Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) program at Georgia State University is designed for individuals seeking the highest level of clinical nursing practice. This hybrid program combines online classes with a limited number of on-campus sessions, allowing students to balance their education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Program Details

• Duration and Credit Hours: The program requires a minimum of 39 semester hours of graduate coursework for the Post-M.S.N. to D.N.P. track and 87 credit hours for the Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. track.
• Course Format: The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online (web-facilitated) classes with on-campus sessions.
• Locations: Classes are held on the Atlanta Campus, with some courses available online.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: June 30 (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)
  • Spring: November 15 (BSN to DNP track only)
  • Summer: Does Not Admit

Admissions Requirements

Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. Track

• Degree Requirement: B.S.N. from an accredited nursing program.
• GPA: Minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average in B.S.N. program.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Licensure: A valid, unrestricted RN license in the state of residence and/or practice.
• Professional Experience: One to two years of clinical practice as a registered nurse.
• Entrance Exam: GRE (note: the GRE is not required as part of the admission requirements beginning Fall 2024).
• Letters of Recommendation: Three strong letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals with doctorates in nursing (D.N.P. or Ph.D.).
• Personal Statement: Statement of how previous experience and education has provided sufficient preparation for graduate study as well as professional goals for graduate study.
• Writing Sample: A scholarly paper of 3 pages in length (excluding title and reference page), in the APA 7th edition format, utilizing specified articles for the writing sample.
• Resume/CV: Current resume/CV.
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (550 for older exams) for applicants whose native language is not English.

Post-M.S.N. to D.N.P. Track

• Degree Requirement: M.S.N. from accredited nursing programs.
• GPA: Minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average in the M.S.N. program.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Clinical Hours: Documentation of the number of precepted clinical hours or supervised residency hours in a master's level program.
• Licensure: A copy of valid, unrestricted RN license as well as licensure for APRN (if applicable) in the state of residency and/or practice.
• Entrance Exams: GRE waived for applicants who have a cumulative grade point average in a master's program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three strong letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals with doctorates in nursing (D.N.P. or Ph.D.).
• Statement: State of professional goals for graduate study.
• Writing Sample: A scholarly paper of 3 pages in length (excluding title and reference page), in the APA 7th edition format, utilizing specified articles for the writing sample.
• Resume/CV: Current resume/CV.
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (550 for older exams) for applicants whose native language is not English.

Program Highlights

• The D.N.P. program enables graduates to utilize and integrate evidence-based knowledge, translate research, and implement quality improvement initiatives to promote quality patient and population outcomes.
• Prepares advance practice nurse leaders to apply current scientific knowledge to increasingly complex practice and collaborate with interprofessional teams.
• Produces advance practice nurse leaders who are innovated and employ advanced levels of clinical judgment to improve individual and population health outcomes.
• Develops knowledge and skills of leading-edge technology to apply it to clinical and operational practices.
• Creates advance practice nurse leaders who will possess expertise in analysis of health care policy.

Curriculum

• Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. Track: Total of 87 credit hours. Students can complete the requirements to sit for national certification examination as advanced practice nurses in their preferred specialty area.
• Post-M.S.N. to D.N.P. Track: Total of 39 credit hours. The D.N.P. curriculum builds on the APRN curriculum with knowledge of core courses and skills serving as a foundation for a strong evidence-based focus and related organization and systems leadership.

Clinical Hours Requirement

• Post-B.S.N. to D.N.P. Track: 1,000 clinical hours.

Conclusion

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive education for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers. With its hybrid format, the program is designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals while providing a rigorous academic experience.