Program Overview

Doctor of Nursing Practice in the Field of Health Policy

Overview

The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in health policy is designed for those who wish to possess the tools to empower them to advance meaningful change in an increasingly complex healthcare system. Students in the program gain in-depth knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, and judicial processes that shape health policy. They also deepen their understanding of the economic forces, research evidence, and political developments that directly affect healthcare and the nursing profession; develop new perspectives on effective advocacy; and learn about the roles of nurses and other health professionals in improving access and advancing the health of patients, families, and populations.

This distance-based program combines academic study with hands-on experience in addressing real-world policy issues. Graduates of the DNP in health policy program can apply their policy expertise in any number of ways, from advancing within their current institutions/practice to roles such as working for government agencies, legislative offices, research organizations, consumer groups, or professional associations as policy analysts, advocates, or consultants.

The GW School of Nursing is known for its focus on health policy and its faculty include respected leadership in the field. The school also houses the GW Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement. Located in the nation’s capital, GW Nursing's proximity to federal agencies, Congress, national healthcare associations, and other policy-makers provides an “only at GW” experience and a unique opportunity to prepare for a career in health policy.

Admissions

• Admission deadline:
  • Fall - Priority: December 1
  • Final: May 15
• Recommendations required: Two letters of recommendation
• Prior academic records: Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
• Statement of Purpose: Compose a 500-750 word essay describing your reasons for pursuing a DNP at The George Washington University, your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications (including any relevant collegiate, professional, and/or community activities). You should include a general idea for your DNP project. Your vision for your post-DNP contributions to advance the nursing profession through scholarship and evidence-based practice must be emphasized in the statement. Also, briefly describe your professional nursing practice and indicate any current or previous leadership roles.
• Prerequisites:
  • Graduate-level inferential statistics course taken within the past five years
  • NURS 6208: Biostatistics for Health Care Research (3) is offered in the spring and summer for those who have not met this requirement
• Additional Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Master's degree in Nursing, or a relevant field such as an MBA, MPA, or MPH, from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Active and unencumbered RN license from a U.S. state or territory
  • Current resume
• International Requirements:
  • TOEFL:
    • Internet-based test: 100 or higher
    • Paper test: 600 or higher
  • The minimum required score for the IELTS is:
    • An overall band score of 7.0
    • Individual band scores of 6.0 or higher

Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 39 credits in required courses.

All DNP students are expected to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of their academic program. Most advanced practice RN students will already have completed 500 hours in their master of science in nursing (MSN) program and the remaining 500 hours are included in the curriculum requirements for the DNP.

Course List

• Required:
  • NURS 8400: Epidemiology and Population Health
  • NURS 8401: Organizational Concepts in Nursing
  • NURS 8402: Knowledge Management in Nursing
  • NURS 8403: Translating Research into Practice
  • NURS 8405: Healthcare Quality Improvement
  • NURS 8417: Health Policy and Analysis
  • NURS 8418: Healthcare Economics, Finance, and Reimbursement
  • NURS 8420: The Health Policy Process
  • NURS 8421: The Legislative and Judicial Processes and Health Policy
  • NURS 8423: The Regulatory Process and Health Policy
  • NURS 8490: DNP Project Planning
  • NURS 8491: DNP Project Implementation
  • NURS 8492: DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination