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New Mexico State University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

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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.

Enrollment in the DNP Program (for both BSN and Post-MSN) begins in the fall semester of each year.

There are two avenues to pursue the Doctor of Nursing practice: the BSN to DNP and the Post MSN to DNP. The Psych/Mental Health focal area is  offered on odd numbered years, 2013, 2015, 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/Gerontology is offered on even years 2014, 2016, etc., and are contingent on a minimum, continuous enrollment of a 5 student cohort. Importantly, in order to accommodate students for a timely progression, only FULL-TIME applicants for admission in the BSN to DNP track are 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.

The Post MSN to DNP track is for those who wish to obtain the DNP and who posses a Master's degree in Nursing and "current" national 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, 2-5 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. In addition, some clinical tracks (psych and adult gero) "may" require on-campus week long clinical immersion sessions. Check with the program advisor for specific dates.

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

DEADLINE: Applications for the 2013-2014 cohort are due by February 15, 2013.

ATTENTION: Beginning October 18, 2012, please use the application process for admission to the MSN, DNP or PhD programs at
https://app.applyyourself.com/AYApplicantLogin/ApplicantConnectLogin.asp?id=nmsugrad.

Create a log in and follow the steps in the process to ensure that your application is received at both the School of Nursing and the Graduate School.

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.

Call, 575-646-7770, or email  the graduate advisor, Karen Pech, if you have questions.

 

See Also:

 

 

 

Criteria for Admission

Student/Laptop

BSN-DNP (full-time enrollment only)

  1. Bachelor's degree in Nursing, from an accredited nursing program. Minimal undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
  2. Current, and unencumbered, RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
  3. Must have completed an upper division (300-400 level course or higher) inferential statistic course within 5 years of application date
  4. If applying for BSN-DNP, student must agree to sign a commitment to enroll for full-time study and attend the annual DNP seminar and clinical immersions, and orientations held at the beginning of each fall semester.
  5. Personal interview with one of the graduate faculty (will be arranged and can be by phone, Skype, or other web conferencing service).
  6. A letter of intent which specifies career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance your clinical practice.
  7. Current CV/resume
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Official transcripts (see above)
  11. 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)

  1. Master's degree in Nursing.  Minimal MSN grade point average of 3.2 or better.
  2. Current, and unencumbered, RN license from one of the 50 U.S. States or Territories
  3. Current certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner
  4. Must have completed an upper division inferential statistic course within 5 years of application date
  5. 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.
  6. Personal interview with one of the graduate faculty (will be arranged and can be by phone, Skype, or Adobe Connect).
  7. A letter of intent which specifies career goals and a clear statement of how the DNP will advance your clinical practice.
  8. Current CV/resume
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Official transcripts (see above)
  12. 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:

All international students "must" contact the Center for International Programs to determine eligibility before contacting the School of Nursing.

Center for International Programs
Telephone: 575-646-5483
Email: cip@nmsu.edu