For advanced practice nurses who already have a master's degree, the D.N.P. Completion Program combines an appealing format with specially targeted content to provide the perfect extension of knowledge and abilities. The coursework moves students to the next level of their careers, incorporating a broader knowledge of health care in today's complex market.
Program Format
The D.N.P. Completion Program can be completed in two and a half years (five semesters) taking two or three courses per semester. Courses include an intensive one-week (five-day) classroom session per semester, with other course requirements completed online. Fall and spring courses follow a 15-week format, while summer courses follow a 10-week format. Hotel and meals for the five-day classroom sessions are included in the price of tuition.
Each student must complete a five-credit capstone course in the final semester, in which he/she must demonstrate clinical competence and conduct a field project under the supervision of an on-site preceptor and an RMU faculty advisor. The project will be selected based on the student's chosen evidence-based practice area of interest. Course requirements include an oral presentation and a ready-for-journal-submission scholarly article.
Curriculum
The following is the course sequence for the 30-credit D.N.P. Completion Program:
| Year 1 - Fall Semester |
Credits |
| NURS8020 |
|
Research and Theory |
3 credits |
| STAT8010 |
|
Statistics for Health Sciences |
3 credits |
| |
|
Total |
6 credits |
| |
| Year 1 - Spring Semester |
|
| HSIC8120 |
|
Clinical Teams and Teamwork II (OL) |
2 credits |
| NURS8150 |
|
Integrating Research and Practice |
2 credits |
| NURS8030 |
|
Principles of Epidemiology |
2 credits |
| |
|
Total |
6 credits |
| |
| Year 1 - Summer Semester |
| NURS8140 |
|
Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced Nursing Roles |
3 credits |
| HSIC8030 |
|
Health Care Economics |
2 credits |
| |
|
Total |
5 credits |
| |
| Year 2 - Fall Semester |
| HSIC8020 |
|
Health Policy |
2 credits |
| NURS9130 |
|
Evidence-Based Practice/Information Systems |
3 credits |
| |
|
Total |
5 credits |
| |
| Year 2 - Spring Semester |
| NURS9610 |
|
Practice Management Issues/Role Integration |
3 credits |
| NURS9620 |
|
Applying Evidence-Based Practice in Health Care
(by appointment) |
5 credits |
| |
|
Total |
8 credits |
Tuition
Tuition information can be found at Tuition & Fee Schedules.
Hotel and meals for the five-day classroom sessions are included in the price of tuition.
Program Location
This program is offered in Moon Township only.
Admission Criteria
To be considered for admission to the D.N.P. Completion Program, applicants must have:
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
- A master's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
- A minimum graduate QPA of 3.25
- Certification as an advanced practice nurse in a specialty area, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, midwife or nurse anesthetist
- At least one year of work experience as an R.N.
Application Procedures
Applicants should submit the following credentials to the Graduate Enrollment Office:
- A completed application and a non-refundable $50 application fee. Or submit your application for admission free of charge online.
- Official undergraduate transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A copy of your RN license and advanced practice license
- A current resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation (download recommendation form)
- An essay describing your career goals and expectations for your education and career
- Written documentation of completed clinical hours in a prior master's program.
Applicants are also required to participate in a personal interview with the nursing faculty / nursing administrator.
When the online application is complete, the file will be reviewed. On the basis of an interview and other materials submitted by the applicant, recommendations will be submitted for final approval. The applicant will receive notification of acceptance status from the Admissions Office.
For More Information
Contact our Graduate Admissions Office at 412-397-5481 or graduateprograms@rmu.edu. Or visit our website at www.rmu.edu, where you can submit your application for admission free of charge online.