Georgia College » COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES » DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE. (D.N.P.)
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE. (D.N.P.)
Director: Judith Malachowski
Assistant Director, Graduate Programs: Deborah MacMillian debby.macmillan@gcsu.edu
Senior Secretary: Jess Tanner, jess.tanner@gcsu.edu
Macon Campus Graduate Center Contact Information
433 Cherry Street
Macon, GA 31204
Phone: 478-752-1074
Fax: 478-752-1077
The DNP program at the Georgia College School of Nursing prepares students to lead healthcare innovations and influence policy founded on analytic principles and evidence-based practice at the highest organizational level. Students will forge their own intellectual path. The curriculum culminates in an intense capstone experience defined by students' interests and based on their specific practice. Students will address significant problems in real time and in their practice settings. The program offers extensive opportunities for collaboration, challenging problems for study, and a tradition of rigorous scholarship.
The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles. This requires competence in translating research into practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable clinical and organizational innovations to change practice. For more information, contact the School of Nursing Graduate Ofice at 478-752-1074.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DNP DEGREE
Admission is limited to the most qualified applicants.
To be eligible for admission to the DNP program, applicants must have:
- A master's degree in nursing or anesthesia from a nationally accredited program
- A scholastic Grade Point Average of at least 3.2 in a master's of nursing program with a 3.5 preferred (on a 4.0 scale)
- Completed a 3-credit graduate level statistics course
- Demonstrated commitment to nursing practice and scholarly pursuit
- Unencumbered RN Licensure
- Evidence of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours in master's program
- An interview with faculty either in person or by phone
An application is complete when all of the following have been submitted:
- Application form and non-refundable application fee: $35 online, $40 paper
- Two letters of reference from professionals who can speak to the applicant's practice experience, project management and leadership, and potential for success in doctoral studies
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
- Current resumé or curriculum vitae
- Goal statement/Project proposal
- Copy of RN license appropriate to the state where the capstone courses will be completed
- Verification of APRN certification, if applicable
OTHER NURSING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Have computer access, preferably at home. All DNP majors are expected to be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access) when submitting assignments. Graduate students should have proficiency with Microsoft office, Internet, and email. In addition, graduate students are expected to have updated and enabled virus protection software as listed in individual course syllabi. Students may be required to purchase additional software as listed in individual course syllabi.
- Complete and return all forms specified in the Nursing Graduate Student Handbook found at http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/gradforms.htm to the Assistant Director, Graduate Programs.
- Complete all required courses for the DNP degree within a period of 7 years from the date the student begins graduate courses at Georgia College. Any course work completed more than 7 years prior to completion of requirements for the DNP degree will be considered outdated and wil not be applied toward the DNP degree program. This includes courses that may be transferred in from other institutions.
CAPSTONE PROJECT REQUIREMENT
The DNP program includes a capstone project that focuses on translational and clinical research. This project provides an opportunity for the student to apply advanced theoretical policy and specialty 
knowledge and skills in clinical practicea nd systems level experiences. During the capstone, the students must demonstrate the ability to employ effective communication and collaboration skills to influence healthcare quality and safety, and negotiate successful change in care delivery processes for individuals, groups or populations across a broad spectrum of healthcare delivery systems. Upon completion of the capstone the student will demonstrate:
- Advanced clinical judgement, expertise and specialization in a defined content area
- Advanced levels of systems thinking and accountability in designing, delivering, and evaluating evidence-based care to improve healthcare quality, safety, and outcomes
- Leadership in the development and implementation of patient-driven, institutional, local, state, federal, and or international health policy in a select content/specialty area
Each applicant has the responsibility to propose a mentored capstone project that meets their individual needs and career goals during the application process. It is expected that students will focus on clinical problems and/or organizational systems to promote effective, efficient and accessible care for individuals, groups or populations.
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION:
Georgia College is seeking national accreditation for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program through the Commission on collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). [One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530; Washington, DC 20036. Phone: 202-463-6930].
Total Program Hours |
37 semester hours |
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Epidemiology & Biostatistics |
(3 semester hours) |
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Practice Theory for Population Health Outcomes |
(2 semester hours) |
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Evidence-Based Practice I: Foundation |
(4 semester hours) |
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Introduction to Translational and Clinical Project |
(1 semester hour) |
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Informatics |
(3 semester hours) |
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Health Care Finance and Economics for the DNP |
(3 semester hours) |
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Health Care Policy, Ethics, and Politics |
(3 semester hours) |
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Addressing Health Needs of Vulnerable Populations |
(2 semester hours) |
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Role Transitions |
(2 semester hours) |
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Evidence-based Practice II: Evaluation and Outcomes |
(4 semester hours) |
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Translational and Clinical Research I |
(5 semester hours) |
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Translational and Clinical Research II |
(5 semester hours) |
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Total Clinical Hours |
540 hours |
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