Doctor of Nursing Practice
Are you a CNM, NP or CRNA?
Take your clinical skills to an even higher level with a doctoral program designed specifically for working clinical nurses. Gwynedd Mercy University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice offers you the opportunity to explore advanced theory and practice in a program that complements the research and theory-based doctoral programs offered at other institutions.
This 39-credit program prepares you to build on previous knowledge from your career as a nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse midwife. The program equips you to become a leading practitioner and change agent across four areas of focus:
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Social policy
- Systems leadership
The DNP program includes 400 hours of precepted clinical experience. You can complete this program in about two years of full-time study thanks to its accelerated structure. The program consists of online courses and only one in person executive session that is completed in your last course the week of graduation.
The Doctor of Nurse Practice program at Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The program is also accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board with full status.
Career Opportunities for Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduates
As a DNP graduate, you can equip yourself for the highest possible level of clinical, administrative, and nursing leadership practice.
Roles and Salary Potential*
The median salary nationwide for a DNP graduate is $135,000, according to data from indeed.com.[i]
- Chief Nursing Officer – Median salary $124,616[ii]
- Nurse Researcher – Median salary $140,000[iii]
- Nursing Administrator (MSN or DNP) – Median salary $80,451[iv]
Curriculum and Course Topics
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program aims to hone the skills of advanced practice nurses to prepare them for leadership in the profession, not just in their community or workplace. The DNP’s focus is on clinical practice rather than on research or preparation for nursing education roles, which is commonly emphasized in PhD programs.
We have developed this curriculum with guidance from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice and The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) DNP curricular guidelines.
Course topics include a 21-credit core of research and theory courses:
- Healthcare Ethics for the Advanced Practice Nurse
- Statistical Analysis for Evidence Based Practice
- Organizational Behavior and Social Policy
- Leadership as an Advanced Practice Nurse
- Technology for Advanced Practice Nurses
- Research Utilization
- Evidence Based Practice
The remaining 18 credits include a scholarly internship experience and development of an original evidence-based project that solves a clinical problem. You will publish the results of your project with guidance from your faculty supervisor.
Completing Your Practicum Requirements
The DNP program requires 400 hours of internship experience in a setting other than your place of employment. Gwynedd Mercy University has hundreds of partnerships with health care providers that you can take advantage of in order to find your site.
Faculty members will be able to assist you in locating a site, designating a preceptor or supervisor, and completing all necessary documentation.
Admissions Requirements
This nursing doctoral program is for current, licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Admissions requirements include:
- A master’s degree in advanced practice nursing (APRN) from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Nursing Education or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education with a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above.
- Completed online application.
- Satisfactory achievement on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- Waived for applicants with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or greater.
- Current professional certification as an APRN.
- Official, sealed transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Undergraduate Statistics course equivalent to three semester hours.
- Undergraduate and graduate Physical Health Assessment courses.
- Current RN licensure in one of the 50 states or U.S. territories.
- Copy of current professional liability insurance.
- Resume/CV reflecting a minimum of two years prior clinical experience as an APRN.
- Recent graduates may apply but APRN certification must be obtained before beginning clinicals.
- Three letters of reference from other APRNs (one may be from a physician).
- Personal Goal Statement.
- Personal interview once application is complete.
Discover the Next in Your Nursing Career
Change nursing as an advanced clinical practitioner with your Doctor of Nursing Practice. Contact Gwynedd Mercy University today to learn more about our graduate degree programs in nursing.
* Please note that salary estimates are based on survey data. Actual salaries may vary widely depending upon your location, the employer, and your experience and certification.
[i] http://nursejournal.org/dnp-programs/what-is-the-average-salary-with-a-dnp-degree/
[ii] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary
[iii] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Researcher/Salary
[iv] http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Administrator/Salary