Doctor of Nursing Practice

Return to: Graduate Programs

Dr. Jacqueline Ochsenreither, Director
610.282.1100, ext. 2779
Jacqueline.Ochsenreither@desales.edu

The DeSales University Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program prepares nurses to function as collaborative colleagues in health care planning, in policy decision making, and in implementing and directing care.

Mission Statement

Mission and Philosophy of the Graduate Nursing Program

The mission and philosophy of DSU are fully espoused by the Division of Nursing Philosophy as illustrated through the Christian Humanism Model for Nursing. Christian humanism is a holistic paradigm, which emphasizes the importance of fostering each person’s full physical, intellectual, moral, social, aesthetic and religious development. The programs offered by the Division of Nursing support: the development of critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills; competence in implementing therapeutic interventions; the fostering of commitment to community service, and the preparation of students for successful and satisfying careers in nursing. This philosophy mirrors basic principles of Salesian teachings which avow that each person possesses inherent dignity and worth. The metaparadigm concepts integral to the domain of nursing are incorporated into the Division philosophy and are defined so that they are semantically consistent with the DSU mission and philosophy and the definitions incorporated within the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Social Policy Statement¹. The nursing faculty of the Division of Nursing aspire to operationalize the Division philosophy through the creation of learning environments where the principles of Christian humanism are fostered among nursing faculty, students, and recipients of nursing care. The Division of Nursing is structured with this philosophy in mind. The nursing faculty believe that learning is a shared experience and that students must be active participants in the educational process, and must be given the opportunity to fully develop. Each student is a unique person with differing value systems, motivations, life experiences, and knowledge.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and post-MSN APRN certificates at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Learning Outcomes

The primary goal of the DNP Program is to prepare clinical and executive experts in specialized areas of nursing through an integration of nursing science with the best practices evidenced by other disciplines (including medicine, ethics, economics, education, and public health). This program will contribute to the  creation of an advanced practice workforce that will respond to the complex demands of patients and the health care system. Nursing professionals with the DNP credential will serve in key leadership positions and activities designed to impact the health of individuals, families, and communities. This program will grant the terminal practice degree in nursing, namely, the Doctor of Nursing Practice. The DNP courses are built upon three major programmatic themes, namely Leadership, Practice Inquiry, and Advanced Nursing Practice.

The DNP program prepares graduates who:

1. Integrate Christian humanism in advanced nursing practice that values and facilitates full human development via partnerships with individuals and aggregates.
2. Initiate resolutions to ethical dilemmas arising from system or organizational conflict.
3. Analyze new knowledge and evidence based practice to deliver high quality health care, initiate policy change, and improve health care delivery practices for individuals and aggregates.
4. Demonstrate advancement of clinical practice that contributes to quality, safety, and improved health outcomes.
5. Apply advanced concepts of leadership and advocacy to influence policy, health systems, and consumerism in order to effect population health service improvement.
6. Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and consultation to meet the health needs of individuals and aggregates.
7. Synthesize seminal theoretical, ethical, and legal concepts into health care delivery practices.
8. Demonstrate proficiency in the application and evaluation of information technologies to meet the complex demands of health care.
9. Integrate cultural sensitivity through an awareness of global health concerns to decrease health disparities.
10. Design comprehensive care for complex patients across the lifespan utilizing innovative, evidence based methods.
11. Exemplify qualities required to assume leadership positions within the health care system, political arena, academic centers, and professional organizations.

DNP Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to the post-master’s DNP completion program are:

1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution;
2. For the clinical leadership track with or without the MBA option, a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
3. For the executive leadership track with or without the MBA option, a master’s degree in Health Administration, Health Policy, Clinical Informatics, Clinical Leadership/ Clinical Nurse Leader, or Public Health from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale;
4. Current licensure as a registered nurse in the United States;
5. **For the clinical leadership track with or without the MBA option, national certification as an advanced practice nurse (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA); international students are considered on a case-by-case basis relevant to their country’s advanced practice nursing equivalent;
6. For the clinical leadership track with or without the MBA option, completion of graduate level courses in advanced physical assessment, advanced pharmacology (minimum 45 instructional hours), and pathophysiology with a grade of B or higher;
7. For the clinical leadership track with or without the MBA option, evidence of a minimum of 500 precepted/supervised clinical practicum hours during the applicant’s advanced practice program;
8. For the clinical leadership track with or without the MBA option, evidence of the equivalent of 12 months of full-time nursing practice within the last three years*;
9. *For the CLT only with or without the MBA option:  new graduates are expected to obtain an APN position within the first six months of program matriculation.
10. **For the CLT only with or without the MBA option:  new graduates are expected to obtain APN certification within the first six months of program matriculation.
11. For the executive leadership track with or without the MBA option, the Director of the DNP Program will perform a gap analysis of all post-master’s applicant transcripts to determine the amount of practice hours post-baccalaureate that will be required in order to achieve the DNP competencies;
12. The program will provide up to 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours as part of a supervised program needed to achieve the 1,000 total hours that align with the corresponding DNP AACN Essential(s), and verify standards specific to advanced practice and executive leadership have been met.

Students planning on studying in the United States on an F-1 visa are ineligible to apply.  Please contact Leslie Bartholomew, Director of Admissions-Graduate and Adult Studies and Designated School Official at gradadmissions@desales.edu with any questions. 

Requirements for admission to the BSN-DNP NP tracks completion program are :

Specialty: Clinical Leadership: Nurse Practitioner

1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2. Students admitted to CRNP programs shall be currently licensed as a registered nurse (RN) or, if enrolled in an RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or RN to Nursing Doctorate (ND) program, shall complete all competencies for undergraduate requirements prior to taking graduate courses.
3. New graduates are expected to obtain RN licensure within the first semester of program matriculation.
4. New graduates are expected to obtain a RN position within the first semester of program matriculation-specific to track option selected.
5. Completion of an undergraduate level statistics course with a grade of “B” or higher.
6. Completion of an undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of “C” or higher.
7. New York, New Jersey, and Delaware RN licensures are also required prior to beginning the clinical sequence for all BSN-DNP Track NP specialty curriculum.
8. Current Healthcare Provider CPR or ACLS certification.
9. Successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken within the past two years, if English is not the native language; applicants must take the TOEFL iBT (Internet- based) format and achieve a minimum total score of 90.
10. .
11. The BSN-DNP Track Family/Individual Across the Lifespan specialty curriculum - evidence of 24 months of  care in the adult population prior to entering the clinical sequence.
12. For the BSN-DNP Track AG-ACNP specialty curriculum - evidence of 24 months of adult acute care /ICU specialty area (i.e. medical/surgical ICU, trauma ICU, neuro/neurosurgical ICU, cardiac ICU, open heart unit, burn unit)  experience prior to entering the clinical sequence;
13. For the BSN-DNP Track PMHNP specialty curriculum - evidence of 24 months of psych mental health experience prior to entering the clinical sequence.

* Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, iBT, IELTS, or CAE) as part of their application. An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the Division of Nursing at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034. Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• The Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

* All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program.

Students planning on studying in the United States on an F-1 visa are ineligible to apply.  Please contact Leslie Bartholomew, Director of Admissions-Graduate and Adult Studies and Designated School Official at gradadmissions@desales.edu with any questions.

Graduate Language Requirements

International applicants (regardless of citizenship) for whom English is a second language must submit English proficiency test scores as part of their application.

Please note that graduate admissions requires the following minimum scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or the C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)):

TOEFL:               90
IELTS:                 6.5
C1 Advanced:   C1 or higher

Language skills assessment and other exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee.  An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034.

Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Web site at www.ets.org/toefl
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  https://www.ielts.org/
• The Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE): http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/proficiency/

Language Requirement Exceptions

Language skills assessment and other exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee. Examples of some language requirement exceptions could include:

• If an applicant completed a degree from a postsecondary institution in an English-speaking country
• If an applicant attended a U.S. community college, college, or university full-time for at least two years with- out English of Speakers with Other Languages (ESOL) coursework
• If an applicant has worked full-time in the U.S. for at least two years (non-healthcare programs only)

An official copy of test results must be sent by the testing agency directly to the appropriate program at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034.

Visit the following websites for up-to-date information:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Web site at www.ets.org/toefl
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) https://www.ielts.org/
• The Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE): http://www. cambridgeenglish.org/exams/proficiency/

*All exams must have been taken within two years of application to a DeSales program

DNP Application Procedure

Requirements for application to the Post-MSN Tracks only-:

One cohort will be accepted annually for a fall semester start. The admission process will follow the following time line:

April 15: All application materials due
April 15-30: Application packets reviewed
May 1-15: Interviews are conducted for select applicants
May 30: Applicants notified of acceptance
June 15: Deposit due
June 30: Reserve/wait-listed applicants notified of space

NOTE: All Post-MSN track applicants must apply and submit required forms and documentation via DeSales University (https://www.desales.edu/applygrad) or via NursingCAS (https://portal.nursingcas.org).

Further information regarding the application process is available at desales.edu/dnp. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following as part of their application:

1. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. All transcripts from any degree-granting institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Inc., with the resulting report submitted directly to the Division of Nursing*. Visit www.naces.org for more information;
2. Applicants from a country where the official language is other than English must submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the past two years*. Visit www.ets.org for more information. DeSales University’s institutional reporting code is 2021;
3. Résumé or curriculum vitae; this should reflect all evidence of professional career achievements, publications, presentations, or other forms of professional scholarship;
4. The Vision Statement: should describe the applicant’s goals for a leadership role as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate as well as the applicant’s reason for applying to the DeSales University’s DNP Program. The Vision Statement should clearly express the applicant’s professional goals and how participation in the DeSales DNP Program will enhance those goals.
   
   Additionally, the applicant should submit an Inquiry Question that identifies a question of clinical interest or a practice problem that will serve as the clinical inquiry topic for the final DNP Scholarly Project (SP). The scope of the DNP SP should be large enough to result in a system-wide change at the organizational, regional, or national level; a new or revised state health policy; or the establishment of a significant new health service for a population or geographic region. The purpose of the Inquiry Question is to demonstrate the applicant’s insight into the topic of scientific inquiry so faculty can evaluate written communication and research skills. The appropriate length of the combined Vision Statement and Inquiry Question should be between 3-5 pages.
5. Copy of current RN license and other national certifications as applicable.

* Please note the program is mostly online, other than the on-site residencies, so those students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa are not eligible to apply.  Please contact Leslie Bartholomew, Director of Admissions-Graduate and Adult Studies and Designated School Official at gradadmissions@desales.edu with any questions. Admission process/requirements are rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DNP program. Applicants selected for potential admission are required to have an interview before a final admission decision is rendered. Interviews will be conducted in person and will only be scheduled once all application materials have been received. In cases of travel hardship, a telephone or electronic conference may be substituted.

Once an admission decision has been reached and notification of the decision has been sent to the applicant, the decision is considered final and the application is closed. Information related to closed applications is not discussed with the applicant or the applicant’s designees. There are no appeals.

Offers of admission will be made by May 30 or earlier if a complete admissions packet is received and approved for the cohort to begin in the subsequent fall semester. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due by June 15 in order to maintain the student’s offer of admission to that cohort. Students who have not deposited by June 15 will be considered to have withdrawn their application, and a student from the waiting list will be offered their seat. All waitlisted students will receive communication by June 30 as to whether or not a seat is available for them.

For special circumstances requiring that an admitted student defer from beginning the program, a deferral may be requested and granted for one year from the original admission date without requiring the student to pay any additional fees. A deferral of admission may only be granted one time.

Students who have not completed one or more of the pre-requisite courses can complete those courses at DeSales University or at another accredited university. Critical content areas in each of those courses is available to applicants on the DNP website. Before enrolling in a pre-requisite course at another university, students must seek approval of the course from the Director of the DNP Program.

Requirements for application to the BSN-DNP NP tracks only:

One cohort will be accepted annually for a fall semester start. The admission process will follow the following timeline:

April 15: All application materials due April 15-30: Application packets reviewed

May 1-15: Interviews are conducted for select applicants

May 30: Applicants notified of acceptance

June 15: Deposit due

June 30: Reserve/wait-listed applicants notified of space

NOTE: All BSN-DNP NP track applicants must apply and submit required forms and documentation via DeSales University (https://www.desales.edu/academics/graduate-studies/doctor-of-nursing-practice) Updated to https://discover.desales.edu/apply/

Further information regarding the application process is available at desales.edu/dnp.

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements required for individual track(s) and submit the following as part of their applications:

1.  Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (when applicable). All transcripts from any degree-granting institution outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Inc., with the resulting report submitted directly to the Division of Nursing.  Visit www.naces.org for more information.

2. Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the past two years. Visit www.ets.org for more information. DeSales University’s institutional reporting code is 2021;

3.  Three letters of reference: one from an undergraduate (BSN-DNP Track applicant only) and /or graduate (Post-MSN Track applicant only) program faculty member or someone who can attest to the applicant’s academic aptitude; one from the present employer/ supervisor; and one from an individual who has known the applicant in a professional capacity.

4.  Résumé or curriculum vitae; this should reflect all evidence of professional career achievements, publications, presentations, or other forms of professional scholarship.

5. The Vision Statement is a 500-750-word description of the applicant’s future intentions and goals upon completion of a particular BSN-DNP NP track as a DNP graduate. The Vision Statement should clearly express the applicant’s reasons for applying to DeSales University’s DNP Program, the applicant’s professional and leadership goals, and how participation in DeSales University’s DNP Program will aid in achieving those goals.

Additionally, the applicant should submit an Inquiry Question that identifies a question of clinical interest or a practice problem that will serve as the clinical inquiry topic for the final DNP Scholarly Project (SP).  The scope of the DNP SP should be large enough to result in a system-wide change at the organizational, regional, or national level; a new or revised state health policy; or the establishment of a significant new health service for a population or geographic region. The purpose of the Inquiry Question is to demonstrate the applicant’s insight into the topic of scientific inquiry so faculty can evaluate written communication and research skills.  The appropriate length of the combined Vision Statement and Inquiry Question should be between 3-5 pages.

6.  Copy of current RN license and other national certifications as applicable.

7. New graduates are expected to obtain RN licensure within the first semester

8. New graduates are expected to obtain a RN position within the first semester of program matriculation.

The admission process and requirements are rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the DNP program.  Applicants selected for potential admission are required to have an interview before a final admission decision is rendered. Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom and will only be scheduled once all application materials have been received.

Offers of admission will be made by May 30 or earlier if a complete admissions packet is received and approved for the cohort to begin in the subsequent fall semester. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due by June 15 in order to maintain the student’s offer of admission to that cohort. Students who have not deposited by June 15 will be considered to have withdrawn their application, and a student from the waiting list will be offered their seat. All waitlisted students will receive communication by June 30 as to whether or not a seat is available for them.

For special circumstances requiring that an admitted student defer from beginning the program, a deferral may be requested and granted for one year from the original admission date without requiring the student to pay any additional fees. A deferral of admission may only be granted one time.

Students who have not completed one or more of the pre-requisite courses can complete those courses at DeSales University or at another accredited university. Critical content areas in each of those courses is available to applicants on the DNP website. Before enrolling in a pre-requisite course at another university, students must seek approval of the course from the Director of the DNP Program.

DNP Transfer Policy

Courses taken for transfer must be pre-approved in writing by the Director of the DNP Program. The DNP Program may accept up to six credits/two courses in transfer based upon the following criteria:

Post- MSN tracks-

1. Doctoral level course work must have been completed within the past two years;
2. Doctoral level course work must be from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited college or university;
3. Grades for transfer courses must be a “B” or higher;
4. Transfer credits are not calculated into the cumulative GPA that the student achieves while a DNP student at DeSales University.

BSN-DNP track options-

1. Master’s level course work must have been completed within the past five (5) years except for the following courses, which must be taken within the past two (2) years:
   • Advanced Health and Physical Assessment
   • Advanced Pharmacology (minimum of 45 semester hours)
   • Pathophysiology​

Due to the need to apply current didactic content to the clinical practicum component;

2. Master’s level course work must be from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited college or university;
3. Grades for transfer courses must be a “B” or higher;
4. Transfer credits are not calculated into the cumulative GPA that the student achieves while a DNP student at DeSales University.

An official transcript must accompany the request for transfer of credit. The student must also provide a syllabus and topical outline for any course requested for transfer. Determination of equivalency of scope, subject matter, and student learning outcomes will be made by the Director of the DNP Program.

General DNP Progression Policies

The following policies apply to all DNP students in all tracks and track options of  the DNP Program:

Student Retention and Progression Criteria:

1. Doctoral students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and receive a grade of PO (for Pass/Fail courses) or B or higher in all courses.
2. All nursing courses have the following grading scale:

Grades are not rounded up or down. All grades are calculated and recorded to the one hundredth decimal place when determining course grades and progression.

3. A student who receives a grade of “B-” or below in a course must repeat that course and achieve a grade of “B” or higher before progressing in the program. If the student achieves a grade less than “B” for a second time, the student will be dismissed from the program. Course failure is defined as any course grade less than the required minimum course grade.
4. Only one course may be repeated due to not achieving the minimum grade of “B” based on the above criteria; students achieving a grade less than a “B” in a second course will be automatically dismissed from the program.
5. Students who must repeat a course will be withdrawn from their current cohort. The student must meet with the Director of the DNP Program to determine when the required course can be completed, subject to availability of seating in subsequent cohorts.
6. Students who wish to alter their program plan must petition the Director of the DNP Program, as previously outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Any student who does not follow their signed program plan, for any reason, may not be assured continuance in the program. Exceptions to this policy may be appealed on an individual basis in accordance with the DeSales University grievance procedure.

Academic Probation:

7. If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0 due to a course grade of “B-” or lower, the student is placed on academic probation. Students unable to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 within six credits, or two courses, following the successful completion of the repeated course, will be dismissed from the program.
8. The DNP SP Chair and/or the Director of the DNP Program may request a review for student academic probation by the Graduation Admissions and Standards Committee (GASC) if he or she determines that the student is not making satisfactory progress on meeting the Scholarly Project benchmarks. This is generally evidenced by the student’s failure to meet agreed upon timelines for project activities. If the GASC determines that probation is warranted, a detailed Probation Letter, including all expectations and dates for resolution, will be sent to the student. Failure to meet the stipulations of the Probation Letter will result in dismissal from the DNP Program.
9. A student may be placed on academic probation only once throughout the program. A student placed on academic probation for a second time will be immediately dismissed from the program.

Incomplete:

10. Students with an “Incomplete” on the transcript may not register for another course until the “Incomplete” is resolved and the minimum course grade is achieved. An exception to this policy is made for NU 820, DNP Scholarly Project, which is graded “Pass/Fail.” Students who do not achieve the learning outcomes for NU 820 will receive an “Incomplete” for the course, and must continue to register for NU 822 Scholarly Project Advisement every semester until a “Pass” is achieved in NU 820. Students will receive a designation of “NG” for NU 822, since there is no basis for a grade. Students are referred to the Statute of Limitations Policy that allows for a maximum of four years, starting from the date of enrollment in the first course, for completion of the DNP program.
11. Courses that result in a grade of either “Pass/Fail” or “NG” are not calculated into the overall GPA.

12. Students must pass both the theory and residency portions of a course in order to progress through the entire course. Achieving a grade less than “B” in either the residency or theory component results in a failure for the entire course.

​Academic Dismissal:

13. A student has the right to appeal an academic dismissal in writing in accordance with the DeSales University Grievance Policy outlined in the Graduate Catalog. The words “Academic Dismissal” appear on the official transcript of a student who is dismissed for academic reasons.
14. Program dismissal may result from a variety of non-academic circumstances, including, but not limited to, scholastic dishonesty, unethical behavior, or non-professional behavior. These circumstances are fully described in the Graduate Catalog.

Academic Due Process

The Division of Nursing adheres to the DeSales University policy and procedures for addressing formal student complaints or appeals (also known as “Grievance”). Students are referred to the Graduate Catalog for “Academic Due Process” policies and procedures regarding formal student complaints and appeals/grievances.

Remediation/Retention Policy

Students who do not progress in a clinical course, whether for didactic or clinical non-progression, and who wish to return the following year to complete or repeat the course must develop a Remediation/Retention Plan in conjunction with the course faculty, Specialty Track Director, and DNP Director.  Students are required to self-identify goals for improvement and methods by which those goals will be addressed during their absence from the DNP program. The course faculty will complete the remainder of the plan in conjunction with the student in order to help prepare the student for returning to class and to assure maintenance of skills and knowledge in the intervening period.

DNP Admission to Candidacy

Post MSN tracks:

DNP students are granted candidacy upon IRB approval of the Scholarly Project proposal and successful completion of all of the following course work: NU 800 Leadership for Practice, NU 802 Evidence Based Practice I, NU 807 Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics, NU 808 Health Policy and Ethics, NU 810 Translational Research, NU 812 Healthcare Informatics. In addition, students in the Clinical Leadership track with or without the MBA option must complete NU 804 Health Outcomes Management; students in the Executive Leadership track with or without the MBA option must complete FD 505 Foundations in Business and NU 813 Special Topics (if applicable).

BSN-DNP tracks:

DNP students are granted candidacy upon IRB approval of the Scholarly Project proposal and successful completion of all of the following course work: NU 800 Leadership for Practice, NU 802 Evidence Based Practice I, NU 804 Health Outcomes Management , NU 808 Health Policy and Ethics, NU 810 Translational Research, and NU 812 Healthcare Informatics.

After admission to candidacy, students in the Executive Leadership track with MBA option are required to register, in sequence, for the following courses: NU 809 Financial and Managerial Accounting, NU 801 Marketing Management, NU 805 Business Computing, NU 816 Scholarship Residency, NU 818 Leadership Residency, and NU 820 Scholarly Project and Portfolio Completion. Students in the Clinical Leadership track with MBA option are required to register, in sequence, for the following courses: NU 814 Evidence Based Practice II, NU 816 Scholarship Residency, NU 818 Leadership Residency, and NU 820 Scholarly Project and Portfolio Completion. In additions, students in the Clinical Leadership with MBA program track must complete FD 505 Foundations of Business. Students must complete all courses listed as required for the program track in which they are enrolled. Candidacy is an automatic process based on the above criteria.

A student is considered matriculated once they have been accepted into the program and have successfully completed their first course.

Students requiring more than one semester to complete NU 820 are required to register for NU 822: Scholarly Project Advisement each semester until successful completion within the statute of limitations. Students are charged the full corresponding tuition and fees associated with this continual enrollment, including any annual professional fees incurred due to length of time in the program.

DNP Leave of Absence

Students who have matriculated into the DNP program may request a leave of absence (LOA) for personal, financial, family, or other reasons. A student who has received full acceptance to the DNP program and has successfully completed at least one DNP course is considered matriculated. A LOA is ordinarily granted only once throughout the program, and ordinarily may not exceed 12 months.

Students requesting a LOA must put their request in writing to their DNP SP Chair, Specialty Track Director, (BSN-DNP Track), and the Director of the DNP Program. The request must include the student’s plan for completion of the DNP after the LOA. The LOA Form can be obtained from the Brightspace organization “DNP Program”.

LOA requests are considered jointly among the Director of the DNP Program, the Head of the Division of Nursing, and the student’s DNP SP Chair. If a student is granted a LOA the student will be withdrawn from their current cohort and a place will be reserved for them in the following cohort.

Students who do not register for a course by the designated LOA end date will be considered withdrawn from the program and must complete the application and admittance process should they seek re- enrollment. Re-admittance into the program is not guaranteed. If re-acceptance is granted the student is subject to all policies and procedures currently in place at the time of re-acceptance.

DNP Course Add and Drop

A student may drop or add a course by the date noted on the academic calendar. The dropped course is not listed on the student’s permanent transcript. Dropping or adding a course requires the approval of the student’s SP Committee Chair and the Director of the DNP Program.

Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment according to the DNP curriculum plan. Students who choose to drop a required course will be withdrawn from the current cohort. The student must meet with their SP Committee Chair to determine when the required course can be completed, subject to availability of seating in subsequent cohorts.

DNP Plan of Study Change

Post-MSN Track

Students who wish to alter a program plan must petition the Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program as previously outlined in the Graduate Catalog.

Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment according to the DNP curriculum plan.  Students who choose to drop a required course will be withdrawn from the current cohort.  The student must meet with their DNP SP Chair to determine when the required course can be completed, subject to availability of seating in subsequent cohorts.

BSN-DNP Track

Students who wish to alter a BSN-DNP specialty curriculum plan of study must petition the Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program as previously outlined in the Graduate Catalog. Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment according to the BSN-DNP Track specialty curriculum plan.  Students who choose to drop a required course will be withdrawn from the current cohort.  The student must meet with their DNP Director and Specialty Track Director to determine when the required course can be completed, subject to seating availability and/or clinical placement.

DNP Course Withdrawal

A student may withdraw from a course either during or after the official withdrawal period noted on the academic calendar with the permission from the Director of the DNP Program. However, tuition is not refunded after the deadline for official withdrawal.

A student who withdraws during the first half of the course will be given a grade of W, WP, or WF. The grade depends upon the completion of course requirements as of the date of withdrawal. Withdrawal after the second half of the course has begun results in a failing grade (F), except in cases exempted by the appropriate admissions and academic policies committee as the result of the student’s appeal.

Withdrawal from a course at any point must be approved by both the student’s DNP SP Chair, Specialty Track Director (BSN-DNP Track), and the Director of the DNP Program. Students who wish to withdraw from a course after the add/drop period must complete a “Graduate Course Withdrawal” form, which can be obtained from the Brightspace organization “DNP Program”.

Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment according to the DNP curriculum plan. Students granted a course withdrawal will be withdrawn from the current cohort. The student must meet with their DNP SP Committee Chair to determine when the required course may be completed, subject to availability of seating in subsequent cohorts.

DNP Program Withdrawal

Students who wish to withdraw from the DNP program at any point after acceptance must complete a Graduate Program Withdrawal form, which can be obtained from the Brightspace Organization GRP-NU-DNP-11: DNP Program “DNP Program Withdrawal Form”. Students must immediately resolve all financial indebtedness to the University.

Students seeking re-admittance to the DNP program may formally re-apply to the program. Re-admittance into the program is not guaranteed.

Students who have been considered withdrawn from the DNP program for a second time may not be considered for future readmittance.

Course Withdrawal Refund Amount

Withdrawal during the add/drop period: 100% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 1st class after the close of the add drop period: 80% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 2nd class after the close of the add drop period: 65% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 3rd class after the close of the add drop period: 50% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 4th class after the close of the add drop period: 25% of tuition refunded

Withdrawal after the 5th class after the close of the add drop period: No refund

DNP Program Completion Policy

The maximum time for completion of the DNP program is four years from the date of enrollment in the first course for students in the Post-MSN Track and six years for students in the BSN-DNP track. This includes any time elapsed due to an approved leave of absence or time associated with failure to progress.  Exceptions to this policy may be appealed on an individual basis in accordance with the DeSales University “Academic Due Process” procedure.

Academic Schedule

The DNP program’s Post- MSN tracks are designed for full-time or part-time study. The DNP program’s BSN-DNP NP track options are designed for full-time study. Courses are offered in the fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters. Scheduling of courses is planned to meet the needs of nurses who are employed full-time.

The DNP Academic Calendar may be found at https://www.desales.edu/academics/graduate-studies/doctor-of-nursing-practice.

The Division of Nursing reserves the right to cancel courses for insufficient enrollment. A minimum number of registrants is generally six students.

Student Status

A full-time student is one who carries at least six (6) credits in a given term.

A part-time student is one who carries at least three (3) credits in a given term.

Registration and Advising Policies

The original curriculum plan may be amended, depending upon course availability, and only after consultation with and approval by the Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. However, there is no guarantee that changes will meet the student’s timeline for program completion due to course timing, sequencing, and enrollment. Students who wish to alter a program plan, take a LOA, or change their part-time or full-time student status must petition the Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program as previously outlined.

The registration process is conducted online using Self Service (accessible at https://portal.desales.edu). Registration for classes generally begins six to eight weeks before the first class meeting. Students registering for their first course must do so through the Division of Nursing and follow their approved plan of study.

The University reserves the right to limit enrollment or cancel a class if enrollment is not sufficient.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees are available at http://www.desales.edu/academics/academic-programs/detail/dnp-clinical-leadership.

Matriculation

A student is considered matriculated once they have been accepted into the program and have successfully completed their first course.

Graduation Requirements

The DNP degree is awarded to candidates who have satisfied the following requirements:

1. Completion of the approved course of graduate study.
2. A GPA of at least 3.0 for all course work related to the degree.
3. Demonstration of grades at the level of B or better in all courses. (A grade of PO is required in all Pass/Fail courses.)
4. Resolution of all Incomplete grades.
5. Resolved financial obligations to the University.
6. Payment of the graduation fee.
7. Successful defense of a final Scholarly Project and submission of final Scholarly Project, via ProQuest, to DeSales Trexler Library.

Program of Study

The program of study reflects the philosophy of the Division of Nursing. The outcomes of the programs emanate from the statements of belief concerning being human in contemporary society, the relationship of the nurse to the patient, and the responsibilities of the nurse in delivering health care today and in the future.

Practicum and Specialty Courses - DNP/MBA

Courses toward the joint DNP/MBA degrees are offered through both the Division of Nursing and the Masters of Business Administration program. In the full-time DNP degree is completed over seven (7) semesters. The MBA degree is then completed over the following 5 semesters. Both degrees can be completed over a total of 13 semesters. In the part-time plan of study option both the Clinical Leadership and Executive Leadership DNP degree can be completed over ten (10) semesters, or the Executive Leadership DNP degree has an additional thirteen (13) semester option. The MBA degree is then completed over the following eight (8) semesters for the Clinical Leadership Track and seven (7) semesters for the Executive Leadership Track.

If a student wants to complete a single degree after matriculation into the dual degree program, he/she must petition both program directors and request reclassification as a single degree student.

Residencies- Post- MSN Tracks

Virtual attendance for the DNP Orientation is mandatory for all students. Students enrolled may need to return to campus for their final semester to defend their Scholarly Project. Students enrolled in the BSN-DNP NP track option may BE REQUIRED TO be on-campus, in residence, Friday through Sunday, or at other times based on track option or course requirements (NU 745  and NU 622 ).

Online class session attendance expectations (e.g. virtual classroom experiences in synchronous format) are described in individual course syllabi. Students are strongly encouraged to notify the instructor ahead of time if they miss a synchronous online session. Of note, all classes, assignments, and due dates occur in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Residency Schedule for PT Option Students (only):

The Virtual Residency session schedules for the DNP PT option are listed below. These include PT DNP Program students who are matriculating into the following tracks/options: DNP in Clinical Leadership with or without MBA option; DNP in Executive Leadership 3-year option; DNP in Executive Leadership with MBA option; or DNP in Executive Leadership 4-year option.

Part-time DNP in Clinical Leadership with or without MBA option

Year 1: Fall

Year 2: Fall, Spring

Year 3: Fall, Winter, Spring

Part-time DNP in Executive Leadership, 3-year option

Year 1: Fall

Year 2: Fall, Spring

Year 3: Fall, Winter, Spring

Part-time DNP in Executive Leadership with MBA option

Year 1: Fall

Year 2: Fall, Spring

Year 4: Fall, Winter, Spring

Part-time DNP in Executive Leadership, 4-year option

Year 1: Fall

Year 2: Fall, Spring

Year 4: Fall, Winter, Spring

New DNP cohorts will be in residence for an initial virtual session for 2 to 4 days for orientation and an introduction to the first one to two courses, depending on full-time or part-time status and track option. A thorough orientation of the program, curriculum, policies, procedures, technology, and course methods will be provided. A brief outline of activities and content per semester are summarized below.

Year 1: Fall

Day 1

• Introductions to Faculty & Staff
• Student Introductions
• Campus Tour/Student ID
• Library Tour
• DNP Course Descriptions
• Plans of Study Review
• DNP Student Expectations
• DNP Handbook
• DNP Scholarly Project (SP) Handbook
• Timeline for Completion
• Benchmark Matrix
• Clinical Hour Sheets (Signatures)
• Handbook Acknowledgement (Signatures)
• “DNP Program” Organization on Brightspace
• Academic Calendar
• Textbooks - APA 7th Edition-Reference

Day 2

• Introduction to Technology Learning Platforms
• MyDSU/Self Service
• DSU Parking Permits
• Brightspace
• Safe Assign
• Project Concert
• DNP Portfolio
• Financial Aid

Day 3

• NU 800 - course content
• Inter-professional education (IPE) presentation

Year 2: Fall

Day 1

• Review of Timeline for Completion
• Review of Benchmark Matrix
• Review DNP Scholarly Project Committee Form
• NU 802 - course content

Year 2: Spring

Day 1

• Review of Timeline for Completion
• Review of Benchmark Matrix
• Review DNP Scholarly Project Approval Form, IRB Application - DeSales University IRB Committee, DNP Scholarly Project Draft #1
• NU 810 - course content

Zoom sessions in the Summer may be required for all Executive Leadership track and Clinical Leadership with MBA track students who need NU 812 and/or NU 813                   

Year 3/4: Fall

Day1

• Review of Timeline for Completion
• Review of Benchmark Matrix
• IRB Applications - DeSales University/Study Institution of Record
• Residency/Practicum Paperwork/Logs
• Information on Winter DNP Scholarly Project Defense Proposal presentation
• IPE Presentation
• MBA - course content online
• *NU 814/NU816 content - this is a two-day residency for some track options

Year 3/4: Winter

Day 1

• Review of Benchmark Matrix and Timeline for Completion
• Residency/Practicum Paperwork/Logs
• Information of DNP Scholarly Project Final Defense
• NU 818 - course content
• Review DNP Scholarly Project Defense Proposal for Day 2- two-day residency for all track options​

Day 2

• DNP Scholarly Project Defense Proposal presentation

Year 3/4: Spring

Day 1

• Review of Benchmark Matrix and Timeline for Completion
• Review guidelines: DNP Portfolio
• Review guidelines: Final Poster
• Review guidelines: DNP SP Final Draft
• Review guidelines: Final Evaluations
• Review guidelines: DNP SP Final Defense
• Review guidelines: Journal Query
• APA presentation: Figures. Graphs
• NU 820 - course content

Year3/4

June to be scheduled

• Defense of completed and approved final Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project

BSN-DNP NP Tracks

Residency Schedule for BSN-DNP NP track option students (only):

New DNP cohorts will be in residence for an initial virtual session for two (2) days for a thorough orientation to the program, curriculum, policies, procedures, technology, and course methods will be provided.

Subsequent cohorts may be required to be in residence on-campus for two-three days, Friday through Sunday (varies).

The Residency session schedules for the BSN-DNP-NP track options are listed below. These include all BSN-DNP NP track students who are matriculating into the following tracks/options:

• BSN-DNP Track Family/Individual Across the Lifespan(FNP) Specialty Curriculum
• BSN- DNP Track Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Specialty Curriculum
• BSN-DNP Track Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Specialty Curriculum

Year 1- Fall

• Orientation mid-August

Year 2- Fall

• Scholarly Project (SP) Workshop #1 mid-August

Year 2- Spring

• SP Workshop #2 early April

Year 3- Fall

• Clinical Boot Camp mid-August

Year 4- Fall

• SP Workshop #3 early August

Year 4- Winter

• DNP SP Defense Proposal Presentation early January

Year 4- Spring

• Final DNP SP Defense early June

Programs

• BSN-DNP, Clinical Leadership: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) (DNP)
• BSN-DNP, Clinical Leadership: Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) (DNP)
• BSN-DNP, Clinical Leadership: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
• BSN-DNP, Clinical Leadership: Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) (DNP)
• Nursing Practice, Clinical Leadership (DNP)
• Nursing Practice, Clinical Leadership with Business Administration (DNP/MBA)
• Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership (DNP)
• Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership with Business Administration (DNP/MBA)

Return to: Graduate Programs