Philosophy
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing enrolls master’s-prepared nurses with clinical specialty preparation. It builds upon the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice as ratified by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and avails itself to the high quality of graduate education at the University of Virginia. The program encouragesDNP students to tailor an individualized program using cognate courses from any School or department throughout the University.
Purpose and Aims
Prepare leaders for the highest level of nursing practice.
Expand knowledge base to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes.
Develop competencies for leadership roles in complex healthcare systems.
Prepare educators for all levels of professional practice.
The DNP program prepares graduates to:
Integrate nursing science with knowledge from ethics, the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice;
Demonstrate organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement in healthcare systems;
Apply clinical scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice;
Use information systems technology and patient care technology to improve and transform health care;
Demonstrate leadership in health care policy for advocacy in health care;
Collaborate with inter-professional teams to improve patient and population health outcomes;
Develop and apply strategies for clinical prevention and population health for improving the nation’s health.
Admission
Admission Requirements
Master’s degree in a nursing specialty area from a college or university accredited by either the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and
Certification, where relevant, in an advanced nursing specialty area.
Academic record that demonstrates a minimum of a B average.
Three satisfactory letters of reference—two from doctorally prepared nurse educators and one from a current or recent employer—that speak to the applicant’s ability to pursue doctoral studies.
Current curriculum vitae that reflects professional achievements and productivity.
Clearly written essay of no more than 1000 words describing educational, research, and professional goals.
A course in intermediate statistics completed within the past 5 years.
An unencumbered, valid RN license in Virginia.
Be available for a personal interview if requested.
Admission Procedure Application forms may be obtained from the School’s website. The applicant must:
- Submit official transcripts of all post-secondary academic work. If an institution will not release an official transcript directly to the applicant, the student may request that the transcript be forwarded to the School of Nusing;
- Obtain three letters of recommendation.
The completed application with fee and all supporting data must be forwarded no later than March 1 for fall semester enrollment. International applicants are encouraged to submit the admissions packet before February 1.
Degree Requirements
To earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, the student must:
- Successfully complete the prescribed program of study, including cognates and electives.
- Successfully complete a practica experience.
- Successfully complete all capstone requirements including (a) writing and defending an evidence-based proposal, (b) conducting an appropriate project, (c) submitting an acceptable written report of the project, and (d) passing an oral final examination on the conduct and conclusion of the capstone project.
- Complete all additional requirements as specified by the School of Nursing, the capstone committee, and the advisor.
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