Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Science

The DNP places primary emphasis upon advanced professional nursing practice, theory, research, and leadership roles in advancing health care delivery systems and the application of research into practice. The Post-Master's DNP option is available for those who currently hold an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license and who wish to expand their knowledge and skills to interpret research, apply best practices, and incorporate clinical knowledge and leadership skills to influence healthcare policy.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791 has accredited the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program through June 2032.

All University of Alaska Anchorage nursing programs are reviewed and approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing, 550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, (907) 269-8161.

Admission Requirements

• Complete the Admissions Requirements for Graduate Degrees.

School of Nursing Admission Deadlines 

The post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program has a rolling admission policy. Completed applications are reviewed each term.  Applicants may take up to nine credits of core courses, on a space-available basis and with faculty permission, while waiting for their application to be processed.

School of Nursing Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the post-Master's DNP program the student must submit documentation of the following:

• Earned graduate degree in nursing from an institutionally accredited Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).  APRNs include certified nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists.
• Graduate GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants who attended a program that issues pass/fail grades will not be competitive unless there is formal documentation that a passing grade is equivalent to 3.00 or higher.
• Registered professional nurse license in the state of Alaska. The license must remain active and unencumbered while in the School of Nursing (SON) graduate program.
• Active APRN license. The license must remain active and unencumbered while in the SON graduate program.
• Engaged in practice as an APRN.
• Faculty approved plan of study based on a Gap Analysis. A gap analysis is a process of reviewing transcripts to determine if additional courses might be needed or if some courses can be waived. The gap analysis form can be found in the SON DNP Handbook (see SON website for advisor contact information).
• Graduate-level statistics course within the last 5 years.  If an applicant does not meet this requirement, NSG A633 will be added to the plan of study.

School of Nursing Admission Process

The UAA School of Nursing application process is as follows:

1. Complete the UAA Graduate School online application. Monitor the application portal to make sure all requested transcripts are received and all references are uploaded.  Only completed applications will be considered. As part of the application process you will be asked to:

• Upload your resume (follow the provided Resume Instructions)
• Provide three names/emails of individuals willing to provide a professional reference
• Upload a copy of your RN license
• Upload a copy of your APRN license
• Upload a copy of your APRN certificate

2. Once your application is completed, contact the SON graduate program assistant (uaa_nursegradadmit@alaska.edu) to schedule the faculty interview and advising appointment.

Additional School of Nursing Requirements

Prior to the commencement of the nursing program, students must provide documentation for the following:

• Immunizations: Proof of rubella, rubeola, and mumps vaccination or titer; varicella (chickenpox) vaccination or titer; Hepatitis B titer demonstrating immunity; Hepatitis A titer demonstrating immunity; diphtheria/tetanus vaccine within the past ten years; influenza vaccine within the previous twelve months.
• Freedom from active tuberculosis: Verified annually by a negative PPD skin test or by a health examination conducted by a nurse practitioner, physician, or physician's assistant.
• Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): Required for infants, children, and adults. 
• Additional requirements: May include, but are not limited to, drug screening, additional vaccinations, and/or clinical facility-specific requirements.
• Eligibility determination from a national-level criminal background check.
• Professional liability insurance: Specific information regarding acceptable policies can be obtained directly from the program.
• Proof of health insurance: The school assumes no responsibility for illnesses and injuries experienced by students during their clinical experiences. Students who are injured while completing clinical assignments are responsible for all associated medical costs.
• Proof of registered professional nurse license in the state of Alaska: License must remain active and unencumbered while in the School of Nursing (SON) graduate program. Students with encumbered licenses should meet with the graduate program chair to determine program eligibility.

Furthermore, students enrolled in clinical courses must arrange their own transportation to clinical assignments and will need to purchase uniforms and specialized equipment.

Academic Requirements

Students enrolled in the DNP program must maintain continuous enrollment and remain in good standing within the SON. A detailed schematic of the SON good standing policy can be found in the SON DNP Handbook. Noncompliance with the good standing policy and academic expectations will result in probation and possible dismissal from the program. To remain in good standing students must:

• Maintain professional and academic standards at all times.
• Maintain continuous enrollment each term until the degree is earned.
• Earn a minimum 3.00 (B) in all required coursework.
• Complete NSG A696A, NSG A696B and NSG A696C no later than three sequential semesters after completion of all other required coursework.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the General University Requirements for Graduate Degrees.
• Complete the following program requirements.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Complete the following courses:
NSG A615	Health Services Organization and Finance	4
NSG A613	Advanced Practice Informatics *	2
NSG A614	Advanced Practice Ethics and Law *	2
NSG A618A	Advanced Nursing Leadership *	2
NSG A619A	Health Economics *	2
NSG A628	Practice Inquiry II: Design and Methods	3
NSG A629	Practice Inquiry III: Proposal Development	2
NSG A634	Epidemiology for Advanced Practice *	2
NSG A683	Clinical Immersion **	3
NSG A684	Clinical Concentration **	4
NSG A696A	Practice Inquiry IV A: Capstone Project	2
NSG A696B	Practice Inquiry IV B: Capstone Project **	2
NSG A696C	Practice Inquiry IV C: Capstone Project	2
Advisor-approved elective		3
Total		35

Capstone: Project Dissemination

The DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a scholarly capstone project. The project must focus on an issue related to improving patient outcomes, and it must demonstrate the synthesis of the student’s coursework and clinical practice application.  Students who are unable to successfully defend their capstone while enrolled in  NSG A696C may be required to take additional coursework. Specific requirements for additional coursework will be determined by the graduate program chairperson, the DNP coordinator, and the capstone project chair.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Science will be able to:

• Demonstrate enhanced professional skills in advanced practice nursing using an ethical, evidence-based approach to promote healthy communities
• Apply clinical inquiry using a culturally sensitive, evidence-based approach to adapt practice and change health outcomes
• Act in expanded leadership roles to influence local, statewide and national health care policy and delivery systems serving unique, diverse and underserved populations