Doctor of Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice doctorate that prepares advanced practice nurses to be clinical scholars recognized for outstanding innovative evidence-based patient care and leadership in nursing practice and health care organizations.

The program is a post-masters program that admits nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. Plans are underway to admint nurse administrators in the future. Both part-time and full time options are available. Although most students are admitted once a year in the fall, applications are processed throughout the year. The program includes 46 credit hours distributed as follows: foundational courses, 18 credits; advanced clinical courses, 18 credits; and fellowship and seminar courses, 10 credits. In order to meet the needs of busy advanced practice nurses, classes are scheduled in blocks of intense instruction to minimize travel and impact on work scheduling. Students attend classes at the Houston campus for one day per class each month (4 times a semester) and also engage in on-line learning activities. Individualized clinical and fellowship experiences are planned to support the student’s goals and achieved of the national DNP competencies.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program graduates will be prepared to:

  • Critically evaluate and translate evidence into practice to support high quality outcomes.
  • Use leadership and interprofessional collaboration (IP) skills to deliver safe, effective comprehensive, seamless, and cost-effective care.
  • Evaluate and influence health care policies and systems.

Degree Requirements

Requirements for earning the DNP degree include:

  • Complete an approved program of study.
  • Pass the written and oral comprehensive examination.
  • Submit an acceptable Clinical Scholarship Portfolio, which includes a Practice Inquiry Project.

Curriculum

Program Characteristics

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 Professor in Nursing
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

Additional Information

For more information:

Student Affairs Office
The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston
6901 Bertner, Room 220
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: 713-500-2100 or 800-232-8876
Fax: 713-500-2107
Email: soninfo@uth.tmc.edu