Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner), DNP
Program Overview
The Advanced Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner) DNP program at Arizona State University prepares graduates to provide holistic primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. The program combines online learning with in-person immersions, offering flexibility while ensuring hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience to meet the growing demand for advanced practice nurses in various healthcare settings. The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for successful careers in family nurse practice, nurse education, research, and healthcare leadership.
Program Outline
Overview:
This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner prepares graduates to provide holistic, primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan in various settings.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to:
- Offer comprehensive primary care services to patients of all ages.
- Diagnose and manage acute and chronic health conditions.
- Emphasize preventive care and promote healthy lifestyle choices.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
- Apply evidence-based practices and engage in health policy and advocacy.
Description:
The program combines online learning with in-person immersions, offering flexibility while ensuring hands-on clinical experiences. Core coursework delves into advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. Specialty courses focus on diagnosing and managing various health conditions, with an emphasis on preventive care and health promotion. Students also develop leadership and research skills through a doctoral project aimed at improving healthcare outcomes.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Core Courses (13 credit hours):
- Principles of Evidence-Based Care in Advanced Practice
- Health Care Outcomes Management
- Systems Thinking in a Complex Healthcare Environment
- Individual and Innovation Leadership in Healthcare Practice
- Concentration Courses (22 credit hours):
- Family Health Promotion
- Family Health Promotion Practicum
- Management of Common Health Problems in Children, Adults and Families
- Management of Common Health Problems in Children, Adults and Families Practicum
- Management of Complex and Chronic Health Problems in Children, Adults and Families
- Management of Complex and Chronic Health Problems in Children, Adults and Families Practicum
- Other Requirements (40 credit hours):
- Theoretical Foundations for Advance Practice Nursing
- Evaluating Research for Practice
- Advanced Human Pathophysiology Across Lifespan
- Advanced Health Assessment Across Lifespan
- Applied Pharmacotherapeutics Across Lifespan
- Advanced Practice Nursing Role
- Biostatistics: Principals of Statistical Inference
- Innovation in Communication: Scholarly and Professional Writing
- Healthcare Policy and Innovation
- Clinical Residency and Management
- Dynamics and Principles of Information in Health Care
- Electives and Research (6 credit hours)
- Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
- Clinical Experiences: Focused clinical experiences are offered in various settings, including urban underserved and rural areas, providing students with diverse clinical exposure.
Course Schedule:
The program follows a hybrid format, with online modules and in-person immersions two or three times per semester. Immersions typically take place over a few days and involve intensive learning sessions, workshops, and clinical rotations.
Individual Modules:
- Core Courses: Each core course focuses on a specific area of advanced nursing practice, such as evidence-based care, healthcare outcomes management, and leadership.
- Concentration Courses: These courses delve deeper into the specific skills and knowledge needed for family nurse practitioners, including health promotion, management of common and complex health conditions, and working with diverse patient populations.
- Other Requirements: These courses provide a foundation in research, statistics, communication, and healthcare policy, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the field.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Exams (written and practical)
- Clinical performance evaluations
- Case studies and presentations
- Research projects
- Doctoral project
Assessment Criteria:
Students are evaluated based on their knowledge, skills, clinical competence, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and research abilities. These criteria are aligned with the program's learning objectives and ensure that graduates meet the standards for advanced nursing practice.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods include:
- Interactive lectures
- Small group discussions
- Case studies and simulations
- Clinical rotations
- Guest speakers
- Workshops and seminars
Faculty:
The program boasts experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach, cultural competency, and evidence-based practice. It integrates technology into the curriculum and encourages students to engage in scholarly activities. Additionally, the doctoral project allows students to contribute to real-world healthcare improvement initiatives.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- Family Nurse Practitioner in various settings (clinics, hospitals, private practices)
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Researcher
- Advanced Practice Nurse Leader
- Healthcare Policy Analyst
Career Opportunities:
The program prepares graduates for success in the workforce by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the growing demand for advanced practice nurses. Graduates are well-positioned to secure rewarding and impactful careers in healthcare.
Career Outcomes:
The program emphasizes career development and provides students with resources and support to achieve their professional goals. Graduates have a high success rate in securing employment in their chosen field.
Other:
Health and Safety Requirements:
Students must pass a background check and a substance screen to ensure patient safety and program integrity.
Program Accreditation:
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location:
The program is offered in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
