Doctor of Nursing Practice Nursing Practice with a Concentration in Advanced Practice (DNP)

Doctor of Nursing Practice 

Carolyn Rutledge, Program Director

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for nurses that are seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice.  DNP-prepared nurses are equipped to serve as clinical experts, change agents, and advocates in addressing healthcare in our nation.  Specific areas of focus include: advanced practice skills, healthcare policy, organizational and systems leadership, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based research, healthcare technology, informatics, and patient advocacy.  The DNP program at ODU is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree will provide additional education for advanced practice nurses in:

1. Advanced diagnostics and practice skills;
2. Care of the underserved and increasingly diverse population; and
3. Incorporation of emerging care technologies. The program may be completed as a full-time or part-time student and is distance friendly.

To graduate from Old Dominion University’s DNP Program, a student must have successfully completed all required course work, including prerequisite courses of NURS 800 and NURS 809, an evidence-based research project and all clinical practicum. It will take a full-time student four semesters (spring, summer, fall and spring) to complete the program. A part-time student will complete the DNP program in seven semesters (spring, summer, fall, spring, summer, fall, and spring). The DNP - Post Master's Advanced Practice track is offered in a hybrid format. 

Admission Requirements for the DNP Program

*Note: For admission requirements to the Nurse Anesthesia program refer to the website at http://www.odu.edu/nursing. 

In addition to meeting University requirements, applicants must meet the admission criteria below..

1. Current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse (RN).
2. Master's degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 3.0 grade point
3. Baccalaureate degree in nursing or related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.
4. Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a former faculty member and at least two from former employers. 
5. A 500-700 word essay that should speak specifically to the concentration area to which you are applying.
6. Current Resume

Application Deadlines for the DNP Programs

Post Master's Advanced Practice - Early Admission June 1, Deadline Sep 1. Late Applications considered if space available. 

Curriculum Requirements

Advanced Practice Concentration

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
NURS 801	Roles and Responsibilities for Transforming Practice	3
NURS 802	The Business of Advanced Nursing Practice	3
NURS 803	Leadership and Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare	3
NURS 805	Application of Practice-Based Research Methods	2
NURS 806	Proposal Development and Database Management	4
NURS 807	Informatics and Healthcare Technology	3
NURS 865	DNP Clinical Practicum I	2
NURS 866	DNP Clinical Practicum II	2
NURS 867	DNP Clinical Practicum III	3
NURS 868	DNP Clinical Practicum IV	3
NURS 890	DNP Nursing Capstone	3
Prerequisite courses NURS 800* and NURS 809* must also be completed to meet degree requirements for the DNP. NURS 800 and 809 are included in the MSN curricula. NURS 802* is also included in the MSN curricula. If previously completed for the MSN, students may take an elective course to meet these three credits rather than repeating NURS 802
Total Credit Hours		31

*

Courses are included in the MSN curricula.