DNP-Doctor of Nursing Practice

Interim Director: Carol A. (Heald) Amann, PhD, RN-BC, CDP, FNGNA

INTRODUCTION

Upon completion of the program requirements, students are awarded the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. To comply with required educational changes, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) the Villa Maria School of Nursing is offering the addition of courses that will meet identified core content and competencies as outlined by the AACN specific to the practice doctorate.

The program is offered as a “bridge program” or Master’s add-on from the MSN to the DNP that is 26 credits in length. It can be completed in four to six part-time semesters.

Graduates will be prepared as leaders in their practice area. Course content will direct the DNP student at Gannon University to prepare, deliver and evaluate an evidence-based practice project in the clinical arena. This project will be an immersion experience and is not a research dissertation. Students may use their previous MSN level thesis work as a pilot study or starting point to develop their project.

NOTE: Course offerings in any graduate program nursing option are contingent on sufficient enrollment.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants who hold a Master of Science in Nursing are eligible to apply for admission to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program of study. Applicants must:

• Submit an application for admission with the Gannon University Graduate Admissions office. Applicants will:

  • Provide official transcripts of all previous academic work.

  • Have a 3.5 out of 4.0 overall GPA in their Master’s degree program.

  • Submit three letters of recommendation; one from an academic professional (faculty who knows the student’s ability to do independent academic work), one from an employer, and one from a professional who can address the candidate’s advanced practice ability.

  • A professional resume

  • A copy of a current Registered Nurse license and advanced practice license (where applicable)

  • Evidence of active certification and current CEUs

  • Course description of a Graduate level statistics course (if completed)

  • A synopsis or evidence of a thesis or evidence-based practice project completed at the Master’s level

  • An essay (limited to 500 words) regarding the applicant’s interest in obtaining a DNP

  • Complete a phone or onsite interview with VMSON leadership.

  • Provide information regarding clinical practice hours acquired for evaluation to meet the 1000 hour DNP clinical requirement.

THE CURRICULUM PLAN

A three-credit graduate level statistics course must be completed prior to or concurrent with taking DNURS 801 Evidence based Practice/Theory. If the course is not taken at Gannon, a course description must be approved by the Nursing Director. Graduate students are assigned an academic advisor who will provide guidance and support throughout the DNP program.