Early Admission Decision application deadline: May 25, 2012
Final application deadline: July 23, 2012
The semester begins: September 4, 2012

The DNP program at RMUoHP is designed to prepare advanced practice leaders to affect change through system redesign and evidence-based decision making in a variety of clinical settings. The core and directed independent study residency courses offer expanded study in the areas of leadership and management in advanced practice, evidence-based practice, system change, leadership in establishing clinical excellence, information technology, ethics and social responsibility, expertise to inform health policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through this coursework, the DNP graduate is well prepared to influence health and social policy for diverse populations in a variety of settings. 

The program is designed to develop healthcare professionals and leaders with advanced, evidence-based skills, who are able to critically review the literature, transform system processes at the point of care, participate in research, and advance knowledge through publications and presentations. The higher level of clinical skill and knowledge provided by the program can advance clinical nursing practice and help keep pace with demands for clinical leaders and advanced practice educators.

The graduate will be a sophisticated consumer of research, and a competent, and innovative clinical leader who analyzes and works within the financial, political, clinical, and social factors that influence care models and population-based delivery systems. The 38 credit hours DNP program with its limited-residency model provides the flexibility for the advanced practice leader to maintain employment while obtaining a doctoral degree.

The DNP Program is committed to the development of the nursing professional who can:

• Design and implement integrated care delivery models based on clinical evidence and best practice literature.
• Demonstrate analytical methodologies for the evaluation of clinical practice and the application of scientific evidence.
• Initiate evidence-based practice and policy strategies that optimize clinical outcomes and access to care.
• Apply ethical theories and legal standards to decision-making regarding healthcare issues.
• Collaborate with inter professional teams to improve clinical care for populations of clients.
• Introduce and manage technologies that improve communication, foster collaboration, and support integrated approaches to care management.
• Integrate leadership expertise with clinical perspective and sound business practices to help transform the evolving healthcare system at local, regional, national, and international levels.