Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Nurses educated at the doctoral level have the knowledge to influence health outcomes by caring for patients, advocating for better healthcare policies, or leading organizations. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) gives working nurses additional education in competencies such as systems leadership, healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and health information systems.
The DNP is among the highest-level nursing programs available. It prepares you for advanced nursing practice.
USAHS offers two doctoral nursing paths: BSN-entry or MSN-entry. BSN-entry DNP students who pursue the FNP role specialty are required to complete two on-campus clinical intensives.
You can participate in an optional international immersion and expand your perspective on global healthcare.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program mission statement:
To prepare nurse leaders to face the growing challenges inherent in a complex and evolving healthcare environment through change and application of research-based findings to improve population health and organizational outcomes.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Program Overview
- BSN-entry DNP students choose from two nursing role specialties: Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Executive.
- Learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields, many of whom are currently practicing, presenting original research at major conferences, and publishing articles in respected journals and books.
- Benefit from the knowledge and experience of your classmates—your peers from across the country.
- Earn your degree entirely online[1] or meet and collaborate in teams with your interprofessional peers in our optional campus-based immersions. Students in the FNP track participate in two required on-campus clinical intensives. These clinical experiences take place in our state-of-the-art Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice, which are outfitted with hospital equipment and A/V tools for recording and analyzing simulation scenarios.
- Participate in an optional international immersion expand your perspective on global healthcare.
- Complete practicum hours by working with a preceptor who meets accreditation and state licensure requirements.*
* Practicum placements are determined by USAHS based on the student’s academic needs and to provide the best educational experience. Students should plan on the need to travel and/or relocate for practica.
Flexibility
Flexibility and innovation are hallmarks of the USAHS experience. Unlike other online DNP programs, you can complete your DNP degree fully online or participate in optional campus-based immersions.[2] Your faculty and academic advisors can help you choose a study plan that makes sense for your busy life. Choose from six start dates each year.
Interprofessional Education
There is consensus that healthcare professionals must be skilled at working in teams in order to provide safer, quality care to multiple populations across varied healthcare settings.[3] In our core courses and interprofessional immersion weekends, you will engage in scenarios with students from different healthcare fields to practice collaboration skills and learn how other professionals approach a patient problem. Our students are team-ready when they graduate.
On-Campus Immersions
Several courses offer on-campus immersions, a chance to enjoy face-to-face connections with your professors and fellow students. The weekend features interprofessional collaborations, oral presentations, and professional networking opportunities. Students in the FNP track must complete two mandatory on-campus clinical intensives.
Practica
DNP students complete practica throughout the program. BSN-entry students complete role specialty practica, as well as practica focused on practice leadership and completion of their DNP scholarly project. MSN-entry students have already completed their role specialty in their MSN program, so they complete only the DNP practicum, which is focused on practice leadership and completion of their DNP scholarly project.
MSN Option (for BSN-entry DNP students)
USAHS recognizes that a student’s individual situation may prevent them from completing all of the academic requirements needed to earn a DNP degree. The DNP program is designed to meet students where they are and provide an alternative—the option to graduate with a MSN degree, provided the student has completed the academic requirements.
Our Health Sciences Focus and Personal Approach
Founded in 1979, USAHS is a longtime leader in graduate health sciences education, our sole focus. This emphasis, along with our small class sizes, allows for a personal approach by faculty mentors. As a DNP student, you will have a dedicated faculty advisor and 24/7 tech support throughout your educational journey.
Access to the USAHS Network of Professionals
USAHS is a dynamic community of health science professionals from several disciplines. You will benefit from connections to your peers as well as our alumni and faculty for collaboration, support, and access to career opportunities.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program, graduates will be able to demonstrate:
- Employ the skills necessary to engage in life-long learning through intellectual inquiry and scholarship.
- Lead and serve on interprofessional teams to promote improved population health and outcomes in complex health care systems.
- Practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision making in delivering or directing nursing practice and serving as a leader in healthcare systems.
- Provide leadership in the use of technology and information systems for the evaluation and improvement of individual, population, and institutional outcomes.
- Exhibit professional and ethical standards while advocating for safe, equitable, and cost-effective healthcare and policies for all.
- Communicate effectively with members of interprofessional teams, healthcare consumers, policy makers, and institutional, local, regional, and national healthcare leaders.
- Utilize transformational leadership, systems thinking, and clinical analytics to improve healthcare outcomes for individuals and diverse populations.
- Deliver or direct nursing practice based on sound theoretical frameworks, best scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and in collaboration with the patient and family.
Let us help you take the next step toward your future.
[1]Students are required to complete practica at an approved facility.
[2]FNP students participate in two required on-campus intensives in our CICPs.
[3]NLN Board of Governors (2015). “Interprofessional Collaboration in Education and Practice.” Citing Thibault, G. (2013). “Reforming health professions education will require culture change and closer ties between classroom and practice.” Health Affairs, 32(11), 1928–1932.
