The DNP is a practice doctorate in nursing which prepares graduates to function at the highest level of nursing practice. Entry into the program is available spring, summer and fall. Graduates of the DNP program focus on providing care with an emphasis on improving quality and access to underserved and diverse populations. Graduates employ abilities and skills in these areas to: (a) advocate for reasonable, rational, and data-driven health regulations, standards, and practices; (b) sustain collaborative and strategic relationships; (c) promote innovative, effective health care programs; and (d) form partnerships with diverse groups to address health disparities.
Two pathways to the DNP degree are available, post-baccalaureate to DNP (BSN to DNP) and post-master's to DNP (MSN to DNP). The BSN to DNP pathway admits BSN-prepared nurses. The MSN degree will be awarded concurrently with the DNP degree at the conclusion of the program. Th MSN degree offers one of the following concentrations associated with it: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), dual nurse Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Administrator. The BSN to DNP pathway for Nurse Practitioner concentrations is currently available to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia residents only.
The MSN to DNP pathway admits those with a minimum of a Bachelor's in Nursing and a Master's in Nursing or another relevant field. Those with Master's in a field other than Nursing may be required to complete additional courses.. The program of study offers the opportunity for a focus in education or executive administration through additional elective coursework if desired.
The DNP curriculum includes the development of a clinical practice project. This "DNP project" is designed to synthesize scholarship in an advanced practice specialty or an area of health care leadership. Practice immersion experiences provide the context within which the project is completed. Students develop the project under the direction of a team, including program faculty, the student, the clinical advisor, the faculty advisor, and alumni mentors. All courses are offered in a distance accessible format.
Note: This program requires a clinical component (post-baccalaureate range from 1080-1620 clinical hours depending of the concentration; post-master's clinical hours are 540). It is the student’s responsibility to identify a site and an appropriate clinical advisor. No clinical practice will take place until the student has been notified by CCN of site and clinical advisor approval.