Doctor of Nursing Practice

** Pending approval from the State Commission on Higher Education in Virginia students will be admitted for this program in the fall 2008 semester.

The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is to prepare graduates for the highest level of nursing practice, and to prepare nursing faculty. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating and applying the evidence that supports practice, understanding and creating practice delivery systems based on patient outcomes and assuming leadership roles in practice settings. Along with these core competencies the degree will offer opportunities to develop greater expertise in education, leadership, and clinical practice.

Program Highlights

• 44 credits, divided among core courses, area concentrations, and a practice inquiry project.
• Core content includes informatics, health economics, health policy, health behavior theory, and translational research.
• Two concentrations - (1) Education or (2) Clinical Leadership.
• Offered in an executive format with students meeting for three days at the beginning of each semester and then monthly or less depending on the requirements of the course.

Admission Requirements

• Master of Science Degree in Nursing
• Current RN licensure
• Advanced Practice Nurses with evidence of a minimum of 500 practice hours in their field.
• 3.5 GPA or better
• Evidence of a graduate course in research methodology
• 500 word statement outlining area of practice inquiry interest

If you would like more information or to be placed on list to be notified when applications are being accepted please contact Adele Young RN, CPNP, PhD at 703-993-1952 or ayoung5@gmu.edu.