Nursing Practice DNP

Program Coordinator: Shannon Baker Powell (3185 Health Sciences Building; 252-744-6406;  bakersh@ecu.edu)

Contact Information by Specialty Area:

The Nursing Practice, DNP degree is a practice-focused terminal degree earned by specialists in advanced nursing practice. The DNP focuses on developing nursing experts that can translate and apply research findings into clinical practice rather than in generating new knowledge.

The location and mission of the College of Nursing, as well as the expertise of the faculty, provide a unique opportunity for the application of research in the identification and resolution of individual and aggregate health systems problems related to nursing and health issues in rural underserved areas.

The DNP provides the knowledge base to:

The program's emphasis on strong faculty mentorship and integration of the scientific process throughout the curriculum is reflected in each student's DNP Project. The project is developed and implemented by the student to demonstrate use of the scientific process in translation of research in practice settings to advance and promote systems of improved patient outcomes. Components of the project include a podium presentation of the completed project and approval of the final written report by the DNP Project Team and DNP Program Director for each specialty.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to assume leadership positions as clinicians, administrators in public and private health care organizations, policy makers and analysts, and university faculty. Additional course work may be required, depending on student objectives and focus.

ECU's Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750; Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791 (phone); 202-887-8476 (fax).

The Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA); 222 S Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068; 847-655-1160 (phone); 847-692-7137 (fax).

The DNP has two pathways to obtain the degree – the post-master's (MSN to DNP) and the post-baccalaureate (BSN to DNP). The DNP program is offered as a MSN to DNP for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and nurse leaders. The BSN to DNP is offered for registered nurses seeking APRN certification as certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners (AGPCNP) or family nurse practitioners (FNP).

A. Post-Master's Pathway

The MSN to DNP pathway builds on current East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing (CON) curricula which reflects The Essentials of Master's Education in Nursing (2011) and has been revised to demonstrate congruence with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006). The pathway expands the knowledge of students from the master's level to the doctoral level and encompasses knowledge required as nurse leaders in increasingly complex healthcare systems.

The curriculum for the MSN to DNP pathway is offered on a part-time only basis and can be completed in 36 semester hours, with the exception of an APRN with an earned master's degree and certified as a nurse anesthetist. CRNAs meeting both criteria are required to complete 27 semester hours.

B. Post-Baccalaureate Pathway

The BSN to DNP pathway curriculum is offered in three specialty areas. They are adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), family nurse practitioner (FNP), and the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) entry level program.

The curriculum for the post-baccalaureate pathway is offered full-time and part-time and can be completed in 61-90 semester hours. The AGPCNP program of study requires 61 semester hours, inclusive of 720 clinical practice hours; the FNP program of study requires 70 semester hours, inclusive of 840 clinical practice hours; and the CRNA program of study requires 90 semester, hours inclusive of a minimum of 2000 clinical practice hours.

Students enrolled in online courses/pathways in the AGPCNP and FNP/APRN program specialties are required to attend on-campus sessions for 1-5 days near the beginning of each semester (September, February, June) for DNP Immersions (on-site education) during semesters of enrollment in clinical rotations and when enrolled in some DNP Project courses (NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I and NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV). Students in NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice will have a minimum of three on-campus sessions. Immersions provide students with a collegial experience alongside faculty and peers and facilitates successful achievement of program and professional objectives.

Students enrolled in the post-master's online courses/pathways are required to attend on-campus sessions two days during their first semester for New Student Immersion, one day when taking NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I for DNP Project preparation, and two days when taking NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV as they conclude the DNP Project.

A. Post-Master's (MSN to DNP) Pathway
1. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Option

The DNP post-master's advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) option provides an opportunity for the certified nurse midwife (CNM), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse practitioner (NP), and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) to expand competencies beyond the master's level and encompasses knowledge required in increasingly complex healthcare systems. Nurses with an earned MSN in other nursing specialties will be considered for admission if space is available.

a. Admission Requirements
b. Application Requirements

Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until July 15 annually. Those that are admitted begin coursework in the following fall semester. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in five areas: GPA, GRE (if applicable), references, essay, and interview. The post-master's DNP specialty considers qualified applicants on a rolling admissions cycle. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after receipt of the completed application. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are expected to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

c. Degree Requirements

The DNP post-master's advanced practice registered nurse option is offered as an online, 36 semester hour program of study beyond the master's degree, which includes DNP core and project courses and 9 semester hours of electives at the master's or doctoral level. Students with an earned MSN and who are certified registered nurse anesthetists are required to complete 27 semester hours (DNP core and project course requirements with no electives). Students (excluding CRNAs) are required to complete a minimum of 36 semester hours beyond the master's degree. Campus requirements and group learning will serve as a foundational component of the DNP program of study. A minimum of 12 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 4-5 semesters depending on project complexity. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Practice hours earned in accredited MSN/APRN programs are included in the total of the minimum required hours.

As in other programs of doctoral study, students in this program may expect to enroll in more than the minimum required credit hours and to be aware that study opportunities that focus on particular areas of study are in addition to the basic program requirements. Additional study is individualized and depends on the student's background and graduate preparation as well as the employment role identified as a career focus.

The DNP post-master's advanced practice registered nurse option requires a minimum of 36 s.h. (27 s.h. for CRNAs) as follows:

Core courses - 15 s.h.
• NURS 8261 - Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Science
• NURS 8263 - Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics
• NURS 8267 - Design and Statistical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8270 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
• NURS 8273 - Healthcare Finance
DNP project courses - 12 s.h.
• NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
• NURS 8272 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
• NURS 8274 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
• NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV
Electives - 9 s.h.
2. Nurse Anesthetist Option

Note: The MSN to DNP nurse anesthetist option is currently not accepting students. If you have questions, please reach out to the program coordinator for this degree. 

The DNP post-master's nurse anesthetist (CRNA) option provides an opportunity to expand competencies beyond the master's level and encompasses knowledge required as nurse leaders in increasingly complex healthcare systems.

a. Admission Requirements
b. Application Requirements

Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until the end of the first full week in January. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in five areas: GPA, GRE (if applicable), references, essay, and interview. Completed applications are considered in a competitive review process. All completed applications received by the final filing date will be given careful consideration. All completed applications are reviewed by the   DNP admission committee shortly after the admission deadline. All completed applicant packets are discussed among the DNP admissions committee until consensus has been attained for competitive rankings for admission decisions. Every effort is made to complete the competitive admission process by the last week in February with admissions notifications mailed by the first week of March. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

Preference is given to those who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. In the case of equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to individuals who intend to pursue doctoral study on a full-time basis. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing (CON) orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

c. Degree Requirements

The DNP post-master's pathway nurse anesthetist option is a 27 semester hour program of study. Students are required to complete a minimum of 27 semester hours beyond the master's degree. Campus requirements and group learning will serve as a foundational component of the DNP program of study. A minimum of 12 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 4-5 semesters depending on project complexity. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Practice hours earned in accredited MSN/APRN programs are included in the total of the minimum required hours. Students may enroll in either full-time or part-time programs of study, completing their degree requirements in 4 or 6 semesters, respectively.

As in other programs of doctoral study, students in this program may expect to enroll in more than the minimum required credit hours and to be aware that study opportunities that focus on particular areas of study are in addition to the basic program requirements. Additional study is individualized and depends on the student's background and graduate preparation as well as the employment role identified as a career focus.

The DNP post-master's pathway nurse anesthetist option requires a minimum of 27 s.h. as follows:

Core courses - 15 s.h.
• NURS 8261 - Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Science
• NURS 8263 - Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics
• NURS 8267 - Design and Statistical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8270 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
• NURS 8273 - Healthcare Finance
DNP project courses - 12 s.h.
• NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
• NURS 8272 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
• NURS 8274 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
• NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV
Note:

Campus requirements and group learning will serve as a foundational component of the DNP program of study. A minimum of 12 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 4-5 semesters depending on project complexity. Students may enroll in either full-time or part-time programs of study, completing their degree requirements in 4 to 6 semesters.
3. Nursing Leadership Option

The DNP post-master's leadership option is designed to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for leadership positions within health-care delivery systems. Students develop specialized knowledge and practice in leadership, including but not limited to administrative and organizational theory and ethics, financial management, human resource management, health policy, and law and regulation.

a. Admission Requirements
b. Application Requirements

Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until the end of the first full week in January. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in five areas: GPA, GRE (if applicable), references, essay, and interview. Completed applications are considered in a competitive review process. All completed applications received by the final filing date will be given careful consideration. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after the admission deadline. All completed applicant packets are discussed among the DNP admissions committee until consensus has been attained for competitive rankings for admission decisions. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

Preference is given to those who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

c. Degree Requirements

The DNP post-master's nursing leadership option requires a minimum of 36 s.h. as follows:

Core courses - 15 s.h.
• NURS 8261 - Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Science
• NURS 8263 - Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics
• NURS 8267 - Design and Statistical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8270 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
• NURS 8273 - Healthcare Finance
DNP project courses - 12 s.h.
• NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
• NURS 8272 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
• NURS 8274 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
• NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV
Leadership core courses - 9 s.h.
• NURS 8290 - Organizational Behavior in the Healthcare Environment
• NURS 8291 - Analytical Decision-Making in Complex Healthcare Systems
• NURS 8292 - Legal Aspects of Health Care Operations
B. Post-Baccalaureate (BSN to DNP) Pathway
1. Nurse Practitioner Program

The DNP post-baccalaureate pathway nurse practitioner program of study includes adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and family nurse practitioner (FNP) specialty areas and is designed to prepare nurses for entry into advanced practice. The program focuses on developing nursing experts in translating and applying research findings in clinical practice. Graduates of the program are prepared as nurse leaders in inter-professional health care teams and work to improve systems of care, patient outcomes, quality, and safety.

The AGPCNP program of study requires 61 semester hours, inclusive of 720 clinical practice hours, while the FNP program of study requires 70 semester hours, inclusive of 840 clinical practice hours. Additional practice hours are included in the DNP project courses to total a minimum of 1,000 practice hours for the program.

a. Admission Requirements
b. Application Requirements

Applications for study to begin in the fall semester will be accepted until January 10th. Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. Applicants are evaluated in five areas: GPA, GRE (if applicable), references, essay, and interview. Completed applications are considered in a competitive review process. All completed applications received by the final filing date will be given careful consideration. All completed applications are reviewed by the DNP admission committee shortly after the admission deadline. All completed applicant packets are discussed among the DNP admissions committee until consensus has been attained for competitive rankings for admission decisions. Each applicant will be notified in writing of the admission decision after the admission process is completed.

Preference is given to those who demonstrate a capacity for creative inquiry, critical thinking, scholarship, and leadership. In the case of equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to individuals who intend to pursue doctoral study on a full-time basis. Students will be assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

c. Degree Requirements

The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse practitioner program requires a minimum of 61-70 s.h. as follows:

Common core - 15 s.h.
• NURS 8261 - Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Science
• NURS 8263 - Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics
• NURS 8267 - Design and Statistical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8270 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
• NURS 8273 - Healthcare Finance
DNP project courses - 12 s.h.
• NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
• NURS 8272 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
• NURS 8274 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
• NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV
Clinical core courses - 34-43 s.h.

(Select one of the below specialty areas.)

a. AGPCNP clinical core (34 s.h.)
• NURS 6050 - Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 6611 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8113 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Introduction to the Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8114 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8115 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Reproductive Healthcare
• NURS 8118 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8121 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Older Adults
• NURS 8122 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum II: Care of Older Adults with Acute and Chronic Illnesses
• NURS 8123 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum III: Specialty Care of Adults and Geriatrics
• NURS 8124 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum IV: Primary Care Clinical Residency
b. FNP clinical core (43 s.h.)
• NURS 6050 - Human Physiology and Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 6610 - Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 6611 - Clinical Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8113 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Introduction to the Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8114 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8115 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Reproductive Healthcare
• NURS 8116 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Obstetrical Healthcare
• NURS 8117 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Pediatric Healthcare
• NURS 8118 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum I: Primary Care of Adults
• NURS 8119 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum II: Obstetrics and Pediatrics
• NURS 8120 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum III: Synthesis in Primary Care
• NURS 8121 - Advanced Practice Nursing: Care of Older Adults
• NURS 8124 - Advanced Practice Nursing Practicum IV: Primary Care Clinical Residency
2. Nurse Anesthesia Program

The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia program is a face to face 36-month course of study designed to prepare professional nurses as practitioners of nurse anesthesia eligible for national certification from the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. A minimum of 90 semester hours including 12 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project credit hours will be divided over 9 semesters. In order to achieve the DNP competencies, students must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised academic program. Students enroll in a full-time program of study, completing their degree requirements in 9 semesters.

This nurse anesthesia program only enrolls full-time students. Students need to closely adhere to the plan of study, as some courses are offered only once a year.

a. Admission Requirements

Note: The out-of-state student must procure a North Carolina RN license upon admission to the program.

b. Application Requirements

Applications to the DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthesia specialty area entry level program are accepted throughout the year for consideration by the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee.  Applicants are expected to ensure that the Graduate School and the College of Nursing receive all supporting credentials by the final filing date. All completed applications are reviewed by the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee. The application deadline for the nurse anesthesia program is October 30. Each new class will begin in May. All admitted DNP students are required to attend a College of Nursing orientation session at the beginning of the fall semester.

c. Degree Requirements

The DNP post-baccalaureate nurse anesthetist specialty requires a minimum of 90 s.h. as follows:

Core courses - 15 s.h.
• NURS 8261 - Conceptual Foundations and Application of Translational Science
• NURS 8263 - Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence in Practice, Policy and Ethics
• NURS 8267 - Design and Statistical Methods for Advanced Nursing Practice
• NURS 8270 - Population Health in Advanced Interprofessional Practice
• NURS 8273 - Healthcare Finance
DNP project courses - 12 s.h.
• NURS 8269 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project I
• NURS 8272 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project II
• NURS 8274 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project III
• NURS 8277 - Doctor of Nursing Practice Project IV
Clinical core courses - 63 s.h.
• NURS 8805 - Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists I
• NURS 8806 - Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists II
• NURS 8810 - Human Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists
• NURS 8811 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia I
• NURS 8812 - Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia
• NURS 8813 - Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia
• NURS 8814 - Basic Principles of Nurse Anesthesia
• NURS 8815 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia II
• NURS 8816 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia III
• NURS 8817 - Clinical Correlations I
• NURS 8818 - Clinical Correlations II
• NURS 8819 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia I
• NURS 8820 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia II
• NURS 8821 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia III
• NURS 8822 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia IV
• NURS 8823 - Clinical Practicum in Nurse Anesthesia V
• NURS 8824 - Advanced Principles of Nurse Anesthesia IV
• NURS 8893 - Anesthesia Synthesis Course