Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
@ NMSU School of Nursing
New Mexico State University, School of Nursing has phased out the Master's degree program in the advanced nursing specialties of Psych/Mental Health Nursing, Adult Health and Public/Community Health. The Master's degree program in Nursing Administration will continue to be offered as currently designed.
In place of the other three Master's degree specialties, the School of Nursing offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree for nurses at the highest level of nursing practice. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has proposed that the DNP degree will be the level of entry for all advanced practice nurses by 2015. Practice-focused doctoral nursing programs prepare leaders for the highest level of practice and is the terminal practice degree.
The changing demands of today's complex health care environment, outlined in recent reports from the Institute of Medicine, require that nurses serving in specialty positions have the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise possible. Nurses are constantly working with individuals who have a high level of preparation in their respective fields - physicians, pharmacists, and other health providers. The effectiveness of nurses is directly related to the amount and type of education they receive, and recent research has established a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes. What distinguishes this definition of practice from others is that it includes both direct care provided to patients by individual clinicians as well as direct care policies, programs and protocols that are organized, monitored, and continuously improved upon by expert nurse clinicians.
The DNP should not be confused with the PhD in Nursing, also offered through the SON, which is a research-focused degree and aimed at those wishing to pursue an academic or research career.
There are two avenues to pursue the Doctor of Nursing practice: the BSN to DNP and the Post MSN to DNP. Cohort I for the BSN to DNP begins in the fall, 2011, and has a clinical focus on Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. The Psych/Mental Health focal area is being offered on odd numbered years, 2011, 2013, etc. Individuals selecting this option will be prepared to take the national certification exam for the Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner role.
The Clinical focal areas for Public/Community Health and Adult health will be offered on even years 2012, 2014, etc.
Importantly, in order to accommodate students for a timely progression, only FULL-TIME applicants for admission will be accepted. Those who need to drop from the program will need to reapply for the next cohort in that major. Students who wish to drop from one focal area and switch to another focal area must "re-apply" for that major.
Cohort 1 for the Post MSN to DNP begins in the fall, 2011. This track is for those who wish to obtain the DNP and who posses a Master's degree in Nursing and "current" certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner. Both Part-time and Full-time applicants for enrollment are being accepted for this track.
All courses for the BSN-DNP and Post MSN-DNP are web-based. There is a once a year, mandatory, 2-3 day on campus orientation/seminar required for all students prior to each fall semester. Inability to attend the orientation and seminar will result in dismissal from the program.
Students should have basic computer skills and feel comfortable navigating the internet. Additional help will be provided for those students with little or no computer skills. Please take a moment to complete the Online Student Assessment so we may evaluate the areas we can better assist you in.
DNP Application Process
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE February 15, 2012 BY 5 PM. No late applications will be accepted
The application process consists of two parts. The first part is to apply to and be accepted by the Graduate School at New Mexico State University. See http://gradschool.nmsu.edu/ for application process, forms, etc.
NOTE: Two sets of official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended must be sent from that institution: One set needs to go directly to the NMSU Graduate school in a sealed envelop and one set to the School of Nursing in a sealed envelop. Student/applicant- delivered transcripts are unacceptable.
The second part is the submission of an application packet directly to the School of Nursing (SON). All materials in the packet must be delivered to the SON by the due date. Call, 575-646-7770 or email the graduate advisor, Karen Pech, if you would like to have an application packet mailed to you.
Criteria for Admission
BSN-DNP (full-time enrollment only)
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Minimal undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Current, and unencumbered, RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
- Must have completed an upper division inferential statistic course within 5 years of application date
- Must agree to sign a commitment to enroll for full-time study and attend the annual DNP seminar and orientation held at the beginning of each fall semester.
- Personal interview with one of the graduate faculty (will be arranged and can be by phone, Skype, or Adobe Connect).
- A letter of intent which specifies career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance your clinical practice.
- Current CV/resume
- A 2-4 page description of an example of a common occurrence in clinical practice that you would like to see changed. This will be used as an example of your writing ability.
- 3 references from those in clinical practice who know you best and can comment on your abilities to succeed in a higher level and advanced role.
- Official transcripts (see above)
- Must meet all clinical clearances and liability based on clinical site that will be used for advanced practice (all liabilities and clearances must be obtained by first enrollment date)
Post MSN-DNP (both full-time and part-time enrollment)
- Master's degree in Nursing. Minimal MSN grade point average of 3.2 or better.
- Current, and unencumbered, RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
- Current certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner
- Must have completed an upper division inferential statistic course within 5 years of application date
- Must agree to sign a commitment to enroll either Part-time or Full-time and attend the annual DNP seminar and orientation held at the beginning of each fall semester.
- Personal interview with one of the graduate faculty (will be arranged and can be by phone, Skype, or Adobe Connect).
- A letter of intent which specifies career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance your clinical practice.
- Current CV/resume
- A 2-4 page description of an example of a common occurrence in clinical practice that you would like to see changed. This will be used as an example of your writing ability.
- 3 references from those in clinical practice who know you best and can comment on your abilities to succeed in a higher level and advanced role.
- Official transcripts (see above)
- Must meet all clinical clearances and liability based on clinical site that will be used for advanced practice (all liabilities and clearances must be obtained by first enrollment date).
For specific questions related to the DNP Program, contact:
- Graduate Program Advisor
Karen Pech - Academic Advisor
575-646-7770, kpech@nmsu.edu - Associate Director for Graduate Studies
Dr. Kathleen Huttlinger- Professor
575-646-4387, khuttlin@nmsu.edu
For International Students:
Contact the Center for International Programs
Telephone: 575-646-5483
Email: cip@nmsu.edu