The University of Louisville School of Nursing  plans to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program.  Development of DNP doctoral programs are driven by evolving nursing roles in an increasingly complex health care system, new scientific knowledge and ongoing concerns about the quality and outcomes of patient care.  The DNP Program includes advanced coursework in leadership, research application/translation, and clinical knowledge and skills.  The DNP degree will prepare graduates to seek practice leadership roles in a variety of settings.  

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has designated the DNP degree as the highest level of preparation for clinical practice.  The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, AACN (p.3), states that DNP programs are designed to:

“prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice.  They focus heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings.....practice focused programs understandably place greater emphasis on practice, and less emphasis on theory, meta-theory, research methodology, and statistics......the student in a practice focused program generally carries out a practice application-oriented 'final DNP project' which is an integral part of the integrative practice experience."

Learn more about the DNP from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) website...

This doctorate addresses the AACN mandate that all advanced practice nurses be prepared at the doctoral level beginning in 2015.  Two entry points to the DNP curriculum are anticipated - either direct entry with a BSN or with a MSN degree.

Voice Your Opinion

Help the UofL School of Nursing conduct a needs assessment for a DNP degree program through an on-line survey. This survey will take approximately 10 minutes of your time. 

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