BSN to DNP

Program Options

The Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is nationally recognized among the Top 25 Online DNP Programs. Some on-campus requirements apply, depending on the degree program chosen. The College offers four BSN to DNP degree programs:

• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (P-MHNP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Program Outcomes

The graduate of the doctorate degree program is able to:

1. Incorporate advanced levels of clinical judgment and scholarship into nursing and leadership.
2. Appraise scientific knowledge, as well as new and current approaches in nursing practice and leadership to promote optimal outcomes.
3. Examine leadership in organizations and systems to assure quality care delivery models.
4. Design, deliver, direct and disseminate evidence-based practices.
5. Evaluate programs, health care delivery systems and outcomes using information systems.
6. Advocate for health care practice change through policy development and evaluation.
7. Assume appropriate leadership roles for effective interprofessional collaboration to achieve optimal outcomes.
8. Combine ethical principles with decision making processes in health care practices and systems.
9. Integrate advanced clinical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems.

Admission Criteria

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN, CNEA or CCNE accredited program

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0

• Evidence of completion of undergraduate health assessment and nursing research with a minimum grade of “C” in both courses
• Proof of current, unencumbered licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse
• NNP: Must have the equivalent of at least two years of full-time clinical experience as an RN in a Level III or IV NICU within the past five years before starting clinical courses. May start theory courses without the required clinical experience and must hold and maintain a current Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certificate.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students must have one year of experience (or the equivalent) in psych-mental health within the last five years prior to starting the psych-mental health specific theory or practicum courses.
• A 750-1000 word typed essay detailing professional and educational goals
• Evidence of one year professional nursing experience preferred
• Three letters of recommendation from persons who are able to speak of the applicant’s ability to undertake graduate study; it is preferred that one of those letters be from a nursing faculty from the baccalaureate education.
• College may request to interview applicant.