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Jul 17, 2025
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Nursing - Nurse Educator (BNED/DNED) - DNP
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72 credits
3.0 GPA required.
There are three tracks to obtain a DNP:
BS to DNP (BNED): students with a bachelor’s who are pursuing a doctorate
Post-Master’s DNP New Role/Specialty (DNED): students with a master’s who are pursing a doctorate and want to change professional roles
Post-Master’s DNP Non-Role Change (DNED): students with a master’s who are pursuing a doctorate and do not desire a professional role change
A Plan of Study is available on the Doctor of Nursing Practice website.
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Description of Program (DNP)
Graduates of the DNP programs are prepared for a variety of advanced nursing roles such as nurse leaders, nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and clinical nurse specialists. Graduates of the DNP program are prepared for the highest level of clinical nursing practice. Nursing science core courses, taken by all graduate students, build on students’ baccalaureate nursing knowledge to integrate scientific underpinnings for practice, understand nursing information management and decision making, and advocate for health promotion. Students develop evidence-based knowledge and skills to enhance the quality and safety of health care while demonstrating leadership and professionalism. Courses within the selected programs of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ; Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist ; Family Nurse Practitioner ; Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ; Nurse Educator ; or Nursing Leadership provide specialized knowledge and practice opportunities in each advanced nursing role. A unique feature of this program is the targeted emphasis on the nurse’s use of advanced knowledge and skills of health promotion with individuals, families, and systems in diverse populations to address health care needs within complex environments. DNP - Nurse Educator (DNP-NE)
This DNP - Nurse Educator (DNP-NE) program is designed for those starting their journey as a nurse educator in a variety of settings, including teaching students in a clinical environment, working in an academic setting, and as a professional staff development educator in a healthcare setting. Core and direct care courses provide a foundation for knowledge and scholarship that lead to nursing education foci, such as curriculum design, strategies for instructing a variety of learners, designing and evaluating simulations, and assessing and evaluating learners and total programs. In addition, there are direct care clinicals for the nurse educator including learning the science and practices of simulation, enhancing leadership and interprofessional skills, and expanding one’s teaching and evaluation skills. A DNP Scholarly Project is completed and involves demonstrating knowledge and skills to enhance quality and safety of healthcare in a variety of clinical settings and for a variety of populations. A total of 1,000 clinical/practicum hours are required for all graduates of a DNP program. Traditional Track (BS to DNP) (BNED)
Students with a bachelor’s degree who are pursuing a doctorate. 1080 Clinical Hours (1 clinical credit = 60 hours of contact time) (BS to DNP) Nursing Science Core (33 credits)
(BS to DNP) DNP-NE Concentration (33 credits)
(BS to DNP) Electives (6 credits)
Choose any 6 credits at the 600/700-level. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor for direction on appropriate options. Post-Master’s DNP (MS to DNP) (DNED)
Students who have a master’s or doctoral degree from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing can earn a DNP and prepare for a new NE specialty. A total of 72 credits and 1,000 clinical hours are required for DNP. Students may receive credit for completion of their master’s degree plus credit for experience. All MS to DNP students must demonstrate evidence of completing all MS to DNP Pre-admission Requirements and Nursing Science Core classes. Additionally, students who desire a DNP and a role change should select Track 1. Students who desire a DNP without a role change should select Track 2. (MS to DNP) Required Courses for Tracks 1 & 2 (40 credits)
(MS to DNP) Pre-Admission Requirements (23 credits)
(MS to DNP) Nursing Science Core (14 credits)
(MS to DNP) Choose One Track: New Role or No Role Change
Students who desire a DNP and a role change should select Track 1. Students who desire a DNP without a role change should select Track 2. Track 1 (MS to DNP): DNP-NE New Role
Students who have a master’s or doctoral degree from a nationally accredited graduate program in nursing and are certified or eligible for certification as an APRN and wish to become eligible for certification as a DNP-NE can earn a DNP and prepare for certification in a new APRN specialty. Track 1 (MS to DNP): Required New Role Courses (26credits)
Track 2 (MS to DNP): No Role Change
This option is for individuals who hold a master’s degree with a Nurse Educator focus and wish to advance their education by preparing for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. This track emphasizes the development of advanced knowledge and skills in nursing education. Track 2 (MS to DNP): Required No Role Change Courses (14 credits)
Track 2 (MS to DNP): No Role Change Electives (6 credits)
Choose any 6 credits at 600/700-level. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor for direction on appropriate options. |
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