School of Nursing Graduate Program
Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective DNP Students
What is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program?
The DNP is a practice-oriented doctoral program designed to prepare experts in specialized advanced nursing practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of evidence-based research findings. We have three specializations within the DNP program: the post-master’s specialization (for master’s prepared advanced practice nurses), the nurse anesthesia DNP (for baccalaureate prepared nurses who want to provide anesthetic care, and the family nurse practitioner DNP (for baccalaureate prepared nurses who would like to provide primary health care across the lifespan). For more information on the purpose of the DNP degree from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/Essentials.pdf.
Is the DNP program part-time or full-time? Can I remain employed while in the program?
The Post-Master’s DNP (PM DNP) specialization is a part-time program, based upon the number of hours in which students are enrolled each semester. Post-master’s students are expected to be employed, preferably in their specialty areas, while in the program. Their DNP projects will usually be completed at their places of employment. Both post-baccalaureate options (the NA and FNP) are full-time programs offered over three years and are offered in an hybrid format (some face to face, and some online courses). The NA and FNP students will work on development of their project over several semesters, working under the guidance of faculty mentors. Working full-time while in the NA and FNP program is not encouraged.
How long does it take to complete the DNP program?
The PM DNP specialization consists of 30 credits, over five semesters (two years). Graduation from the PM DNP will be dependent upon completing the final project in a timely manner. The NA and FNP full-time specializations will take a minimum of three years. A part-time progression for the DNP FNP is being considered.
How do I apply to the DNP program?
The first step in the application process is to download the application for Graduate Admissions, at www.siue.edu/apply. In the Doctoral Programs section of that page, applicants will find a link to the PDF hard copy of the application. Please print that application, complete the appropriate parts for the specialization desire, and prepare a check for $30 for the university application fee. On that application, please provide a list of all post-high school institutions attended, and contact each institution for transcripts. On the School of Nursing webpage, at http://www.siue.edu/nursing/graduate/index.shtml, there are additional application instructions. Applicants for all three specializations must complete the School of Nursing doctoral application, as well as provide three references. The PM DNP applicants must complete the Potential Project Statement, and the NA DNP and FNP DNP applicants must provide a Goals Statement. Please gather all of these documents into one Application Packet and submit to SIUE Graduate Admissions, Campus Box 1047, Edwardsville IL 62026-1047.
When are applications due?
- FNP DNP applications are due by February 1 for August admission.
- Post-Master’s DNP Applications are due by March 1.
- NA DNP applications are due by June 1 for the following May.
I have a degree in a field other than Nursing. Can I still apply to the DNP program?
You must have either a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing (e.g., BSN, MSN, MA, or MS) in order to apply to the SIUE DNP program. For the PM DNP, the master’s degree in nursing must be a clinical degree (e.g., maternal-child health, medical-surgical, public health, mental health, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife) or in nursing administration. Applicants for the NA DNP and FNP DNP must have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
What is the minimum GPA requirement for the program?
When making admissions decisions for the NA DNP and FNP DNP, we review 3 different GPA calculations: cumulative baccalaureate, all undergraduate nursing courses, and undergraduate science courses. For the PM DNP, we review the undergraduate and graduate overall GPA’s.
Do I need to take the GRE or another standardized test?
No, we do not require any standardized tests for admission consideration.
Do I need to submit transcripts from every college or university I attended or just from the ones at which I completed my degrees?
You must submit transcripts from EACH college or university that you attended.
Can I take classes before I am officially admitted to the program?
We do not recommend enrolling in courses as an unclassified student before admission to the DNP program. Please note that the School of Nursing can only accommodate unclassified graduate students AFTER current DNP students have enrolled in their courses. If there is space available in classes after current student enrollment, unclassified students may be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. However, our class sizes often prohibit this practice. To discuss taking courses as an unclassified graduate student, please contact the Graduate Academic Advisor at 618-650-3930.
Do I need work experience before I can apply to the DNP program?
Applicants to any of the DNP specializations are expected have a minimum of 1 year of professional nursing practice. The NA DNP applicants must have one year of recent adult critical care experience.
Can I transfer courses taken at other universities to SIUE?
A student is allowed to transfer up to 1/3 of the total required credit hours for a degree from unclassified status or from another university. Students who wish to transfer a course from another university will be required to submit a transcript showing successful completion of the course, as well as a course syllabus to determine equivalency. The syllabus will be reviewed by SIUE doctoral faculty and must be approved by the faculty.
Students are STRONGLY encouraged to submit a syllabus for a potential transfer course PRIOR to taking it. Students must earn a grade of A or B in order for a course to be accepted from unclassified status or from another university.
Is the DNP program online? Will I have to come to campus to attend courses?
The PM DNP will is offered primarily online, with two immersion experiences, a six-day experience at the beginning of the program and a three-day immersion at the beginning of the second year. The NA DNP and the FNP DNP are offered in a hybrid format, with some online courses, and some face-to-face courses provided on the Edwardsville campus.
Can I enroll in the DNP courses in any order?
The curriculum has been developed to build upon prior course work throughout the program. Courses will be offered in a set sequence each academic year. Any change in the sequence in which courses are taken must be approved by the Assistant Dean for the Graduate Program.
What is the time frame for offering courses?
Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks long, and summer semesters are 10 weeks long. The specializations are structured on a semester basis with assignments due at specific times. You may work at your own pace during the assignment period but students must meet deadlines set by course faculty.
How are online courses managed?
The Blackboard course management system is used at SIUE for online courses. Each course will follow are specific format to facilitate navigation as students enroll in each course. Students will access syllabi, course calendars, and other course materials through Blackboard. Asynchronous discussion boards are often used for assignments to allow students to post information and for the instructor and other students to respond. Live chats may also be used for small group discussion. Synchronous class sessions may also be held using specialized conferencing equipment.
How do I communicate with course instructors?
You can communicate with your instructors via email, phone, fax, Skype, Blackboard messages, and in person.
What are the technology requirements for the DNP program?
All students should have a computer with soundcard, webcam, printer, and headset (defined as microphone and headphones) to access email, Cougarnet, Blackboard, and conferencing. Computers may be a desktop or a laptop based on personal preference. Within the PM DNP, students will need to bring a laptop computer that can access the internet through SIUE’s wireless system during the immersion experiences. We recommend a fast processor, at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM), and over 40 GB free disk space. An internet service provider (ISP) is required and can be hardwired, wireless, or satellite. A USB flash drive may be helpful for back-ups and bringing presentations to class. However, all students also have access to a virtual hard drive via Blackboard (located under the “My Content” tab of Blackboard). Software should include:
- Microsoft Office software, which is available for free to SIUE students
- Antiviral software if using personal PC
- Free software such as Quicktime, RealPlayer, etc.
How many courses require clinical practice hours?
AACN requires that all DNP programs consist of a minimum of 1,000 hours of post-baccalaureate, supervised specialty practice. The PM DNP transcripts of admitted students will be evaluated individually to determine the number of hours that need to be completed. NA DNP students will complete almost 2700 practicum hours, and the FNP DNP students will complete over 1000 practicum hours while in the program.
What is the DNP Project?
DNP students will complete an evidence-based project while in the program. PM DNP students will complete a project within their own workplaces. The NA and FNP DNP students will be guided by faculty in project development throughout the program. The program culminates in a doctoral level project that reflects the synthesis and application of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum.
How much does it cost to complete the DNP program at SIUE?
The tuition for the DNP program is $650 per credit hour. With additional fees dependent upon whether the course is online or face-to-face.
What type of funding is available to graduate students?
Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 618-650-3880 to discuss funding options. Any grant or scholarship opportunities that become available through the School of Nursing will be announced to students via email. Additional funding opportunities are available through the University Graduate School (http://www.siue.edu/graduate/).
Can I meet with an advisor to discuss the graduate program in more detail?
Prospective students are welcome to meet with the Graduate Academic Advisor to discuss the programs offered and the admission process. Please call 618-650-3930 or 618-650-3956 to set up an appointment.
Rev. 2/11/15
