Post-BSN Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Program Overview

The Online Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a practice focused doctoral degree designed to prepare advanced practice nurses in a population focus and is one of the highest levels of educational preparation for nurses. The DNP is the degree of choice for those who wish to impact quality and safety in health care, influence patient care outcomes by incorporating evidence-based practice into everyday care and serve in leadership and executive level positions in major health care organizations to impact change.

Why MUSC's Post-BSN DNP Program

• We welcome new graduates without nursing experience – you can apply while you are finishing your BSN degree! Evidence shows that registered nursing experience is not related to success as an advanced practice nurse.
• No GRE required for admission.
• All tracks receive mental health and palliative care education as part of their curriculum.
• Thinking of transferring? Your DNP level coursework may be transferred, pending approval from our admissions department.
• The DNP program faculty consists of nationally recognized educators and researchers. You will be taught by experts and leaders in the field with a passion for mentoring the next generation.

Clinical Specializations

Post-BSN to DNP students will choose one of four clinical specializations with a primary care focus:

Adult-Gerontology

Pediatric

Family

Psychiatric Mental Health

Curriculum

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program has two-entry options:

• Post-Baccalaureate (BSN)
• Post-Master's (MSN) for Advanced Practice Nurses

There are four areas of specialty focus for Post-BSN students:

• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)

There are two program options for Post-MSN students:

• Advanced Practice Nursing (APN)
• Lifespan Palliative Care (LPC)

Additional palliative care clinical hours may also be added dependent on individual student goals/needs with the course NRDNP 876.

Graduate students can elect to add Nurse Educator courses to include:

• NURSM 615 Methodology of Online Teaching, 3 credit hours
• NURSM 703 Instructional Processes, 3 credit hours
• NURSM 713 Curriculum Design & Development, 3 credit hours
• NRPHD 800 Mentored Teaching, 3 credit hours

*DNP students are expected to attend on campus learning intensive.