Gannon University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares students as leaders in their practice area. Course content directs the DNP student to prepare, deliver and evaluate an evidence-based practice project in the clinical arena. This project is an immersion experience and not a research dissertation. Students may use their previous MSN level thesis work as a pilot study or starting point to develop the project. The program is offered as a “bridge program” or Master’s add-on from the MSN to the DNP that is 26 credits in length. It can be completed in three full-time semesters or four to six part-time semesters. It is offered to advanced practice RNs who hold active certification in their respective field. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. To comply with required educational changes, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) the Villa Maria School of Nursing is offering the addition of courses that will meet identified core content and core competencies outlined by the AACN specific to the practice doctorate.

At the conclusion of the course of study leading to the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Gannon University, the graduate will: be prepared as advanced practice nurses who are culturally sensitive, competent and safe practitioners and who deliver care and act as advocates for individuals, aggregates, and communities of varying diversity and socioeconomic levels; effectively use technology, large aggregate databases, and information systems to identify, use, and create therapeutic nursing interventions that promote health and prevent disease; identify, analyze, and create evidence-based solutions to individual practice and organizational health care dilemmas; synthesize and utilize ethical, legal, political, and advocacy methodologies to positively impact health care practice and health care delivery systems; promote collaborative and multidisciplinary delivery of health care as members of teams and organizations across the health care practice arena; provide quality nursing leadership and serve as mentors to other nurses, from novice nurses to nurses in advanced practice roles.