Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Description

The online DNP is similar to other practice doctorates such as the MD,JD, and PharmD. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has called for the adoption by 2015 of the DNP as the terminal nursing degree. You can enter the DNP as a post-BSN student or a post-master's (nursing) student, Part-time and full-time options are available. With a DNP you will be prepared to: Generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes; Improve Health outcomes through scientifically-based advanced practice within your chosen specialty; engage in and lead collaborative pracitice teams; and influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives. At the College of Nursing all doctoral students are required to attend RISE: Resident Intensive Summer Experience, in Tucson, AZ on an annual basis. During RISE, students will: Become immersed in courses and research tailored to each specific program and specialty. Meet with faculty advisors, fellow classmates and Graduate Student Services staff. Learn more about the degree program, explore coursework, and explore funding opportunities. Collaborate with students, faculty and staff

Contents

The DNP is similar to other practice doctorates such as the MD, JD, and PharmD. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has called for the adoption by 2015 of the DNP as the terminal nursing practice degree.

You can enter the DNP as a post-BSN student or a post-master’s (nursing) student. Part-time and full-time options are available:

• The BSN-DNP curriculum is a 74-77 credits depending upon the practice specialty selected.
• The MS (Nursing)-DNP curriculum to become a nurse practitioner (NP) is 71-74 credits depending upon the practice specialty selected. Most students will be able to transfer course work to reduce the total number of credits needed to complete degree requirements.
• The MS-DNP curriculum for those who already are NPs is a 43 credit program.

DNP students who have not completed a graduate statistics course within the past 5 years will be required to enroll in a graduate statistics course the first fall semester of the program. All students are expected to come to campus for a robust 5-day Resident Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) each year for the first three years of doctoral study. RISE attendance for part-time students may vary.

With a DNP you will be prepared to

• generate and disseminate nursing practice knowledge to stimulate research and improve clinical outcomes;
• improve health outcomes through scientifically-based advanced practice within your chosen specialty;
• engage in and lead collaborative practice teams; and
• influence clinical practice transformation and policy initiatives.

Requirements

Before students can take any courses for credit, students must first be admitted to the University of Arizona as a degree or non-degree student. Students who are not admitted to the University of Arizona can apply as a Non-Degree Seeking student, either as an Undergraduate or Graduate student. Graduate students can apply online as a Non-Degree Seeking student. Undergraduates can download a paper Non-Degree application. Please mail the Undergraduate Non-Degree application and check payment to UA Outreach College instead of Undergraduate Admissions to expedite your admission process.

Before you can register for UA Outreach College courses, you must be eligible for admission as a degree-seeking or non-degree student graduate student at the University of Arizona.

English Language Requirements

Funding

There are various types of financial assistance that can help you cover the costs associated with college. UA offers a wide array of scholarship programs. Every student is considered for scholarships as long as a complete application for admission, transcripts and test scores have been received.

To apply for need-based aid, U.S. citizens must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have your information sent to UA, specify the UA school code — 001083.

To ensure you get the best financial package, be sure to complete a FAFSA by March 1st and have a complete Admissions Application (application, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores) by May 1st.

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Accreditation

University of Arizona Accreditation

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized federally by the Department of Education. Accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission ensures students and other stakeholders that the University of Arizona meets clear quality standards concerning mission, integrity, teaching and learning, resources, and institutional effectiveness. In addition, the University is operated under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents.

State Authorization

The University of Arizona is working in cooperation with state agencies to comply with required authorizations in each state. Review your state’s current status with regard to online programs at the University of Arizona, including any special requirements which may exist for your academic program of interest.

Important note for prospective students: If you are considering an academic program that leads to professional licensure in your state (i.e. Nursing, Education), it is highly recommended that you first seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in your home state before beginning an academic program located outside your state.