Program Overview

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Online DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner Program

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) track at Baylor University prepares actively practicing RNs to lead the delivery of primary care to patients across the lifespan.

Program Overview

As an FNP, you'll help bridge gaps in primary care where needed most, including providing care to underserved populations, implementing new treatment methods, and advocating for positive change in nursing.

Admission Requirements

The requirements to apply for the online BSN-DNP FNP program are:

• BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
• 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Courses taken pass/fail will not be eligible for admission
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class
• Current unencumbered RN license
• Complete an acceptable written personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse
• No GRE or MAT Required

The requirements to apply for the online Post Master's DNP program are:

• Verification of an unencumbered license to practice as an APRN
• Master's degree with a major in nursing
• Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation as follows: One must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse
• Verification of total clinical hours obtained for the Master's degree
• Complete a written personal statement
• Current clinical practice within the last two years
• Successful completion of graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or better (must be completed prior to matriculation into the program)

Program Features

• CCNE-accredited and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
• Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
• Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
• Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
• Clinical placement support
• Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway

Curriculum

The online DNP-FNP program track focuses on developing nurses as holistic caregivers through an advanced curriculum that includes an in-depth study of pathophysiology, assessment, informatics, pharmacology, healthcare policy and business, ethics, epidemiology, and servant leadership.

Courses

• NUR 5211 Servant Leadership
• NUR 5356 Family Healthcare Management II
• NURS 5316 Transforming Health Care Organizations and Changing Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course of study, graduates will be eligible to sit for national Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Essentials

The program outcomes are designed to meet the standards of professional organizations such as the American Organization of Nurse Leadership (AONL), American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), etc.

• Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
• Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking
• Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
• Essential IV: Information Systems/ Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care
• Essential V: Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
• Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
• Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation's Health
• Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Baylor University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Rankings

Baylor University is ranked higher than 98% of nursing schools in Texas in 2024 - nursingschoolhub.com Baylor's DNP program is ranked higher than 83% of the Best DNP Programs in the nation for 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Testimonials

Previous students have praised the program for its exceptional academic reputation, comprehensive curriculum, and supportive faculty.

Career Opportunities

With a DNP-FNP, you can provide primary care to patients of all ages and actively shape and improve patient outcomes, policy, and processes as a nursing leader. FNPs work primarily in traditional healthcare settings such as private practices and outpatient clinics as primary care providers. However, FNPs can be found outside of healthcare settings such as public health departments and schools.

Why Choose Baylor University

Baylor University's online DNP program offers a unique blend of academic excellence, clinical expertise, and spiritual foundation. The program is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles in healthcare, with a focus on evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient-centered care.

Program Length

BSN holders typically complete our DNP program in three (3) years and four (4) months, skipping the Master's degree program entirely. MSN holders typically complete our DNP program in 18 to 24 months.

Clinical Placement

Clinical placement is a required educational component of Baylor's online nursing programs. The hands-on learning, supervision, and applying theory into practice prepare you for your future role in the field. Many students also find potential employment opportunities at their placement site upon graduation.

Faculty

Our faculty are award-winning experts in their specialties, providing exceptional instruction and guidance.

Support

Our dedicated advisors offer personalized support for students' growth and success.

Accreditation and Rankings

Baylor University, a renowned research institution, is ranked among the top graduate schools for DNP programs. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Online Learning Experience

The online DNP-FNP coursework is available in the virtual learning environment 24 hours a day, which allows you to complete your degree around your work and personal schedule. In addition, you will stay with the same classmates throughout your degree, allowing for impactful connections. Students of the DNP program enjoy building meaningful relationships with accessible faculty.

DNP vs MSN

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is the optimal pathway for registered nurses who are seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice. A DNP degree is a terminal degree in the field and represents the most advanced nursing degree available. There is no further opportunity for educational advancement within this profession. Graduates of Baylor's online DNP program are prepared as exemplary nursing leaders and visionary nurses who can actively shape and improve patient outcomes, policy, processes, and the future of nursing.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for DNPs is anticipated to be very strong as the AACN is advocating to require a DNP for all APRN roles.

Program Details

For more information about the program, including admission requirements, curriculum, and career opportunities, please visit our website.