Clear your path to advanced and executive roles in today’s evidence-based practice environment through a post-master’s DNP program from one of the top nursing schools in America.
At a Glance
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Speed-to-Completion: Degree can be completed in 5 semesters, depending on prior coursework.
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Flexible Structure: Offers online asynchronous classes for working clinicians.
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Prepared to Lead: Program prepares nurses to lead change in complex healthcare environments.
Program Details
The Post-MSN DNP program prepares nurses to lead change in complex healthcare environments. The program is grounded in approaches to leadership and evidence-based practice that reflect respect for the profound dignity of every person.
Focus Areas
- Healthcare leadership
- Systems improvement
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Health policy and advocacy
Admission Requirements
- Earned a baccalaureate degree and master's degree in nursing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 from programs accredited by the NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Documented completion of 500+ post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Submission of a Statement of Purpose for seeking a DNP degree from The Catholic University of America.
- Curriculum vitae or resume.
- Copy of unencumbered RN license and advanced practice license, if applicable.
- Two letters of reference (one from a former dean or academic adviser and one from current or former employer).
- Meets the Conway School of Nursing's Health-Related Behavioral Standards for clinical programs.
- All students admitted to the program are required to submit a Graduate Health Form indicating they are able to participate in clinical practice.
Note: Applicants who are concurrently seeking new preparation and eligibility for certification in an advanced practice population must have the approval of the Specialty Program Coordinator for enrollment in the post-master's certification component of their DNP.
Program Outcomes
1. Knowledge for Nursing Practice
Develop, lead, and disseminate transformational interventions demonstrating expert critical thinking and clinical reasoning, including knowledge from nursing, other disciplines, theology, philosophy, and the other liberal arts and natural and social sciences to make judgments and create innovations in advanced nursing practice/specialty level for the common good.
2. Person-Centered Care
Design, create, implement, and evaluate models of care that support, holistic, individualized, just, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive care that is respectful of the dignity of the human person, promotes human flourishing and is consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
3. Population Health
Develop evidence-based and collaborative strategies that promote health, prevent disease, and manage risks, considering social determinants of health, advocating for the improvement of equitable health outcomes, across the continuum of care and levels of prevention through both traditional and non-traditional partnerships from diverse communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others.
4. Scholarship for the Nursing Discipline
Generate, synthesize, translate, apply, and disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health and transform health care.
5. Quality and Safety
Addresses clinical quality issues using innovation principles and processes, improvement science and evidence to assure accountability for a culture of patient, provider, and work environment safety through both system effectiveness and individual performance.
6. Interprofessional Partnerships
Leads, implements, and evaluates interprofessional teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, patients, families, and communities that value engagement with the city, nation, Church and world through participatory decision-making related to healthcare needs to innovate, optimize, and improve health outcomes within advanced nursing specialty practice.
7. Systems-Based Practice
Design and evaluate innovative strategies for coordinated cost-effective, proactive, and efficient care within complex healthcare systems based on Catholic values to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations.
8. Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
Enhances and advances information and communication technologies and informatics processes to provide care respecting the dignity of the human person and to guide clinical decision making to improve outcomes in the delivery of safe, high-quality and efficient healthcare services that align with best practices and professional and regulatory requirements.
9. Professionalism
Cultivate professional development in others grounded in Catholic social teaching, inclusive of honesty, integrity, accountability, a collaborative disposition, and ethical behavior reflective of the Catholic identity and nursing’s unique characteristics and values.
10. Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development
Influence change guided by leadership principles and theories, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong personal resilience and whole person well-being, intellectual curiosity, and professional growth and development.
Curriculum
Coursework in evidence-based practice, performance improvement, leadership, population health and health finance prepares graduates to lead interdisciplinary teams to effect change at a systems level.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Post-Master’s DNP?
Nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing with a minimum of 500 documented clinical hours.
Do I need additional clinical hours?
Yes, you will complete an additional 500 hours during your program to meet the minimum 1000 hours (from MSN & DNP programs).
Can I complete the program while working full-time?
Yes. The program is designed to accommodate working healthcare professionals.
What is the DNP project?
Students implement a quality improvement project aimed at improving healthcare delivery, outcomes, or systems. It includes a scholarly paper and dissemination of research findings.
What careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates seek leadership roles such as clinical directors, healthcare administrators, policy leaders, CNOs, and faculty positions.
Additional Info
Essential details to support your success and to help you plan and progress with confidence.
Scholarly Project
An integral requirement of the Catholic University Conway School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Contact & Apply
Admission
Are you ready for your own journey here at Catholic University? Let’s get started.
Visit the Conway School
Schedule a visit tailored for where you are in your academic process. We are excited to host you on campus soon!
Get in Touch
Contact our Graduate Admission office at [email protected] or 202-319-5057, if you have additional questions and need more information about the program.
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Washington, DC 20064
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