Doctoral – Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Outcomes

• Prepare students in a Christian learning environment to become thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible professional nurses with a passion for serving
• Prepare graduates with a scholarly approach to the discipline, with a commitment to the advancement of the profession through the application of research to practice and the ability to translate knowledge to improve outcomes
• Ensure the quality and alignment of curriculum with national and state standards in order to provide eminent learning experiences suitable to the level and role for which the graduate is being prepared

Student Learning Outcomes

• Integrate knowledge from the fields of nursing, biological sciences, psychosocial studies, public health and organizational management to drive improvements in nursing care across diverse populations and settings.
• Plan, implement and lead change strategies across systems to meet the current and future health care needs of patient populations in producing optimal outcomes with a quality focus and fiscal stewardship.
• Translate research findings and theoretical concepts into practice to resolve problems, promote desired change and disseminate new knowledge for the integration of best practices and performance improvement.
• Employ information systems to implement quality initiatives, support best practices, substantiate administrative decision-making and monitor outcomes on the individual, system and aggregate levels.
• Intercede at the systems and governing levels to collaboratively advocate and develop policies to improve health care access, resource allocation, delivery, equity and outcomes.
• Facilitate and/or lead inter-professional teams in the analysis of complex practice and organizational issues to collaboratively create change for improvements.
• Integrate concepts, including cultural diversity, psychosocial dimensions, ethical and Christian standards to promote disease prevention and improve the health of patient populations.
• Demonstrate advanced nursing knowledge and related sciences through the practice of applied interventions, clinical judgment, systems thinking and accountability to improve patient and organizational outcomes.

• All DNP students are required to complete clinical experiential learning hours in order to meet the requirements for the DNP degree. A minimum of 1000 post-baccalaureate clinical practicum hours is required for completion of the DNP program and graduation
• Specific hour requirements may vary for each student based on the number of practicum hours completed in his/her master’s program
• The DNP Project Team Leader will collaborate with the student to develop an individualized plan to meet the goals and achieve the outcomes of the clinical learning experience.

• Completion of a baccalaureate and Master of Science in Nursing or other master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above from an accredited institution including but not limited to a master’s degree in Business Administration, a master’s degree in Public Health, a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, or a master’s degree in Health Administration (additional coursework may be required with master’s degrees other than MSN). A graduate level statistics course completed within the last five years prior to program matriculation is strongly encouraged but is not an admissions requirement.
• A current unencumbered RN license in the state where experiential hours (clinical project) will be completed
• Complete King application
• 300 word essay describing the reason for seeking a DNP completed in current APA format.
• A narrative description of past and current clinical practice.
• A 2-3 page proposal identifying an evidence-based practice problem of focus. This may be a practice improvement issue, a clinical management problem, or an area of clinical research that the applicant will address while in the program. The essay must identify key resources necessary to complete the project.
• Copy of current curriculum vitae or resume to include scholarly accomplishments, professional organization participation and community service)
• Copy of advanced practice nursing license and specialty certification if applicable.
• Verification of Post-Baccalaureate Clinical and Practice Hours Document completed by the candidate’s graduate nursing program
• Three letters of reference. At least one form a former dean or academic faculty, and at least one from a current or former supervisor.
• An in-person or electronic interview with nursing faculty.
• An impromptu writing sample at time of interview.
• A graduate level statistics course completed within 5 years prior to program matriculation is highly encouraged but not required
• Admission exam is not required but GRE scores may be submitted.

DNP TWO-YEAR PLAN OF STUDY

DNP FOUR-YEAR PLAN OF STUDY