Program Overview
Shenandoah University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, enabling graduates to effect change within the healthcare system. Offered fully online and asynchronously, the program provides flexibility and individualized support for students. Graduates are equipped to provide comprehensive patient-centered care, manage acute and chronic health conditions, and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Shenandoah University prepares graduates for advanced practice nursing roles in either Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. The program emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement, enabling graduates to effect change within the healthcare system.
Objectives:
- Prepare nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across diverse settings.
- Develop advanced clinical skills and expertise in chosen specialty.
- Foster leadership skills to navigate complex healthcare challenges.
- Promote evidence-based practice and research utilization in healthcare delivery.
Program Description:
- Offered fully online and asynchronously.
- Utilizes a cohort model with classes starting in August.
- Clinical placement opportunities are collaboratively arranged between students and faculty.
Outline:
Core Courses (51 Credits):
- Advanced Concepts in Physiology & Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- Analytical Methods (Stats) (3 credits)
- Roles & Issues of the DNP (3 credits)
- Epidemiology & Population Health (3 credits)
- Advanced Health Promotion & Assessment Across the Lifespan (4 credits)
- Advanced Pharmacology & Therapeutics (3 credits)
- Research & Evidence Based Practice (4 credits)
- Informatics & Quality Improvement (3 credits)
- Translational Research (3 credits)
- Project Seminar (125 Clinical Hours) (1 credit)
- Grant Writing (1 credit)
- Project Planning (125 Clinical Hours) (2 credits)
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner Role Development (2 credits)
- Clinical Research Proposal (3 credits)
- Leadership & Policy (3 credits)
- Project Implementation (250 Clinical Hours) (1 credit)
- Data Analysis (3 credits)
- Project Analysis & Dissemination (clinical hours if needed) (2 credits)
FNP Specialty (23 Credits):
- Mental Health in Primary Care (3 credits)
- Primary Care of Families: Chronic (3 credits)
- Primary Care Practicum I (180 Clinical Hours) (3 credits)
- Primary Care of Families: Acute (3 credits)
- Primary Care Practicum II (180 Clinical Hours) (3 credits)
- Primary Care of Women & Children (3 credits)
- Diagnostics & Procedures (1 credit)
- Primary Care Advanced Practicum (240 Clinical Hours) (4 credits)
PMHNP Specialty (24 Credits):
- Foundations of Psychotherapy (3 credits)
- Behavioral Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology (3 credits)
- Management of PMH: Adult (120 Clinical Hours) (2 credits)
- Management of PMH: Geriatric (2 credits)
- Management of PMH: Child (120 Clinical Hours) (2 credits)
- Management of Complex Mental Health: Lifespan (120 Clinical Hours) (2 credits)
- Advanced PMH Practicum (240 Clinical Hours) (4 credits)
Assessment:
- Course assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
- Clinical performance evaluations.
- Completion of a scholarly DNP project.
Teaching:
- Experienced and practicing faculty mentor students in and outside the classroom.
- Synchronous and asynchronous online learning formats provide flexibility.
- Individualized support available for all students.
Careers:
FNP graduates:
- Provide primary care services to individuals and families across the lifespan.
- Work in diverse settings such as clinics, hospitals, and public health agencies.
- Manage acute and chronic health conditions, prescribe medications, and order diagnostic tests.
PMHNP graduates:
- Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders in individuals of all ages.
- Work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community mental health centers.
- Bachelors of Nursing degree from CCNE or ACEN-accredited institution required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Pre-requisite courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, statistics, and chemistry required
- Application Requirements:
- $30 application fee
- Unofficial transcripts
- Current RN license (multi-state preferred)
- Resume/CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Documentation of direct patient care
- CPR certification
- Post-Graduate DNP program information is available in a separate section of the context document.
