Information Package for Post-Baccalaureate Pathway

Information Package for Post-Baccalaureate Pathway

Table of Contents 1 2 4 5 7 9 12 Admission Requirements Your Application Checklist DNP Core Courses Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track Family Nurse Practitioner Track Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) Contact Information

Admission Requirements Eligibility Criteria Post-Baccalaureate DNP (Post-Bacc DNP): To be eligible for the Post-Baccalaureate to DNP program (all tracks), you must have a bachelor s degree with an unencumbered RN license from an accredited or state-approved nursing program. Gonzaga would prefer a bachelor of science in nursing, but that is not required. Student who are admitted without a bachelor s degree in nursing may need to take up to four foundational nursing courses before completing graduate-level courses, eg. Statistics, research, and community health nursing. If your GPA falls below a 3.3 you can still apply, but must provide a GPA explanation and official GRE exam scores from the last 5 years. An interview via phone or Skype may be requested. State Authorization/Registration of Online Programs Go to https://online.gonzaga.edu/state-authorization for a status of licensing of Gonzaga University s online programs by state. Please reference this list in order to deteremine if your state is authorized by Gonzaga University. Information subject to change without notice. For questions, please contact Admissions at 1.866.380.5323. 1

Your Application Checklist Post-Baccalaureate DNP Complete the online application and pay $50 application fee (pay at the end of the online application). See Post-Baccalaureate DNP Apply Now button at online.gonzaga.edu and follow the instructions given. Statement of Purpose - Submit a 500-1000 word essay that is well written, organized, and includes the following: Reasons for pursuing a DNP degree and how Gonzaga University s DNP program will prepare the candidate to meet his or her professional goals. Personal and professional strengths. Professional experiences. Interest in specific track within DNP program Official transcript(s) Submit one official transcript from each college or university attended. If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.3 please include an explanation of GPA. If you previously attended Gonzaga or are a current student, please note that GU transcripts are ordered by your admissions counselor on your behalf. Mail or email official transcripts to: Gonzaga University Virtual Campus Admissions 502 E. Boone Avenue Spokane, WA 99258-0068 guonlineadmissions@gonzaga.edu Entrance Exams Applicants who do not meet the cumulative GPA requirement of 3.3 or are graduates from a program which does not issue GPA must submit GRE scores. Request official score from the GRE to be sent to Gonzaga. Test scores must be less than five years old. MAT scores are not accepted. Current RN License - Provide proof of registered nurse license from a program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC. 2 Three Recommenders - Request a minimum of 3 letter of recommendation through the online application. Your references will be contacted directly by us via email with directions for submitting their letters of recommendation and evaluation checklist on your behalf. Provide a minimum of three professional recommenders who can evaluate your leadership, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, judgement, professional practice and your ability and capacity to complete a graduate degree. Supervisors or past professors are best. Please note: recommendations from family members are not accepted.

Your Application Checklist Transferring Credit - If you would like to petition for transfer of credits from another doctoral program please fill out the Permission to Transfer Graduate Credits form through the Registrar s office and submit with accompanying syllabus or course description and official transcripts students may transfer up to 15 credits from an accredited doctoral program at the discretion of the nursing faculty. International Students: In addition to the above application requirements, international students must also submit the following documents: Proof of English Language TOEFL score of 88 or IELTS score of 6.5 or Verification of English language proficiency from the Gonzaga University ISSS office or An official recommendation from Gonzaga University s English Language Center. International Transcripts Submission of foreign transcripts in the original language and a certified English copy and Official transcript/degree evaluation from Gonzaga University s ISSS office or WES/ECE evaluation Copy of Passport Picture Page If the applicant does not have a passport, a copy of identification card from the home country is required. Proof of Adequate Funding to Study in the US Financial Declarations Bank statement showing required amount listed on the Financial Declarations Note: International students cannot receive an I-20 from enrolling in the online program; they must take courses at the Spokane campus. For more information on the International Student Program please call 509-313-6563. Information is subject to change. Contact an Admission Counselor for further questions. 3

Post-Bacc DNP Core Courses The following 27 credits of DNP Core Courses are REQUIRED for all tracks: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. DNP Core Courses NURS 561 Information Technology & Data Management 3 NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety 3 NURS 700 Theoretical Foundations for Doctor of Nursing Practice NURS 708 Inferential Statistics 3 NURS 710 Population-Focused Care 3 NURS 720 Evidence Synthesis for Practice 3 NURS 730 NURS 740 Clinical Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation Quality Improvement, Info. Management, and Leadership in Health Care NURS 750 Health Policy and Advocacy 3 DNP Scholary Project Courses NURS 761 NURS 762 NURS 763 NURS 764 NURS 701 NURS 702 NURS 703 NURS 704 Integrative Application of Evidence for Advanced Practice Seminar I Integrative Application of Evidence for Advanced Practice Seminar II Integrative Application of Evidence for Advanced Practice Seminar III Integrative Application of Evidence for Advanced Practice Seminar IV DNP Practicum I: Application of Evidence-Based Practice DNP Practicum II: Application of Evidence-Based Practice DNP Practicum III: Application of Evidence-Based Practice DNP Practicum IV: Application of Evidence-Based Practice NURS 705 DNP Immersion 1 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-3 4

Post-Bacc DNP Track Courses continued Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track (PMHNP) This track prepares nurse practitioners to care for individuals across the life span that have mental health disorders. PMHNPs typically practice in primary care settings such as: Private practices Clinics Mental health institutions Community health centers State Authorization/Registration of Online Programs Go to https://online.gonzaga.edu/state-authorization for a status of licensing of Gonzaga University s online programs by state. Please reference this list in order to deteremine if your state is authorized by Gonzaga University. Information subject to change without notice. Refer to page 4 for the required DNP Core Courses. Core Courses 6 NURS 561 Information Technology & Data Management 3 NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice for Quality and Safety 3 Nurse Practitioner Core Courses 10 NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 NURS 600 Health Assessment: Advanced Nursing Practice 3 NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment Practicum 1 Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Courses NURS 652M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts I 3 NURS 653M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts II 3 NURS 654M Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Concepts III 3 NURS 670 Psychopharmacology 3 NURS 661M PMHNP Practicum I 1-3 NURS 662M PMHNP Practicum II 1-3 NURS 663M PMHNP Practicum III 1-3 NURS 683M PMHNP Practicum Extension 1-3 Electives (must take one, 3-credit course from the following): NURS 672 Mental Health in Advanced Practice 3 NURS 671 Care of Frail Elder 3 22 3 5

Post-Bacc DNP Track Courses continued Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track (PMHNP) Quick Facts 75 credit program 1,000 hours of practicum experience are required to fully prepare students to be practice-ready upon graduation. The didactic courses are offered online. Students come to campus in Spokane, WA for a minimum of six, on-campus immersions over the course of the program (average 2/year). This is when students participate in the Culminating Observed Structured Clinical Evaluations or OSCEs a cornerstone for student success. In these structured scenarios, students obtain a focused history and complete a focused exam of a scripted model patient, identify differential diagnoses and the most likely diagnosis, and determine a plan of care based on the most likely diagnosis. The OSCEs are led by practicing faculty who bring real-world scenarios and practical advice to life for the student. Faculty will make a minimum of two site visits to evaluate students in their practicum settings. By the end of the program, students are required to complete a scholarly project that improves practice. At the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam, which, if passed, makes them eligible for advanced practice licensure. Program information is subject to change. 6

Post-Bacc DNP Track Courses continued Family Nurse Practitioner Track (FNP) The online Post-Bacc DNP FNP Track prepares nurse practitioners to care for individuals across the life span, from infants to older adults. FNPs typically practice in primary care settings such as: Private practices Clinics Urgent care centers Community health centers State Authorization/Registration of Online Programs Go to https://online.gonzaga.edu/state-authorization for a status of licensing of Gonzaga University s online programs by state. Please reference this list in order to deteremine if your state is authorized by Gonzaga University. Information subject to change without notice. Refer to page 4 for the required DNP Core Courses. 7 Core Courses 6 NURS 561 Information Technology & Data Management 3 NURS 563 Evidence-Based Practice 3 Nurse Practitioner Core Courses 10 NURS 523 Advanced Pathophysiology 3 NURS 524 Advanced Pharmacology 3 NURS 600 Advanced Health Assessment 3 NURS 601 Advanced Health Assessment Practicum 1 FNP Specialty Courses 12 NURS 653P Primary Care: Adult/Geriatric I 4 NURS 654P Primary Care: Adult/Geriatric II 3 NURS 652P Primary Care: Infant/Child/Adolescent 3 NURS 651P Primary Care: Gender-Based 2 FNP Practicum Courses 10 NURS 661P Primary Care Practicum: Gender-Based 1-3 NURS 662P Primary Care Practicum: Infant/Child/Adolescent 1-3 NURS 663P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Geriatric I 1-4 NURS 664P Primary Care Practicum: Adult/Geriatric II 1-4 NURS 683P Primary Care Practicum Extension 1-3 Electives (must take one 3-credit course from the following): NURS 672 Mental Health in Advanced Practice 3 NURS 671 Care of Frail Elder 3 NURS 670 Psychopharmacology 3 3

Post-Bacc DNP Track Courses continued Family Nurse Practitioner Track (FNP) Quick Facts 75 credit program 1,000 hours of practicum experience are required to fully prepare students to be practice-ready upon graduation. The didactic courses are offered online. Students come to campus in Spokane, WA for a minimum of seven (7), on-campus, weekend immersions over the course of the program (average 2/year). This is when students participate in the Culminating Observed Structured Clinical Evaluations or OSCEs a cornerstone for student success. In these structured scenarios, students obtain a focused history and complete a focused exam of a scripted model patient, identify differential diagnoses and the most likely diagnosis, and determine a plan of care based on the most likely diagnosis. The OSCEs are led by practicing faculty who bring real-world scenarios and practical advice to life for the student. Faculty will make a minimum of three site visits to evaluate students in their practicum settings. By the end of the program, students are required to complete a scholarly project that improves practice. At the completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam, which, if passed, makes them eligible for advanced practice licensure. Students living outside of this four-state region (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana) are required to arrange for an additional on-campus day in conjunction with one of the immersions during each practicum course in order to complete the faculty site visit requirement. Program information is subject to change. 8

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) 1. Do you recommend this program for recent graduates? Yes, in fact we think it s a great idea. By accelerating your career and starting the Post-Bacc DNP now, you have the following advantages: Gain clinical experience while obtaining your advanced-practice degree. Accelerate progress and obtain your degree in 3.5 years. Realize the return on your investment sooner by entering the workforce at a higher level of pay. Be prepared to meet the growing demand for doctorate-prepared practitioners. 2. What outcomes can students expect after completing the program? The DNP Program strives to prepare students who can and will: Serve as leaders and champions of change within complex healthcare systems. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills to optimize health in a selected area of nursing. Demonstrate humanistic, reflective practice, ethical reasoning, and advocacy for a selected population. Synthesize theory and evidence to create, implement and evaluate strategies to improve practice. 3. What is the duration of each online DNP Program session? All didactic courses in the DNP Program are offered online as 16-week courses (except 563, which is 8 weeks) during Spring and Fall sessions, and as 8 or 12-week courses during Summer session. Students take a mix of 8 week and 16 week courses. 4. Does the online Post-Bacc Doctor of Nursing Practice use a cohort model? The Post-Bacc DNP pathway does not use a cohort model. The program allows students the flexibility to accelerate courses or take fewer credits as long as they complete degree requirements within seven years of enrolling at Gonzaga. 5. How long will it take to complete the program? The program can be completed within 10 semesters (3.3 years) if the student takes approximately 9 credits per semester. On average, the program takes 4.3 years. Should the student desire to be part-time, it will take longer to complete. However, students must complete the program within seven years of initial enrollment. 6. Is a statistics course required? No, statistics is not required for the Post-Bacc DNP pathway. 9

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) continued 7. Are there any required campus visits? Students come to campus in Spokane, WA for a minimum of six (6), on-campus, weekend immersions over the course of the program (average 2/year). This is when students participate in the Culminating Observed Structured Clinical Evaluations or OSCEs a cornerstone for student success. In these structured scenarios, students obtain a focused history and complete a focused exam of a scripted model patient, identify differential diagnoses and the most likely diagnosis, and determine a plan of care based on the most likely diagnosis. The OSCEs are led by practicing faculty who bring real-world scenarios and practical advice to life for the student. 8. What are the minimum practicum requirements? The American Association of Colleges of Nursing requires the completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours of practicum experience spanning a Post-Baccalaureate DNP. 9. Can I complete some of my practicum hours at my workplace? Students may complete practicum hours in the organizations in which they work. However, they cannot be precepted by a direct supervisor or complete practicum hours in the area of the organization where they are employed or during time on the job when being paid. 10. Can I transfer credits that were earned in another doctoral program? A student who has earned some credits, but has not completed a doctoral degree, may transfer up to 15 credits to apply toward completion of the degree requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate DNP pathway at the discretion of the faculty. 11. What does the scholarly project entail? The scholarly project allows the student to demonstrate mastery of DNP curricular content. The student refines the idea for the project in the first practicum course, NURS 701. In the second practicum course, the student designs the project and presents an oral defense. The student implements it in the third practicum course and completes the evaluation in NURS 704. The student is also expected to give an oral presentation and final defense of the project before his or her Scholarly Project Committee. Some examples of possible scholarly projects include a practice change initiative, a pilot study, a program evaluation, a quality improvement project, or an evaluation of a new practice model. The student utilizes evidence to improve an area of clinical or leadership practice in relation to a designated population. 12. Who are the members of the Scholarly Project Committee? The committee is comprised of a minimum of two doctorally-prepared Gonzaga nursing faculty, one of whom functions as the committee chair. An optional third member of the committee may be a non-faculty expert in the area of study. 10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ s) continued 13. What are the expectations in relation to documentation of the scholarly project? The student has the option of documenting the completed scholarly project as an extensive paper that becomes a bound document or as a manuscript that is submitted to an appropriate scholarly journal for publication. If the student selects the latter option, the student must also submit an abstract for a poster or podium presentation at a major conference. 14. How long do I have to complete my degree from the time I start? Students must complete their degree program within seven years of starting at Gonzaga. 15. Is Gonzaga s online DNP program accredited? Gonzaga is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The baccalaureate, MSN, and DNP programs at Gonzaga University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791. 16. Is an interview required as part of the application process? An interview is not required for all applicants. However, faculty reserves the right to conduct an interview to clarify aspects of the application and determine whether the student s goals are a good match for Gonzaga s DNP Program. It also provides an opportunity for the student to ask questions of faculty. If indicated, interviews are conducted by phone. 17. Is there a minimum GPA requirement to graduate? Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to be eligible to graduate. 11

Contact & Information Resources Online Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice Admissions Virtual Campus Admissions 502 E. Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99258-0068 Phone: 866-380-5323 Email: guonlineadmissions@gonzaga.edu online.gonzaga.edu 12