Master's to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MS-DNP) Program
The MS to DNP program of study is based on the Essentials of Doctoral Education and will be individualized based on a student’s previous education and experience and specialty interests.
ESSENTIAL: Using Information Technology
NURS 6004 Introduction to Information Technology (3)
Introductory graduate course in information management focusing on the theoretical basis of information and technology with an emphasis on management and processing of clinical data, information, and knowledge. The emphasis of this course is on the use of information and technology in health care and nursing practice. Structured data and processes are addressed. Information technologies used in nursing practice are explored. Issues that impact clinical practice and administrative decisions are explored.
NURS 6009 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and Population
Science (1)
An introductory epidemiology course which provides an overview of epidemiologic principles and the practical application to health and health care. Students will be introduced to the concepts of rates and risk as they pertain to clinical practice. An overview of principles of screening, prevention, and disease control will be covered.
ESSENTIAL: Advanced Science
NURS 6240 Clinical Genetics (2)
Provides the student with knowledge of principles and application of human genetics as they apply to the health care professional.
ESSENTIAL: Quality Improvement: Using Data to Improve Outcomes
NURS 6772 Quality Improvement and Clinical Data Analysis (3)
Focuses on theory, methods, and tools of quality improvement. Patient care leaders are expected to support and facilitate quality improvement, reduction of waste, and lowering of costs. Students complete one defined data-based process improvement as part of course work.
ESSENTIAL: Evidence-based Practice
NURS 7500 Evidence-based Practice II (3)
This course is designed to develop the ability of the advanced nurse to understand the principles of evidence-based practice in clinical care. Students will further develop skills to understand concepts of rates, risk, bias, clinical and statistical significance, and research evaluation as they pertain to clinical practice. Applications to risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, treatment choices, and prognosis in the provision of health care will be covered. Tools for developing an evidence base will be described.
NURS 7505 Biostatistics (3)
This course is designed to provide the graduate student with a basic understanding of the practical application of selected biostatistical methods used in clinically-oriented nursing research. Particular emphasis will be placed on facilitating the graduate students' understanding of the relationship between a given research design, choice of research questions/hypotheses, and selection of appropriate statistical analyses. Emphasis will be placed on being able to read, understand, and interpret the findings from clinically-oriented nursing research articles which make use of such statistical techniques.
ESSENTIAL: Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Leadership and Health Systems
NURS 7773 Leadership and Health Care Policy (3)
Exploration of leadership theory and skills needed to influence health policy and health care. Opportunities to develop expertise and skill in health policy analysis, formation, and influence are provided. The course emphasizes leadership qualities and developing oneself as a leader in health policy, health care delivery and the academic setting. Leadership theories, concepts, and leadership-based research are incorporated.
ESSENTIAL: Patient Centered Care
FP MD 6650 Social Context of Medicine and Public Health (3)
The course will consider disease and illness within socio-cultural contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the ethical, behavioral, social, cultural, political and economic factors that influence the prevention/treatment of medical and public health problems.
ESSENTIAL: Final Capstone Project
NURS 7975 Capstone I (3 credits)
Development of a project that demonstrates synthesis of the student's work and lays the groundwork for future scholarship. Includes a practice or policy immersion experience and required seminar, with project-based presentations within small groups.
NURS 7976 Capstone II (3 credits)
Completion of a specific project that demonstrates synthesis of the student’s work and lays the groundwork for future scholarship. The Capstone project must represent the results of scholarly inquiry and be a contribution to nursing in the areas including but not limited to leadership, policy, or evidence-based practice. The Capstone project should provide evidence of an advanced understanding of relevant literature and policy/practice issues and must be presented in an acceptable style and adhere to ethical academic standards. The final DNP project produces a tangible and deliverable academic product that is derived from a practice immersion experience, documents outcomes of the student’s educational experiences, provides a measurable medium for evaluating the immersion experience, and summarizes the student’s growth in knowledge and expertise.
Electives (6 credits minimum)
Example of the 4 Semester Full-Time MS-DNP Plan of Study:
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First Fall 9 credits
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Spring 8-9 credits
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Summer 8-9 credits
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| NURS 6004 Intro to Information Technology (3) ONLINE
NURS 6009 Intro to Clinical Epidemiology and Population Science (1) ONLINE
NURS 7773 Leadership and Health Care Policy (3) EXECUTIVE
NURS 6240 Clinical Genetics (2)
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NURS 7505 Biostatistics (3) EXECUTIVE
NURS 7500 Evidence Based Practice II (3) EXECUTIVE
Specialty Elective (2-3)
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FP MD 6650 Social Context of Medicine and Public Health (3) EXECUTIVE
N6975 Capstone I (includes seminar (3) EXECUTIVE
Specialty Elective (2-3)
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Second Fall 8-9 credits
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| N6772 Quality Improvement in Health Care (3) EXECUTIVE N6976 Capstone II (includes seminar) (3) EXECUTIVE
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