Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Description

For complete course descriptions, click here.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a clinical doctoral program for the registered nurse (RN) who has completed a Master of Arts or Master of Science with a major in nursing and is certified as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

The curriculum for the DNP degree has been developed as a part-time program beginning in September 2008 with the expectation that students will complete the program in 24 or 27 months. Beginning in the academic year 2009–2010 a full-time course of study will be available for students who desire a full-time program for completion in 12–15 months. The degree requires completion of six (6) courses consisting of 19 classroom credits and 9 clinical credits. An intervention project is included in the course requirements.

The courses are innovative and interrelated including didactic, clinical and cohort experiences. Upon completion of the program you are expected to be prepared to improve healthcare outcomes among populations using evidenced based practice. You will be prepared to provide a leader role in shaping healthcare policy, implementing changes in healthcare practice at the systems level and demonstrating evidenced-based decision making related to healthcare outcomes for individuals and populations.

Courses will be scheduled to accommodate adult learner practitioners. The cohort learning model will include in-class participation, clinical experience and online learning. In-class sessions will be held on Friday evenings and Saturdays monthly. Clinical practicums will vary depending on site and learning needs and preference of the student.

ACCREDITATION

The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission notified St. Catherine University on April 28, 2009, that our application for Candidacy was granted. Candidacy status is granted when a new program is initiated and is the first step in the accreditation process. During the 2009-10 academic year, faculty will prepare a Self Study in preparation for a site visit by NLNAC in Fall 2010. The NLNAC Board of Commissioners will review the Self Study and findings from the site visitors and make a recommendation regarding accrediting status of the new DNP program. Contact information for NLNAC is: 3343 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326, phone: (404)975-5000.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 19 classroom credits and 9 clinical credits. The overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Students in the DNP program will complete an intervention project prior to graduation.

YEARS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM

You are expected to be able to complete the DNP program within slightly over two years on a part-time basis. As of the 2009–2010 academic year you will be able to complete the program within 12–15 months on a full-time basis.

PROGRESSION POLICY

You must receive a grade of a B in every clinical and didactic course and adhere to the DNP program student policies to remain in good standing. If you do not meet the requirements (B or better) you will be put on probation and required to develop a plan to improve your performance according to the DNP nursing program student policies. Along with your faculty mentor and program director you will determine when the conditions of the written performance improvement plan meet expectations. If you do not satisfy the written performance plan you will be asked to leave the program.

Major Requirements

CURRICULUM

There are six required doctoral level courses in the DNP program.
NURS 8500 Underpinnings of the Discipline of Nursing
NURS 8510 Information Systems and Technologies for the Improvement and Transformation of Healthcare
NURS 8520 Advanced Evidence-Based Practice
NURS 8530 Organizations and Systems: Implications for Practice
NURS 8540 Healthcare: Power and Politics
NURS 8600 Intervention Project; (or 8610 and 8620)
There are no other required supporting, recommended or elective courses.

CLINICAL PRACTICE

You are expected to complete 450 hours or more of advanced clinical practice experience related to your course work. You will be responsible for identifying your organization for clinical placement, clinical mentor(s) and areas for intervention. You are welcome, but not required, to conduct your clinical DNP course activities at your place of employment. Faculty will collaborate with you and approve your selection of mentors, experiences and areas of interventions.

Program Faculty:

Jeanne Jacobson, Associate Professor of Nursing, Director of Master of Arts in Nursing Program. B.A. Macalester College; M.A. Alfred Adler Institute.

Judith Johnson, Associate Professor of Nursing, Coordinator of ANP-GNP option. B.S.N., M.P.H., Ph.D., University of Minnesota; A.N.P. and G.N.P., certified by American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Kathleen Kalb, Associate Professor of Nursing, Coordinator of Nurse Educator Concentration. B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Minnesota.

Mary Mackenburg-Mohn, Associate Professor of Nursing. B.A. The College of St. Catherine, M.S.N. University of Minnesota, Ph.D. Capella University; P.N.P, certified by Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.

Valinda Pearson, Professor of Nursing. M.S.N., Ph.D., University of Minnesota. Margaret Dexheimer Pharris, Associate Professor of Nursing. B.S.N., M.S.N., M.P.H., Ph.D., University of Minnesota, F.A.A.N.

Alice Swan, Professor of Nursing, Associate Dean for Nursing. B.S., M.S., University of Minnesota; D.N.Sc., Rush University.

Gay Maureen Varecka, Associate Professor of Nursing. B.S., D’Youville College; M.S., State University of New York–Buffalo; Ph.D., University of Minnesota; A.N.P., certified by American Nurses Credentialing Center.