Nursing Practice D.N.P. (Online)

Director School of Nursing: Deborah MacMillan debby.macmillan@gcsu.edu
Doctor of Nursing Practice Coordinator: Sheryl Winn sheryl.winn@gcsu.edu
Administrative Assistant: Beverly Waller, beverly.waller@gcsu.edu 

The DNP program at the Georgia College School of Nursing prepares students to lead healthcare innovations and influence policy founded on analytic principles and evidence-based practice. The DNP preparation at Georgia College focuses on roles that specialize in practice at an aggregate, systems, or organizational level. Students will forge their own intellectual path. The curriculum culminates in an intense capstone experience defined by students' interests and based on their specific practice. Students will address significant problems in real time and in their practice settings. The program offers extensive opportunities for collaboration, challenging problems for study, and a tradition of rigorous scholarship.  This program is offered as both a full-time or part-time option.

The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles. This requires competence in translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable clinical and organizational innovations to change practice. For more information, contact the School of Nursing administration office at 478-445-1076.

Admission Requirements for the DNP Degree

Admission is limited to the most qualified applicants.

To be eligible for admission to the DNP program, applicants must have:

• A master's degree in nursing or anesthesia from a nationally accredited program
• A scholastic Grade Point Average of at least 3.2 in a master's of nursing program with a 3.5 preferred (on a 4.0 scale)
• Demonstrated commitment to nursing practice and scholarly pursuit
• Unencumbered RN Licensure
• Evidence of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in master's program
• An interview with faculty

An application is complete when all of the following have been submitted:

• Application form and non-refundable application fee: $35 online, $40 paper
• Two statements of recommendation from professionals who can speak to the applicant's practice experience, project management and leadership, and potential for success in doctoral studies
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Statement of professional goals
• A sample of professional writing at the time of interview.
• Copy of RN license appropriate to the state where the capstone courses will be completed
• Verification of APRN certification, if applicable

Other Nursing Program Requirements

• Have computer access. All DNP majors are expected to be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) when submitting assignments. Graduate students should have proficiency with Microsoft office, Internet, and email. In addition, graduate students are expected to have updated and enabled virus protection software as listed in individual course syllabi. Students may be required to purchase additional software as listed in individual course syllabi.
• Complete and return all forms specified in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Student Handbook found at http://www.gcsu.edu/health/nursing/nursing-dnp to the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs.
• Complete all required courses for the DNP degree within a period of 7 years from the date the student begins graduate courses at Georgia College. Any course work completed more than 7 years prior to completion of requirements for the DNP degree will be considered outdated and will not be applied toward the DNP degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.

Capstone Project Requirement

The DNP program includes a capstone project that focuses on translational and clinical research. This project provides an opportunity for the student to apply advanced theoretical policy and specialty knowledge and skills in clinical practice and systems level experiences. During the capstone, the students must demonstrate the ability to employ effective communication and collaboration skills to influence healthcare quality and safety, and negotiate successful change in care delivery processes for individuals, groups or populations across a broad spectrum of healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the capstone the student will demonstrate:

• Advanced clinical judgment, expertise and specialization in a defined content area
• Advanced levels of systems thinking and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve healthcare quality, safety, and outcomes
• Leadership in the development and implementation of patient-driven, institutional, local, state, federal, and or international health policy in a select content/specialty area

Each applicant has the responsibility to propose a mentored capstone project that meets individual needs and career goals during the application process. It is expected that students will focus on clinical problems and/or organizational systems to promote effective, efficient and accessible care for individuals, groups or populations.

Georgia College's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750; Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Total Credit Hours: 37