Overview
The School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) emphasis areas: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is to prepare students as advanced practice registered nurses in the role of nurse practitioners. The PMHNP program prepares the graduate to provide primary and psychiatric health care at an advanced level to individuals and families across the lifespan in rural and community health settings.
Campus: Hattiesburg - Hybrid
Admission Requirements
The College of Nursing and Health Professions adheres to the university policies with regard to the admission of graduate students. Members of all underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
In addition to adhering to the Graduate School Admissions and Procedures , doctoral program applicants must also meet the following requirements of the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:
- Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) from an institution accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- Must have earned a 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) (based on a 4.0 system) in undergraduate level courses.
- Proof of a current and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license to practice in the State of Mississippi (prior to starting the program).
- Must have at least one year of clinical experience as an RN before beginning nurse practitioner emphasis/clinical courses. At least one year experience working in a mental health area.
- Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS) certificate.
- Completed an approved advanced graduate-level statistic course, achieving a grade of B or higher within the past 5 years.
- Must submit a current curriculum vitae (CV) (professional resume).
- Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral-level nursing individuals preferred) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capacity for doctoral study and clinical expertise.
- Submit a cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of scholarly inquiry interests.
- Supplemental Nursing Application
- An interview (online or telephone).
- Proof of recent health examinations 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.
- Must pass both a criminal background check and drug screening.
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
Thirty-seven (37) to forty-three (43) credit hours are required to complete the program: 7 hours in the core and 37 hours in the area of emphasis, including clinical courses, and support courses at the 600 level. A comprehensive exam, doctoral project, and a 3.0 GPA are required to graduate.
Progression Policy
Progression in the program requires a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 each semester. Failure to achieve a minimum grade of C in all courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students cannot earn a grade of C in more than two courses regardless of the GPA. Receiving the third C will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students cannot earn a grade of Cin any course regardless of the GPA. Receiving a C- will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to repeat the course if eligible. Students cannot earn a grade of D+, D, D, or F in any course regardless of the GPA. Receiving a grade of D+, D, or F will deem the student ineligible to progress in the program and the student will be required to withdraw or be dismissed from the program. Students who withdraw from the program may be eligible for readmission to the program. Students eligible for re-admission will be required to follow the current admission process as new applicants. Should an applicant be re-admitted they will be considered a new student and will be required to complete the entire curriculum.
If a student has a felony conviction, the student may not be able to complete the degree because he or she may not be able to perform the required clinical experience.
Students enrolled in any laboratory course must adhere to agency guidelines and must maintain their nursing license to practice throughout the program of study.
Students must purchase liability insurance through the University. The required insurance fee will be charged for each semester the student is enrolled in a clinical course at the time of registration.
Nurse Practitioner students will be expected to purchase physical assessment equipment.
See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for other requirements and policies.
