Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) Population/Role: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS)

Terminal Objectives

The DNP degree is designed to prepare graduates to function as leaders in advanced nursing practice or systems of care. Graduates will be prepared to practice in a variety of complex clinical, organizational, and/or educational systems with diverse populations and will be able to affect changes in health care through system redesign and evidence-based decision making.

• Integrate science-based theories and data-based concepts to develop, critically appraise and implement practice approaches that improve health care and health care systems.
• Apply organizational theories and systems thinking to improve the quality, cost-effectiveness and safety outcomes of practice decisions and initiatives.
• Apply effective strategies for managing the ethical dilemmas inherent in patient care, the health care organization and research.
• Apply knowledge of informatics to monitor and improve outcomes, programs and systems of care.
• Provide leadership in influencing policies on the financing, regulation and delivery of health care.
• Lead interprofessional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes.
• Function independently in an advanced nursing role to improve health outcomes in a specialty area of practice.

Graduation Requirements

The DNP degree requires a minimum of 62 trimester hours of post-baccalaureate or 30 trimester hours of post-master’s study. All Doctor of Nursing Practice students must complete degree requirements within five years.

Curriculum