Objectives

Students in the D.N.P. program acquire skills to a) manage health care of individuals and/or communities in complex health care systems, b) conduct research utilization/evidence-based practice studies to innovate practice, c) influence health care policy at the local, state, and national levels, and d) assume leadership roles in health care.

The D.N.P. is a practice degree designed to prepare nurses as clinical practitioners/scholars to assume advanced practice clinical and leadership roles. The D.N.P. program has two entry points, depending upon prior educational experience. The curricular plan is designed for the student who has a B.S.N. or a master’s degree in nursing. The curriculum consists of course work equivalent to that of a master’s degree in nursing plus additional course work (beyond the master’s degree requirements) that extends the leadership skills and provides preparation for a variety of leadership roles in the health care arena. Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates are eligible to apply to take national certification examinations in at least one area of advanced practice.

The D.N.P. degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Learning Outcomes

Admission

The admission process attempts to identify individuals who have a high probability of successfully completing the program. All factors are considered in combination. 

Admission requirements for students with a B.S.N. or a master’s degree in nursing:

1. A B.S.N. or master’s degree in nursing from a program that is nationally accredited;
2. Transcripts of all previous college studies. Grade Point Average criteria (50% weighted). (The mean GPA for recently admitted students was 3.57);
3. Current authorization to practice as SC Registered Nurse or possession of an unencumbered license in the state in which clinical practice will occur;
4. Completed application to The Graduate School with the College of Nursing supplement;
5. Three references written by doctorally prepared nurses who are able to evaluate the academic potential of the candidate;
6. An admissions interview with writing sample (30% weighted);
7. Evidence of writing competence, which will be evaluated through the candidate’s prepared written statement submitted with the application, as well as by written response to an essay question given during the admissions interview.
8. Applicants with a master’s degree in nursing must be certified as an advanced practice nurse or hold a master’s degree in nursing administration;
9. Applicants with a master’s degree in nursing must present a professional portfolio of knowledge, skills, and expertise acquired through education and experience to include documentation of RN licensure or unencumbered license in the state in which clinical practice will occur, documentation of advance practice certification, and an official letter from master’s program documenting number of clinical hours completed.

Degree Requirements (33 Post Masters Hours)

1. doctoral residency of at least 18 graduate credit hours for three consecutive major semesters. Enrollment in a summer term is not required to maintain continuity, but credits earned during summer terms (including May session) will count toward the 18 hours required for Residency. The residency requirement may be met only after admission to the D.N.P. program.;
2. completion of an approved program of study;
3. comprehensive assessment through defense of project proposal;
4. completion of a research utilization / evidence-based practice project and oral defense.
5. Applicants applying to the post-masters DNP in Nurse Executive Leadership with a BSN and a non-Masters in Nursing (MBA, MPH, MHA, etc.) will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Curriculum

The D.N.P. curricular plan totals 33 credit hours for students who enter with a master’s degree in nursing. Students must choose either the clinical concentrations (FNP, AG-ACNP, or PMHNP) or the Nurse Executive Leadership concentrations.