Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice-focused doctorate based on the recommendations of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's "Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing" and on their "Essentials of the Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice." Master's prepared nurses who hold positions such as nurse executives, nurse informaticians, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners are ideal candidates for this terminal professional doctoral degree.

The DNP program is supported through Nurse Support II grants. The funds come from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission and are administered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

DNP Program Outcomes

• Evaluate and apply evidence-based practice for the improvement of education, clinical practice, systems management, and nursing leadership
• Lead at the highest educational, clinical, and executive ranks
• Analyze and apply scientific knowledge and related skills for the highest level of nursing practice
• Design, implement, manage, and evaluate organizational systems
• Initiate, facilitate, and participate in collaborative efforts that influence health care outcomes with scholars from other disciplines

Blended (Online and On Campus) Format

In response to student and faculty feedback to continue to incorporate best practices in educational technologies, the DNP program is delivered in a “blended” format. This highly accommodating format offers tremendous flexibility and efficiency for busy professionals. The blended program consists of:

• 2-4 days per semester on campus
• Classes offered online via the Web

Program Inquiries

Direct admissions-related inquiries to:

University of Maryland School of Nursing
Office of Admissions
655 West Lombard Street, Room 102
Baltimore, MD 21201-1579
Send the Office of Admissions an email

Plans of Study

The program requires 38-48 credits comprised of 19 credits of core courses, 15-25 credits of electives, and 4 credits for a capstone project. Full-time or part-time options are available.

Plan of Full-Time Study

Full-time students must take the core courses and NDNP 810 in the following order. Electives and NDNP 811, 812, and 813 may be taken as listed below or in a different sequence as agreed upon by the advisor and student. After NDNP 811 is completed, NDNP 812 and NDNP 813 must be taken consecutively and successfully completed in the following semesters or Capstone Advisement must be taken every semester until successfully completed. Capstone advisement does not count toward elective credits. Of the 15 elective credits, 3 credits must be taken in health policy and 3 credits must be taken in translating evidence into practice.

Plan of Part-Time Study

Part-time students must take the core courses and NDNP 810 in the following order. Electives and NDNP 811, 812, and 813 may be taken as listed below or in a different sequence as agreed upon by the advisor and student. After NDNP 811 is completed, NDNP 812 and NDNP 813 must be taken consecutively and successfully completed in the following semesters or Capstone Advisement must be taken every semester until successfully completed. Capstone advisement does not count toward elective credits. Of the 15 elective credits, 3 credits must be taken in health policy and 3 credits must be taken in translating evidence into practice.

Practicum Hours

Practicum hours are intended to ensure that students can put theory into practice. The hours are described in the AACN Essentials for Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006). The Essentials refer to 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours and are required to be completed in practice environments. Students are required to provide official verification of hours completed in their master's/post-master's in nursing program and complete any remaining hours to meet 1,000 hours. Regardless of the number of master’s/post-master’s hours completed, at least 250 hours must be completed at the doctoral level in order to demonstrate doctoral competency.  These hours must be approved and academically supervised by either a faculty member or a preceptor/capstone committee member. Students are required to document the hours. Elective courses may be taken to satisfy the practicum requirement. Some students will need to complete more credits (over and beyond the 38 credits) in order to meet the practicum hours required by AACN.

DNP/MBA Option

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers an opportunity for students to obtain a dual degree in business administration in less time than it would take to obtain the two degrees separately. The DNP/Master of Business Administration (DNP/MBA) prepares administrators with a unique blend of advanced nursing and business management expertise, so they can analyze, plan, implement, and evaluate innovative and creative responses to the health care marketplace. Graduates are prepared for senior management level decision-making on financing, strategic planning, resource management, and governance. The DNP is awarded by the University of Maryland School of Nursing and the MBA is awarded by either the University of Baltimore Robert G. Merrick School of Business, or the University of Maryland, College Park Smith School of Business. The DNP/MBA program requires 62-72 credits of coursework and can be completed in three years of rigorous year-round, full-time study. A part-time option is also available.

Sample Plan of Full-time Study

Full-time students must take the DNP courses and NDNP 810 in the following order. Electives and NDNP 811, 812, and 813 may be taken as listed below or in a different sequence as agreed upon by the advisor and student. After NDNP 811 is completed, NDNP 812 and NDNP 813 must be taken consecutively and successfully completed in the following semesters or Capstone Advisement must be taken every semester until successfully completed. Capstone advisement does not count toward elective credits. Students should discuss the sequence of MBA courses with their advisor. Additional courses may be needed to meet the 1,000 hour practicum requirement.

Sample Plan of Part-time Study

Part-time students must take the DNP courses and NDNP 810 in the following order. Electives and NDNP 811, 812, and 813 may be taken as listed below or in a different sequence as agreed upon by the advisor and student. After NDNP 811 is completed, NDNP 812 and NDNP 813 must be taken consecutively and successfully completed in the following semesters or Capstone Advisement must be taken every semester until successfully completed. Capstone Advisement does not count toward elective credits. Students should discuss the sequence of MBA courses with their advisor.

Admission Requirements

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a program resulting in the award of a master's degree in nursing from an NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign university
• Official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate study (including study at UMSON), regardless of whether a degree was earned
• Three letters of recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a master's program, one letter must be from that program's specialty director. Candidates should choose doctorally prepared references, so that recommendations address the applicant’s potential for success in a doctoral program.
• An interview with selected applicants will be arranged after the applications are received and reviewed
• 500 to 1,000-word essay outlining goals, objectives, and focused area of interest in pursuing the DNP
• Active United States registered nurse license required. Clinical agencies will require an active Maryland license.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Verification of Nursing Master’s/Post-Master’s practicum hours

Apply to the DNP Program

• Apply now
• Application deadlines

For International Students

Information about English Proficiency Requirements and the Evaluation of Foreign Coursework

Nurse Executive Courses

The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) admitted its first class of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students in fall 2006. By applying evidence to clinical practice, systems management, informatics, and education, graduates of the program are leading and shaping improvements in the health care system and patient outcomes. 

In June 2011, UMSON was awarded a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant to create special DNP courses intended for nurses who currently hold executive level positions in health care. Some examples of nurse executive roles include chief nursing officer, director of nursing, and vice president in hospitals or other health care settings. 

Applicants who are interested in enrolling in these courses must meet all requirements for admission to the DNP program and have experience at an executive level in health care. The 38-48 credit plan of study in the DNP program includes 15-25 credits of electives. Nurse executives admitted to the DNP program can enroll in 12 credits in this new course sequence as part of the 15-25 credits of required electives. Courses will be offered in a similar blended format as the DNP core courses, with classes for each course scheduled in-class, via Web conferencing, and online to provide flexibility, enhance course availability, and reduce travel to the University for busy executives.

Elective courses will focus on health care economics, innovation and business case development, and executive leadership issues. Students will also complete an experiential learning practicum with executives from other health care or professional organizations. These electives will prepare students for innovative leadership roles and will provide strategies that can be used to impact organizational position and value.

The first course will be offered in fall 2012. See the Admission Requirements tab to learn more about applying to the DNP program. For more information about the DNP elective courses for nurse executives, contact Vicki Redding at 410-706-7522 or redding@son.umaryland.edu.

FAQ

What is the application deadline to the DNP Program?

The application deadline can be found here: Application Deadlines

When are students admitted to the DNP Program?

Students are admitted to the DNP program in the fall only. Applications are processed once a year for fall admissions. If you have questions about admission, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@son.umaryland.edu.

I do not have a master’s degree. Can I enroll in a BS to DNP? 

The BS to DNP program is not yet accepting applications. For further details about the progress of the BS to DNP program, click here. 

Who should write the letters of recommendation?

See the admissions information about DNP application and letters of reference at http://nursing.umaryland.edu/admissions/apply-now.

I am interested in learning more about the program.  Can I meet with someone to discuss the program in detail?

UMSON holds information sessions each semester to provide students with information about all of the programs. Faculty members from each program are available to answer questions.  Most information sessions are on campus, but the DNP program holds several online information sessions each year. Information sessions will be posted on the Web, in advance, prior to the scheduled date. You can find details about the information sessions at http://nursing.umaryland.edu/admissions/information-sessions-open-houses. For further information about information sessions, email openhouse@son.umaryland.edu. Unfortunately, we are unable to meet individually with students prior to application. 

I am in the last semester of my master's degree program and will be graduating in May. Can I apply for the DNP program prior to graduation?

Yes.   

Do you allow for specialty or concentration in the DNP program?

We do not offer specialties in the DNP program. Students must identify their specialty in the Master of Science program.  Students may take some of their electives in an area of interest.

Is there a residency, clinical, or practicum requirement?

Yes, there is a practicum requirement. See information under plans of study.

Could clinical hours, independent study, or practicum time be set up in my home state?

Yes.  Students with contacts for clinical hours, independent studies, or practicum hours may work with course faculty to arrange a contract to participate in out-of-state learning.

I do not have a master’s degree in nursing.  Can I apply to the DNP program without a Master of Science in nursing?

The DNP program requires a master’s degree in nursing to apply for the post-master’s program. Because the DNP is a practice doctorate, students must have the master’s nursing essentials prior to enrollment.

Is the program full-time or part-time?

There is a full-time plan of study and a part-time plan of study. 

How many days are students required to be on campus or available?

Students are required to participate in synchronous learning/teaching approximately five days per semester.  Students are typically required to be on campus two days per semester and participating at class time on three additional days per semester.

Most core courses are during the day, generally Friday. Capstone courses alternate between evenings and Fridays. Electives are in both online and face-to-face format.

On campus orientation is mandatory only for the first semester and is generally scheduled a week prior to the first day of class.

Who can I talk to about the MBA program?

Dr. Lyn Murphy coordinates our agreements with the University of Baltimore and University of Maryland College Park for our DNP/MBA program. For additional information regarding the program, send an email to Lmurphy@son.umaryland.edu or call 410-706-5474.

University of Baltimore MBA

• Accredited school and program of study

• Full-time and part-time options available

• Courses may be taken in class or online

• Application is in conjunction with UMSON.

• Application requires GRE or GMAT

• Contact: Mr. Ray Frederick at rfrederick@ubalt.edu or 410-837-4953

University of Maryland, College Park MBA

• Accredited school and program of study

• Full-time study only; academic cohort model

• All courses are taken at University of Maryland, College Park

• Online classes are not available

• Application is separate process from UMSON. You must apply and be accepted to University of Maryland, College Park

• Application requires GMAT

I have a master’s degree in nursing.  Will any of my credits transfer into the post-master of science DNP program?

No, the program is a post-master of science program. The number of credits and curricula is designed to follow a master’s degree in nursing and builds upon that curriculum.

I have taken non-degree earning post-master’s coursework.  Will any of my credits transfer into the program?

Students may apply to transfer six credits into the program. Courses will be reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate doctoral-level coursework and are consistent with the objectives of the DNP program. Transferred courses begin the five year academic clock that students have to complete the program. For example, if a course was taken in spring of 2009 and transferred into the DNP program, the student must complete the DNP program by the end of the fall of 2013, regardless of his/her official admission into the DNP program.