Doctorate of Science (DSc) - Nursing
Graduate Program Director: Sandra L. Pennington, PhD, RN

The vision of Rocky Mountain University 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 DSc program in Nursing is designed with the belief that nursing is a professional discipline, grounded in science and based on a unique body of knowledge. The body of knowledge can be applied, expanded, and validated through accepted methods of scholarly inquiry.  The graduate will be a sophisticated consumer of research, as well as a socially responsible, competent, and innovative 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 courses are designed to expand scientific inquiry and outcomes assessment, enhance research and consultation skills, and improve teaching and administrative skills.

The post-professional program in nursing offers expanded study in the areas of research, theory based practice models, leadership, health policy, ethics and social responsibility, and role competence.  Specific areas that support the program outcomes include the following: Theory based practice models: decision making, evidence-based practice, change management;

• Leadership: managing groups, emotional intelligence, collaboration, change management;

• Health Policy:  strategy development, politics, process-management, finance of healthcare;

• Ethics and Social Responsibility:  access models, population based care, epidemiology, integrity and social accountability;

• Role Competence: clinical knowledge, coaching and mentoring exposure, values identification and clarification;

• Research: evaluation models, application approaches, knowledge of the research methods and statistical measurement.

This program is ideally suited and structured for the nurse working in academia, administration, or in the clinical area and is tailored to link program goals with individual research interests.  Nurses (RN or BSN degree holders) with additional advanced study (MS/MA) are eligible for the program.  During the program, students will complete seven 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. A written qualifying examination at the conclusion of course work and prior to the doctoral dissertation is required.    The doctoral dissertation will have a focus on applying best current evidence.  The didactic portion of the program, qualifying examination, and the dissertation project totals 75 credit hours.

The DSc in Nursing 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;

• Influence care management through education of providers, consumers and society at large;

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

• Use research to improve clinical care for populations of clients; Conduct and disseminate clinically sound, cost-effective research; 

• Develop tools and methods to evaluate and improve care delivery practices; 

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

Click here to view or download the complete curriculum!

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