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 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, nurses entering this track are likely only bringing in 200 clinical hours, thus 800 additional clinical hours must be completed.  You may have more than 1,000 clinical hours based upon the number of clinical hours in 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 may 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 3.0 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 42 credit hour, five semester program designed for nurses wishing to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Executive Leader focus.  In addition to the clinical hours you will be bringing into the program, an additional 800 clinical hours are needed for the degree and focus on the development of a scholarly project.  Students are required to come to campus 1-2 days in their first and last semester to meet with faculty and fellow students while gaining assistance with their project.