The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Felician College prepares students to integrate nursing science as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice. Students are prepared through organizational and systems leadership, to utilize systems thinking as a framework for quality improvement initiatives and organizational change initiatives, and critically analyze current evidence to improve practice.
The DNP features a carefully constructed curriculum based upon the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice and the American Organization of Nurse Executive’s (AONE) core competencies for nurse executives. In eight 12 week sessions, spanning just over two years, students can complete the 40 credits and designated practicum hours for their DNP project to earn their doctorate. The theoretical content of the program is offered online via computer-mediated instruction from faculty certified in distance education, providing an education experience that offers flexibility and convenience to working professionals. The program features two on-campus, credit-bearing residencies, providing periods of close work and personal attention with our committed faculty.
Students choose to complete a track which focuses either on Advanced Practice or Executive Leadership, preparing them for leadership roles in a variety of settings. The curriculum culminates in an intensive and rigorous DNP project which emphasizes key competence areas. These include translation of research, evaluation of evidence, application of clinical innovations to advance healthcare delivery, and dissemination of knowledge to improve practice.
Graduates of Felician's Master of Science in Nursing: Executive Leadership track or Adult and Family Nurse Practitioner track who meet academic requirements enjoy a seamless transition into the DNP program and can transfer up to six credits from their master’s program toward completion of the DNP.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice
Doctoral candidates in the Advanced Practice track are prepared to design clinical nursing or health policy improvements to positively influence direct clinical practice and improve population health. Through a comprehensive change initiative, carried out in a practice setting, students utilize clinical expertise and apply concepts of project management, financial planning, informatics, and systems thinking to lead change at the local, state, national or international level.
Requirements for admission to the DNP Advanced Practice program include:
- A completed application.
- Submission of all official academic transcripts from previously attended college(s)/university(ies).
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in graduate coursework
- Licensure as a registered professional nurse in New Jersey. The licensee cannot have any pending disciplinary action against their nursing license from any Board of Nursing.
- Successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course and a graduate level nursing research course.
- Two professional letters of recommendation supporting the applicant’s potential to succeed in a doctoral program.
- International academic credentials are reviewed by an international accrediting agency (World Education Services) on an individual basis.
- TOEFL scores of 79-80 (550) are required of graduates of non- English speaking countries.
- Curriculum vitae.
- A 2-3 page essay which includes professional goals that are congruent with the selected program of doctoral study. Within the essay, present a scholarly project proposal which identifies a potential scholarly practice inquiry project related to an area of professional expertise or interest. The project proposal should address relevancy to the selected program of study and planned implementation to effect practice change at the organizational, system, local, regional or national level for improving patient and population health outcomes.
- A notarized copy of the photo page of a government-issued identification such as passport or driver’s license.
- Criminal history background check(s) or other requirements mandated by the practicum site.
- Personal Interview
- Master of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program.
- National certification in a specialty.
- Licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse.
- Current professional practice in the Advanced Practice role.
Outcomes
Graduates will confidently analyze various informatics systems for the delivery of healthcare, and be equipped to implement health policy initiatives that focus on clinical prevention and population health for vulnerable populations. Graduates of the program are prepared to apply core knowledge in scientific theory, conceptual models and knowledge construction; organizational and leadership management for quality and safety in healthcare systems; business and financial resource management; healthcare advocacy in global political and social systems; and information technology to improve healthcare outcomes.
Contact Information
Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission should you wish to speak with a counselor about applying to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. We can be reached by emailing graduate@felician.edu, or by calling us directly at 201-355-1465.
Dr. Margaret Daingerfield, Associate Dean and Director of the DNP Program, can be reached at daingerfieldm@felician.edu or by calling 201-559-6151. Dr. Marie Cueman, Chair of the Executive Leadership Track, can be reached at cuemanm@felician.edu, or by calling 201-559-6256.
