• Submission of application. Applications will be accepted until the class is filled.
• Submission of official transcripts of all college coursework from all institutions attended.
• International Students:
  • Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (org) for previous nursing coursework.
  • Students with international transcripts must provide evaluation from World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/) for previous non-nursing coursework.
  • International students must show proof of English proficiency. Applicants should request that official TOEFL test scores be sent directly to Enrollment Services.
• Completion of BSN degree from a regionally accredited educational institution.
• GPA of 2.75 based on the last 60 academic hours
• Must hold and maintain an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in a state or territory of the United States in which the student will complete clinical experiences.
• Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience preferred but not required.
• Submission of a clear background check and absence of criminal conviction.
• Submission of health history and record of required immunizations.
• Submission of record of American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Certification.
• A personal interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee of the School of Nursing may be required, if requested.
• Submission of current personal health insurance coverage.

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED:

• Three reference forms from:
  • A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s skills in the clinical setting and how they will translate into the Doctor of Nursing Practice role.
  • A professor, faculty member or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of the applicant’s academic record.
  • A practicing clinical nursing professional who has served as a mentor and can speak about the applicant’s abilities as a nurse and potential to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• Current Curriculum Vita or Resume is required. The Curriculum Vita or Resume should include:
  • Educational background including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded and/or anticipated date of receiving degree(s).
  • Relevant employment history, including:
    • Job title, job description, and relevant duties performed.
    • Employment dates of each position.
  • Community service or volunteer experience.
  • Any awards, publications, presentations, memberships, or honors.
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression.
• Personal statement of no more than two pages discussing:
  • How your previous education, experience and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
  • Your professional goals and how completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice track will help you achieve your professional goals.
  • Your understanding of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role and your intentions regarding service as a Doctor of Nursing Practice professional.
  • How have you prepared for success in this program?
  • Your essay should be clear, succinct, and double-spaced.

• Provide practice instruction for the next generation of nurses.
• Ensure that clinical care meets the highest standards of quality.
• Advance the nursing profession through research of new methods of care and delivery methods.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaborative efforts of healthcare improvement
• Make a difference in conservative budgeting, while ensuring quality of care is not compromised.
• Further clinical expertise with the current APRN role and patient population focus.
• Pursue a track with an aggregate/systems/organizational focus for nursing careers outside of direct patient care.

• Public health departments: Allows the graduate the opportunity to not only work with patients but to impact policy and healthcare standards. With a DNP, nurses can work in public health offices to design evidence-based strategies for current health issues. They may work directly with patients in community settings or work in governmental agencies on a local, state, or national level.
• Primary care facilities and hospitals: The DNP is active in influencing patient treatment plans. The nurse may lead research efforts and create new policies for improved quality of care or be involved in leadership or executive-level decisions.
• Private practices: The nature of the DNP prepares nurses for leadership positions in some private practices. The DNP allows the nurse opportunities to benefit from a higher-paying management position outside of corporate or large healthcare environments.

2019-2020 School of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook