University General Course Catalog 2016-2017 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2016-2017 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Nursing, B.S.N to D.N.P


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I. Contact Information


Stephanie S. DeBoor, PhD, APRN, 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 University of Nevada Reno, 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 post BSN to DNP program entry option 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


This is a two-step process, wherein the applicant must first meet the university’s Graduate School requirements as well as the Orvis School of Nursing Post BSN to DNP requirements. Both schools must receive all application materials on or before March 1 for consideration for the fall semester.

  • Have an overall undergraduate grade-point average of at least a 3.0.
  • Complete a baccalaureate degree with an upper-division major in nursing from and NLNAC-or CCNE accredited nursing school. The baccalaureate degree curriculum must include the following specific course work: statistics, growth and development (must cover lifespan), basic research, and health assessment.
  • Have verification of current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in the United States. Students must be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in Nevada.
  • Submit a statement of intent including graduate-study goals.
  • Provide three letters of reference to the graduate program director
  • Successful completion of a graduate level applied statistics course prior to fall admission. (EDRS 640  at UNR is Recommended) 
  • An interview may be required.

The total of required units for completing the degree varies according to the option the student selects. The minimum number of required units for completion of the Post BSN to DNP is 72 to 76. With graduate advisor approval, MSN students may apply more than 3 S/U units to the 72 to 76 units required.

Applicants who plan to apply graduate-level credit earned at another university to the University of Nevada, Reno may be able to satisfy specific course requirements in the nursing program. Applicants must provide specific course information for review to determine if the transferred courses are equivalent to university requirements. If approved, such courses may be included in the official program of study.

V. Program Requirements


Choose a specialization from the following tracks:

AGACNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule


First Year, Spring Semester (9-12 units)


Second Year, Fall Semester (9-12 units)


AGACNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule (Part-time)


First Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


FNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule


FNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule (Part-time)


First Year, Spring Semester (9 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Third Year, Spring Semester (4 units)


PMHNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule


PMHNP BSN to DNP Program of Study and Schedule (Part-time)


First Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Third Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Fourth Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


VI. Total Units (72-76 units)


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