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

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, 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, by 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 roles to serve the healthcare needs of the people of Nevada, the nation, and the professional community. 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 University of Nevada 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

This is a two-step process, wherein the applicant must first meet the university’s Graduate School requirements and then meet the Orvis School of Nursing’s B.S.N. to D.N.P. requirements. Both schools must receive all application materials on or before March 1 for consideration for the following 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 an 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, unencumbered 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 recommendation.
• A current resume.
• 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 number of units required to complete the degree varies between 72 and 76 based on the specialization the student selects. With graduate advisor approval, M.S.N. students may apply more than 3 S/U units to the units required.

Applicants may petition to use graduate-level credit earned at another university 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 and Nursing program requirements. If approved, such courses may be included in the official program of study.

V. Program Requirements

Choose a specialization from the following:

VI. Total Units (72-76 units)