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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Description:
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing enrolls master’s-prepared nurses with clinical specialty preparation. It builds upon the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice as ratified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and avails itself to the high quality of graduate education at the University of Virginia by encouraging DNP students to tailor an individualized program using cognate courses from any School or department throughout the University.

The DNP Program at the University of Virginia enrolled its first students in 2007, and graduated its first degree recipient in December 2008.  The DNP Program at the University of Virginia is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and is currently the only program accredited in Virginia. 

The DNP program curriculum for most students will be a minimum of 39 credits. All DNP students will pursue some courses in common (the core curriculum). With your faculty mentor you will also select 6 credits of cognates drawn from the offerings of the University of Virginia or elsewhere to contribute to your scholarly project. Students will also complete additional clinical requirements to meet the mandated 1000 hours of specialty training that is one of the hallmarks of a DNP graduate.

The DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a scholarly project, which is designed by the student in collaboration with a 3-member committee. The scholarly project must be a significant, evidence-based contribution to existing nursing knowledge and be suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal or a book. This scholarly 'Capstone Project' could be a program needs assessment with program development and evaluation, evaluation of an existing program, development of an assessment instrument/protocol, a cost/benefit analysis of program models, or other scholarly project as approved.

The length of time requires to complete the program depends on several factors: whether you are a fulltime/parttime student, the number of practica hours required, and your capstone project. Students are encouraged to discuss concepts for the capstone project early in their study, and could incorporate elements of the project in their clinical preceptorship.

The required core classes will use a combination of classroom and distance learning modalities. Face-to-face didactic classes will be scheduled with the working nurse (or nurse faculty member) in mind, in an "executive" format with classes meeting face-to-face at the beginning and end of the semester. Some of the core classes has synchronous class sessions (face-to-face, using the internet, or video-conferencing) to accompany classroom and distance learning during the semester. Each student will select 6 credits of cognate classes to complement their individual DNP program.  These cognate classes could be graduate classes from any School at the University of Virginia (or transferred from elsewhere). 

The schedule for class meetings in Charlottesville in Fall 2009  can be downloaded here: DNP Schedule for Fall 2009. The schedule for classes in Spring 2010 will be available in September.


Information Sessions

We hold monthly information sessions on the DNP program. Click here for the schedule of upcoming sessions. Parking is available in the garage beneath McLeod Hall after 5pm.

Program Director: Doris Glick, PhD, RN; (434) 924-0105; Email: dfg6x@virginia.edu

Direct all questions on admissions and financial aid to Assistant Dean Clay Hysell (434) 924-0141, email: hysell@virginia.edu


Financial Aid

Students applying for or enrolled in the PhD in Nursing or DNP programs can apply for the Virginia Doctoral Nursing Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program administered through the University of Virginia. Full-time doctoral students are eligible to borrow up to $25,000/year during the coursework phase of their programs (Year 1 and Year 2 in either doctoral program). These loans would be cancelled if you taught full-time at any public or private nursing program in Virginia for four years (two year of teaching for each year of loan). The application deadline is May 15.

DNP students are also eligible for other School of Nursing aid (teaching assistantships, scholarships, nurse traineeship funds, and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.) Visit our Financial Aid website for more information.

Clinicals

The American Academy of Colleges of Nursing have mandated that all DNP graduates have completed at least 1000 hours of precepted clinical experiences in their specialty area. Most MSN programs and Advanced Practice certifications require only 500 hours.

All DNP students at the University of Virginia will complete at least 1000 precepted clinical hours post-BSN. Students who are certified as Advanced Practice Nurses have completed 500 precepted hours for this certification.  Most DNP students will need to complete 500 additional practica hours focused on the acquisition of abilities in the DNP Essentials document. Your faculty mentor in the DNP program at the University of Virginia will create an individualized clinical plan with you to meet the goals and objectives of your clinical practica.

Clinical requirements do not need to be met at the University of Virginia Medical Center; the School has existing clinical contracts across Virginia. Students are also welcome to ‘bring their own’ clinical sites from the area or outside of Virginia. . Be sure that that you communicate your clinical site intentions with your faculty mentor since it may take 2-3 months to establish new contractual arrangements.

Certification

Students entering the Doctor in Nursing Practice program should have advanced education in a clinical specialty. Candidates who are eligible for clinical certification as Advanced Practice nurses should have valid APN licenses. Graduates from other advanced specialty areas (such as public health or health administration) need not have APN certifications.

MSN-prepared individuals with generalist/non-specialty MSNs (such as in education or Clinical Nurse Leader) should pursue a post-masters program to obtain clinical specialization prior to pursuing DNP study at the University of Virginia.

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for the Doctor in Nursing Practice, applicants must submit a completed application and:

Application deadline -

Fall entry: March 1

*If you want to have GRE scores sent to the University, the Institutional Code is R-5820.  The School of Nursing accepts GRE scores that are more than 5 years old. If you have your 'older' scores, you may submit a copy of the Student Report. 

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Program of Study, Downloads & Links

For More Information

For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, please fill our our online form. You are also welcome to call the Office of Admissions at (434) 924-0141 / (888) 283-8703.

Questions on admissions and financial aid should be directed to Clay Hysell, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, email hysell@virginia.edu