Vanderbilt DNP Program – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the DNP?
- How does the DNP degree differ from the PhD degree?
- Why is the DNP degree important and necessary?
- What is the DNP program of study at Vanderbilt?
- Are new students enrolled every semester?
- What is the blended curriculum?
- Can I continue to work while seeking my practice doctorate at Vanderbilt?
- Is a dissertation required?
- Is the master’s degree in nursing required for admission?
- What are the requirements for admission?
- What is the cost of tuition for the Vanderbilt DNP program?
- What schedule is planned for the Vanderbilt DNP program?
- What funding is available to interested DNP applicants?
- Where may I get additional information about the DNP program?
What is the DNP?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice – or DNP – is a practice doctorate degree for nurses, and it represents the highest level of academic preparation for nursing practice.
How does the DNP degree differ from the PhD degree?
Nursing practice scholars with the DNP degree translate evidence into practice for improved health care outcomes. Scholars with the PhD degree pursue careers as research scientists in academic, governmental or private entities. See DNP or PhD – Which is Right for Me? for more information. [top]
Why is the DNP degree important and necessary?
The rapid expansion of knowledge underpinning practice, the complexity of patient care, national concerns about the quality of care and patient safety, and shortages of nursing personnel and faculty have necessitated a higher level of preparation for leaders who can design and provide care for diverse populations. Several reports from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) underscore the need for an appropriately trained health care workforce to meet these challenges of the 21st Century. Given the dynamic nature of the science and evidence base in health care, innovative educational approaches are needed to teach students how to manage knowledge, use effective tools to support clinical decision making and apply methodological rules to evaluate the evidence. Likewise, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has recognized the need to change nursing education to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care system and recommended adoption of the DNP by 2015 as the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses (e.g., nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, nurse informatics specialists, health care systems administrators). [top]
What is the DNP program of study at Vanderbilt?
The Vanderbilt DNP program will be a post-master’s, 5-semester, 74-credit hour program of study, 39 hours of which may be transferred from a prior’s MSN degree. It is offered in a blended curriculum format and designed to prepare nursing practice scholars with a strong scientific foundation for practice and the ability to translate knowledge quickly and effectively to benefit patients in the daily demands of practice environments. It encompasses didactic courses, a clinical immersion experience and a scholarly capstone project that synthesizes the DNP student’s learning in both areas. [top]
Are new students enrolled every semester?
No. DNP students are only admitted for initial enrollment in the Fall semester. The coursework follows a defined sequence. [top]
What is the blended curriculum?
Our plans are for DNP students to have an immersion experience on-campus in Nashville for approximately one week each semester to facilitate mentoring by faculty and interaction with Vanderbilt nursing science PhD students as part of a community of scholars. Attendance at the one-week sessions is expected. Other coursework, scholarly interaction and clinical application can take place in students’ home locations so that they do not have to relocate or give up employment. We use a variety of state-of-the-art online and distance learning technologies and techniques to facilitate the program and enrich every student’s learning experience. The majority of coursework will be asynchronous. Synchronous activity will be scheduled by the instructor in advance. [top]
Can I continue to work while seeking my practice doctorate at Vanderbilt?
Yes. Vanderbilt offers a blended curriculum that necessitates limited time on campus for face-to-face faculty mentoring and scholarly interaction. Please see answer to question above. [top]
Is a dissertation required?
No. Instead, a hallmark of Vanderbilt’s practice doctorate is the successful completion of a scholarly project that demonstrates the synthesis of the student’s experiences. The scholarly project will embrace learning from both coursework and clinical practice application. Prior to graduation with the DNP degree, each student will publicly defend the scholarly project and prepare an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. [top]
Is the master’s degree in nursing required for admission?
Yes. The Vanderbilt Doctor of Nursing Practice is a post-master’s doctoral program designed for advanced practice nurses who wish to pursue additional practice-based study. [top]
What are the requirements for admission?
To be eligible for admission to the Vanderbilt DNP program, applicants must have:
- Official Transcripts. Applicants must submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Applicants must submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. Applicants must have completed a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited institution. A minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA for graduate work is preferred.
- Nursing License. An unencumbered Registered Nurse license must be presented. In addition, applicants must have the APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) designation in their home states and national board certification in their areas of specialty as appropriate.
- Three Letters of Recommendation.
- Interview (by phone or in person).
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Professional Statement. This will include written essays responding to select questions and identification of a potential practice inquiry within selected populations to frame the program of study.
- Technical Requirements. A home computer, printer and high-speed broadband Internet access are required. [top]
What is the cost of tuition for the Vanderbilt DNP program?
Tuition for the Vanderbilt DNP program will be the same as that of the MSN program. Tuition for the 2007-08 academic year is $938 per credit hour.
What schedule is planned for the Vanderbilt DNP program?
The DNP program at Vanderbilt will begin in Fall 2008. We will post our schedule as soon as the details are available. [top]
What funding is available to interested DNP applicants?
Funding is available from federal loans and other sources. The majority of nursing students at Vanderbilt receive some form of financial aid. Please see our Financial Aid web page for additional information.
Where may I get additional information about the DNP program?
Please contact Vanderbilt School of Nursing Admissions with this email link to Admissions or by calling toll free: 1.888.333.9192. [top]
