Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctor of Nursing Practice


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An alternative to research-focused doctoral programs, the DNP advances professional nursing roles in clinical practice (Family Nurse Practitioner), and nursing leadership (administration and education).  The program is designed to produce leaders who embrace health care reform and are advocates for vulnerable populations. Graduates will integrate theory and practice in areas of health policy and law, administration, business, evaluation, systems, education, population health, and evidence based practices.

The program has 75 to 84 credits (depending upon program concentration). Students in the program utilize a combination of learning strategies, relying on web-based course work delivered in hybrid format with both in-seat and on-line sessions. Students will complete clinical requirements to meet the mandated minimum 1,000 hours of specialty training that is one of the hallmarks of the DNP degree.  Students will complete a scholarly DNP project.

The program has two entry points for admission:  first, the baccalaureate in nursing to DNP and; second, a post-masters in nursing to DNP.  These different entry points allow the curriculum to be individualized for candidates based on prior education, experience and choice of specialization. Post-masters students entering the DNP desiring to change their area of professional practice will be evaluated on an individual basis and may require additional coursework from the professional core or concentration.

The DNP curriculum includes course work that integrates nursing, business, informatics, education, and healthcare administration.  Students are provided with the opportunity to develop clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to design and implement programs of care delivery, significantly impacting health care outcomes to vulnerable populations and having the potential to transform the delivery of health care. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)


Professional Core (15 hours)


Students holding the BSN will begin their program with the Professional Core, then will complete one of the following concentrations: Nursing Leadership Administration, Nursing Leadership Education, or Family Nurse Practitioner.

Concentration in Nursing Leadership Administration (24 hours)


The Nursing Leadership Administration Concentration prepares nurse leaders to synthesize business and nursing sciences in high profile positions within emerging healthcare systems.

Concentration in Nursing Leadership Education (28 hours)


The Nursing Leadership Education concentration will focus on providing nurse leaders with the skills to adapt curriculum and teaching methods in response to innovations in nursing science and the ever-changing practice arena.

Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (33 hours)


The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration will focus on the delivery of health care services to vulnerable populations by conducting comprehensive health assessments aimed at health promotion and disease prevention, management of common acute illnesses and stable chronic conditions, and coordination of services in a variety of settings.

Following graduation from the DNP program and completion of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration, students are eligible to sit for certification as FNP through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Doctoral Core (36 hours)


After completing the Professional Core and area of concentration, students complete the additional 36 hours of doctoral coursework. Students holding the Master of Science in Nursing will begin their program here.

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