What is the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level of educational preparation for advanced practice nurses. This new, terminal practice degree provides the scientific knowledge base and leadership skills to contribute to improved health care outcomes through scholarship, policy and practice. It expands the focus of nursing leadership in increasingly complex systems of care for a culturally diverse patient population through collaborative and independent practice in a variety of health care settings.
What is the difference between the DNP and a DNS, DNSc, or PhD?
The DNP offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral degrees, by providing clinicians with the knowledge and skills essential to accountability for advanced practice. A PhD in Nursing, by contrast, has traditionally prepared nurses for research careers directed at knowledge or theory generation. For additional information regarding the DNP degree, please visit the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, noted below.
Is it true that I’ll need a DNP by 2015?
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, with agreement from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, has recommended that the practice doctorate replace the master’s as the terminal degree required for advanced practice nursing by 2015. This recommendation does not constitute a direct policy change; each state and its Board of Registration in Nursing sets its own requirements for licensure.
What is the difference between the RN to DNP and the Post-Master’s DNP?
The RN to DNP program accepts RNs with a BSN*. Students are prepared for advanced practice roles as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists in a specialty area of your choice, while simultaneously being prepared for the highest level of clinical practice.
The Post-Master’s DNP program accepts RNs with a MS in Nursing* who are already advanced practice nurses: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives. Nurse administrators may apply as well. Nurse educators who are not advanced practice nurses should apply to the RN-DNP program.
*RN to DNP applicants; Associate Degree and Diploma RNs meet the same admissions requirements as all other students, with the exception of the baccalaureate degree, and must complete selected additional general education requirements (see Course of Study) prior to applying. Many of these courses may be taken at the community college level, although a minimum of 12 credits must be taken at the upper division (300-400) level. Post-Master’s applicants who have a Master’s in a related field will have to take additional courses. Pre-application advisement is suggested for individuals with an Associates Degree, a diploma or a Master’s in a related field.
What electives can I choose from?
The DNP curriculum includes a nine-credit elective focus concentration in advanced clinical practice, teaching and learning, global health, clinical investigation, informatics, or nursing administration. These courses build on a professional core content including knowledge and inquiry for nursing practice, leadership for advanced practice nursing, population health, outcomes measurement, nursing research, and health care economics and financing.
What is the admissions process?
The deadline for submitting applications is March 1st. Qualified DNP applicants will be invited to the MGH Institute for a pre-admissions interview. The purpose of the interview is to assess the fit between the candidate’s career goals and the program; to evaluate the candidate’s career goals and potential for leadership; and, to provide applicants an opportunity to ask questions. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance shortly after their interview.
Post Master’s DNP
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply? Do I need to take the GRE?
The MGH Institute is accepting applications from advanced practice nurses and nurse administrators who are registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing. RNs with a master’s degree in another field will be required to complete additional courses. Nurse educators should apply to the RN-DNP program. Because all Post-Master’s DNP candidates possess a Master’s degree, GRE scores do not need to be submitted.
Can I receive academic credit for prior experience?
Students who wish to receive academic credit for professional and/or educational experience towards their degree have the option to submit a portfolio for review after acceptance. A post-admissions portfolio review will allow faculty to evaluate students’ work experience and assess whether certain competencies have been fulfilled, for which up to 18 credits may be awarded.
Can I attend part-time?
The Post Master’s DNP can be completed in as little as three semesters for full-time students with a master's degree in nursing. Full-time students are strongly discouraged from working full time. The curriculum is designed for students to take 6-9 credits a semester which enables most to graduate in two years or 6 semesters. Your advisor will work with you to develop a plan for progression. A residency to complete the capstone project is required of all students. Many courses are offered in a hybrid mode - , online portions are combined with onsite class meetings three times a semester and an onsite course orientation each semester.
What are the clinical requirements?
Students undertake a semester-long clinical residency in their chosen specialty. In this intensive phase, you complete an independent capstone project. The Post-Master’s clinical requirements include a minimum of 500 clinical hours which are included in courses offered in the curriculum as outlined.
RN-DNP Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply? Do I need to take the GRE?
The MGH Institute is accepting applications from registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing. RNs with a baccalaureate degree in another field will be required to complete additional courses. Associate Degree and Diploma RNs meet the same admissions requirements as all other students, with the exception of the baccalaureate degree, and must complete selected additional general education requirements (see Course of Study) prior to applying. Many of these courses may be taken at the community college level, although a minimum of 12 credits must be taken at the upper division (300-400) level. Pre-application advisement is suggested for individuals with an Associates Degree, a diploma or a Master’s in a related field.
RN students who are applying to the DNP program must submit GREs taken within the last 5 years.
Can I attend part-time?
The RN-DNP program can be completed in approximately 4 years, depending on the chosen specialty. Full-time students are strongly discouraged from working full time. The curriculum is designed for students to take 6-9 credits a semester which enables most to graduate in four years or 8 semesters. Your advisor will work with you to develop a plan for progression. A residency to complete the capstone project is required of all students. Many courses are offered in a hybrid mode, with portions offered online.
What are the clinical requirements?
All advanced practice specialties meet the requirements for graduates to sit for national certification exams as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, i.e. nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. There are a minimum of 1000 clinical hours, depending on the specialty chosen.
For further details on the Doctor of Nursing Practice, attend an Information Session (dates are posted at www.mghihp.edu, or email us at dnp@mghihp.edu.
