Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-Masters DNP

Program Overview

Belmont University's post-masters DNP program empowers nurses with advanced skills in leadership, advocacy, and scholarship. Through a hybrid format, students engage in core coursework, clinical research projects, and interprofessional experiences. Graduates are prepared for careers as Family Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, and Nurse Leaders, with a focus on improving population health and promoting social justice in healthcare.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The post-masters DNP program at Belmont University elevates master's prepared registered nurses to the next level in leadership, advocacy, and scholarship. The program aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to:

• Measure and interpret health outcomes
• Educate diverse populations on health issues
• Lead the development and implementation of health policy
• Translate evidence into practical applications
• Advocate for safe and quality care within complex healthcare settings
The program format is hybrid, with classes held four weekends each semester (Friday evening & Saturday) and supplemented by online coursework for enhanced flexibility. The curriculum aligns with the DNP Essentials developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• NUR 6220 Health Care Policy
• NUR 6100 Population Health and Epidemiology
• NUR 6210 Leadership & Management of Organizations & Systems
• NUR 6240 Health Care Education of Diverse Populations

Clinical Research and Scholarship Projects:

Students engage in projects focused on discovering innovative quality improvement solutions and system-level strategies to address social determinants of health and reduce healthcare disparities.

Signature Experience:

A dynamic blend of didactic and experiential service-learning that nurtures professional identity and skill development through exposure to the cultural and psychosocial dimensions of population health.

Interprofessional Teams:

Students will participate in interprofessional teams to explore multifaceted practice and systems issues by applying best practices in community engagement and evidence-based health promotion.

Service and Learning Opportunities:

DNP students may choose to participate in local and global service and learning opportunities throughout the program of study.

Assessment:

Assessment methods for the DNP program likely include:

• Exams and quizzes: Assessing knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Assignments and projects: Evaluating critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge in practical scenarios.
• Clinical evaluations: Assessing clinical skills and competency in patient care settings.
• Portfolio development: Showcasing professional growth and development throughout the program.
• Scholarly project: Comprehensive evaluation of the project's design, implementation, and impact on a specific population health issue.

Teaching:

The DNP program likely utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging students in active learning and discussion.
• Case studies and simulations: Providing realistic scenarios for applying knowledge and skills.
• Guest speaker presentations: Sharing insights from industry professionals and researchers.
• Group work and collaboration: Fostering teamwork and communication skills.
• Technology-enhanced learning: Utilizing online resources and platforms for effective delivery of educational content.
The program likely boasts experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of nursing practice, leadership, and research. Additionally, the program may adopt innovative teaching approaches such as:
• Problem-based learning: Encouraging students to solve real-world problems related to population health.
• Service-learning: Integrating community engagement with academic learning to address local health needs.
• Mentorship: Providing personalized guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey.

Careers:

The DNP prepares graduates for various career paths and opportunities, including:

• Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP): Managing the health of individuals and families across the lifespan.
• Nurse Educators: Leading healthcare education in academic and clinical settings.
• Nurse Leaders: Advancing healthcare through innovation and system transformation in diverse leadership roles.

Other:

• The Belmont DNP program emphasizes the development of whole-person formation through an integrated approach to health and wellbeing.
• Graduates are prepared to influence systems-level change and improve population health.
• The program is committed to promoting social justice, equity, and ethical practices in healthcare.
• Students benefit from guaranteed DNP project placement sites in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee.
• They can also work with their networks to arrange their own project experiences.