DNP + M.S. in Management in Health Care Administration

Program Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice + M.S. in Management in Health Care program at Wilmington University prepares advanced practice nurses and nurse leaders for success in complex healthcare environments. The dual-degree program combines a DNP with a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Health Care Administration, providing candidates with skills in research, clinical practice, and healthcare administration. Graduates may pursue careers as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse administrators, and healthcare executives in various healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Doctor of Nursing Practice + M.S.
in Management in Health Care program at Wilmington University combines a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Health Care Administration. This dual-degree program is designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses and nurse leaders to succeed in increasingly complex healthcare and business environments.
• Objectives: The program aims to provide candidates with the skills to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, excel in health care administration and management, and meet the challenges of contemporary health care organizations.
• Program Description: The DNP component includes coursework, experiential engagement hours, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice project.
Concentrations are available in Advanced Practice or Leadership. The M.S. in Management component includes courses such as Health Policy and Economics, Marketing in the Healthcare Sector, and Analysis of Decision Making.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program is delivered through a combination of online courses and guided hands-on experiences.
• Structure: The program consists of 18 courses for advanced practice nurses (which can be completed in either 20 or 28 months) or 22 courses for nurse leaders (which can be completed in 28 months).
• Course Schedule: Cohorts begin three times per year, in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Modules: The program includes experiential academic engagement hours (1500 hours for advanced practice nurses and 1,000 hours for nurse leaders).
Courses may cover topics such as research methods, advanced nursing practice, and healthcare leadership.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Assessment methods may include assignments, examinations, projects, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice project.
• Assessment Criteria: Assessment criteria may vary depending on the course and assignment type but may include accuracy, depth of knowledge, critical thinking, and research skills.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Teaching methods may include online lectures, discussions, readings, simulations, and hands-on practice.
• Faculty: Faculty are doctorally prepared and have experience in healthcare and nursing.
• Unique Approaches: The program uses a blended learning approach that combines online coursework with guided hands-on experiences.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates may pursue careers as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse administrators, and healthcare executives.
• Opportunities: Graduates may find opportunities in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and other healthcare settings.
• Outcomes: Graduates may experience career growth and leadership responsibilities in healthcare organizations.