Department of Nursing

Program Description

The DNP program in the Department of Nursing is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses at the highest clinical level.  The DNP program will graduate community leaders who have the knowledge and skills to address the health disparities of vulnerable and rural populations.  The program will prepare graduates to function in a variety of community and acute care health settings as primary care providers, leaders, managers, and consultants.

The Post-Master's DNP Certificate Program is a 29 credit hour online program for nurses with previous advanced practice preparation (Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Anesthetists).  The online program can be completed with full-time study in 14 months (or four (4) semesters), or party-time study.

The BSN to DPN program is an 82 credit hour program that will prepare graduates to practice in the family nurse practitioner role.  The program will consist of courses in online and on-campus formats.  The program will be available to students from Missouri.  The program can be completed in three (3) years of full-time study.  Part-time study is not an option for the BSN - DNP.

DNP Program Requirements

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning December 1 for the summer admission and applications will be taken until the class is filled.

The applicant must:

1. Meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate College at Missouri State University, including complete, official transcripts of all college programs and course work.
2. Complete an application to the DNP program.
3. Submit a $50 nonrefundable application fee to the Department of Nursing.  This fee is in addition to the regular MSU Graduate Application Fee.
4. Graduate from an Advanced Practice Nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC).  (Post Master's only).
5. Graduate from a Bachelor of Science (BNS) program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation (NLNAC).  Graduates from international nursing programs will be considered on an individual basis.  (BSN - DNP only).
6. Submit evidence of current certification in an area of Advanced Nursing Practice: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist.  (Post Master's only).
7. Complete a minimum of clinical practice experience that equates with one year of full-time experience.  (Post Master's only).
8. Hold a current unencumbered RN license from a state within the United States, and any state in which clinical practicums will occur.
9. Have a cumulative GPA of all previous graduate-level education course work of 3.25 (on a 4.00 scale) or above.  Students who have less than a 3.25 cumulative GPA must submit verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE).  See current Graduate Catalog Admission section for minimum GRE requirements.
10. Submit evidence of current health insurance.
11. Submit evidence of current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Professionals approved by the American Heart Association.
12. Complete all prerequisite courses; healthcare infomatics, and a graduate course in statistics with a grade of "C" or higher before the program begins.
13. Meet technical standards of the program in order to successfully undertake the course of study (available by request from the program).
14. Submit evidence of current immunizations or immune status (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, Hepatitis B series) and a PPD (or chest X-ray or documentation of appropriate follow up for PPD positive individuals).
15. Submit an essay (see application packet online).

16.   Submit a current resume or a curriculum vita, including all previous leadership activities or experiences.

17.   Three recommendation from healthcare professionals with a master's degree or higher that can address the applicant's potential as a clinician, leader and scholar using the standardized DNP reference form.

18.   Be prepared to meet the requirements of an online program.

 Admission Process

For applicants with complete admission packet

1. Applicant's who demonstrate a match between their project goals and the areas of expertise of the faculty will be given priority in the admission process.
2. Competitive applicants will be invited to interview with the DNP Admission Committee.  An interview is required to determine the fit between the candidate's goals, and the DNP program and faculty.
3. Applicant's must apply and pay for the state/federal Background Check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as an advanced practice nurse or completion of clinical experiences in clinical settings.
4. Pay for and complete a urine drug screen without disqualifying offenses.

 Selection Factors

Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for placement into agencies for clinical experiences.  Some agencies require annual screening and affidavits.

RETENTION POLICIES

To remain in the DNP program, the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of "B" (3.00) and no hours of graduate work below a grade of "C".  Receive a "pass" in all clinical evaluations.
2. Not repeat more than one course.
3. Complete all requirements for the program by the (a) 5th year after admission into the BSN-DNP program, or (b) 3rd year after admission into the Post-Master's program.
4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge throughout the program.
6. Maintain current BLS certification, RN licensure, and health insurance throughout the program.
7. The student must notify the Department of Nursing within 5 days in the event of any legal infractions or any actions taken against their nursing license, or any investigation of such incidences.
8. While the student's grades are important, retention in the DNP program is based on a composite picture of the student's ability to perform at a satisfactory level in the academic and clinical component of the educational program.

The Department of Nursing reserves the right to refuse enrollment or program continuation to any student.  This refusal will be determined by the judgment of the DNP Admission, Progression, and Graduation (APG) Committee and the Department Head of Nursing and based on the student's ability to successfully complete academic or clinical assignments or function effectively in the roles required in the DNP program.  This includes the demonstration of characteristics associated with a professional nurse, including behaviors involving professionalism, ethics and integrity.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Missouri State University DNP is a hybrid program using a combination of online and on-campus modalities.  Didactic online content is delivered using asynchronous and synchronous formats.  Applicants to the DNP program must be computer literate and be comfortable using word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation graphics software.  Students are expected to manage files, navigate the internet and access resources, and use a headset, computer camera, scanner and fax machine.  Students who have deficiencies in these areas are encouraged to seek training before the start of the program.

The Department of Nursing uses a Blackboard course management system for all courses.  Additionally, the Adobe Macromedia software is used for synchronous course offerings and other experiences.  Vidoconferencing may be used with Adobe Macromedia or Skype software.  Requirements of the program include access to broadband (Cable or DSL) connections, a web camera and microphone headset, and a laptop computer with wireless capabilities to meet the minimal hardware requirements.  Our multimedia content is optimized for Internet Explorer and Firefox.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Clinical experiences for DNP students are individually arranged with preceptors, who have the appropriate educational and experiential qualifications.  Students can complete their clinical experiences in a local community if appropriate sites and preceptors are available.  However, students may have to travel to a clinical site.  All preceptors must be approved by the DNP Program and a contract must be established with the clinical site before any clinical experiences occur.

Post Master's DNP:  Some clinical courses require an on-campus, intensive learning experience.  The date and times for these on-campus visits will be published prior to the academic year annually.

Course Requirements:  Post Master's DNP (29 hrs)

Summer 1

Fall 1

Spring 1

Summer 2

Course Requirements:  BSN-DNP (82 hrs)

Summer Year 1

Fall Year 1

Spring Year 1

Summer Year 2

Fall Year 2

Spring Year 2

Summer Year 3

Fall Year 3

Spring Year 3

Admission Process

Admission to the graduate nursing specializations is a two step process.

1. The applicant first applies to the Graduate College as a MSN Major.  See admission requirements below.
2. Once accepted into the MSN program, an application to the specialization is submitted to the Nursing Department.  See Nurse Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner specialization admission criteria below.
3. Students may take up to 9 credit hours of course work towards their specialization before full admission to the specialization.  Students may take:  
   1. NUR 635 Healthcare Informatics
   2. NUR 640 Advanced Human Pathophysiology
   3. NUR 700 Epidemiology
   4. NUR 703 Population Health: A Local to Global Perspective 
   5. NUR 711 Advanced Roles and Leadership in Nursing
   6. NUR 765 Applications of Advanced Pathophysiology
   7. PSY 627 Advanced Psychological Statistical Methods

Because of the limited resources, admission to the MSN program and the specializations are competitive and selective.  Admission to the MSN program does not guarantee admission to the specialization.

Additional Requirements

Admission to the MSN Program

1. Acceptance into the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
2. Submit an application to the MSN Program.
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college course work attempted.
4. If the student's cumulative GPA is less than 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined test scores for verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, with a section score of at least 400 on verbal and 400 on the quantitative is required.  The analytical section of the GRE will be evaluated on an individual basis.
5. Completion of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accreditation agencies.
6. Successful completion with a grade of "C" or higher in undergraduate statistics, nursing research, and health assessment courses.  Students who don't have these courses must take them prior to submitting an application.
7. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) without disqualification and eligible for licensure in Missouri.
8. Applicants who: (a) have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a non-accredited program, or (b) have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a foreign country, will be considered on an individual basis.
9. Applicants who are RNs and have a non-nursing degree or a degree without upper division nursing courses will be evaluated on an individual basis prior to applying to the MSN program.

Admission to the MSN Specializations

Evidence of:

1. Admission to the MSN program.
2. A one-page essay that addresses the applicant's professional career goals and how the MSN program will help accomplish these goals.
3. Current immunization (MMR, Tetanus, Varicella, complete Hepatitis B series) and a PPD (or evidence of appropriate medical follow-up for PPD positive individuals).
4. Current health insurance and nursing liability insurance for nurse educators or FNP student liability insurance for family nurse practitioner applicants.
5. Successful completion of prerequisites with a grade of "C-" or higher to include a graduate level or multivariate course in statistics, a course in nursing or healthcare informatics, and for family nurse practitioner students only, advanced human pathophysiology.
6. Current infant, child and adult CPR certification.
7. Drug screening test and a criminal record check* provided by the Department of Nursing and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.

*Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Department of Nursing Graduate Admission, Promotion and Graduation Committee.  This may result in dismissal from the MSNA program and specialization.

Students with complete application materials for full admission will be reviewed by a departmental selection committee.  Selection of students for the MSN program is on a competitive basis.

A.  Nurse Educator Specialization

Students accepted into the MSN Program and with a completed application to the Nurse Educator specialization will be considered for admission.  Acceptance into the Nurse Educator specialization is ongoing and applications will be taken until the class is filled.  A formal interview is required.

B.  Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization

Students accepted into the MSN Program and with a completed application to the Family Nurse Practitioner specialization will be reviewed beginning February 1 for the summer admission of the same year, and will continue until the class is filled.  Because of resource constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization.

Selection Factors

Admission into the Family Nurse Practitioner Specialization is highly competitive.  A limited number of students will be selected to enrolling the program each February.  While applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements to be considered for a position in the class, completion of all admission requirements does not assure acceptance into the program.  In making class selections, the admission committee will consider the following characteristics of competitive applicants:

Academic potential to successfully complete the program 

• understanding and commitment to the role of the Family Nurse Practitioner
• personal maturity
• motivation
• interpersonal skills
• quality and duration of health care experience
• capacity for performance of the technical functions, and
• tasks required of the Family Nurse Practitioner

Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any additional security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.

Probational Admission to the Program

1. Probational admission may be granted to the applicant with a GPA below 3.00, or academic deficiencies.
2. During the probationary period, the student shall receive no course grade lower than a "B-" for the first nine hours of graduate course work attempted.
3. Students on probationary status will be evaluated each semester by the Nursing Admission, Promotion, and Graduation Committee (APG), and a decision will be made on the student's status and a letter will be sent to the student regarding dismissal or continuation in the program.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the MSN program and continuing through full admission into the specializations, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B-”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
2. No more than one course may be repeated.
3. Nurse Educator students must complete all requirements for the degree by their 5th academic year after admission into the MSN specialization.
4. FNP students must complete all requirements for the program by the 4th year after admission into the FNP specialization.
5. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
6. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of specialization.

Degree Requirements (Minimum of 34 or 52 hours)

Academic Advisor.  After admission to the graduate program, the student will be assigned an academic advisor who will supervise the student’s graduate program and chair the candidate’s graduate committee.

Core Courses (Required for all options)

Nurse Educator Option

Students should contact the Department of Nursing for information on optional clinical focus requirements.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Research Requirement.  Completion of a thesis or a non-thesis approved by the advisor or Thesis committee.

Non-thesis Project Option.  Three credit hours in NUR 797 Non-thesis Project will count toward a degree.  A formal oral presentation of the project is required.  The seminar paper must be approved by the student’s Advisor and the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is granted.

Thesis Option.  Six credit hours in NUR 799 Thesis will count toward the degree.  A formal oral presentation and defense of the thesis is required.  The thesis must be approved by the student’s Advisory Committee and the Dean of the Graduate College before the degree is granted.

Research Experience.  (Maximum of 6 hours) NUR 798 Research (1-6 hrs) will not count toward the degree requirements.

Comprehensive Examination.   A comprehensive examination administered during the student’s final semester of course work must be passed by the candidate before a degree will be granted. 

Entrance Requirements

Students must apply to the Accelerated RN to MSN Option when they first apply for admission to the BSN completion program and prior to enrolling in nursing or supporting courses required in the BSN. Students may not enter the RN-MSN option after they begin taking courses for the BSN completion program. After successful completion of BSN requirements, all students in this Nurse Educator option will receive the BSN and may be granted full admission to the Graduate College.

Admission requirements include:

1. Junior standing;
2. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing and eligible for licensure in Missouri;
3. Meet all admission requirements for the BSN completion program;
4. A pre-admission interview;
5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined test scores for verbal, quantitative, and writing sections, with a section score of at least 400 on verbal and 400 on quantitative.  The analytical writing section of the GRE will be evaluated on an individual basis;
6. 2 letters of recommendation (faculty or employer preferred);
7. A written statement of goals;
8. The equivalent of at least one (1) year of full-time experience in direct patient care as a registered nurse;
9. An overall GPA of 3.25 or higher;
10. Current American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers certification.  No online courses are accepted.

Additional Requirements of the Program

1. Students will be required to initiate and pay for any security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.
2. Apply for criminal record check and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.
3. Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by a Department of Nursing Graduate Faculty Committee.  This may result in dismissal from the RN-MSN program.

Retention and Progression

In order to remain in the accelerated master’s program and progress to the MSN program, students must:

1. Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher;
2. Earn a grade of “B” or higher in all undergraduate nursing courses attempted;
3. Earn a grade of “B” or higher in all graduate courses attempted.

Students not meeting the criteria for progression in the RN-MSN, Nurse Educator option, may complete the requirements for the BSN degree, but will be removed from the accelerated option.  In the final year of the BSN program, the student must make application to the nurse educator option.  

Credit Course Options

The accelerated RN to master’s option allows several courses to be taken to meet undergraduate (RN) requirements and pre-requisites to the graduate program.

Before enrolling in a course to be counted toward both undergraduate and graduate credit and to count the course toward the masters degree, an undergraduate student must be accepted into the accelerated program and receive prior approval from the graduate advisor, Department Head of Nursing, and the Dean of the Graduate College.  Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the semester.

Required Courses (37 hrs)

*this course may be transferred in if taken within 3 years.

Retention Requirements

After admission into the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
2. No more than one course may be repeated.
3. Complete all requirements within two years after admission into the FNP option.
4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of option.
6. Receive satisfactory final clinical evaluations.
7. Maintain current infant, child, and adult CPR certification, immunizations, negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up, and nursing liability insurance.
8. Students must maintain an active RN license, in good standing, in the state or states in which the student does clinical or practicum experiences.

In addition to the Master of Science in Nursing degree described previously, the Department offers a Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program for nurses who have a Master’s Degree in Nursing in another specialty.  The Certificate Program consists of five courses, totaling a minimum of 12 credit hours and 192 clinical hours that can be completed in 2 semesters.

Admission Requirements

1. Admission to the Graduate College at Missouri State University.
2. Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing graduate program, that includes, at a minimum, graduate courses in nursing theory and research.
3. Completion of a graduate clinical course with a grade of “B” or higher.  Students with no graduate clinical courses may satisfy this requirement by enrolling in NUR 620 and NUR 621 during their Certificate Program.
4. Completion of a graduate health assessment course with a grade of “B” or higher.  Students with no graduate health assessment course may satisfy this requirement by enrolling in NUR 707.
5. Graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher.
6. Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in good standing, and eligible for licensure in the State of Missouri.
7. Evidence of current liability insurance.
8. Evidence of current health insurance.
9. Admission interview
10. Evidence of immunization or vaccination for vaccine-preventable diseases.
11. Provide documentation of negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up.
12. Current infant, child and adult CPR certification.
13. Submit drug screening test and a criminal record check* and receive response that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime pursuant to Section 660.317 RSMO or other disqualifications that would prohibit licensure as a registered nurse.

* Students who fail these checks or procedures will be subject to further review by the Department of Nursing Graduate Admission, Promotion and Graduation.  This may result in dismissal from the MSN program.

Because of course constraints, only a limited number of students will be admitted to the Post-master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program.  Complete applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Admission is on a space available basis.  Students may pursue either part-time or full-time study; however, all course work in the Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program must be completed within 5 years.

Additional Requirements of the Program

Students will be required to initiate and pay for any security checks and drug screenings required for clinical agencies.

Required Courses (12 hours)

Retention Requirements

After admission into the Post-Master’s Family Nurse Educator Certificate Program, the students must achieve the following for retention in the program:

1. Maintain a GPA of 3.00, with no more than 3 semester hours of graduate work below a grade of “B”, and no hours of graduate work below a grade of “C”.  Receive a “pass” in all clinical evaluations.
2. No more than one course may be repeated.
3. Complete all requirements within five years after admission into the nurse educator option.
4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of maturity and integrity, as well as behaviors and attitudes normally expected of professional nurses in advanced nursing roles.
5. Demonstrate acceptable professional progression in application of skills and knowledge in the area of option.
6. Receive satisfactory final clinical evaluations.
7. Maintain current infant, child, and adult CPR certification, immunizations, negative tuberculosis status or evidence of appropriate follow-up, and nursing liability insurance.
8. Students must maintain an active RN license, in good standing, in the state or states in which the student does clinical or practicum experiences.