Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal professional practice degree. The goal of the collaborative University of Nevada at Reno and Las Vegas, DNP program is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. The DNP differs from the Ph.D. in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science degrees, emphasizing advanced clinical practice, implementation of best practices, and evaluation of practice and care delivery models rather than individually initiated research.

The University of Nevada DNP program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles to serve the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community. DNP graduates are equipped to assume a wide range of leadrship roles in both direct and indirect healthcare settings. DNP graduates may function as specialists in their advanced practice clinical roles, nursing faculty, or as healthcare executives, program and policy analysts.

DNP Overall Objectives

At the conclusion of the University of Nevada DNP program, graduates will:

• Provide advanced nursing care to improve patient and population healthcare outcomes in various direct and indirect settings.
• Take leadership roles in the analysis, delivery and management of nursing care and healthcare systems.
• Provide evidence-based practice through the application of analytical methods, information systems technology, and clinical research.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to meet the healthcare needs of culturally and ethnically diverse individuals and populations.
• Act a change agent, leader, and advocate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare policy as it affects populations and the nursing profession.