The DNP will prepare graduates to provide the most advanced level of nursing care for individuals and communities, including direct care of individual patients, management of care for individuals and populations, administration of nursing systems, and the development and implementation of health policy. Within the 40 credits is an elective concentration of 9 credits which provides an option for coursework in education to prepare graduates to serve as nurse educators in schools of nursing. The DNP program builds on Georgia Southern's outstanding record in graduate nursing education. The University's graduate nursing programs have been highly ranked in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

Admission criteria:

1. Education

a. Post-BSN: Bachelor's degree in the proposed field of study (BSN) or its equivalent from a college accredited by the appropriate accrediting association. (Note: post-BSN, and RN/BSN, RN/MSN students must complete all MSN courses prior to beginning the DNP curriculum.)

b. Post-MSN: Master's degree in the proposed field of study (MSN) or its equivalent from a college accredited by the appropriate accrediting association.

a. Vita to include

• Personal rationale for seeking DNP
• Future goals
• Education
• Research experience
• Publications (identify refereed)
• Professional presentations (identify refereed)
• Community service projects

b. Evidence of certification in a specialty area for all Nurse Practitioners (NPs). For all others, appropriate certification in specialty area, if available. For post-MSN students, evidence of certification in specialty area for all NPs, and for all others, appropriate certification in specialty area, if available.

c. Evidence of having completed discrete graduate nursing courses in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health/Physical Assessment and Epidemiology course or approved equivalents.

d. A minimum of 500 documented academic clinical hours in MSN APN preparation. Evidence of post-graduation clinical experience in the advanced practice role unless continuing immediately into DNP course work as post-MSN DNP student.

e. Current registered nursing (RN) licensure

• For Post-MSN DNP, licensure in state of residence where clinical hours will be completed
• For Post-BSN DNP, Georgia licensure

f. Current malpractice liability insurance

g. American Heart Association Level C (2 person-BLS) CPR certification

h. Three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues who can attest to academic and clinical acumen

i. Listing of current technological support for Internet based courses with summary of experience with on-line courses

• a. College of Graduate Studies Admission application and fee
• b. Graduate Nursing Program Admission application
• c. School of Nursing Health Appraisal forms

The DNP requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of full-time continual enrollment. Course work is totally on-line. Participation in planned course WebCT activities is necessary. LIVE CLASSROOM discussions using Webcams may be used in some courses. Attendance at 4 day intensive workshop on GSU campus every summer is mandated. Students may request that up to, but no more than, 6 graduate credit hours be applied toward the 40 credits required for the DNP. Transfer credits must also satisfy the same requirements as courses taught for doctoral education within the School of Nursing Graduate Program (e.g., minimum grade of B), be consistent with the student’s approved program of study, and be from a regionally accredited college or university within a timely manner (to be evaluated on an individual basis). Thesis and dissertation credits cannot be transferred. The student must provide documentation in support of equivalence, such as a course syllabus, transcript, term paper, and/or instructor testimony. Equivalence is determined by the Faculty Advisor or Program Director. Credit reductions do not influence the residency or enrollment requirements or essentials examination procedures.

http://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu/future_students/dates.html

Technology (DSL or Cable) must be available to access all course work.

See admission requirements.

This course qualifies under the special E-Rate tuition, which is $350 per credit hour.
http://online.georgiasouthern.edu/gsuonlineTUITION.html

Contact: Donna R. Hodnicki PhD, FNP-BC, FAAN, CLNC
Professor, Graduate Program Director
Georgia Southern University
PO Box 8158, Statesboro, GA 30460
AJNP Co-Editorial Director
912.478.0017
(fax) 912.478.1679