Doctor of Nursing Practice
Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Nursing is to be Christ-centered, people-focused, student-oriented, quality-driven, and future-directed in preparing qualified persons to serve a diverse population through the holistic profession of nursing.
Components for Learning
At AU, we offer a flexible program catered to you, the working nurse. If you are a RN with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, you can apply directly to the DNP program.
All classes are offered online, so you can learn anywhere. You will still meet your cohort and professors in person during a 2-3 day session, held once per semester for nine consecutive semesters.
In the Executive Leadership track, you will take MBA classes to prepare for the business aspect of nurse leadership. Through these courses, you will gain practical knowledge in organizational and management theory, with a particular focus on budgeting, accounting, finance, strategic planning, and organizational development.
In addition to coursework, you will complete a scholarly project and a clinical residency. The evidence-based project may include a quality improvement (QI) focus, a policy change, or perhaps a protocol development for your facility. Your advisor will guide you in this process. Throughout your time in the program, you will develop this project, from the conceptual stages to research and investigation to implementation and dissemination of the results.
Clinical residencies are required for all Doctor of Nursing Practice students. At the conclusion of your Doctoral program you will have completed at a minimum 1,000 clinical hours. While it is your responsibility to find a clinical preceptor, AU works hard to establish relationships with clinical partners, to aid you in your search. Your clinical and in-class experiences at AU will also prepare you for the national accreditation exam you may take to become certified to practice in your field.
Special Requirements for Admission
Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum grade point average of 3.2 averaged from all nursing degree programs.
- Active and unencumbered RN license
- CPR certification
- Current immunization record by start of program
Application Process
- Complete online application and pay application fee
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Official Transcripts from all former academic institutions
- Resume
The DNP Executive Leadership for a nurse with a BSN is a 73 credit hour, nine semester program designed for nurses wishing to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Executive Leader focus. At the conclusion of your Doctoral program you will have completed at a minimum 1,000 clinical hours. Students are required to come to campus the first four semesters of their program for MSN skills assessment and then the first residency course semester and the last residency course semester to meet with faculty and fellow students while gaining assistance with their project.
