Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Curriculum

Chatham University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is a program of 27 credits that can be completed in three to five semesters and 500 clinical hours (self-directed clinical capstone project). Each course required for the DNP program is 14 weeks in length and offered in online format. Students may determine a focus specific to their interests for their capstone project pending faculty approval. They may choose a full time or part time schedule, and only one residency is required. The residency is approximately 2-3 days in length and will take place on the Chatham campus in Pittsburgh, and will consist of networking, project presentation, faculty review, and collaborative learning. Residencies take place before a student’s final semester in the program.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Structure
Total 27 Credits
Core MSN Courses must be completed or validated through portfolio analysis/experiential learning

REQUIRED COURSES | 27 credits - Click Course for Description
NUR700	Structure & App of Contemporary Nursing Knowledge	3 Credits
	This course introduces the advanced practice nurse to the world of contemporary nursing knowledge, as formalized in conceptual models of nursing and nursing theories applied to clinical practice. There is emphasis on the metaparadigm, philosophies, conceptual models, theories, and empirical indicators linking them to clinical practice.
NUR702	Developing Practice Scholarship	3 Credits
	This course prepares students with skills and competencies needed to build and assimilate knowledge for establishing a scholarly trajectory at a high level of complexity. This clinical course consists of 125 clinical hours and is the foundation for the culminating Capstone project focusing on improving practice.
NUR703	Ethics and Public Policy in Healthcare Delivery	3 Credits
	This course focuses on ethical issues and public policy in healthcare. Students develp strategies to manage ethical dilemmas and analyze health policy to educate, advocate and provide leadership in shaping healthcare policy.
NUR704	Quality Improvement in Health Care	3 Credits
	This course focuses on the role of the executive nurse leader in quality improvement initiatives. The emphasis is on skills and competencies needed to provide a scientific knowledge base for leadership in quality healthcare and systems of change focusing on outcomes. This clinical course consists of 125 clinical hours and is the foundation for the culminating Capstone project focusing on improving practice
NUR705	Clinical Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice	3 Credits
	This course provides a foundation for evidence-based practice integrating scientific research advancing nursing leadership.
NUR706	Professional Communication for Nurse Executives	3 Credits
	This course focuses on strategies to improve professional communication with peers, subordinates, and patients in the healthcare environment.
NUR707	Grantsmanship	3 Credits
	This course introduces students to strategies, skills, and technical competencies for grantsmanship for nurse leaders and executives.
NUR799	Capstone Experience	6 Credits
	This course provides an opportunity for the student to implement and evaluate a planned evidence-based practice change project. This project lays the groundwork for future scholarship. This course culminates in a tangible and deliverable academic product derived from the practice immersion experience. A total of 250 clinical hours are included in the course.

Typical Program Schedule
Students can enroll in a full time or part time track

Advising

Students will be assigned an advisor who will assist them in making sure they are taking the right courses and proceeding on schedule to complete their degree.

Additionally, students will have access to the Students Support Center - where they will find helpful information about student services through the Chatham College for Continuing and Professional Studies and other Chatham University resources and opportunities. This is where current students find timely reminders for University deadlines, resources for becoming an effective distance student, and updates about CCPS policy. Students also have the opportunity to post questions for the Success Center or fellow students to answer about programs, technology, or other available resources.

Transfer Credit Policy

Given the integrated nature of the courses, all 27 credits of the DNP program must be completed at Chatham University.