Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS + NP

Students who attend UVA are mentored by faculty members who are experts in their field as educators, clinicians, researchers. Their experiences are additionally enriched by access to other disciplines across the University, including religion, ethics, contemplative sciences, mindfulness, and medicine. All graduate nursing students are required to have a laptop. 

Though it depends on the degree with which students enter the program (whether it's a BSN or MSN), as well as the specialty area DNP students choose, core courses typically include:

DNP Core Courses (29 credits)

• GNUR 8180: Healthcare Data Analysis (3 credits)
• GNUR 8620: Quality and Safety in Healthcare Systems (4 credits)
• GNUR 8645: Ethics and Leadership in Interprofessional Practice (3 credits)
• GNUR 8650: Information Systems and Patient Care Technology (3 credits)
• GNUR 8660: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• GNUR 8680: Culturally Sensitive Care/Population Health (3 credits)
• GNUR 9026: Health Policy, Economics & Finance (3 credits)
• GNUR 9027: Practice Change Management (2 credits)
• GNUR 9710: Implementation of Practice Change (3 credits)
• GNUR 9720: Dissemination of Practice Scholarship (2 credits)

Specialty Track Concentration and Elective Courses

• Electives (9 credits)
• Specialty track courses (22-26 credits)

Students select courses in consultation with their academic and faculty advisors based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct their DNP projects. Additionally, students select master's and/or doctoral-level didactive coursework from across the University.

DNP students may choose from one of seven specialty tracks in which to concentrate:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist specialty
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialty
• Family Nurse Practitioner specialty
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Acute Care specialty
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care specialty
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty

A dual-track Adult Gerontology Acute Care CNS + NP specialty is a full-time program and for military students only.

Practicum 

All DNP students enroll in 14 credits (750 hours) in direct care practicum. Students select courses in consultation with their academic and faculty advisors based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to conduct their DNP projects. Additionally, students select master's and/or doctoral-level didactic coursework from across the University.

Clinical requirements do not need to be met at the UVA Medical Center; the School has existing clinical contracts across the Commonwealth and beyond and students may also "bring their own" clinical sites from the area or outside of Virginia. Clinical/practicum activities are generally conducted within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Clinical/practicum activities may be conducted outside Virginia if the University is authorized to place students in that state and pending faculty approval.

The length of time required to complete the program depends on several factors: whether you have enter having already earned a BSN or MSN degree; whether you are a full-time or part-time student; the number of practicum hours required; and your final scholarly project. Full-time students with a BSN degree can typically complete the DNP pathway in 33 months; students in the combined Adult-Gerontology Acute Care CNS and NP (for military students only) typically complete the program in 36 months. Part-time students complete the program in 5-6 years.

The DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a DNP project—a significant, evidence-based contribution to existing nursing knowledge suitable for publication in a peer reviewed journal or a book—designed by the student in collaboration with a project team. 

Post-BSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] 

Post-BSN DNP [part-time] 

Post-BSN DNP [full- and part-time] - January and summer terms 

Post-MSN DNP [full-time, 12+ credits] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [part-time] - Fall and spring terms

Post-MSN DNP [full- and part-time] - January and Summer Terms

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)

BSN to DNP pathway applicants must:

• Submit a completed application and submit an $85 application fee
• Have a baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited (CCNE or NLN ACEN) school
• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
• Submit a resume or CV
• All graduate nursing students, except those in the CNL master’s-entry program, and PhD students, are required to have an active unencumbered nursing license in the Commonwealth of Virginia or a compact license from the state in which they reside. We will not accept international nursing licenses
• Send official transcripts for all post-secondary study
• Be available for an interview, if requested

UVA School of Nursing alumni are guaranteed admission into the DNP program.

Applicants who earned a BSN GPA of 3.25 or higher, who have an active membership in a national nursing organization, preferably in the applicant's practice area, who exhibit leadership behaviors in their professional practices, have earned a clinical certification, or are on a path to obtaining one, and have excellent writing skills are most competitive.

Candidates with generalist MSN degrees (CNL, nursing education, informatics, etc.) should apply to the BSN-to-DNP pathway. Enrolling students may petition to transfer up to 12 credits from their prior MSN degree to the DNP.

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