Post-Master's DNP Program
The focus of the Simmons College Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is Professional Practice Leadership. The program will develop nursing leaders who will improve health care outcomes in clinical practice,research and management. Graduates will have the clinical, organizational and leadership skills to meet the changing demands of the present and future health care system. The DNP is a practice-focused degree analogous to professional doctoral degrees in other disciplines, including Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry and Clinical Psychology. The DNP differs from the PhD in its emphasis on practice and practice-related research.
The Simmons DNP was developed in full compliance with professional standards for the practice doctorate ("Doctoral Essentials") developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The Simmons DNP is designed for
1) Experienced advanced practice nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) who have had at least two years (approximately 5000 hours) of advanced practice experience (Advanced Standing/Bridge Program);
2) Experienced Nurse Managers who have had a minimum of 2 years (approximately 5000 hours) in a managerial role (Advanced Standing/Bridge Program); and
3) Master's-prepared nurses who are not advanced practice nurses who desire a nurse practitioner specialty in addition to the DNP (Standard Program).
The DNP program is offered in a "blended" format. Classes are taught online and students are required to attend two on-campus residencies per semester. Courses are designed to expand practice and to prepare students as leaders in nursing and the health care system. Students are required to complete a practice-based Capstone Project over four semesters, as well as document DNP-related practice and policy experience in a comprehensive DNP portfolio.
The Simmons College Baccalaureate and Master's degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The DNP program will be evaluated for CCNE accreditation in Spring 2010.
Objectives:
On completion of the DNP program, the graduate will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of advanced practice nursing.
2. Utilize technology and informatics to improve health care and to implement change in health care systems.
3. Provide culturally-sensitive health care to diverse client populations.
4. Collaborate with interdisciplinary health care professionals to improve patient and population health care outcomes.
5. Demonstrate leadership in management, organizational and fiscal activities related to health care practice.
6. Participate in health care policy development, implementation and evaluation.
7. Contribute to the advancement of current health care knowledge through practice-based research.
Program Tracks:
The DNP offers two tracks: Clinical Leadership and Management in Clinical Practice. Each track will have the following components: core courses (health policy, ethics, informatics, practice-based research, leadership and technology); clinical practice for students pursuing an NP specialty and policy/research-related practice for all students; the DNP Capstone Project; and a "minor" concentration (Management, Clinical Genetics, Research Methods, Health Professions Education, Advanced Clinical Competencies).
Clinical Leadership Track
This concentration will prepare doctoral-level clinicians for expert practice and leadership in clinical settings. Two tracks are offered: Advanced Standing /Bridge for MS-prepared advanced practice nurses who have at least two years practice experience; and the Standard program for MS-prepared nurses who desire full NP preparation in addition to the DNP. These programs are as follows:
1) Post-Masters Advanced Standing/Bridge (36 credits)
a. DNP Core Curriculum (21 credits)
b. Capstone Project (6 credits)
c. Minor concentration (9 credits)
2) Post-Masters Standard Program (36 DNP credits plus credits required for the NP):
a. DNP Core Curriculum (21 credits)
b. Capstone Project (6 credits)
c. NP Core Courses —Advanced Pharmacology, Physiology and Health Assessment (9 credits)
d. NP specialty courses and clinical practicum (credits variable depending on specialty—FNP, Oncology NP, etc.)
Management Track
This concentration will prepare doctoral level nurse managers for expert practice and leadership in health care settings. This track offers an Advanced Standing/Bridge option for Master's prepared nurse managers who have had at least 2 years (approximately 5000 hours) in a management role. Program requirements are as follows:
Post-Master's Advanced Standing/Bridge Program in Management (36 credits)
a. DNP Core Curriculum (21 credits)
b. Capstone Project (6 credits)
c. Minor concentration in Management (9 credits)
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