Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Beginning in the summer of 2010, UW-Eau Claire will offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree option for individuals pursuing education in advanced practice nursing. The DNP is a clinical doctorate intended for nurses assuming leadership roles in the areas of advanced clinical practice (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or nursing administration. During the first two years of the program, the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 academic years, the DNP will be offered as a post-master's option only (for part-time students during the initial year). It is anticipated that bginning in the 2012-2013 academic year, both MSN-to-DNP and BSN-to-DNP options will be offered.
Goals of the program
Graduates of the DNP program will be able to:
- Expand advanced nursing practice by integrating the art and science of nursing with theory and knowledge from biophysical, psychosocial, political, ethical, technical, analytical, cultural, spiritual, environmental, and organizational realms.
- Promote culturally sensitive, holistic advanced nursing practice care and services in a global community, with emphasis on disease/illness prevention and health/wellness promotion as well as restoration and maintenance.
- Synthesize leadership skills, systems analysis, and advocacy expertise.
- Integrate clinical expertise and competence with population-focused management, evidence-based practice, and health care policy.
- Analyze health-related informatioin systems and technology for the improvement of health care.
- Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based approaches to advanced nursing practice.
- Evaluate the outcomes of advanced nursing practice.
- Apply clinical scholarship and leadership skills to advanced nursing practice.
- Evaluate personal scholarship, professional growth, and excellence in practice.
MSN-to-DNP Option
For MSN-to-DNP students, the program consists of 28 credits taken at the 800-level. The 800-level courses include four core courses, two seminar and practicum courses (provide 450 clinical hours), and a capstone experience course. The courses will be offered as hybrids that combine online components with immersion days and can be taken over three terms (summer, fall, and spring) for full-time students and over two years for part-time students.
Students must earn a grade of C or better in course work and clinicals to successfully progress. The clinical experiences are accomplished under the guidance of a faculty member and a preceptor.
800-level DNP courses
- Advanced Epidemiology & Biostatistics for Population Health, 4 cr.
- Philosophical, Theoretical, & Ethical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice, 4 cr.
- Clinical Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice 4 cr.
- Organizational Leadership & Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice 4 cr.
- DNP Seminar & Practicum I & II, 9 cr.
- Capstone Project, 3 cr
Admission application requirements
To apply to the DNP program, an applicant must submit the following documents by January 4 for consideration for the following summer term:
- A complete application for graduate admission along with the application fee.
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions previously attended.
- An undergraduate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN) nursing program, with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Three references from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant's clinical ability and/or potential for graduate study.
- An essay.
- A complete DNP Demographic Form.
- Wisconsin Registered Nurse licensure.
- A master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN) nursing program, with a role preparation in Advanced Practice Nursing as an Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Administrator.
- Evidence of at least 500 hours of master's level clinical practicum (or national certification by a body approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing).
- Evidence of basic epidemiology content.
- Evidence of graduate level pharmacology (not required for nursing administration students).
Send materials to:
Graduate Admissions
UW-Eau Claire
Schofield Hall 112
Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
BSN-to-DNP option
For the BSN-to-DNP option, students specialize in adult or family health nursing and select a role preparation in advanced clinical practice (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or nursing administration. The BSN-to-DNP program consists of 70-76 credits, depending on the area of advanced practice. 42-48 credits are at the 700-level and the final 28 credits are at the 800-level. BSN-to-DNP students have 550-650 clinical hours ast the 700-level during the first 2 years and an additional 450 clinical hours at the 800-level during the third year of study. The courses can be taken over three years for full-time post-baccalaureate students and over 4-6 years for part-time students.
The Eau Claire Advantage
- U.S. News & World Report magazine consistently ranks UW-Eau Claire among the top public regional universities in the Midwest in its annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook.
- UW-Eau Claire’s reputation as an interactive university has been cited in publications such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine, Money Magazine and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
- Four UW-Eau Claire professors, including a nursing professor, have received Wisconsin Professor of the Year awards.
- UW-Eau Claire is a member institution of The Council of Graduate Schools and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information
For prospective graduate students, to learn more about the Nursing Graduate Program options available in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at UW-Eau Claire, contact: |
For general information about the campus and admission to a program, contact: |
