Doctor of Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

I. Contact Information

Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, RN, CCRN
Associate Director of Graduate Programs
Assistant Professor
775-682-7156
deboors2@unr.edu

Mailing Address:

University of Nevada, Reno
Orvis School of Nursing
1664 N. Virginia Street MS 0134
Reno, NV 89557

II. Brief Introduction

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 leadership 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.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

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.

IV. Admission Requirements

The applicant must:

• hold a MS degree with a concentration in nursing from an accredited institution
• be licensed at a level consistent with the focus of DNP study
• hold national certification (or be eligible for certification) in an advanced practice role
• have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at the graduate level
• provide documentation of clinical and leadership excellence
• have completed graduate-level course work (with a grade of B or better) in pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, research & nursing theory (clinical track applicants)

These admission requirements are general requirements for all UNDNP students in the program. Specific detailed requirements broken down for the individual tracks (Nurse Executive and Advanced Practice) are listed below. These detailed requirements are specific based on the coursework required by each track.

Please refer to the specific track for the application checklist and detailed requirements
http://www.unr.edu/degrees/nursing/dnp#requirements

Deadline

The Application deadline for the UNDNP program at UNR for Fall 2015 is March 15, 2015.  Priority review of applications received by March 15, 2015 will take place with notification of acceptance by April 1, 2015.  Eligible applicants applying after March 15 will be reviewed and offered admission on a first come, first served basis. For additional program and admission information, please contact:

Dr. Christine Aramburu Alegria, UNR, Tel: (775) 682-7147 aramburu@unr.edu at Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno

V. Program Requirements

The 39 unit program is delivered totally online except for annual meetings of 2-3 days on the home campus.

VI. Total Units (39 units)