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Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

College of Nursing and Health Sciences / Nursing
Graduate degree / Doctor of Nursing Practice

About The Program

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice program (DNP) is for Registered Nurses with a Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN/BAN) or Entry Level Master's Degree in Nursing (ELMSN) who wish to expand their practice to include the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

The BSN to DNP track is 75 credits and four years long at full-time progression. The ELMSN to DNP track is 67 credits and three years long at full-time progression. A part-time study option is not available at this time. Four semesters of clinical rotations include primary care across the lifespan. Students accumulate at least 1,000 hours of experience through clinical practicum and scholarship work. We provide clinical placements for students that include urban, rural, and underserved populations through our dedicated DNP FNP Clinical Coordinator.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through July 15 in NursingCAS. Fall cohort model start only.

Apply now!

The DNP curriculum to become a family nurse practitioner consists of didactic and clinical course work structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education and when appropriate, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies. Didactic and clinical course work culminates in the completion of an evidence-based clinical scholarship project during the Clinical Scholarship course sequences.

All faculty members at the doctoral level are:

  • Doctoral prepared in their fields
  • Experienced in implementation science
  • Prepared to advise DNP scholarship projects
  • Experienced in their field of practice
  • Nurse Practitioner faculty all practice as Advanced Practice Nurses

Program accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Metro State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The DNP program is approved as an APRN preparation program by the:

Minnesota Board of Nursing
1210 Northland Drive #120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Phone: 612.317.3000
Fax: 651.688.1841
Toll Free: 888.234.2690 FREE (MN, IA, ND, SD, WI) TTY: 800.627.3529
Nursing Board - email

The DNP FNP program is endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation; graduates may sit for the holistic nurse certification exam with a waiver of continuing education and practice requirements.

DNP Family Nurse Practitioner student outcomes

DNP program graduates train for a variety of Family Nurse Practitioner career options, and gain skills, which include:

  • Translating scientific knowledge into nursing practice
  • Leading practice initiatives that influence population health care outcomes with a focus on underserved individuals, families and communities
  • Utilizing information systems technology to improve patient care and health care systems
  • Facilitating inter-professional collaboration to ensure safe and effective health care
  • Practicing holistic, evidence-based advanced nursing care with a focus on underserved individuals, families, and communities
  • Advocating for public policy to prevent illness and promote population health

Interested in Metro State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program?

Minnesota-based Metro State’s DNP program provides a great opportunity for nurses to expand their practice to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). A member of the Minnesota State College and University System, Metro State provides a safe and respectful climate for students to pursue their educational and career goals.

Advance Your Career and Education

How to enroll

Enrollment Deposit following Application Fee

Once accepted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, applicants must submit a $200 non-refundable enrollment deposit within 30 days, which guarantees a spot in the entering cohort. This deposit is applied towards your tuition in your first semester. Metro State’s DNP FNP and Post-master’s programs reviews completed applications on rolling basis, so it is best to apply as soon as possible. Metro State reserves the right to close the application earlier than posted final deadline if enrollment goals are met before that date.

Program eligibility requirements

Students who meet the following admission criteria are encouraged to apply:

  • Earned Bachelor’s or Entry-Level Master’s degree in Nursing at time of application – if your degree is in progress, please contact the program advisor to petition
  • Evidence of current unencumbered RN licensure in one state with eligibility for licensure in Minnesota
  • 2,080 hours of registered nurse experience at time of application
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA across all previous post-secondary and degrees, including any courses completed that did not lead directly to a completed degree.

If accepted into the DNP program, students are required to complete a statistics course prior to program start. For the BSN-DNP track, the requirement is any college level statistics course (upper or lower division). For the ELMSN-DNP track, the requirement is an approved graduate level statistics course completed within the previous 5 years with a grade of B or better. For more information about statistics, contact nina.exley@metrostate.edu.

Application instructions

Metro State University is participating in the common application for graduate programs (NursingCAS). Applications are only accepted via the CAS website.

CAS steps

  1. Select the term for which you are seeking admission (below), and navigate to the CAS website. Open applications include:
  2. Create or log in to your account and select the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP) program.
  3. Carefully review all instructions and complete all four sections of the application.

Specific application requirements for individual programs can be found on each program page in CAS. Carefully read the instructions that appear throughout the application pages. You can only submit your application once. If you need to update information you have submitted, please notify graduate.studies@metrostate.edu

Application fee

A nonrefundable $80 fee is required for each application.
Applications will not be processed until this fee is received.

Active-duty military, veterans, and Metro State alumni can receive an application fee waiver. Contact graduate.studies@metrostate.edu.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Course sequencing and time to completion

  • All courses must be completed in sequence.
  • Students must achieve a minimum of a B- in each course in order to progress. Exceptions: students may earn a minimum grade of C in STAT 621 and one additional DNP course.
  • Degree requirements must be completed within six years of beginning DNP coursework for post-BSN students, and five years for post-ELMSN students.

Prerequisite:

  • For the BSN to DNP/FNP Progression: Upper or lower division statistics course. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start.
  • For the Metro State Entry Level MSN to DNP/FNP Progression: Graduate-level statistics course completed within the previous five years with a grade of B or better. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start.
  • For any other MSN to DNP/FNP Progression: Graduate-level statistics course completed within the previous 5 years with a grade of B or better. Prerequisite must be completed before Fall program start. Meeting with the DNP Program Director to determine a unique progression plan must be done prior to registration of classes Fall program start.

Pre-Practicum requirements

Prior to beginning the practicum experience, information must be submitted to the Department of Nursing which may include, but is not limited to the items listed on the pre-practicum requirements page. Requirements must be valid for the duration of practicum experiences.

The Nursing Programs endeavor to provide students with appropriate clinical training placements, but cannot guarantee placements in all circumstances. Students with personal circumstances that may limit their eligibility to participate in clinical experiences are encouraged to contact the Nursing Department Chair as soon as possible.

Student licensure

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for the advanced practice role as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). Graduates of the this program will be awarded a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and will be eligible to sit for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner FNP Certification Examination or the American Nurses Credentialing Certification FNP Certification Examination.

Requirements

+ BSN to DNP track (75 credits)

This course focuses on advanced aspects of integrative nursing care to promote holistic health and wellness. Integrative concepts and principles are explored. A holistic assessment approach is utilized to assist in synthesizing inter-relationships between core course concepts. Students evaluate evidence related to integrative therapies and their application to clinical practice and self-care. Competence Statement: Synthesizes course concepts and principles well enough to apply appropriate advanced integrative approaches that promote holistic health and wellness.

Full course description for Advanced Integrative Nursing Care

This course focuses on foundational principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Indications, efficacy, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects of selected drugs will be examined, compared and contrasted. Utilizing critical thinking skills, the student will incorporate evidence-based, ethical, and holistic principles into pharmacotherapeutic decision making.

Full course description for Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on the advanced, comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. A holistic, nursing theoretical framework provides the structure for the course. The course builds on the students' knowledge and skills of basic physical assessment, anatomy and physiology, and provides a foundation for the advance practice nurse to evaluate the health of individuals across the life span. The course emphasizes documentation, and practice skills necessary for advanced communication, biopsychosocial and physical assessment, critical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making. Students acquire advanced knowledge and skills through a case based, problem focused learning framework that integrates theoretical, empirical, and experience-based practical knowledge. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of holistic health assessment well enough to apply these skills and techniques in a simulated setting.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice

This laboratory experience focuses on the application of skills taught in N616. Students will practice interview skills, physical exam techniques and assessments across the lifespan. Demonstration of complete physical exam is required for course completion. Competence Statement: Knows the skills and techniques of a holistic assessment well enough to obtain a complete health history perform an age appropriate complete physical exam and problem focused physical exam, and provide age appropriate health promotion and anticipatory guidance across the lifespan.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Lab

This course focuses on advanced family nursing with emphasis on family and individual health promotion and maintenance for the Family Nurse Practitioner. Major theoretical foundations are presented including family theory, the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model, and the Health Promotion Model. Students apply theories and concepts to actual family and individual health maintenance assessment and planning. Focus is placed on use of the clinical decision-making process for the assessment and plan. Students work with a family whose background is different from their own.

Full course description for Family Health Promotion and Health Maintenance

This course focuses on the knowledge needed to interpret common laboratory and diagnostic tests encountered in advanced practice nursing. Content includes recognizing, analyzing and interpreting normal and abnormal laboratory and diagnostic findings within the context of patient care. Attributes, strengths and limitations of common diagnostics are reviewed to guide clinical decision-making. Competence Statement: Knows interpretation of common laboratory and diagnostics tests well enough to apply to the provision of care as an advanced practice nurse.

Full course description for Labs and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Nursing

This course focuses on the use of health care informatics and technology in advanced nursing practice. The development of the science of informatics and information systems is reviewed. The use of information systems to communicate, document and bill for patient care is explored. Information systems are used to analyze practice outcomes at the individual and practice group levels compared to national standards and critique the systems. Challenges and opportunities to improve health through the use of information systems and technology are explored. Competence Statement: Knows information systems and technology well enough to be utilized to improve patient care outcomes and health care systems.

Full course description for Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on the theoretical foundations necessary to provide leadership within teams/groups/systems related to continuous improvement of quality and safety influencing health outcomes. Leadership and quality improvement philosophies, approaches, models, and methods are analyzed. Students apply relevant leadership techniques and strategies which emphasize ethical and critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, and systems based analysis.

Full course description for Leadership in Health Care Systems

This intensive certification review course is designed to prepare graduates of the DNP FNP program for the national board certification offered by AANP or ANCC. This class focuses on preparing students to apply their clinical knowledge of the population; focus of family and individual across the life span: pediatrics, obgyn, adolescent, adult, and geriatric primary care. This review course provides interactive modules through APEA to help prepare for and pass the FNP board certification exam.

Full course description for Intensive Review for Certification

This course focuses on the application of evidence based practice and the synthesis of evidence. Quantitative, qualitative research approaches, methodologies and data analysis techniques are addressed. Client concerns, clinical expertise, and clinical judgement are integrated while critically appraising scientific literature in the understanding of evidence based nursing practice.

Full course description for Research Methodology and Advanced Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on analyzing epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to population health. The student applies this knowledge to develop a plan to improve population health status. The intervention plan addresses health promotion and disease prevention efforts related to health inequity for diverse populations. A global perspective of population health is incorporated into advanced nursing practice roles. This course includes 50 practicum hours in population health assessment and intervention planning. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts and principles of epidemiology, prevention, and population health well enough to develop a evidence based intervention for a vulnerable population related health issue.

Full course description for Epidemiology and Population Health

This course utilizes the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other nursing theories to focus on evidence-based prevention concepts, health maintenance, diagnosis, and management of specific health conditions. Students demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skill through the interpretation of subjective and objective data.

Full course description for Primary Care II

This clinical practicum course builds on the skills learned in N621P and facilitates application of content in N722 with a focus on clinical decision making skills. In a clinical setting serving clients across the lifespan, students focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. A minimum of 175 clinical hours with an approved preceptor(s) are required.

Full course description for Primary Care II Practicum

This course utilizes the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other theories to focus on evidence-based health maintenance, treatment and management of specific health conditions in pediatrics. Students will continue to demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III: Pediatrics

This course focuses on practicum which includes enhancement of history taking and physical examination skills in addition to introduction of new pediatric concepts. The course focuses on the advancement of clinical reasoning through case study examination, documentation review, and discussion with a pediatric focus. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings across the lifespan. Issues that arise from the clinical setting regarding advanced practice nursing roles will be addressed. This practicum includes a minimum of 175 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) with an emphasis in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III Practicum

This course focuses on developing advanced skills in primary care management of adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses. Etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, disease management issues, and ongoing health promotion/disease prevention will be addressed utilizing an evidence-based framework for providing complex care based in systems biology, healthy aging theory, and advanced practice nursing theory. Health disparities, based in racism, ethnicity, poverty, and structural violence, their effects on physical and mental health, and the DNP prepared advanced practice nurse's responsibility to combat these disparities will be addressed along with the DNP role in providing case management for persons with complex, debilitating illnesses.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care

This clinical practicum focuses on the management of complex, multi-system illness of adults and older adults. The course focuses on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills through case study examination, critical self-evaluation, documentation review, and seminar discussion. Students integrate knowledge of nursing science, social science, biological science, biomedicine, ethics, public and community health, mental health, integrative and functional care systems, and trauma-informed care as they plan holistic care for adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses in the clinical setting. Health promotion needs appropriate to the client¿s complex needs are also addressed. The student transitions from the student FNP role to independent novice FNP role. 175 Clinical hours with an approved Preceptor(s) is also required.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care Practicum

This course focuses on building the structure of the student¿s DNP project. Students begin the DNP project-focused literature review and critique. Students also establish a community site that serves as the location for the DNP scholarship project. This course applies prior program content in application to a DNP scholarship project. Students may accrue up to 10 scholarship hours. Competence Statement: Know concepts from previous DNP program courses well enough to initiate a DNP scholarship project.

Full course description for Pre-Scholarship

This course focuses on conducting a needs assessment and defining the scope of a problem at a community site that will serve as the location for the DNP scholarship project. Students accrue 40 - 50 required hours for their scholarship projects. Competence Statement: Know concepts of needs assessment well enough to identify a practice problem and the scope of a scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship Project Assessment

This course focuses on developing and leading people toward the accomplishment of organizational goals and managing project resources within health systems. Process improvement methodologies and implementation science frameworks are applied to strengthen students' ability to design and manage projects. Application of concepts related to project planning, resource management, and project oversight within the health care environment are applied to a quality improvement project.

Full course description for Resource Management and Finance for Health Care

This course focuses on developing a proposal for a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will identify theoretical underpinnings, analyze scientific evidence, and evaluate the literature applicable to the scholarship project. Students must successfully present the scholarship proposal. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project design well enough to develop and successfully present a scholarship project proposal.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship I

This course focuses on the analysis of regulations and policies that impact health and health care. Students analyze health issues and the social, economic, and political implications of current and proposed policies. Students compare health policies and health outcomes to evaluate alternative approaches to advancing health equity. Students learn to develop and pursue appropriate strategies to influence policymakers and educate others. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and concepts of health policy well enough to provide leadership to design, implement, and advocate for policies that advance health.

Full course description for Health Policy and Advocacy

This course focuses on implementing a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will guide the scholarship project while collaborating with stakeholders, the scholarship project mentor, and the scholarship project faculty adviser. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to implement the scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship II

This course focuses on the evaluation of a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health and the dissemination of the results. Students will evaluate the entire project process, present a plan for sustainability, reflect on his/her role leading the project, and demonstrate accomplishment of program objectives. Students must successfully present the final scholarship project. Students will accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to evaluate the scholarship project and disseminate the results.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship III

This course is the application of statistical knowledge in reading, evaluating, and utilizing research findings. Students will know and understand the advanced statistical methods applied in the health sciences, and the students will develop the skills required to critique research, especially nursing research, and to have an understanding of the fundamental requirements of conducting their own research studies.

Full course description for Advanced Biostatistics in Health Research

*New courses centered on new DNP essentials in development. Please see Course Sequence document below for most current program progression.

+ Entry level MSN to DNP track (67 credits)

This course focuses on foundational principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Indications, efficacy, therapeutic effects, and adverse effects of selected drugs will be examined, compared and contrasted. Utilizing critical thinking skills, the student will incorporate evidence-based, ethical, and holistic principles into pharmacotherapeutic decision making.

Full course description for Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

This course focuses on the advanced, comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. A holistic, nursing theoretical framework provides the structure for the course. The course builds on the students' knowledge and skills of basic physical assessment, anatomy and physiology, and provides a foundation for the advance practice nurse to evaluate the health of individuals across the life span. The course emphasizes documentation, and practice skills necessary for advanced communication, biopsychosocial and physical assessment, critical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making. Students acquire advanced knowledge and skills through a case based, problem focused learning framework that integrates theoretical, empirical, and experience-based practical knowledge. Competence Statement: Knows the principles of holistic health assessment well enough to apply these skills and techniques in a simulated setting.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice

This laboratory experience focuses on the application of skills taught in N616. Students will practice interview skills, physical exam techniques and assessments across the lifespan. Demonstration of complete physical exam is required for course completion. Competence Statement: Knows the skills and techniques of a holistic assessment well enough to obtain a complete health history perform an age appropriate complete physical exam and problem focused physical exam, and provide age appropriate health promotion and anticipatory guidance across the lifespan.

Full course description for Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice Lab

This course focuses on advanced family nursing with emphasis on family and individual health promotion and maintenance for the Family Nurse Practitioner. Major theoretical foundations are presented including family theory, the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model, and the Health Promotion Model. Students apply theories and concepts to actual family and individual health maintenance assessment and planning. Focus is placed on use of the clinical decision-making process for the assessment and plan. Students work with a family whose background is different from their own.

Full course description for Family Health Promotion and Health Maintenance

This course focuses on the knowledge needed to interpret common laboratory and diagnostic tests encountered in advanced practice nursing. Content includes recognizing, analyzing and interpreting normal and abnormal laboratory and diagnostic findings within the context of patient care. Attributes, strengths and limitations of common diagnostics are reviewed to guide clinical decision-making. Competence Statement: Knows interpretation of common laboratory and diagnostics tests well enough to apply to the provision of care as an advanced practice nurse.

Full course description for Labs and Diagnostics for Advanced Practice Nursing

This course focuses on the use of health care informatics and technology in advanced nursing practice. The development of the science of informatics and information systems is reviewed. The use of information systems to communicate, document and bill for patient care is explored. Information systems are used to analyze practice outcomes at the individual and practice group levels compared to national standards and critique the systems. Challenges and opportunities to improve health through the use of information systems and technology are explored. Competence Statement: Knows information systems and technology well enough to be utilized to improve patient care outcomes and health care systems.

Full course description for Informatics for Advanced Nursing Practice

This intensive certification review course is designed to prepare graduates of the DNP FNP program for the national board certification offered by AANP or ANCC. This class focuses on preparing students to apply their clinical knowledge of the population; focus of family and individual across the life span: pediatrics, obgyn, adolescent, adult, and geriatric primary care. This review course provides interactive modules through APEA to help prepare for and pass the FNP board certification exam.

Full course description for Intensive Review for Certification

This course focuses on the application of evidence based practice and the synthesis of evidence. Quantitative, qualitative research approaches, methodologies and data analysis techniques are addressed. Client concerns, clinical expertise, and clinical judgement are integrated while critically appraising scientific literature in the understanding of evidence based nursing practice.

Full course description for Research Methodology and Advanced Evidence-Based Practice

This course focuses on analyzing epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and other appropriate scientific data related to population health. The student applies this knowledge to develop a plan to improve population health status. The intervention plan addresses health promotion and disease prevention efforts related to health inequity for diverse populations. A global perspective of population health is incorporated into advanced nursing practice roles. This course includes 50 practicum hours in population health assessment and intervention planning. Competence Statement: Knows the concepts and principles of epidemiology, prevention, and population health well enough to develop a evidence based intervention for a vulnerable population related health issue.

Full course description for Epidemiology and Population Health

This course utilizes the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other nursing theories to focus on evidence-based prevention concepts, health maintenance, diagnosis, and management of specific health conditions. Students demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skill through the interpretation of subjective and objective data.

Full course description for Primary Care II

This clinical practicum course builds on the skills learned in N621P and facilitates application of content in N722 with a focus on clinical decision making skills. In a clinical setting serving clients across the lifespan, students focus on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings. A minimum of 175 clinical hours with an approved preceptor(s) are required.

Full course description for Primary Care II Practicum

This course utilizes the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model and other theories to focus on evidence-based health maintenance, treatment and management of specific health conditions in pediatrics. Students will continue to demonstrate increasing proficiency in assessment and diagnostic reasoning skills in the interpretation of subjective and objective data in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III: Pediatrics

This course focuses on practicum which includes enhancement of history taking and physical examination skills in addition to introduction of new pediatric concepts. The course focuses on the advancement of clinical reasoning through case study examination, documentation review, and discussion with a pediatric focus. Students integrate knowledge of family, culture, holism, community, and caring as they plan holistic care for clients in clinical settings across the lifespan. Issues that arise from the clinical setting regarding advanced practice nursing roles will be addressed. This practicum includes a minimum of 175 clinical hours with approved preceptor(s) with an emphasis in pediatrics.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing III Practicum

This course focuses on developing advanced skills in primary care management of adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses. Etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnoses, disease management issues, and ongoing health promotion/disease prevention will be addressed utilizing an evidence-based framework for providing complex care based in systems biology, healthy aging theory, and advanced practice nursing theory. Health disparities, based in racism, ethnicity, poverty, and structural violence, their effects on physical and mental health, and the DNP prepared advanced practice nurse's responsibility to combat these disparities will be addressed along with the DNP role in providing case management for persons with complex, debilitating illnesses.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care

This clinical practicum focuses on the management of complex, multi-system illness of adults and older adults. The course focuses on the advancement of differential diagnostic and critical thinking skills through case study examination, critical self-evaluation, documentation review, and seminar discussion. Students integrate knowledge of nursing science, social science, biological science, biomedicine, ethics, public and community health, mental health, integrative and functional care systems, and trauma-informed care as they plan holistic care for adult and older adult clients with complex, multi-system illnesses in the clinical setting. Health promotion needs appropriate to the client¿s complex needs are also addressed. The student transitions from the student FNP role to independent novice FNP role. 175 Clinical hours with an approved Preceptor(s) is also required.

Full course description for Primary Care Nursing IV: Complex Care Practicum

This course focuses on building the structure of the student¿s DNP project. Students begin the DNP project-focused literature review and critique. Students also establish a community site that serves as the location for the DNP scholarship project. This course applies prior program content in application to a DNP scholarship project. Students may accrue up to 10 scholarship hours. Competence Statement: Know concepts from previous DNP program courses well enough to initiate a DNP scholarship project.

Full course description for Pre-Scholarship

This course focuses on conducting a needs assessment and defining the scope of a problem at a community site that will serve as the location for the DNP scholarship project. Students accrue 40 - 50 required hours for their scholarship projects. Competence Statement: Know concepts of needs assessment well enough to identify a practice problem and the scope of a scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship Project Assessment

This course focuses on developing and leading people toward the accomplishment of organizational goals and managing project resources within health systems. Process improvement methodologies and implementation science frameworks are applied to strengthen students' ability to design and manage projects. Application of concepts related to project planning, resource management, and project oversight within the health care environment are applied to a quality improvement project.

Full course description for Resource Management and Finance for Health Care

This course focuses on developing a proposal for a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will identify theoretical underpinnings, analyze scientific evidence, and evaluate the literature applicable to the scholarship project. Students must successfully present the scholarship proposal. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project design well enough to develop and successfully present a scholarship project proposal.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship I

This course focuses on the analysis of regulations and policies that impact health and health care. Students analyze health issues and the social, economic, and political implications of current and proposed policies. Students compare health policies and health outcomes to evaluate alternative approaches to advancing health equity. Students learn to develop and pursue appropriate strategies to influence policymakers and educate others. Competence Statement: Knows the principles and concepts of health policy well enough to provide leadership to design, implement, and advocate for policies that advance health.

Full course description for Health Policy and Advocacy

This course focuses on implementing a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health. Students will guide the scholarship project while collaborating with stakeholders, the scholarship project mentor, and the scholarship project faculty adviser. Students accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to implement the scholarship project.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship II

This course focuses on the evaluation of a scholarship project designed to positively influence processes, systems, communities, or policies impacting health and the dissemination of the results. Students will evaluate the entire project process, present a plan for sustainability, reflect on his/her role leading the project, and demonstrate accomplishment of program objectives. Students must successfully present the final scholarship project. Students will accrue 75 clinical hours related to the scholarship project. Competence Statement: Knows concepts of project management well enough to evaluate the scholarship project and disseminate the results.

Full course description for DNP Scholarship III

*New courses centered on new DNP essentials in development. Please see Course Sequence document below for most current program progression.