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.

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 twice, once at the beginning of the program and once at the end.

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; however, in advanced practice master’s programs, students will be bringing in a minimum of 500 hours towards this total.  You may have more than 1,000 clinical hours based upon the number of clinical hours you bring from your previous degree programs. 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 must take to become certified to practice in your field. 

Special Requirements for Admission

Minimum requirements:

• Master’s 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
• Advanced Practice Certification (MSN to DNP applicants only)

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 Advanced Practice is a 39 credit hour, five semester program designed to train a practicing Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife) who desires to further their education to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.  In addition to the hours you are bringing into the program, an additional 500 clinical hours are needed for the degree and focus on the development of a scholarly project and integration of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials.  Students are required to come to campus in their first residency course semester and their last residency course semester to meet with faculty and fellow students while gaining assistance with their project.