Wright State University College of Nursing and Health, in conjunction with the University of Toledo College of Nursing, offer a joint, online, post-master’s DNP program. This degree gives nurses the chance to change the face of nursing practice and healthcare delivery while advancing their education in the practical application of nursing knowledge.

We currently offer a part-time program of study. The 54 quarter hour / 36 semester hour curriculum includes eleven courses focusing on nursing knowledge and practice. In accordance with AACN recommendations for 1000 academically supervised post-BSN clinical hours to earn a DNP degree, 520 hours of academically supervised advanced clinical practice are included in the program. It is recognized that most applicants will have accumulated a basis of 500 clinical hours (minimum) in their master’s programs as a requirement for national certification. Applicants to the administration concentration who have fewer than 500 hours of supervised academic clinical practice hours may be required to complete additional clinical hours to meet the required 1000 total hours.

Course descriptions are presented below. Course assignments emphasize skill development and the operational use of knowledge in complex practice settings including:

• population-based intervention (assessing target populations, writing proposals)
• marketing and entrepreneurship (marketing strategies, financial analysis, resource development)
• systems and organizations (organizational assessment, healthcare financing & management)
• quality management and performance improvement (performance benchmarks & tools)
• research utilization (appraising evidence, intervention design, evaluation of data, dissemination through written, verbal and online presentations)
• information management and technology (databases, patient care technology, workflow analysis)

The post-master’s DNP at Wright State University and the University of Toledo offers a choice of two concentrations: one for direct care advanced practice nurses (CNS, CNM, CRNA, and NP) and one for indirect care nursing administrators.

Classes begin in September for each new cohort. Tuition is currently $394 per quarter hour; however, the university reevaluates tuition fees each academic year. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students, principally through Stafford Loans. Interviews are held in May or June. Additional applications may be accepted for the fall quarter if openings remain. The admission criteria, curriculum and application process are explained below. Let us hear from you! Contact our administrative specialist, Teri Houston, with questions at teresa.houston@wright.edu.