University General Course Catalog 2021-2022 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2021-2022 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

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


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.

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

Graduate Handbook

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.

Admission Requirements


The applicant must meet the University’s Graduate School requirements and the Orvis School of Nursing’s B.S.N. to D.N.P. requirements. All application materials must be submitted to the Graduate School 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 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 68 and 72 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.

I. Program Requirements


Choose a specialization from the following:

A. Adult Gerontology and Acute Care Specialization (full-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (9-12 units)


Second Year, Fall Semester (9-12 units)


B. Adult Gerontology and Acute Care Specialization (part-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (8 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (4-8 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


Third Year, Fall Semester (7-8 units)


C. Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization (full-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (12 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (6-8 units)


D. Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization (part-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (6 units)


Second Year, Fall Semester (7 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (7 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (7 units)


E. Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization (full-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (12 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (10 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (8 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (7 units)


F. Psychiatric Mental Health Specialization (part-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Second Year, Fall Semester (5 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (4 units)


Third Year, Fall Semester (7 units)


Third Year, Summer Semester (3 units)


Fourth Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


G. Adult Gerontology Primary Care Specialization (full-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (10 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (8 units)


H. Adult Gerontology Primary Care Specialization (part-time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (7 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (6 units)


Second Year, Fall Semester (7 units)


Second Year, Spring Semester (7 units)


Second Year, Summer Semester (4 units)


Third Year, Fall Semester (7 units)


Third Year, Spring Semester (6 units)


I. Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialization (Full-Time)


Program of Study and Schedule

First Year, Spring Semester (9 units)


First Year, Summer Semester (7 units)


II. Total Units (68-72 units)