Nursing, Nurse Executive - Doctor of Nursing Practice
(Code 700-837)
Post-master’s DNP (MSN-to-DNP) Nurse Executive option.
Program Requirements
UW-Eau Claire offers Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree options for individuals pursuing education in advanced practice nursing. The DNP is a clinical doctorate designed to prepare nurses to assume leadership roles in the areas of advanced clinical practice nursing (nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or nursing administration/nurse executive. Both MSN-to-DNP and BSN-to-DNP options are offered.
The post-master's (MSN-to-DNP) option includes an advanced clinical practice option (for nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists) or a nurse executive option. The MSN-to-DNP option typically is a part-time two-and-a-half-year program that includes 31 credits of nursing courses. The plan requires students to take courses during Summer, Fall, Winterim, and Spring terms.
The post-baccalaureate (BSN-to-DNP) option includes an adult-gerontologic or family nursing population focus and a primary care nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist, or nurse administrator/nurse executive role preparation. Students choose from the following BSN-to-DNP options:
- Adult-gerontologic primary care nurse practitioner
- Adult-gerontologic clinical nurse specialist
- Family nurse practitioner
- Nurse administrator/nurse executive (adult-gerontologic or family population focus)
The post-baccalaureate DNP program includes approximately 68 credits for administration/nurse executive students and approximately 74 credits for advanced clinical practice students (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist). The courses are taken over three academic years for full-time students and four to five years for part-time students. Please consult the Nursing Graduate Programs Director regarding the availability and scheduling of the clinical nurse specialist option.
Program costs are higher than typical University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire graduate programs and thus the DNP courses involve additional course fees. Graduate students must earn a grade of C or above in courses and practica to successfully progress. No more than 2 C’s may be earned in the graduate program. Further and current information may be obtained from the Nursing Graduate Programs Director, College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College website.
Criteria for admission into the DNP Post-Master’s Program include (also see notes):
1. Acceptance as a graduate student in good standing in the university.
2. An undergraduate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
3. A master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program, with a role preparation in Advanced Practice Nursing, with a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
4. Evidence of at least 550 hours of master’s-level clinical practicum (or national certification by a body approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing).
5. Evidence of basic epidemiology content.
6. Evidence of graduate-level pharmacology (not required for nursing administration students).
7. Evidence of graduate-level nursing research and nursing theory.
8. Wisconsin Registered Nurse licensure. Current nursing licensure in one of the jurisdictions of the United States required at time of application.
9. Satisfactory evidence of personal qualifications and capacity for doctoral study in nursing.
10. Completed and submitted all application materials including but not limited to a DNP Demographic Form, essay, resume, university application, official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, three references (forms provided) from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s clinical expertise and/or potential for graduate study, and all application fees (nonrefundable).
11. Completed health record, background check, and evidence of current CPR certification and other related requirements (needed by July 1st following admission).
NOTE 1: Examples of national accreditation for nursing programs include CCNE, NLN, and ACEN.
NOTE 2: WI RN licensure needed by July 1 following admission.
NOTE 3: Examples of role preparations in Advanced Practice Nursing include Adult (- Gerontologic) or Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult (- Gerontologic) Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Administrator.
NOTE 4: Priority admission application deadline is as specified on the Graduate Admissions web site.
NOTE 5: Must complete and be current with health requirements, CPR certification, WI RN licensure, and background checks in order to be enrolled in courses.
Nursing - Post-Master's DNP Nurse Executive Curriculum
Post-Master’s DNP
The post-master’s DNP (MSN-to-DNP) Nurse Executive option typically is a part-time two-and-a-half-year program. Courses are taught via immersion days on campus with some online/hybrid content.
The post-master’s Nurse Executive option includes 31 credits at the 800 level, including core and seminar and practicum courses. A DNP project with presentation is required. Students complete a minimum of 525 hours of clinical for the MSN-to-DNP Nurse Executive option. No more than 2 C’s may be earned in the graduate program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 800-Level Core Courses | ||
| NRSG 800 | Advanced Nursing Practice and Informatics | 2 |
| NRSG 802 | Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NRSG 803 | Advanced Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Population Health | 4 |
| NRSG 805 | Clinical Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NRSG 809 | Organizational Leadership and Health Policy for Advanced Nursing Practice | 4 |
| 800-Level Practica and DNP Project | ||
| NRSG 852 | Nursing Administration III 1 | 4 |
| NRSG 853 | Synthesis for the Nurse Executive 1 | 3 |
| NRSG 892 | DNP Project I | 1 |
| NRSG 893 | DNP Project II | 3 |
| NRSG 894 | DNP Project III | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
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Consult Nursing Graduate Programs Director regarding role preparation course scheduling.
Program Learning Outcomes
A graduate of the DNP program will be prepared to:
- Expand advanced nursing practice by integrating the art and science of nursing with theory and knowledge from biophysical, psychosocial, political, ethical, technical, analytical, cultural, spiritual, environmental, and organizational realms.
- Promote culturally sensitive, holistic advanced nursing practice care and services in a global community, with emphasis on disease/illness prevention and health/wellness promotion as well as restoration and maintenance.
- Synthesize leadership skills, systems analysis, and advocacy expertise.
- Integrate clinical expertise and competence with population-focused management, evidence-based practice, and health care policy.
- Analyze health–related information systems and technology for the improvement of health care.
- Develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based approaches to advanced nursing practice.
- Evaluate the outcomes of advanced nursing practice.
- Apply clinical scholarship and leadership skills to advanced nursing practice.
- Evaluate personal scholarship, professional growth, and excellence in practice.