Statement of Purpose

The School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers advanced education in nursing leadership for nurses with a Nurse Practitioner or Executive Leadership background. The DNP program has as its purpose the preparation of graduate-level nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in the student’s specialized areas of practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to meet the critical need for leaders and practitioners to meet the growing needs or our healthcare system. The program is structured around the major components of theory, research, and practice. The concepts of leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, and planned change are integrated throughout the curriculum within the Christian worldview. The graduate nursing student at University of Mobile will develop specific roles through refinement of existing professional skills, expansion of the knowledge base for practice, and development of advanced competencies in the students particular area of practice.

Based upon outcomes competencies guiding the curriculum, on completion of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, the graduate will:

1. Integrate faith and nursing science with other disciplines to achieve the highest level of evidence-based practice to improve quality healthcare and address health disparities.
2. Utilize intraprofessional and interprofessional collaboration to address health policy and health disparities to improve healthcare across diverse populations and cultures.
3. Utilize theories, concepts and analytic methodologies to design, implement, and evaluate current nursing practice to improve and transform healthcare.
4. Demonstrate and promote professionalism, advocacy, social justice, equity, ethical principles, and scientific integrity in advanced nursing practice.
5. Recognize the uniqueness in individuals and communities to address disparities in population health and improve health outcomes.
6. Utilize current and evolving information systems/technology to support, evaluate and improve nursing care and healthcare systems.
7. Utilize complex leadership skills to advance clinical practice and healthcare delivery at the organization and systems level and improve health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Admission Requirements

• Submission of application. Applications will be accepted until the class is filled.
• Submission of official transcripts of all college coursework from all institutions attended.
• International Students:
  • Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (org) for previous nursing coursework.
  • Students with international transcripts must provide an evaluation from World Education Services (http://www.wes.org/) for previous non-nursing coursework.
  • International students must show proof of English proficiency. Applicants should request that official TOEFL test scores be sent directly to Enrollment Services.
• Completion of BSN degree from a regionally accredited educational institution.
• GPA of 2.75 based on the last 60 academic hours
• Must hold and maintain an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in a state or territory of the United States in which the student will complete clinical experiences.
• Minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience preferred but not required.
• Submission of a clear background check and absence of criminal conviction.
• Submission of health history and record of required immunizations.
• Submission of record of American Heart Association BLS Healthcare Provider Certification.
• A personal interview with the Graduate Admissions Committee of the School of Nursing may be required, if requested.
• Submission of current personal health insurance coverage.

OTHER ITEMS NEEDED:

• Three reference forms from:
  • A current clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s skills in the clinical setting and how they will translate into the Doctor of Nursing Practice role.
  • A professor, faculty member or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of the applicant’s academic record.
  • A practicing clinical nursing professional who has served as a mentor and can speak about the applicant’s abilities as a nurse and potential to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
• Current Curriculum Vita or Resume is required. The Curriculum Vita or Resume should include:
  • Educational background including institutions, degree(s) awarded, degree(s) in progress, dates of degree(s) awarded and/or anticipated date of receiving a degree(s).
  • Relevant employment history, including:
    • Job title, job description, and relevant duties performed.
    • Employment dates of each position.
  • Community service or volunteer experience.
  • Any awards, publications, presentations, memberships, or honors.
  • Evidence of leadership and career progression.
• Personal statement of no more than two pages discussing:
  • How your previous education, experience, and professional interests have prepared you to be successful in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
  • Your professional goals and how completing the Doctor of Nursing Practice track will help you achieve your professional goals.
  • Your understanding of the Doctor of Nursing Practice role and your intentions regarding service as a Doctor of Nursing Practice professional.
  • Explain the steps you have taken to prepare for success in this program.
  • Your essay should be clear, succinct, and double-spaced.

In order to meet the requirements of the DNP degree, the following courses are designed to offer students the opportunity to gain additional clinical hours if needed. NU 731, NU 732, NU 733, NU 734, NU 735.