Winona State University will admit the first class in its standalone Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program this fall.
The university has offered the DNP program since 2007 as part of a consortium of four schools but was recently approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) System to offer the DNP as a standalone program.
The DNP program allows baccalaureate- or master’s-level nurses to gain advanced clinical and leadership competencies and enroll in one of several program areas for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists or nursing and organizational leaders. Ideal candidates for the post-master’s DNP are nurses in leadership or management roles, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse practitioners.
WSU will accept applications for its DNP program in December 2012 for classes starting in Fall 2013. DNP programs will be available in the following areas: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing and Organizational Leadership.
The DNP program curriculum is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education. Course content builds upon the baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. DNP students focus on using nursing science, ethics, information, statistics and evidence to improve the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice; attending to health promotion for individuals, families, and populations; developing leadership skills; and preparing for the chosen advanced nursing role. Throughout the program, students work with clinical experts and graduate faculty who have expertise in applied research.
For more information, contact Sonja Meiers at 507-536-5671, or view the program website. Application materials are available online.
