Doctor of Nursing Practice
Graduate Degree
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
3 Semesters (12 months)
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- What You'll Learn
- Plan of Study
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The Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Westminster University
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program will prepare you to provide cutting-edge clinical care and to advance as a leader in your field. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program consists of a hybrid education model, blending both online and traditional residency-style learning. Consistent with Westminster's academic tradition, class sizes are small, so you receive dedicated attention throughout the program.
The mission of the post-masters to doctor of nursing practice (post-MS-DNP) program is to prepare advanced practice nurse leaders to provide the highest level of expertise in a complex healthcare setting. Practitioners are empowered to be catalysts in the constant drive to improve standards used for healthcare. The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepared practitioner collaborates with interprofessional teams to integrate evidence into practice to improve outcomes. Our purpose is to prepare students to embrace learning, accomplishment, and service; and develop the attributes necessary to improve outcomes at the community, national, and global level.
Who the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Is For
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed for nurse practitioner providers seeking a terminal degree who want to have a positive impact on the healthcare system.
What You'll Learn in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program
- Analyze and evaluate scientific knowledge to improve outcomes and ensure quality in health care systems
- Gain a social justice education and promote culturally relevant health care to reduce health disparities
- Utilize technology and information literacy to improve health care
- Gain increased knowledge, skills, and expertise in communication, scientific foundations,
leadership, and health care systems
Sample courses
- DNP-710: Epidemiology/Population Health
- DNP-715: Health Care Policy and Economics
- DNP-725: Leadership and Roles
- DNP-740: Advanced Theory and Ethics in ANP
Completion time: Students can complete the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 3 semesters of full-time
study, or opt for a part-time program. Admission to the program takes place on a yearly
basis, beginning each fall semester.
Plan of Study for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
Semester 1: In the first semester, you will study Advanced Theory and Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Statistics for Clinical Practice, and Evidence Based Nursing Practice: Theory, Design, and Methods. You will also begin developing your personal scholarly project.
Semester 2: In the second semester, you will study Health Care Policy and Economics in Clinical Practice, Epidemiology/Population Health, Leadership and Role Development in Advanced Nursing Practice, and continue working on your scholarly project.
Semester 3: In your final semester, you will study Informatics in Health Care Systems, Quality and Safety Across Healthcare Settings, and finalize your scholarly project.
Nursing Career Opportunities
A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is an investment with lifelong benefits, expanding your clinical, leadership, and healthcare opportunities at local and national levels.
potential careers
- Nurse educator
- Leader of interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Political advocate
- Nurse researcher
potential Employers
- ARUP Labratories
- University of Utah Health
- Steward Health Care
Application Deadline
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
Fall 2023 Entry: Feb. 1, 2023
Entry Terms: Fall
Our Faculty
Sheryl Steadman, PhD
Dean, nursing & health sciences
Ronda Lucey
Professor
Sue Jones
Assistant Professor
accreditation employers trust
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Westminster University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
"Nurses have so much potential and so much to give. I want to lead my own team, and now I can with a doctorate."
Emanita Mounga
MSN '18, DNP '19
There's No Better Investment than You
Tuition and Fees
At Westminster, we are committed to making your education affordable.
Financial Aid
Westminster works with all students to determine the financial aid opportunities available to them. Federal financial aid is available and will be awarded on an individual basis to students who have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Some federal financial aid programs require students to maintain the equivalent of full- or part-time enrollment.
Loans
Graduate students are eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct (grad) PLUS loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s federal student loan program.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that provides job opportunities for students to earn money to help pay for college. Westminster employs hundreds of students each year in different areas.