Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Name: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Program Length: 1 year. 48 Weeks / 6 Semesters
Delivery Method: Distance Education and Clinical On-Site
Graduation Document: Diploma Doctor of Nursing Practice
Program Cost $10,000
Program Details
Standard Occupational Codes
Nurse Practitioners 29-1171.00
Potential Employment Titles
Sample of reported job titles: ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), Adult Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), ARNP Specialist (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Specialist), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Family Practice Certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner (NP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner.
Program Learning Outcomes
· Equip DNP graduates with the ability to apply foundational scientific theories and research evidence in their clinical practice, ensuring informed decision-making that enhances patient care.
· Foster the development of leadership competencies that empower graduates to drive quality improvement initiatives and implement effective systems thinking within healthcare organizations.
· Prepare DNP graduates to engage in clinical scholarship and utilize advanced analytical methods to critically evaluate research, thereby facilitating the integration of evidence-based practices into patient care.
· Enable graduates to leverage cutting-edge information technology systems and patient care technologies to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and lead transformative initiatives.
· Cultivate the skills necessary for DNP graduates to actively engage in healthcare policy advocacy, utilizing their expertise to shape policies that promote equitable access to care and improve health outcomes.
· Encourage DNP graduates to engage in collaborative practice across diverse healthcare disciplines, optimizing care delivery and addressing the health needs of populations effectively.
· Develop the capability to integrate clinical prevention strategies with population health initiatives, thereby enhancing community health and addressing public health challenges.
· Ensure that graduates exhibit high-level clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based care strategies aimed at optimizing patient outcomes.
Program Objectives:
Upon completing the program, students will be able to:
· Integrate Scientific Underpinnings into Practice:
· Develop Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking
· Apply Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
· Use Information Technology Systems and Patient Care Technology for Improvement and Transformation of Healthcare
· Influence Healthcare Policy for Advocacy in Healthcare
· Employ Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
· Synthesize Clinical Prevention and Population Health Concepts for Improving the Health of the Nation’s Population
· Demonstrate Advanced Levels of Clinical Judgment, Systems Thinking, and Accountability in Designing, Delivering, and Evaluating Evidence-Based Care to Improve Patient Outcome.
Program Description:
Our program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and healthcare policy, equipping graduates to navigate and influence complex healthcare systems effectively. By addressing the diverse needs of individuals and populations, we prepare nurses to enhance healthcare outcomes and foster professional growth through innovative education, research, and leadership.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at AIWU is specifically designed to prepare graduates for excellence in advanced nursing leadership roles. We instill core values such as teamwork, dedication, persistence, passion, and integrity throughout the curriculum. Students will develop leadership competencies tailored to their roles, enabling them to critically evaluate current evidence-based literature, implement clinical practice changes, and disseminate knowledge to improve patient outcomes, clinical practices, and academic pursuits.
Upon graduation, DNP-prepared nurses will be well-equipped to influence healthcare systems at the highest levels, actively promoting and implementing evidence-based practices. This doctoral program further solidifies the University’s commitment to academic excellence in teaching, advanced practice, and scholarly inquiry, ultimately advancing nursing as a discipline and serving society effectively.
Program Outline
Additional Details
DNP 8010: Advanced Nursing Practice Theory
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced nursing practice theories and their applications in clinical settings. Students will critically analyze theoretical frameworks that inform nursing practice, emphasizing the integration of evidence-based knowledge to enhance patient care. The course fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of nursing roles and responsibilities in various healthcare environments.
DNP 8020: Evidence-Based Practice
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on the principles and methodologies of evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing. Students will learn to critically appraise research studies, synthesize findings, and apply EBP to improve patient outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on the formulation of clinical questions, the use of research in decision-making, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings.
DNP 8030: Healthcare Policy and Leadership
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010 and DNP 8020.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: In this course, students will examine the impact of healthcare policies on nursing practice and patient care. The curriculum covers policy development, advocacy, and leadership strategies that influence healthcare systems. Students will engage in discussions about current healthcare challenges and the role of nurse leaders in shaping policies that promote quality and equity in healthcare delivery.
DNP 8100: Nursing Technology and Health Care Information Systems
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020 and DNP 8030.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course addresses the integration of technology and information systems in nursing practice. Students will explore the use of electronic health records, telehealth, and health information management systems. The course emphasizes the role of technology in improving patient safety, enhancing communication, and supporting clinical decision-making in nursing.
DNP 8200: Conflict Management and Resolution Strategies in Healthcare
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, and DNP 8100.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course addresses conflict management within healthcare environments. Students will learn various conflict resolution strategies, negotiation techniques, and communication skills essential for effective leadership. The course aims to equip students with tools to foster collaboration and resolve disputes among healthcare professionals.
DNP 8300: Global Health
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100 and DNP 8200.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides a global perspective on health issues affecting diverse populations. Students will explore social determinants of health, global health policies, and strategies for improving health outcomes worldwide. Emphasis will be placed on cultural competence and the role of nursing in global health initiatives.
Nurse Educator Specialization
DNP 8410: Curriculum Development
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, and DNP 8300.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: In this course, students will learn the principles of curriculum design and development specific to nursing education. The course covers instructional design models, assessment strategies, and the integration of competencies into nursing curricula. Students will develop a comprehensive curriculum plan for a nursing program.
DNP 8420: Teaching Strategies
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, and DNP 8300.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on effective teaching strategies and methodologies in nursing education. Students will explore various pedagogical approaches, including active learning, simulation, and technology-enhanced instruction. Emphasis will be placed on adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of learner
DNP 8430: Assessment and Evaluation
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, MSN 8410, and MSN 8420.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: In this course, students will examine assessment and evaluation methods in nursing education. The course covers formative and summative assessment strategies, competency-based evaluations, and the use of assessments to enhance student learning outcomes. Students will develop an assessment plan for their educational programs.
DNP 8440: Leadership in Nursing Education
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8410, and DNP 8420.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course explores the leadership roles of nurse educators in academic and clinical settings. Students will develop leadership skills necessary for fostering a positive learning environment, mentoring students, and advocating for nursing education. Emphasis will be placed on ethical leadership and collaboration.
DNP 8450: Nursing Education Theory
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DPN 8410, DPN 8420, DPN 8430, and DPN 8440.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an overview of the theoretical foundations of nursing education. Students will explore various educational theories and their application to nursing pedagogy. The course emphasizes the importance of aligning educational theory with practice to enhance student learning.
DNP 8910: Clinical Practicum in Nursing Education
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8410, DNP 8420, DNP 8430, DNP 8440, and DNP 8450.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 6
Course Description: This practicum provides students with hands-on experience in nursing education. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will engage in teaching, curriculum development, and assessment activities in a clinical or academic setting. The practicum aims to integrate theory with practice and develop effective teaching skills.
Nurse Administrator Specialization
DNP 8510: Healthcare Leadership
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, and DNP 8300.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on the principles and practices of effective leadership in healthcare settings. Students will explore various leadership theories, styles, and strategies to enhance team dynamics and improve organizational performance. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills necessary for leading change, fostering collaboration, and creating a positive work environment within healthcare organizations.
DNP 8520: Financial Management in Healthcare
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, and DNP 8300.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course provides an overview of financial management principles in healthcare settings. Students will learn about budgeting, financial forecasting, cost analysis, and resource allocation. The course emphasizes the importance of financial decision-making in improving organizational efficiency and delivering high-quality patient care.
DNP 8530: Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8510, and DNP 8520.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course examines quality improvement methodologies and their application in healthcare. Students will explore frameworks for evaluating and enhancing patient safety, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing evidence-based practices. The course emphasizes the role of healthcare professionals in fostering a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement.
DNP 8540: Strategic Planning and Management
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8510, and DNP 8520.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course focuses on strategic planning processes within healthcare organizations. Students will learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans that align with organizational goals. Topics include market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement, with an emphasis on adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.
DNP 8550: Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8510, DNP 8520, DNP 8530, and DNP 8540.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course explores the impact of healthcare policy on practice and patient outcomes. Students will analyze current policies, advocacy strategies, and the role of healthcare professionals in influencing policy decisions. The course emphasizes the importance of advocacy in promoting health equity and improving access to care.
DNP 8910: Clinical Practicum in Healthcare Leadership
Pre-requisites: DNP 8010, DNP 8020, DNP 8030, DNP 8100, DNP 8200, DNP 8300, DNP 8510, DNP 8520, DNP 8530, and DNP 8540.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 6
Course Description: This practicum provides students with hands-on experience in healthcare leadership roles. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, students will engage in leadership activities, strategic planning, and quality improvement initiatives within a clinical or organizational setting. The practicum aims to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.
DNP 8950: DNP Project Development
Pre-requisites: All Core and Specialization Courses.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: This course guides students through the process of developing their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project. Students will identify a clinical problem, conduct a literature review, and design a project proposal that addresses the identified issue. Emphasis will be placed on aligning the project with evidence-based practice principles.
DNP 8960: DNP Project Implementation
Pre-requisites: All Core and Specialization Courses.
Co-requisites: None
Semester Credits: 3
Course Description: In this course, students will implement their DNP project in a clinical or educational setting. Students will apply project management skills to execute their proposal, collect data, and evaluate outcomes. The course culminates in a presentation of the project findings and recommendations for future practice.