Nursing DNP

nursing student at work

Mission Statement

In concert with the Georgia College liberal arts mission, the School of Nursing is committed to the formation of nurse leaders to engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and civic participation in a health information intensive environment through the development and mastery of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and values. The DNP program educates graduate nursing professionals as clinical leaders who improve the delivery of healthcare through evidence-based practice. 

The 37-credit Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a post-master's option, offered in a convenient online, executive-style format designed for the busy working professional. The program can be completed in five semesters of full-time study, integrating approximately one week of on-site immersion experience each year with online and virtual learning experiences.

Why study the DNP at Georgia College?

The DNP program prepares students to lead healthcare innovations and influence policy founded on analytic principles and evidence-based practice at the highest organizational level. At Georgia College, you will forge your own intellectual path: the curriculum culminates in an intense capstone experience defined by your interests and based on your practice. You will address significant problems in real time and in your practice setting. The program offers extensive opportunities for collaboration, challenging problems for study and a tradition of rigorous scholarship.

The DNP program project 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 practice and systems level experiences. Each applicant has the responsibility to propose a mentored DNP project that meets individual needs and career goals during the application process.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Quick Facts

ONLINE PROGRAM AND REQUIRED TRIPS TO CAMPUS

  • It is an online program. However, there are a limited number of mandatory trips to campus that are required. These dates are posted well in advance. 
  • Our program begins each fall with a four-day face to face immersion experience on campus, enabling you to meet your faculty and fellow students. During Immersion Week, you are also provided with training that supports and encourages your successful completion of the program. Examples of topics that are covered include:
    • How to use our library system so that books and journal articles can be delivered directly to your home.
    • How to connect to your online classroom.
    • How to navigate the online learning system.
    • How to meet virtually with your classmates and faculty outside of class time.
    • How to develop an electronic portfolio of your work.
    • How to ensure that you are up to date with technology requirements.

CLASSES

  • Didactic classes are held on Thursday and are structured in a variety of formats aimed at engaging the learner and making learning possible for all students. Class formats include:
    • Synchronous interactive lecture/discussion via WebEx.
    • Asynchronous online modules and recorded lectures that can be accessed on your own schedule.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

  • We accept students to begin the program once per year (to begin Fall semester.)
    • Applications for PRIORITY CONSIDERATION are due by the 2nd Tuesday in January each year. All supplemental documentation is due at that time. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.
    • We do continue to accept applications through March 1st each year.  All supplemental documentation is due at that time. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

The program is offered as either full time/5 semester program or part time/8 semesters. See programs of study for course details.

Programs of Study
Applying to the DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program accepts degree-seeking students once per year and begins each year with fall semester. Students are admitted as a cohort and progress through the program together.

Admission Requirements

Apply online or mail your completed Application for Admission to the DNP program to the Graduate Admissions Office, Georgia College, CBX 107, Milledgeville, GA 31061. For information regarding the admissions process or to check on your admission status, e-mail Grad-Admit@gcsu.edu.

DNP Application Information:

  • Applications deadline: Second Tuesday in January for priority consideration of application; however, applications are accepted year-round.
  • All required application documents must be received by Graduate Admissions by close of business.
  • To allow for any possible delay in transcript or other application materials, applicants are encouraged to begin the application process 6 to 8 weeks prior to the deadline.
  • Interviews will be held once applications are complete.
  • Application Documentation: Applicants must submit
    • Statement of Recommendation: Three letters of reference from professionals who can speak to the applicant's experience and potential for success in master's studies.
    • Verification of Graduate Clinical and Practice Hours: For verification of clinical hours completed in MSN program 
    • Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
    • Current resume or curriculum vitae
    • Statement of professional goals
    • Copy of Nursing license
Handbooks
Accreditation

The undergraduate nursing program at Georgia College has full approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing (237 Coliseum Dr., Macon, GA 31217-3858; Phone: 478-207-2440).

The ​Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Georgia College & State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.  

Program Coordinator

Nursing DNP

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Sheryl Winn

Sheryl Winn

Professor - Nursing; DNP Coordinator
208 Parks Memorial Building
478-445-8714
Education

MSN: Adulty NP/CNS, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
DNP, Georgia Southern, Statesboro, GA

Biography

Dr. Winn has a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Georgia Southern University, where she also completed a cognate in Public Health.  Her DNP research focused on the use of Motivational Interviewing for Diabetes Prevention in Adult African American males. She has been board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner since 1997. She graduated from Emory University School of Nursing in 1996 with her Master's in Nursing ANP/CNS, with an education minor.  She has been a nurse educator since 1996. Her nursing background is in Cardiac nursing and Cardiothoracic surgery, including Heart Transplants. Dr. Winn works as an Adult NP in a homeless clinic and provides clinical experience for FNP students there.