Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Related Information:

• Admissions Instructions and Requirements
  
• Admissions Deadline: Admits for fall semester only — application deadline February 16, 2008
  Interview Date: March 16, 2009
  
• Applicant Letter of Reference Form
  
• Applicant Resources
  
• Catalog (pdf)
  
• Apply Now (pdf)
  

For more information contact:

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars recognized for outstanding patient care and leadership in nursing practice and health care organizations, as well as faculty for nursing programs. The program is a part-time program that admits only advanced practice nurses who are nurse practitioners.

DNP graduates will be prepared to:

• Practice at the highest level of advance practice nursing demonstrating science-based synthesis of current knowledge and application of that knowledge to individuals, populations, and communities across the continuum of care to support comprehensive cost-effective high quality care.
• Utilize evidence-based practice, standards of care, ethical decision making, technology, and high level clinical judgment to advance the quality of care and patient outcomes.
• Participate in interdisciplinary health teams to provide safe, comprehensive, culturally sensitive, seamless, and comprehensive care.
• Develop, manage and evaluate innovative programs and practices of care for diverse populations.
• Establish collegial and collaborate relationships with other health professionals to provide comprehensive management of patients during acute and chronic illness.
• Evaluate and influence health care policy and systems.
• Assume high level clinical leadership roles in nursing and in health care organizations.
• Demonstrate achievement of all competencies for the DNP as published by the nationally recognized professional organizations.

In order to meet the needs of busy advanced practice nurses from all over Texas, classes are scheduled in blocks of intense instruction to minimize travel and impact on work scheduling. Students attend class in Houston for face-to-face learning experiences approximately four (4) times a semester for two (2) full days of instruction. Between visits to Houston, interactive on-line course work is scheduled.

Requirements for earning the DNP degree include:

• Complete an approved 46-credit hour program of study
• Pass a written and oral comprehensive examination after completion of the major course work and before enrolling into the DNP Fellowship and Seminar courses
• Submit an acceptable Clinical Scholarship Portfolio

The program of study includes 46 credit hours distributed as follows: foundational courses, 18 credit hours; advanced clinical courses, 18 credit hours; and capstone fellowship courses, 10 credit hours. The course work for the DNP program can be completed in eight semesters of part time study (two courses per semester).

• Curriculum Overview

Prospective students should be aware that all School of Nursing students are required to have a computer and must have basic computer skills. For more information on computer requirements see computer requirements and recommendations.

Program Coordinator and Staff

Joanne V. Hickey, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN, FCCM
Patricia L. Starck/PARTNERS Professorship in Nursing
Assistant Dean and Department Chair
Professor
Department of Acute and Continuing Care
Office: SON 697
Phone: 713-500-2156
Fax: 713-500-2171
Email: Joanne.V.Hickey@uth.tmc.edu

Candiance E. Duplessis, BA
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Acute and Continuing Care
Office: SON 680
Phone: 713-500-2174
Fax: 713-500-2171
Email: Candiance.E.Duplessis@uth.tmc.edu or
dnp.program@uth.tmc.edu