Nursing (Clinical) DNP

Overview

The School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Clinical). The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice is to prepare nurses at the highest professional level of nursing practice and to prepare nurses to synthesize and apply critical knowledge for improving health care to diverse populations.

This is a practice doctorate with a focus on the translation of research into practice as opposed to the generation of new research knowledge as is characteristic of the Ph.D.  Graduates of the DNP program will be prepared to meet state, regional, and national needs for doctorally prepared nurses in leadership positions in health-related organizations.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the DNP program depends upon sufficient enrollment, university resources, and qualifications of applicants. In addition to adhering to the Graduate School Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must also meet the following requirements of the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

1. Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2. Submitted official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), including a score of 3.0 or higher on the analytical section. The GRE must have been completed within the last five years.
3. Must have earned a 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) (based on a 4.0 system) in both undergraduate and graduate nursing courses. 
4. Proof of a current and unencumbered/unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the state in which the student will perform clinical activities. The ability to obtain an RN license for the State of Mississippi prior to starting the program.
5. Proof of current CPR certification.
6. Completed an approved advanced graduate-level statistics course, achieving a grade of B or higher within the past 5 years.
7. Must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) (professional resume).
8. Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
9. Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral-level nursing preferred) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capacity for doctoral study.
10. Submit a cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of scholarly inquiry interests.
11. Supplemental Nursing Application.
12. An interview (online or telephone).
13. Proof of recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) Evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization.

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

The program of study includes 34 hours of required coursework, including 12 DNP project semester hours. A comprehensive exam, a doctoral project, and a 3.0 GPA are required to graduate.

A student must maintain a 3.0-grade point average each semester and may not earn more than 6 hours with a grade of C in the program of study. Failure to meet this requirement will result in denial of progression in the graduate nursing program.

If a student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because the student may not be able to perform the required clinical experience.

Academic Progression:

A sequence of courses, practicum experiences, exams, and a DNP project mark the student’s progression in the DNP program.

1. Faculty mentor guides the student through DNP project identification, project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
2. Selection of DNP project committee in spring of Year One.
3. Selection of DNP project topic in spring of Year One.
4. A written proposal of DNP project submitted to the committee for proposal defense by fall of Year Two.
5. Fall of Year Two, completion of relevant Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements and commencement of DNP Project.
6. Completion and successful presentation and defense of the DNP Project and comprehensive exam.
7. Fulfillment of residency requirements that may be met by continuous enrollment of:
   •  6 semester hours for each of 4 consecutive semesters, or
   •  9 semester hours for each of 3 consecutive semesters, or
   •  12 semester hours for each of 2 consecutive semesters

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and policies.

Course Requirements (34 hours)

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• NUR 805 - Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing 3 hrs.
• NUR 809 - Methods for Evaluating Evidence Based Practice 3 hrs.
• NUR 810 - Practice Inquiry I: Information Systems & Technology 1 hr.
• NUR 811 - Population Health and Epidemiology 4 hrs.
• NUR 812 - Practice Inquiry II: Translating Research into Practice 1 hr.
• NUR 813 - Policy and Politics in Healthcare 3 hrs.
• NUR 816 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project 2-6 hrs. (12 hrs. required)
• NUR 817 - Quality and Leadership in Healthcare Systems 4 hrs.
• NUR 819 - Economics and Finance in Healthcare Systems 3 hrs.