DNP Program

DNP Program Description

The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP) serves to strengthen the skills and knowledge of experienced and licensed practitioners in the areas of executive leadership, nurse anesthesia, and nurse practitioner. The DNP Program provides the student with the opportunity to strengthen one’s clinical skills by gaining intensive experiences in one’s specialty area of practice, enhance the understanding of the theoretical underpinnings that supports one’s specialty area of practice, and broaden one’s perspective of healthcare systems and delivery models from a Christian worldview.

The DNP Program is designed as a full-time post-master’s program that begins the fall of each year. Students are expected to be on campus for up to four 1-week sessions per year with an ongoing intensive online educational process through the use of Blackboard. The clinical fellowships are expected to be completed in the area in which you live with clinical agency support from the institution in completing your DNP Project.

Contact Information

• Admissions:
  nursingadmissions@uu.edu, 731-661-6545
• Enrolled Students:
  Jo Anna Tacker, jtacker@uu.edu, 901-759-1949

Purpose of Program

To prepare competent professional nurses who provide caring therapeutic interventions to meet the health needs of culturally diverse persons.

Mission Statement of Program

The mission of the Doctor of Nursing Practice is to prepare experts in specialized advanced practice with a Christ-centered focus.

Program Goals of DNP Program

1. To provide doctoral nursing education that builds on the foundation of master’s nursing education
2. To prepare the graduate for enhanced knowledge and skills in a specialized area of practice
3. To develop the graduate as a leader of one’s specialty area of practice implementing the Christian worldview

Expected Program Outcomes of DNP Program

1. Demonstrate expertise in an area of specialized advanced nursing practice
2. Integrate biosciences, education, research, business, and technology into advanced nursing practice within the Christian worldview
3. Formulate organizational and systems components for leadership and quality improvement to enhance patient outcomes
4. Promote transformation of health care through interprofessional collaboration, policy development and technology utilization within an area of specialized advanced nursing practice
5. Evaluate outcomes of evidence based research and design appropriate interventions for specialized area of advanced nursing practice to improve the health of individuals, aggregates, and populations

Curriculum Model

2012-2013 Tuition Rates

• $785 per credit hour
• How To Apply For Financial Assistance

Admission Criteria

• Union University School of Nursing Application with a $50 application fee
• Completion of a Bachelor of Science, preferably in Nursing, from an accredited program.
• Completion of a masters degree in nursing from an accredited program preferred
• Earned masters degree other than an MSN may be considered but may require additional coursework prior to enrollment. If applying for nurse practitioner or nurse anesthesia tracks, must demonstrate evidence of current national certification in the specialty area.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts from all Undergraduate and Graduate course work attempted.
• Current unencumbered RN and APN licensure (if applicable) in state of residence.
• Eligible for licensure as registered nurse and APN (if applicable) in Tennessee
• Interview with the Nursing Graduate Admissions Selection Committee
• International students must complete TOEFL with WES evaluations of transcripts
• Three letters of professional/academic reference specifying the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study to include one letter of reference from the current supervisor
• Statement of past clinical and/or work experiences, scholarly activities, and community service that supports future goals in obtaining a Practice Doctorate

Admissions Checklist

1. Application: All non-traditional nursing students must complete the Union University School of Nursing's application only. You are not required to apply to the university separately. NursingCAS AND Supplemental Application Packet (.pdf)
2. Personal Statement: Complete the personal statement found on NursingCAS. Your personal statement should include information pertaining to your personal career goals and reflect your interest in the field of nursing.
3. Application Fee: The application fee is $50 and is non-refundable. You have the option to pay online by credit card. You may also pay by check or money order with your paper application.
4. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions must be submitted directly through NursingCAS. Please do not send transcripts for non-traditional nursing programs to Undergraduate Admissions. Transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from previous academic institutions attended.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendations are required from individuals who can attest to your academic ability and/or self-discipline to excel in the DNP graduate program. One of these recommendation letters should be from a current supervisor. Letter of Recommendation forms are a part of the NuringCAS application.
6. Provide proof of MSN degree completion.
7. Provide proof of current RN Licensure.
8. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission. All application documents must be received prior to the application deadlines. Incomplete applications will be considered ineligible for admission.

Delivery of Academic Program

• Intensive online format with on-campus sessions four weeks per year
• All application documents must be received by the application deadline of April 1st (Extended to June 1)