The Fran & Earl Ziegler College of Nursing is excited to announce the addition of the BSN to DNP Program to its academic offerings starting Summer 2020. Students interested in pursuing an MSN in the roles of family nurse practitioner, adult/gerontology clinical nurse specialist or nursing administration are encouraged to explore this new option which combines the graduate and doctoral coursework into one seamless terminal degree.
The creation of an integrated BSN to DNP curriculum is in line with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' (NONPF) and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ (NACNS) commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner education to the DNP degree by 2025. Additionally, the program supports the American Organization of Nurse Leaders’ position that nurses at the highest leadership levels be prepared at the doctoral level. The program is not an addition to master's studies, but rather an integration of the objectives and learning opportunities required for attainment of doctoral level core and population-focused competencies.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative evidence-based patient/population centered outcomes. The program focuses on interprofessional collaboration and developing competencies in practice, leadership, and quality improvement an safety that lead to enhanced outcomes important to patients, families, providers, and organizations.
Residency requirements: Due to federal regulations from the Department of Education, the College of Nursing currently accepts applications for its online doctoral degree programs from residents of the states participating in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), view a list of participating states. Applicants are encouraged to check with their local State Boards of Nursing regarding any specific professional licensure requirements prior to applying or enrolling.