Program Overview
The Child Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MS) to DNP program at the University at Buffalo is an online, part-time program that prepares advanced-practice nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge in child health. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, collaboration, and leadership, and culminates in a capstone project addressing identified gaps in practice. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam for pediatric nurse practitioners and are prepared for leadership roles in child health care.
Program Outline
Child Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MS) DNP Program at UB
Degree Overview:
The Child Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MS) to DNP program at the University at Buffalo (UB) prepares advanced-practice nurses to apply the latest evidence-based science to improve clinical practice outcomes. It focuses on specialties already held by nurses, allowing them to deepen their knowledge and skills in their chosen area.
Program Objectives:
- Enhance practice outcomes at individual, population, and system levels.
- Equip nurses with the latest knowledge in informatics, health policy, leadership, and program evaluation.
- Generate evidence-based knowledge to inform practice.
- Develop nurses' ability to apply research findings to improve patient care.
Program Description:
- Offered by the School of Nursing at UB.
- Delivers 100% of its curriculum online, allowing for flexibility and accessibility.
- Part-time program with a completion time of 2.5 to 5 years.
- Requires 36 credit hours for completion.
- Culminates in a capstone project addressing identified gaps in practice.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Focuses on advanced practice nursing in the specific area of child health.
- Covers topics such as:
- Health assessment and promotion
- Disease prevention and management
- Family-centered care
- Pharmacology
- Ethical and legal issues
- Leadership and advocacy
Structure:
- Modular format with individual modules covering specific topics.
- Each module includes lectures, readings, assignments, and discussions.
- Students complete a capstone project that addresses a current issue in child health.
Course Schedule:
- Exact schedule may vary depending on the semester.
- Students can expect to take 2-3 courses per semester.
- Course descriptions and schedules are available on the UB website.
Individual Modules:
- Course descriptions and titles are not provided in the given context.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- A variety of assessment methods are used, including:
- Exams (written and oral)
- Assignments (essays, case studies, presentations)
- Participation in online discussions
- Capstone project
Assessment Criteria:
- Specific criteria for each assessment method are not provided in the given context.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Asynchronous online lectures
- Synchronous online discussions
- Collaborative group work
- Individualized feedback
Faculty:
- Faculty includes experienced child health nurse practitioners and researchers.
- Faculty profiles and contact information are available on the UB website.
Unique Approaches:
- Emphasizes the application of evidence-based practice.
- Provides opportunities for students to collaborate with peers and faculty.
- Offers a flexible and accessible online learning format.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Specialist in Child Health
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Researcher
- Public Health Nurse
Career Opportunities:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Schools and universities
- Public health agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Private practice
Career Outcomes:
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in child health care.
- Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam for pediatric nurse practitioners.
- Graduates have a strong foundation for further research and education in child health.
Other:
- The program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).
- The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- The program is designed for nurses who are already certified in their chosen specialty area.
Summary:
The Child Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MS) to DNP program at UB provides a comprehensive and flexible opportunity for advanced-practice nurses to enhance their skills and knowledge in child health. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, collaboration, and leadership, preparing graduates for successful careers in a variety of settings.
