Curriculum
Examine the Curriculum
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognized in 2004 that the nursing profession needed a practice doctorate. Such recognition aligns with the 2005 report from the National Academy of Science (NAS). NAS stated, “The need for doctorally prepared practitioners and faculty would be met if nursing could develop a new non-research clinical doctorate”. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) became the clinical doctorate for nurses. WesternU’s DNP program delivers core advanced-practice knowledge and provides students with the additional content and competencies needed for the highest level of nursing practice.
Post Masters DNP Curriculum (Fall term starts). The curriculum grid appears on page 105.
Post Masters DNP Curriculum (Spring term starts). The curriculum grid appears on page 106.
Overview
The DNP program is a hybrid/online learning program and year-round curriculum. The program includes campus-based and synchronous/virtual intensives throughout the program of study. Students complete a final cumulative DNP scholarly project and will work directly with practice partners within a variety of healthcare settings to complete their practice immersion experience.
Hybrid/Online Curriculum for Working Professionals
Self-directed hybrid/online learning courses accessed over the internet. These courses use a highly self-directed approach in guiding students through the examination of course concepts which reflect the complexity of practice at the doctoral level. While the readings and websites provide the necessary background information, assignments and online discussions provide the opportunity for you to process the information, internalize key concepts and demonstrate learning.
Seminar intensives on campus and virtually provide valuable time for you to interact one-on-one with faculty and others in the class. Intensives provide additional opportunities to discuss, analyze, and problem-solve while moving through the program. To view the start/end semester dates and when you need to be on campus, please visit our Academic Calendar.
Practice Immersion Hours are unfolded throughout the DNP program to support your ongoing work as a DNP scholar. Practice-based immersion experiences are designed to support DNP students in their future role expectations. Students complete practice hours in the community where they live.
Caring about students and helping them achieve success is the hallmark of all WesternU faculty. Our nursing faculty are respected practitioners and scholars who keep pace with the latest teaching techniques and technology and are committed to helping you master the material.
The College of Graduate Nursing staff are also a great resource when it comes to your everyday support. Although you are studying at a distance, we work hard to connect with you to ensure you are on track to succeed in your courses and finish in a timely fashion.
The Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library and Bookstore are set up to support our students with textbook and academic research needs while the Computing Resources/Information Technology staff are available to our distance students for technical support. Electronic databases are available both on-campus and off-campus through the Library’s e-resources page.
The Office of Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD) is another resource for on-campus and prospective students. LEAD helps students connect academic success with wellbeing. In individual counseling sessions, students learn time management, test taking, and studying strategies. LEAD facilitates training in managing stress, increasing focus, and professional skills. Also, LEAD offers academic writing support including review of APA formatting for scholarly papers.
For more information, complete the information request form or contact Donna Emanuele, Director, DNP Program/Post-Graduate ENP Certificate.