Doctor of Nursing Practice

Mission

 

The practice doctorate in nursing provides the terminal academic preparation for nursing practice. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to assume clinical leadership positions in a variety of healthcare, business, government, and educational
organizations.

 

Director's Letter

 

Objectives

 

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment and scholarship in nursing practice.
  • Utilize scientific knowledge to evaluate new and current approaches in nursing practice and healthcare delivery to promote optimal outcomes.
  • Provide leadership in organizations and systems to assure quality care delivery models.
  • Design, deliver, direct, and disseminate evidence-based practices.
  • Use information systems to design, select, use, and evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care and care systems.
  • Advocate for healthcare practice change through policy development and evaluation.
  • Assume leadership roles for effective transdisci-plinary collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Employ ethical principles to decision making in healthcare practices and systems.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is an innovative, solution-focused program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to lead efforts in solving complex healthcare issues and developing new healthcare opportunities. Building on TCU’s mission “learning to change the world”, DNP students will be charged with “making a difference in healthcare.”

Program of Study

The DNP is a practice doctorate designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. The focus is heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings and theories to improving healthcare outcomes.

A master’s degree and current recognition as an advanced practice nurse by appropriate certification and licensing boards is required for admission. All students are required to maintain their advance practice recognition through practice requirements defined by appropriate certification and licensing boards throughout the program.

The DNP degree may be completed in two years at the minimum. The first year is typically composed of didactic courses and the second year the fulfillment of practice and final project requirements.

 

Admission Requirements

 

Students will be selected based on the evaluation of a portfolio of evidence to include the following.

  • Completed application;
  • Masters degree with focus in specialty nursing and minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0/4.0;
    Receipt of official transcript from all schools attended;
  • Unencumbered RN license in United States;
  • Current recognition as advanced practice nurse by state board of nursing in a state where role is recognized;
    Resume;
  • Three professional references, (suggestions are from a supervisor, previous faculty or other professional reference);
    Satisfactory completion of an interview, either by phone or in person;
  • Remittance of $50 non-refundable application fee; and
  • 1-2 page paper describing how applicant’s professional goals are congruent with the DNP program objectives.

Satisfactory completion of drug screen and background check will be required prior to beginning practicum hours.

 

Degree Requirements

 

The post-masters DNP degree requires a minimum of 30-semester hours of coursework for completion. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout the program. Minimum coursework requirements follow.

 

Year One

 

Fall

NDNP 81113 - Complexity and Innovation in Health Care
NDNP 81123 - Biostatistics for the Advanced Health Practitioner

 

Spring

NDNP 81233 - Decision Science and Informatics
NDNP 81243 - Translational Research

 

Summer

NDNP 81353 - Healthcare Policy and Politics
NDNP 81363 - Emerging Sciences for Advanced Practice

 

Year Two

 

Fall
NDNP 82183 - Advanced Clinical Practicum, I
NDNP 88080 - Advanced Clinical Project*

 

Spring
NDNP 82283 Advanced Clinical Practicum, II
NDNP 88080 - Advanced Clinical Project*

 

*Each Advanced Clinical Project course is for three (3) credit hours. A minimum of 6 hours over two semesters of NDNP 88080 is required to complete the degree program. Students may enroll in additional hours, beyond the required six hours, as needed to complete the requirements for the project.

For more information, contact:

 

Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, CNS, CGRN, APRN, BC
Associate Professor and Director of Doctor of Nursing Practice program
Texas Christian University
Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences
2800 West Bowie Street, #229
Fort Worth, TX 76109
817.257.7330
kathy.baker@tcu.edu