Doctor of Nursing Practice
The D.N.P. is a practice-focused doctorate for those nurses who desire a terminal degree with a clinical focus. The D.N.P. prepares advance practice nurses to function as experts and leaders in increasingly complex health-care settings. Students work closely with approved preceptors in their locale for guided clinical practice in conjunction with faculty. While an online educational program, the D.N.P. online program does require minimal campus visits including a mandatory one-time program orientation.
The nursing practice doctorate has two paths of entry: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.).
The B.S.N. to D.N.P. now has one concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Doctoral graduates of the FNP concentration are eligible to sit for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
- Remaining doctoral candidates in the D.N.P. concentration Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) are eligible upon graduation to sit for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The M.S.N. to D.N.P. expands the skills and competencies of the advanced practice nurse for greater career options.
The University of Arkansas now offers an online program to earn Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive Master of Business Administration dual degrees. It is for master’s prepared, advanced-practice nurses with leadership experience who seek top executive positions in health care systems and industries.
Degree Requirements (from Catalog of Studies)
- D.N.P. with Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
- D.N.P. with Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration (not accepting new students)
- M.S.N. Doctor of Nursing Practice
Expenses
Currently, graduate nursing students are charged $594.77 per credit hour in-state tuition, according to the Fee and General Information section of the Graduate Catalog of Courses. Also helpful is the Tuition Estimator from the Treasurer's Office.
Student Learning Outcomes
The goal of the D.N.P. program is to prepare graduates who provide leadership in the application of evidence-based clinical practice and contribute to the development of nursing science through independent and collaborative participation in scholarly activities, focusing on the improvement of client care outcomes. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Integrate advanced knowledge from nursing and related sciences into nursing practice
- Demonstrate advanced clinical competencies, providing holistic, patient-centered care that addresses the complex needs of individuals and communities
- Develop interventions for health promotion to improve health outcomes for diverse populations
- Disseminate scientific findings to guide best practices and improve health outcomes
- Employ analytic methods to lead evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement in health care
- Lead interprofessional collaborations to enhance the quality of health care
- Advocate for equity and health policy initiatives to advance population health
- Utilize health care technology and data to improve organizational performance and patient outcomes
- Embody professionalism, demonstrating commitment to lifelong learning, ethical practice and adherence to the standards of the nursing profession.
- Implement evidence-based strategies for leadership development and personal wellness
What About a Career in Nursing Education?
A multidegree option will equip the D.N.P. graduate for the role of the professional nurse educator. Students will earn both the M.S.N. and the D.N.P.. Admission to both the M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs is required. The additional course requirements beyond the D.N.P. program are four courses in the nursing education concentration and an education-focused scholarly project.
For questions and additional information please email onlineRN@UARK.edu or phone 479-575-3904.