Program Philosophy
Walsh's DNP curriculum builds on traditional MSN program content by providing education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership, as well as relevant content in other key areas. Each student is challenged to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to meet client needs in a variety of health care settings.
DNP Program Outcomes
- Practice at the highest level of clinical nursing by integrating and applying knowledge from the sciences within the fields of organizational management, ethics, health policy, and information technology.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in organizational and health systems management to improve the safety and quality of health care.
- Apply analytical skills and translational science methodologies to practice-focused scholarship.
- Provide leadership in interdisciplinary collaborative teams to improve health outcomes for individuals, populations, and systems.
- Utilize strategies of risk reduction, illness prevention, health promotion, and health maintenance for individuals and populations.
- Develop skills in the analysis and shaping of health care policy that supports health.
- Demonstrate skill in the application of ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve ethical dilemmas.
Admission Requirements
1. A current unencumbered United States Registered Nurse license(s) in student’s state of residence. Two years of experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred.
2. Official transcripts documenting a baccalaureate degree and master’s degree in Nursing from a program accredited by a national organization responsible for nursing accreditation (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACNE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or their equivalent). Transcripts should document a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
3. Completion of a 3 credit undergraduate or graduate Statistics course with an earned grade of B or above.
4. Two professional letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s potential for success in the Doctoral program. Recommendations will be accepted from direct supervisors/managers, faculty, nurse leaders and/or preceptors. Recommenders must be able to address the applicant’s potential for success in a graduate nursing program. Recommendations will not be accepted from family or friends.
5. Resume or CV with application that includes work experience, educational, leadership and professional organization activities, and scholarly activities including publications, presentations, research, honors, and awards.
6. An essay/personal statement of a maximum of 1000 words that addresses the following (Please be thorough and concise with a minimum of two and a maximum of four, double-spaced pages 12 font essay)
7. Discuss your personal and professional reasons for seeking the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) role at this time and how furthering your education will influence your practice as a clinical leader. Please include the following:
- Explain your understanding of the DNP role and why you are interested in this particular role.
- Describe your personal strengths and experiences (leadership roles, nursing experience, and community service) that will contribute to your success in graduate school.
- Identify 1-2 long-term goals and how seeking an advanced nursing degree will support these goals.
- Describe an area of interest that could be a topic for your future DNP Project.
8. Official confirmation of clinical hours completed in master’s program.
*Based on submitted admission materials, the graduate admissions committee may require an interview.
