Doctor of Nursing Practice

Mission

The practice doctorate in nursing provides the terminal academic preparation for nursing practice. The purpose of this program is to prepare students to assume clinical leadership positions in a variety of healthcare, business, government, and educational
organizations.

 

Director's Letter

 

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment and scholarship in nursing practice.
  • Utilize scientific knowledge to evaluate new and current approaches in nursing practice and healthcare delivery to promote optimal outcomes.
  • Provide leadership in organizations and systems to assure quality care delivery models.
  • Design, deliver, direct, and disseminate evidence-based practices.
  • Use information systems to design, select, use, and evaluate programs of care, outcomes of care and care systems.
  • Advocate for healthcare practice change through policy development and evaluation.
  • Assume leadership roles for effective transdisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Employ ethical principles to decision making in healthcare practices and systems.
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is an innovative on-line, solution-focused program designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to lead efforts in solving complex healthcare issues and developing new healthcare opportunities. Building on TCU’s mission “learning to change the world”, DNP students will be charged with “making a difference in healthcare.”

 

Program of Study

The DNP is a practice doctorate designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice. The focus is heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings and theories to improving healthcare outcomes.

 

A master’s degree and current recognition as an advanced practice nurse by appropriate certification and licensing boards is required for admission. All students are required to maintain their advance practice recognition through practice requirements defined by appropriate certification and licensing boards throughout the program.

 

The DNP degree may be completed in two years at the minimum. The first year is typically composed of didactic courses and the second year the fulfillment of practice and final project requirements.

 

Admission Requirements*

Students will be selected based on the evaluation of a portfolio of evidence to include the following:

  • Completed application
  • Masters degree with focus in specialty nursing and minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0/4.0
  • Receipt of two official transcripts from all universities attended
  • Unencumbered RN license in United States
  • Current recognition as advanced practice nurse by state board of nursing in a state where role is recognized
  • Resume or curriculum vita
  • Three professional references, (suggestions are from a supervisor, previous faculty or other professional reference)
  • Remittance of $50 non-refundable application fee; and
  • Two page essay describing how applicant’s professional goals are congruent with the DNP program objectives. Include an overview of your proposed area of interest for your final capstone project.
  • Priority consideration given to applicants with at least two years experience in the post-master's role.

       *All submitted materials become the property of TCU

 

Satisfactory completion of drug screen and background check will be required prior to beginning practicum hours.

 

Tuition/Fees

Click this link for Graduate tuition and fee information.

 

Degree Requirements

The post-masters DNP degree requires a minimum of 30-semester hours of coursework for completion. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout the program. Minimum coursework requirements follow.

 

Year One

NDNP 81113 Complexity and Innovation in Health Care

NDNP 81123 Biostatistics for the Advanced Health Practitioner

NDNP 81233 Decision Science and Informatics

NDNP 81243 Translational Research

NDNP 81353 Healthcare Policy and Politics

NDNP 81363 Emerging Sciences for Advanced Practice

 

Year Two

Fall

NDNP 82183 Advanced Clinical Practicum I

NDNP 82383 Advanced Administrative Practicum I

NDNP 88080 Advanced Clinical Project*

NDNP 88280 Advanced Administrative Project*

 

Spring

NDNP 82283 Advanced Clinical Practicum II

NDNP 82483 Advanced Administrative Practicum II

NDNP 88080 Advanced Clinical Project*

NDNP 88280 Advanced Administrative Project*

 

*Each Advanced Clinical Project course is for three (3) credit hours. A minimum of 6 hours over two semesters of NDNP 88080 or 88280 is required to complete the degree program. Students may enroll in additional hours, beyond the required six hours, as needed to complete the requirements for the project.

 

For more information, contact:

 

Mary Jane Allred
Administrative Program Specialist
Texas Christian University
Doctor of Nursing Practice program
TCU Box 298627
Fort Worth, TX 76129
Ph. 817.257.6726
Fx. 817.257.8383
m.allred@tcu.edu

 

Click here for DNP reference form

 

Click here for DNP
Application for Admission

 

Click here for DNP
Nursing Administration Track Application for Admision