concepts to develop, critically appraise and implement practice approaches that improve health care and health care systems.
Apply organizational theories and systems thinking to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes of practice decisions and initiatives.
Apply effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in patient care, the health care organization and research.
Apply knowledge of informatics to monitor and improve outcomes, programs and systems of care.
Provide leadership in influencing policies on the financing, regulation and delivery of health care.
Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.
Function independently in an advanced nursing role to improve health outcomes in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The DNP degree requires a minimum of 62 trimester hours of post-baccalaureate or 30 trimester hours of post-master’s study. All Doctor of Nursing Practice students must complete degree requirements within five years.

Curriculum

Advanced Practice Nursing Core

NSG - 625L Advanced Health Assessment for Advanced Practice Nursing Across the Lifespan: Lab Credit Hours: (1)
NSG - 532 Advanced Physiology Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 533 Advanced Pathophysiology Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 531 Advanced Pharmacology Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 535 Diagnostics for the APRN Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 537 Transition to the APRN Role Credit Hours: (3)

Subtotal: 16

DNP Core

NSG - 603 Effective Project Planning, Implementation and Evaluation Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 600 Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 602 Healthcare Economics, Policy, Finance Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 604A DNP Project Planning I Credit Hours: (1)
NSG - 604D DNP Project Planning II and III Credit Hours: (2)

Subtotal: 12

Population/Role Cognates

NSG - 534 Major Psychopathological Disorders Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 570B Pharmacotherapeutics Primary Care Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 571A Management: Adult/Gerontology I Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 571B Management: Adult/Gerontology II Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 572 Quality and Safety for the Aging Adult Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 679 Academic Scholarship in Nursing Credit Hours: (Variable)

Subtotal: 16-19

DNP Practica and Capstone

NSG - 605 DNP Capstone Credit Hours: (3) (168 Clock Hours)
NSG - 606 DNP/Specialty Practicum Credit Hours: (Variable) (504 Clock Hours)
NSG - 607 DNP/Specialty Immersion Residency Credit Hours: (Variable) (336 Clock Hours)

Subtotal: 12

Total: 56-59

A review of the MSN applicant’s transcript will be conducted to determine any modifications that may be required in course work or clinical hours.

The equivalent of Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Research and Biostatistics/Epidemiology must be completed prior to admission or added to the plan of study.