Nursing Practice (DNP)

Mission Statement

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP program, graduates will be able to

• Employ the skills necessary to engage in lifelong learning through intellectual inquiry and scholarship.
• Lead and serve on interprofessional teams to promote wellness of individuals and populations.
• Deliver or direct nursing practice based on sound theoretical frameworks, best scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and in collaboration with the patient and family.
• Communicate effectively with members of the interprofessional teams; health care consumers; policy makers; and institutional, local, regional, and national health care leaders.
• Exhibit exemplary professional and ethical standards while advocating for safe, equitable, and cost-effective health care for all.
• Utilize transformational leadership, systems thinking, information technology, and clinical analytics to improve health care outcomes for individuals and diverse populations.
• Practice critical thinking and evidence-based decision making in delivering or directing nursing practice, serving as a leader in health care systems, and teaching students, colleagues, and health care consumers.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit the following:

• BSN to DNP: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 grade—official transcripts required
• MSN to DNP: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 grade—official transcripts required
• An official transcript is one sent directly to the Admissionss Office by the registrar of the issuing institution or one forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
  • BSN-DNP: Applicants must submit transcripts showing degree conferral from an associates and/or bachelor’s in nursing. If select courses (usually science courses) were taken at institutions other than the degree conferring institution, USAHS may request those transcripts be submitted as well.
  • MSN-DNP: Applicants must submit transcripts showing degree conferral from a Master of Science in Nursing only.
  • The following science courses may trigger a request for transcript if not on the transcript of degree conferred for MSN and BSN-DNP applicants:
    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Pathophysiology
    • Microbiology
    • Physical assessment
    • Pharmacology
• Evidence of an unrestricted/unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the state of residence
• Two letters of recommendation from (1) a nurse educator familiar with your ability to do academic work and (2) an immediate supervisor (e.g., nurse manager), preceptor, or mentor familiar with your practice skills
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• A comprehensive background check requiring fingerprints and drug screen will be administered during the admissions process.
• Career goal statement—500 word essay describing short-term and long-term career goals and a plan to achieve them
• An interview may be requested.

If the applicant completed his or her education in a foreign country, the applicant must submit an original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.

International Students Applying for Admission

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. All instruction in the DNP program is conducted in English. USAHS does not offer English language services, including instruction. All instruction at USAHS is conducted in English. To be considered, a candidate must submit:

• Transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provide evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
• Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if their education was completed in a language other than English or they reside in a non-English speaking country. A minimum score of 210 (computer-based testing), or 83 (IBT – Internet based testing) is required.

Notification of Status

The applicant will be notified by e-mail from the Addmissions Office of his or her admission status after all required application materials have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Academic Requirements

To remain in the DNP program, the student must

• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and
• complete the required courses.

Program Overview

• DNP courses are offered through an enriched online experience to meet the needs of working students—allowing students to further their education while pursuing a nursing career.

• Practica are the only courses that require physical attendance. This typically occurs in a work or clinic environment specific to the area of specialty or role. Students can select an organization in their locality to meet their practicum requirements. Students also will have residency opportunities, including an international study option allowing them to develop a global perspective on health and patient care.

• USAHS offers optional residency programs to enhance the curriculum. In the courses with these optional residencies, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with classroom peers and faculty in discussions, activities, and advanced coursework.

Delivery of DNP Coursework

All coursework in the DNP program is offered in an online delivery format. IPE 7000 has an optional residency. Students are responsible for travel, lodging and meals. Practica may be completed in the student’s home community.

Incomplete Coursework

If a student cannot complete the required work within the predetermined time frame, he or she will receive a grade of Incomplete (I). The student must then complete the work by the new assigned due date to receive a letter grade. No further extension will be permitted. If the student does not withdraw or complete the requirements within the approved time, the I grade will automatically become a Fail (F) on his or her transcript.

Time Limit

It is required that DNP students complete all program requirements within 2 years. An extension of up to 1 year may be requested. If the Program Director approves the extension, there is an extension fee of $333.00 per trimester.

Practicums