The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that prepares the graduate to provide the most advanced level of nursing care for individuals, families and communities. The outcomes for the program are consistent with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) specifications for practice doctoral programs in nursing in accordance with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program educates the advanced specialty nurse for expert practice in leadership and clinical roles in  a practice-focused doctoral program in nursing. TROY’s program enables nurses to become expert nurse leaders and collaborators in solving problems in health care systems. The program infuses the nursing community with qualified educators who can work with students in new practice settings, demonstrating evidence-based approaches to healthcare using strategic problem solving skills. The changing demands of the nation’s complex healthcare environment require the highest level of scientific knowledge and practice expertise to assure high quality patient outcomes.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is awarded on completion of course work with a 3.0 or better grade point average (GPA), and fulfillment of candidacy requirements. The successful completion of the comprehensive/qualifying examination is required for the post-BSN student.

Students are admitted in spring each year for enrollment in fall semester.  Students may enroll for full-time or part-time study.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is available online.

1. Evaluate advanced knowledge and theories from nursing and related disciplines for advanced practice nursing at the highest level.
2. Design quality, cost effective and innovative nursing care models based on the knowledge of interrelationships among nursing, organizational, political, and economic sciences.
3. Incorporate systems engineering concepts to prevent and solve complex health care delivery problems.
4. Translate research to transform nursing practice and support evidence-based nursing practice for diverse patient populations and organizations.
5. Provide leadership in the integration of technology and information systems for quality improvements in patient care and healthcare systems.
6. Develop effective practice standards for managing ethical issues inherent in patient care, health care organizations and research.
7. Initiate changes in health care systems through the design and implementation of health policies that strengthen the health care delivery system.
8. Evaluate system responses to health and illness as a basis for clinical prevention and population health services in rural and urban settings within a global market.
9. Demonstrate role competencies in a specialized area of advanced practice nursing as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) students will be admitted only under unconditional admission status. Conditional admission is not available for DNP applicants.

Admission to the program will be limited to number of available spaces. To be considered for unconditional admission to the DNP program the applicant must:

1. Hold a BSN or MSN degree from a nationally accredited program (NLNAC or CCNE).
2. Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) on all nursing coursework if post baccalaureate applicant or on all graduate coursework if post-masters applicant.
3. Submit official transcripts for all post-secondary academic study.
4. Earn a minimum GRE score of 850 (450 –verbal, 400 quantitative).
   Note: This requirement is waived for post-MSN applicants.
5. Possess a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in Alabama or in the state where clinical practice will occur.
6. Submit two letters of professional reference that address academic ability, professional competence, and leadership potential in nursing.
7. Complete a successful interview by the Nursing Graduate Admissions Committee.
8. Submit a 800-1000 word essay describing professional goals and how completion of the DNP program will enhance future roles and practice.
9. Submit a Resume that includes education, work experience in nursing, research experiences, publications, presentations, community service, professional memberships and service.
10. Possess a valid certification in advanced practice nursing from a nationally recognized credentialing body or be eligible to take a nationally recognized certification exam. Note: This requirement applies only to post-MSN applicants.
11. Submit documentation of academic clinical hours.
    Note: This requirement applies only to post-MSN applicants.

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All students enrolling in a clinical nursing course must have current, written documentation of the following clinical requirements:

1. Current unencumbered licensure as an RN for the state in which you will be having clinical experiences.
2. Professional liability insurance purchased through Troy University or a carrier designated by the MSN faculty.
3. Annual physical exam with TB skin test indicating sound health.
4. Results of serum titers for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella, indicating immune status.
5. Evidence of immunity to Hepatitis B or proof of beginning vaccination series.
6. Proof of BCLS certification (ACLS certification is acceptable).
7. Verification of current health insurance.
8. Negative drug screen certified by LabCorp Laboratories and Troy University School of Nursing medical officer prior to first clinical course.
9. Clear criminal background check.

All evidence documents must be valid from the time of registration through the end of the semester.

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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program of Study

Post Baccalaureate Clinical Nurse Specialist

Students enrolled in this program may choose one of two clinical focus options:

1. Adult Health Nursing
2. Maternal-Infant Health Nursing

Student enrolled in this program may choose from two role options:

1. Educator
2. Administrator

A minimum of 74 semester hours is required for completion of the DNP-CNS– Postbaccalaureate degree program.