BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner

Cizik School of Nursing is pleased to announce the addition of the BSN-DNP Nurse Practitioner to its academic offerings starting in Fall 2019. Students pursuing an MSN in the roles of family, psychiatric/mental health, or adult/gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (NP) are encouraged to explore this option which combines the graduate and doctoral coursework into one seamless degree.

The creation of an integrated BSN-DNP curriculum is in line with the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties' (NONPF) commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner education to the DNP degree by 2025 (NONPF para1, 2018). The program is not an addition to master's studies, but rather an integration of the objectives and learning opportunities required for attainment of doctoral level core and population-focused competencies, in this case DNP-prepared Family Nurse Practitioner focus or Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP. 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice doctorate that prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative evidence-based patient/population centered care in nursing and healthcare delivery that improves systems of care and influences patient outcomes.  The program focuses on interprofessional collaboration and developing competencies in practice, leadership, and quality improvement and safety that lead to enhanced outcomes important to patients, families, providers, and organizations. 

The campus is located in the Texas Medical Center where students enjoy the resources of a distinguished academic health science center within the world’s largest medical center. 

Curriculum

The listing here reflects the courses required to earn the BSN to DNP degree at UTHealth. Once admitted the advisor will create a per semester degree plan based on the pace of study selected. For the advanced practice core courses students should anticipate being on-campus approximately 4-5 times per semester for the didactic courses; this on-campus time lessens when entering the NP track/clinical courses. For the DNP core portion of the program, students are on-campus 2-3 times per semester for two consecutive days. The DNP schedule is posted at least one semester in advance so that arrangements can be made for time off work. 

Advanced Practice Core Courses for All BSN to DNP students
		Advanced Pathophysiology	3
		Advanced Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis (didactic)	2
		Advanced Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis (lab)	1
		Advanced Practice Role in Population Health	3
		Diagnostic Tests and Procedures	2
		Advanced Pharmacology	3
Family Nurse Practitioner Track Courses
		Family Nurse Practitioner I	3
		Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical I	4
		Family Nurse Practitioner II	3
		Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical II	3
		Family Nurse Practitioner Specialty III	2
		Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical Specialty III	4
		Family Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship	6
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track Courses
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner I	3
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical I	4
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner II	3
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical II	3
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty III	2
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Specialty	4
		Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Preceptorship	6
DNP Core Courses for All BSN-DNP Students
		Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice	3
		Nursing Research & Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice	3
		Writing for Publication
		Organizations and Systems Leadership	3
		Innovations and Transitions in Healthcare Delivery	2
		Health, Policy, Politics, and Ethics	3
		Evidence-Based Practice Principles	3
		Translational Science	3
		Data Analysis and Evaluation	3
		Practice Management	2
		The Business in Health Care	3
		Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care	3
DNP Project Development Courses for All BSN to DNP Students
		DNP Project I	1
		DNP Project Development II	1
		Clinical Scholarship Portfolio*	6
Total Credits			79

* There are 3, 1-credit hour N6830 Clinical Scholarship Portfolio (CSP) advisement credits scheduled in the degree plan. However, a student may need to be enrolled in N6830 during other semesters depending on the need for assistance from the advisor for work on the DNP Project or other CSP components. The student and advisor will assess the need for additional advisement credits each semester. 

• Course numbers ending in “W” denote courses that are web-based or mainly online that may require some on- campus class time.
• Course numbers ending in “D” denote courses that are taught through distance education and include a distance education fee.
• Course numbers ending in “B” denote courses that are clinical and include additional fees.

Consult the catalog for course descriptions, details about preceptorship and fellowship experiences, methods of teaching, and prerequisites. The Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston reserve the right to withdraw courses at any time, to change fees or tuition, calendar, curriculum, degree requirements, graduation procedures, and any other requirements affecting students. Changes will become effective whenever the proper authorities so determine and will apply to both prospective students and those already enrolled. Changes will be communicated when they occur. 

Student-Centered Support

Each DNP student is assigned an advisor/faculty mentor at the time of enrollment in the DNP program.  The advisor is selected based on clinical expertise and interest compatible with the student’s area of interest.  The advisor works with the student throughout the DNP program.

Scholarships and Financial Aid 

Cizik School of Nursing is proud of its commitment to doctoral education through the offering of merit and need-based scholarships and grants. The application process is competitive and begins during the application review cycle. 

Students interested in a BSN to DNP scholarship are encouraged to submit the Cizik School of Nursing Scholarship Application after applying for admission. 

Advantages of the Program

• Access to resources and experts in the largest medical center in the world
• On-line courses with concentrated on-campus class time
• Ability to pursue your degree while maintaining employment
• The DNP project may be conducted in your work environment or with community partners
• Students have access to clinical partnerships with Magnet and other high level clinical facilities
• Nationally recognized faculty with expertise and broad experience in advanced clinical practice, leadership, informatics, and quality improvement and safety
• Students have an advisor/mentor throughout the DNP program

DNP FAQ

Q: How are the clinicals for the program arranged? 

A: The University maintains contracts with a variety of agencies that support student clinical opportunities. Placements are individualized and based on competencies and  interest. There is no expectation of Cizik School of Nursing that a student pay a preceptor for this experience. There is an administrative assistance available to guide students in obtaining clinical opportunities. 

Q: If I enroll in the program, but decide to withdraw from the DNP portion - can I do that? 

A: The BSN-DNP program is actively looking for students committed to completing the entire DNP curriculum. As such, there is not a process that would allow a student to exit the program and receive an MSN degree when the NP clinical courses are completed. Students who experience issues which are impeding their success must consult their academic advisor to discuss options. 

Q: Can a student work and participate in the program simultaneously or is it recommended to not work? 

A: It is highly recommended for students who choose to work full-time to select the part-time enrollment option. The BSN-DNP program is rigorous and challenging; even with limited on-campus hours, there are commitment expectations that include a thorough review of materials, application of learning, online assignments, and writing. 

Q: Do I need to have a full year of experience prior to submitting my application?  

A: A student can apply to the program with less than the one year requirement however if admission is offered, the full year of experience must be completed prior to the start of the first semester. 

Q: If I attended UTHealth for my BSN do I need to request transcripts? 

A: No, if you attended Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth you are  not required to submit transcripts. However, if you completed coursework after your degree from UTHealth, then those official records are required. 

Q: Does this program meet the requirements for an F-1 visa student to attend? 

A: Unfortunately no the majority of the curriculum is online and does not meet the on-campus requirements needed to issue an F-1 visa. 

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post graduate APRN certificate programs at the Cizik School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).