Transitional Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Graduate Program Director: Marie-Eileen Onieal, PhD, MMHS, RN, CPNP, FAANP

The vision of the Rocky Mountain of Health Professions (RMUoHP) is to become a nationally and internationally recognized paradigm of excellence for education of healthcare professionals, and to set the global standard for exemplary graduate and post-professional health professions education.

The DNP program at RMUoHP is designed to prepare advanced clinical leaders able to affect change through system redesign and evidence-based decision making in a variety of clinical settings. Through coursework, directed independent study, and capstone project implementation, the DNP graduate is well prepared to influence health and social policy for diverse populations in a variety of settings. The program outcomes are consistent with the vision of RMUoHP: to develop master healthcare professionals and leaders with advanced, evidence-based skills who critically review the literature, participate in research, and advance knowledge through publications and dissemination of scholarly/clinical endeavors. The higher degree of clinical skill and knowledge provided by the degree can advance clinical nursing practice and help keep pace with demands for clinical leaders and advanced practice educators. This degree is also consistent with the recent move by the nursing profession towards the DNP as the entry-level degree for advance practice nurses by 2015.

• Click here to review the AACN position statement on the DNP.

• Click here to review the AANP discussion paper on the DNP.

The graduate will be a sophisticated consumer of research, as well as a socially responsible, competent, and innovative clinical leader who understands and appreciates the financial, political, clinical, and social factors that influence care models and population based delivery systems. The core courses and directed independent study sessions offers expanded study in the areas of leadership and management in advanced practice, evidence-based practice, leadership in establishing clinical excellence, information technology, ethics and social responsibility, expertise to inform health policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The DNP program with its limited-residency model will provide the flexibility for the advanced practice clinician to still work while obtaining a doctoral degree. During the first 12 months, students will complete three semesters, each consisting of three modules of coursework. Modules 1 and 3 may consist of required readings and assignments, as well as participation in threaded discussions, online “chat” discussions, and/or phone conferences. Module 2 in each semester requires attendance on-site for lecture, demonstration, etc.  As part of Module 3 in Semesters 1 and 2, students will complete a directed independent study project (one per semester) from the student’s residence location. A capstone project is required with a focus on applying best current evidence (Sample Capstone Projects). The program, including didactic portion and capstone project, will require approximately two years to complete.  

The DNP Program is committed to the development of the nursing professional who can:

• Design and implement integrated care delivery models based on clinical evidence and best practice literature; 

• Initiate evidence-based practice and policy strategies that optimize access to care and clinical outcomes;

• Apply ethical theories and legal standards to decision making regarding healthcare issues;

• Collaborate with interprofessional teams necessary to improve clinical care for populations of clients;

• Introduce and manage technologies that improve communication, foster collaboration, and support integrated approaches to care management;

• Integrate leadership expertise with clinical perspective and sound business practices to help transform the evolving healthcare system at local, regional, national, and international levels;

• Demonstrate analytical methodologies for the evaluation of clinical practice and the application of scientific evidence.

All registered nurses with a Master of Science degree in nursing are eligible for admission to the transitional Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Priority will be given to an Advanced Practice Nurse functioning in the role of Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Registered nurses not functioning in an advanced practice role or advance practice nurses holding a master's degree in a related field should discuss program outcomes with the graduate program director of the DNP program prior to applying so as to clarify that the program will meet their professional needs.

Click here to view or download the complete curriculum!

To apply for this program, please visit the Admissions link.

Application Deadline
August 29, 2008

Program Module Calendar