DNP Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the Graceland University DNP program better than other DNP programs?

We believe that our program is exceptional due to the strong emphasis on the student. Our program is online and accessible to meet the needs of busy professionals. GU has a long history of offering quality online graduate nursing education programs. In fact, we were one of the pioneers in distance learning so we know how to develop programs with the distance student in mind. All faculty teaching in the program are doctorally prepared (PhD or DNP) and experienced educators. Plus, many of our students come to us based on recommendations from previous students or from administrators who have seen Graceland graduates in action. We also work hard to create a caring community dedicated to providing meaningful educational experiences. Students report feeling encouraged and supported by faculty, staff and peers at GU (Our latest student survey indicated a satisfaction rate in the high 90’s!).

2. Why should I become a doctoral prepared clinician?

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According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the DNP prepares nurses for the future. Healthcare is becoming increasingly complex and there is a critical need for clinicians prepared to design, evaluate, and continuously improve healthcare delivery systems. Nurses prepared at the doctoral level with a blend of clinical, organizational, economic and leadership skills will significantly impact health care outcomes.

4. Does this degree allow me to sit for any certifications?

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Some DNP degree programs do prepare graduates for APRN certification, however, our Post-MSN Organizational Leadership DNP does not. Our current MSN and post-MSN certificate programs prepare students for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification. A BSN-DNP pathway designed to prepare students for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner is planned for the future (whenever the DNP becomes the required credential for APRN certification).

5. How would the DNP help me continue in my FNP field of Study?

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Provides development of advanced skill in the areas of evidence based practice and organizational leadership. The DNP will not alter the current scope of practice for APRNs, but will better prepare them for their current roles given the calls for new models of education and the growing complexity of health care. We recommend that MSN-FNP and DNP students interested in faculty appointments complete the 12 s.h. Nurse Educator Certificate program as part of their documented preparation for the faculty role.

6. How would the DNP help me continue in my NE field of Study?

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A doctorate is considered the appropriate degree for a faculty role, however the DNP is not designed to prepare educators per se, any more than a PhD does. AACN recommends that graduates from all doctoral programs (PhD of DNP) who wish to be educators should have additional preparation that adds pedagogical skills to their base of clinical practice. We recommend that our MSN-FNP and DNP students complete the 12 s.h. Nurse Educator Certificate program as part of their documented preparation for the faculty role. Many academic institutions require a PhD for faculty wishing to pursue promotion and tenure. A PhD in Nursing Education is currently under development at GU-SON. Anticipate first enrollment in 2014.

8. What is the capstone project description?

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The DNP Capstone Project may take a number of forms. Evidence based practice is the common methodology that undergirds all of the varied capstone project forms. All projects are designed to improve either clinical outcomes or to resolve the gap between evidence and implementation of the evidence in clinical practices and community policies. The DNP Capstone Project is a nine semester hour (9 s.h.) “end-of-program practice immersion experience designed to support students in the achievement of learning objectives related to the DNP Essentials and specialty competencies” (DNP Essentials, 2006). Students select a specialty practice site to fulfill practice hours and complete the capstone project under the supervision and mentorship of a practice expert in the student’s home community. The specialty practice site may be any healthcare practice setting, including, but not limited to, a clinical agency, school, health department, private provider practice setting, educational institution, or government organization. An Agency Affiliation Agreement and Statement of Mutual Agreement are required prior to beginning any practice hours.

9. How are the capstone hours calculated by my preceptor?

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Project completion includes a total of 576 practice hours. Graduate level practice hours are based on a 1:4 ratio calculation with 1 semester hour of credit being equivalent to 64 clock hours completed across a 16 week semester. Both direct hours (hours spent at the practice site with the practice expert) and indirect hours (hours spent working on the DNP Capstone Project, but not necessarily in the practice site) are counted within this total. The nature of practice hours is mutually agreed upon between the student, the Doctoral Committee and cooperating agencies. Satisfactory completion of “a tangible and deliverable academic product” documents completion of practice hours.

12. Is Graceland University’s DNP program accredited?

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Yes, as much as possible at this point. We are fully approved by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) and the NCA Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Temporary approval has been granted by the Iowa State Board of Nursing and CCNE pending site visits for full approval. CCNE site visit is scheduled for Fall 2012 and the Iowa Board of Nursing visit is planned following graduation of first cohort in 2013. CCNE accreditation will include first graduates.

15. When will the DNP be required for the NP exam?

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This is unknown. In 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) published a position statement endorsing the DNP as the preferred credential/level of preparation for APRNs by 2015. However, this was/is an academic initiative. Master’s level preparation remains the current required credential for APRN certification. Credentialing (AANP & ANCC) and licensing (State Boards of Nursing) agencies determine eligibility criteria, not academic or accrediting institutions. At this time, neither credentialing agency nor any State Board of Nursing has set a specific date for establishing the DNP as the required credential for APRN certification/licensure eligibility. It is important to keep current with the specific requirements for APRN licensure in the state where you plan to practice as an APRN. It is anticipated that when/if a date is set it will be for 5-6 years after the announcement to allow students currently enrolled in MSN programs to complete their program of study.

Doctor of Nursing Practice - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the Graceland University DNP program better than other DNP programs?

2. Why should I become a doctoral prepared clinician?

3. What does organizational leadership prepare me to do?

4. Does this degree allow me to sit for any certifications?

5. How would the DNP help me continue in my FNP field of Study?

6. How would the DNP help me continue in my NE field of Study?

7. If I have my BSN and a Master’s in something else can I do the DNP program?

8. What is the capstone project description?

9. How are the capstone hours calculated by my preceptor?

10. How do we find preceptors?

11. If I have my BSN and my MSN in Administration or Nurse Educator and I take the Graceland University’s DNP program can I sit for the NP exam?

12. Is Graceland University’s DNP program accredited?

13. How many students do you take into the DNP program?

14. Do we follow the AACN DNP Essentials?

15. When will the DNP be required for the NP exam?

16. If you get your DNP do people refer to you as doctor?