Practicing APRNs
The curriculum for post-MSN to DNP is a 30-credit program normally completed in 2–3 years, with an allowance for taking longer to if needed. Students who are already nationally certified as NPs or otherwise qualified for the post-MSN DNP program, will participate in direct and/or indirect hours to complete their required 480 hours. A variety of mechanisms and/or processes are used to award post-master's DNP students practice hour credits. APRNs who hold current national certification in an area of advanced nursing practice that require a minimum of a graduate degree, may use practice hours at their place of employment. However, in order to accomplish this, students need to identify specific learning goals that extend beyond the students normal practice expectations.
A Master's Degree in Nursing and wish to pursue Initial Nurse Practitioner Role Preparation
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner
The plan of study for post-MSN to DNP that includes initial Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner preparation is three calendar years and is individualized according to the student's previous education. The curriculum includes additional coursework necessary to be eligible to certify as an Adult-Gerontology or Family Nurse Practitioner. Graduates of the primary care Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner tracks are eligible to apply for the national certification exams available for these role preparations (ANCC or AANPCB).
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
The curriculum for post-MSN to DNP is a variable-credit program (maximum 71 credits) offering core courses and specialty courses that offers initial preparation for a selected role and population foci in acute care: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The 2021 plan of study consists of a 3.5 year curriculum, which requires attendance at summer sessions. Initial summer classes will be offered on Wednesdays beginning on May 19, 2021 and ending the second full week of August 2021. The AG-ACNP track option prepares students to be eligible for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Classes may be offered online only to conform with COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Partially online courses reduce the number of campus visits necessary each semester. Semester classes are normally scheduled online or one day a week face-to-face. Clinical practicums require additional time and can be done in the student's own location if possible.
The AG-ACNP track option prepares students to be eligible for certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
A Master's Degree in Nursing and wish to pursue a Leadership Role
The ethical leadership option reflects Viterbo's strong focus on servant/ethical leadership as a university and is consistent with the DNP Essentials. The plan of study is designed for applicants who are not APRNs and who wish to pursue advanced specialty practice at the aggregate/systems/organizational level. Students with a BSN who already hold a master's degree in business or a related field can also complete the post-MSN to DNP Ethical Leadership (non-NP) track.
A Master's Degree in Nursing and wish to pursue a MBA/DNP Dual Degree
The plan of study is designed as an entry point for students who have earned an MSN degree to prepare for leadership roles, educate future nurses, and influence systems of care. This MBA/DNP dual degree program provides a path to career goals while saving time and money, preparing students with the doctoral level nursing Essentials as well as the critical business and management skills needed by successful health care leaders.