Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

Barry University division of nursing is pleased to offer the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to nurses who currently hold master’s degrees in nursing starting August 2008. The DNP is a practice-focused doctorate, designed to prepare advanced practice nurses as leaders and experts on health care programs, standards, and guidelines that reflect evidence-based research findings.  It is designed for those advanced practice nurses who wish to attain the highest level of educational preparation and excellence in nursing practice, or in areas that support clinical practice such as management and policymaking.

This program is an alternative to the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, which Barry University division of nursing will still continue to offer. This practice-focused terminal nursing degree with its focus on direct practice and healthcare leadership will not only fill the growing need for expert clinical teachers and clinicians, but will also address informational/technological shifts and the growing disparities in healthcare delivery, access, and outcomes. The program is built upon the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice as ratified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

The 38 credit DNP program may be completed in seven continuous semesters of part-time study.   Although all students will be enrolled in the same courses, each DNP student will choose a scholarly project (the Capstone Project) which is designed by the student in collaboration with a faculty committee to improve the quality and delivery of a selected aspect of health care practices.

All DNP graduates will be required to complete a Residency of 500-1000 clinical hours in conjunction with their scholarly project. The DNP student will develop, implement, and evaluate their project during their residency and capstone. At least 1000 hours of precepted clinical experience post-BSN in the student’s specialty area is mandated by The American Academy of Colleges of Nursing. As many MSN programs with advanced practice certifications require 500 clinical hours, the applicant, as part of the admission process will indicate how many hours were required as part of their MSN or Post-Masters program. The faculty advisor will assist the student in creating an individualized plan to meet the objectives of Residency as well as of the Capstone.