Nursing, D.N.P. (from M.S.N.)

I. Contact Information

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

Carrie Hintz, DNP, RN, CEN
Track Leader and Advisor for Post-Master’s DNP
775-682-7170
carrierowley@unr.edu

II. Brief Introduction

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal professional practice degree. The goal of the University of Nevada, Reno at the Orvis School of Nursing (O.S.N.), D.N.P. program is to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in clinical practice, administration, clinical teaching, and clinical research. The D.N.P. differs from the Ph.D. in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science degrees, in that the DNP does not attempt to create new knowledge, but rather takes current evidence based practice and translates the literature into practice by emphasizing advanced clinical practice, implementation of best practices, and evaluation of practice and care delivery models rather than individually initiated research.

The O.S.N. D.N.P. 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. D.N.P. graduates are equipped to assume a wide range of leadership roles in both direct and indirect healthcare settings. D.N.P. graduates may function as specialists in their advanced practice clinical roles, as nursing faculty, or as healthcare executives, program and policy analysts.

III. Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the O.S.N. D.N.P. 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 as 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 a NLN or CCNE accredited institution.
• be licensed at a level consistent with the focus of D.N.P. 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 specialization applicants).

These admission requirements are general requirements for all O.S.N. D.N.P. students in the program. Specific detailed requirements broken down for the individual specializations (Nurse Executive and Advanced Practice) are listed below. These detailed requirements are specific based on the coursework required by each specialization.

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

Deadline

The Application deadline for the O.S.N. D.N.P. program at UNR for Fall is March 1st.  Priority review of applications received by March 1st will take place with notification of acceptance by April 17th.  Eligible applicants applying after March 1st 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, (775) 682-7147 
aramburu@unr.edu 
Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno.

V. Program Requirements

The 30 unit program is delivered totally online except for annual meetings of 2-3 days on the home campus.

VI. Total Units (30 units)