Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Academic plans may vary based on a gap analysis. 

BSN-DNP Sample Full Time/Part Time

MSN-DNP Sample Full Time/Part Time

WE MAKE THE GRADUATE APPLICATION PROCESS SIMPLE.

To get started, review our application deadlines. Next, follow our application procedure. Depending on the program you are applying to, you may have a few additional application requirements to complete.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Courses integrate all expected outcomes of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. 

Program Goals

1. Prepare DNPs to excel in advanced clinical leadership roles.
2. Prepare clinical scholars able to transform the health care system.

Program Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program, the graduate is able to:

1. Apply adaptive leadership principles to influence health system policy designed to improve individual, population, and/or system outcomes.
2. Demonstrates clinical scholarship through the application of translational research.
3. Advances nursing practice through the use of information to influence outcomes of care for individuals, families, populations, and health care systems.
4. Participates in advocacy efforts to address health disparities, social justice, and equity to improve healthcare outcomes.
5. Collaborate intra and interprofessionally to address complex practice, system, and policy issues.
6. Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment, systems thinking, and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes.
7. Evaluate personal scholarship, service, and excellence in practice for professional growth and advancement of the profession.

Program Goals

1. Prepare DNPs to excel in advanced clinical leadership roles.
2. Prepare clinical scholars able to transform the health care system.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Select adaptive leadership principles that influence health system policy to improve individual, population, and/or system outcomes.
2. Advance clinical scholarship by leading the ethical translation, implementation, and evaluation of evidence into practice.
3. Integrate information, evidence, and effective communication to influence outcomes for individuals, families, populations, and systems that advance nursing practice.
4. Engage in advocacy efforts promoting social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion to improve health care outcomes.
5. Foster intra and interprofessional relationships to improve the healthcare experience, practice, and system outcomes.
6. Synthesize advanced nursing and specialty knowledge as the basis for a systematic and defendable approach to clinical decision-making and innovation in practice.
7. Evaluate personal wellness, scholarship, and service for professional growth and advancement of the profession.

Tuition charges listed are for planning purposes only and are subject to change.  For more information, contact the Bellin College Bursar at (920) 433-6640.

Why do I need a DNP?
Nursing is moving in the direction of other health professions in the transition to the DNP. Medicine (MD), Dentistry (DDS), Pharmacy (PharmD), Psychology (PsyD), Physical Therapy (DPT), and Audiology (AudD) all require or offer practice doctorates. While not yet required by all APRN certifying bodies, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) advises the educational entry level for advanced practice nurses be at the DNP level.   See the AACN DNP Fact Sheet for additional information.  

I am an NP and already have my MSN, so why should I return for a DNP?
The DNP provides advanced clinical preparation and competence in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other key competencies. Graduates of DNP programs are equipped with the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise, which prepares them to lead health care reform at the unit, system, and population level.

I have an MSN, but I am not a certified advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). I want to become an APRN, is this possible?
Yes. We have a post-graduate certificate (PGC) specifically for those who already have their MSN.  The PGC prepares graduates to certify as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The plan of study would be individualized for you based on your MSN transcript.  It is possible to incorporate the PGC while completing the DNP academic degree.    

Can I transfer credits or receive credit for prior learning?
The Graduate Nursing Program will accept up to 6 transfer credits of previous doctoral-level coursework into the DNP program based on the following criteria:

• Coursework must have been completed within five years before admission to the program (or be approved by the Graduate Nursing Program Director)
• Courses transferred must be comparable in scope, subject matter, and rigor to the Bellin College courses. The student will need to provide a course description and the course syllabus for any course requested for transfer.
• All courses transferred in must meet the Bellin College grading policy.

What is a DNP project?
A DNP Project is a culminating project that provides an opportunity for critical analysis and synthesis of a clinical/practice topic.  The project is designed to improve patient /population outcomes and contribute to the advancement of APRN practice.  The project is completed throughout the program in collaboration with a clinical agency and guidance from a project advisor.

How many clinical hours do I need?
The DNP requires a minimum of 1000 credit hours.  Certified APRNs will likely be able to use at least 500 hours from their MSN program. The specific number of clinical hours required will be determined through a gap analysis.

Do I need to find my own clinical site?
No, the DNP Program Coordinator and the Clinical Affiliation Coordinator work with the student and clinical partners for placement. However, a student may choose to find their own preceptor and practicum site. All preceptors and sites need approval from the DNP Program Director and faculty facilitating the practicum.

Can I work while in the DNP program?
Yes, our program is designed for working professionals. How much each student works is an individual decision. We offer a full-time and part-time option.

How many credits do I need?
The student will complete a minimum of 27 credits, additional credits may be required based on the outcome of the gap analysis.

Do I need to come to Green Bay?

• BSN to DNP (Hybrid format)
• MSN to DNP (Online format)

Students enrolled in the Post-Graduate Certificate option to complete the APRN component will need to attend in-person classes.