BSN to DNP - Nurse Practitioner

Cizik School of Nursing has expanded to offering 4 population tracks. Students pursuing an MSN in these roles are encouraged to explore the BSN to DNP option, which allows students to seamlessly advance their education to the doctoral level.

Completers of BSN to DNP nurse practitioner tracks are eligible to take national certification exams and eligible for licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse in Texas. Requirements for other states vary and graduates should check individual state requirements prior to applying for an advanced practice status or license. 

The 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. 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.

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 student will be given a per semester degree plan. Lab classes may require several on-campus classes.  Most of the Nurse Practitioner specific courses are offered virtually with testing offered both remotely and on campus per the student’s preference.  

Advanced Practice Core Courses for All BSN to DNP students
	N6804W	Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP	3
	N6810W	Advanced Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis for DNP	2
	N6810B	Advanced Physical Examination and Differential Diagnosis Lab for DNP	1
	N6809W	Advanced Practice Role in Population Health for DNP	3
	N6811	Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for DNP	2
	N6901W	Advanced Pharmacology for DNP	3
DNP Core Courses for All BSN-DNP Students
	N6801	Scholarly Foundations for Advanced Practice	3
	N6806W	Research & Epidemiology for Evidence-Based Advanced Practice	3
	N6854	Writing for Publication	1
	N6847	Organizations and Systems Leadership	3
	N6842	Transitions and Innovations in Healthcare Delivery	2
	N6802	Health Policy, Politics, and Ethics	3
	N6807	Evidence-Based Practice Principles I	3
	N6808	Translational Science	3
	N6820	Data Analysis and Evaluation	3
	N6845	Practice Management	2
	N6851	The Business in Health Care	3
	N6858W	Information Systems/Technology for the Improvement of Health Care	3
DNP Project Development Courses for All BSN to DNP Students
	N6902B	DNP Project Clinical I (60 hours)	1
	N6903B	DNP Project Development II (60 hours)	1
	N6830	Clinical Scholarship Portfolio Development*	6
Total Credits			54

Effective Fall 2022

Advanced Practice Core Courses for All BSN to DNP students
	N7305	Professional APRN Practice	3
	N6804W	Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP	3
	N6901W	Advanced Pharmacology for DNP	3
	N7306	Clinical Reasoning & Diagnostic Skills	3
	N7307	Advanced Health Assessment & Differential Diagnoses	3
	N7533	Vulnerable Populations	4
	N7450W	Role Transition	3
DNP Core Courses for All BSN-DNP Students
	N7301	Translational Science I: Evidence Based Practice Foundations	6
	N7302	Translational Science II: Methodology	6
	N7303	Translational Science III: Implementation	4
	N7304	Translational Science IV: Knowledge Translation	4
	N7537	Informatics	2
	N6806W	Research and Epidemiology for Evidence-Based Advanced Practice	3
	N7538	Transforming  Health and Health Care Delivery	6
Total Credits			53

*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, 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. 

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Student-Centered Support

Each DNP student is assigned an advisor/faculty mentor at the time of enrollment in the DNP program. 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 interactive remote classes
• 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 pays 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: The school highly recommend students minimize their work schedule to give optimal time to prepare to practice. 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).