UTMB's DNP Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Texas Medical Branch Doctor of Nursing Practice Program is to prepare advanced practice nurse leaders who will transform the health care system with an emphasis on improving access to quality of care and reducing health disparities.
Objectives of the DNP Program
- Integrate nursing science and theory with scientific and theoretical knowledge from other disciplines as the basis for the highest level of nursing practice.
- Develop and evaluate culturally appropriate and effective approaches to health care delivery that meet current and future health care needs.
- Use information technology and ethical research methods to improve practice and the practice environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of standards and principles for selecting and evaluating information systems, patient care technology, and related ethical, regulatory, and legal issues.
- Analyze health care policy and function as an advocate for the nursing profession.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively to function as a leader in interprofessional teams.
- Analyze epidemiological, biostatistical, occupational, and/or environmental data in the development, implementation, and/or evaluation of clinical prevention and population health.
- Demonstrate the foundational practice competencies required for DNP practice
DNP Program Frequently Asked Question(s)
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What is the difference between a DNP and PhD degree?
The DNP is a terminal degree in nursing focused on practice. The PhD emphasizes fundamental research. In the DNP program, students complete a scholarly practice project, a form of inquiry that results in improved patient outcomes and transformations in health care.
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Is this program conducted online?
Yes. All of the courses in this program are conducted fully online.
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How often am I required to come to campus?
Students are only required to come to campus once a semester for 2-3 days for on-campus seminars and classes and meetings with faculty and fellow students.
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How long will it take to complete the program?
Eight (8) semesters
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Which semester(s) do you accept new students?
We only accept new students to begin their studies in the Fall semester.
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Can I work while attending the DNP program?
Yes. Most of our DNP students work full or part-time during their studies. The program is 'part-time program', typically offering 2 courses each semester. Students should recognize that working and going to school is challenging, especially when balanced with other commitments such as a family. Students are encouraged to plan in advance for how to best balance personal and work demands with the need for reading, study, and completing course assignments.
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Is there a clinical requirement?
Students take two clinical practicum courses. Each course requires 180 hours of clinical practice. However, the clinical practice is different from typical MSN-level nurse practitioner clinical. In the DNP program students are looking at populations and systems rather than individuals. In addition, students are encouraged to spend clinical time with experts in various fields such as health policy, leadership, informatics, and practice management.
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How many clinical hours do I need to complete?
Students in Texas must complete a minimum of 500 hours of clinical practice in the DNP program. In the UTMB program, 360 hours are divided between the two clinical practicum courses (180 hours in each course) and the remainder of the hours may be completed as part of the Scholarly Practice Project.
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What is the Scholarly Practice Project?
The Scholarly Practice Project (sometimes referred to as a capstone project) is the culminating work in the DNP program. Students synthesize the skills gained in other courses to identify a clinical problem or need and develop an evidence-based approach to address this need or problem. The project must be practice based, address the need(s) of a vulnerable population, and should result in a change or improvement in practice.
