Doctoral Nursing

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Doctoral Programs and Requirements

Degrees/Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) (Post-Master’s)
          Advanced Practice (D.N.P.) 
          Advanced Practice Emergency Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)  
          Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner-Post Master’s (D.N.P.)  
          Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)  
          Nursing Administration (D.N.P.) (Post-Master’s) 

B.S.N to D.N.P Option (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
          Family Nurse Practitioner
                    Family Nurse Practitioner (B.S.N. to D.N.P.) 
                    Family Nurse Practitioner w/ENP Specialty (B.S.N. to D.N.P.) 

          Nurse Anesthesia (B.S.N. to D.N.P.) 
          Nursing Informatics and Analytics (B.S.N. to D.N.P.) 

R.N. to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)  (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
          Family Nurse Practitioner
                    Family Nurse Practitioner (R.N. to D.N.P. Option) 
                    Family Nurse Practitioner w/ENP Specialty (R.N. to D.N.P. Option) 

          Nursing Administration (R.N. to D.N.P. Option) 
          Nursing Informatics & Analytics (R.N. to D.N.P. Option)           

The doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) program will fulfill a need within the profession for advanced practice nurses who can provide leadership in the healthcare system of the 21st century. The D.N.P. will be a visionary leader for the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care in all settings. This program prepares graduates to demonstrate competencies, including organizational and systems leadership, advanced clinical skills, the ability to mobilize interdisciplinary teams, the ability to establish collaborative relationships to solve complex clinical problems, and to initiate policy and programmatic changes. The D.N.P. program will prepare clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists) and nurse administrators for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and to fully implement the emerging science and practice innovations in health care.

NOTE: Admission and progression policies for new programs (including the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program) are still being collected and will be added to this document soon.

D.N.P. Outcomes

Graduates with a doctor of nursing practice from the Ida Moffett School of Nursing will be prepared to:

1. Practice at the highest level of nursing by integrating nursing science and the biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, organizational and public health sciences to improve health, nursing and education outcomes;
2. Integrate advanced critical reasoning and judgment in the management of complex clinical situations and systems;
3. Assimilate ethical principles, personal beliefs, and Christian values to provide a framework for advanced nursing practice;
4. Engage in scholarship and analytical methods for evidence-based practice to effect optimal outcomes;
5. Apply information systems and technology for the provision and/or transformation of health care delivery and nursing practice;
6. Participate in interprofessional collaboration for the improvement of individual and population health outcomes;
7. Advocate change in health care practice through policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P)

The post-master’s doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) is a terminal degree in nursing that can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or in two years of part-time study. The concentrations include nursing administration, advanced practice, advanced practice-emergency nurse practitioner, and advanced practice-family nurse practitioner.

Admission Criteria

Applications for the D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
3. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited and CCNE, CNEA, or an ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited program in the area of advanced practice or administration (applicants with unique credentials will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
4. Master’s degree cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale.
5. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
6. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper), or 90 (Internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
7. Video interview.

Academic Policy and Progression

Transfer Credit

Graduate students are permitted to transfer a maximum of twelve hours of graduate credit from a regionally accredited and a CCNE, CNEA, or an ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited college or university. To do so, students should complete a course substitution form and attach a copy of the syllabus. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the associate dean of the graduate program for applicability to the program.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the doctoral program in the School of Nursing, the student must:

1. Have a completed Health Data Record (with all required immunizations) updated annually and on file with ESS.
2. Carry health insurance while enrolled at Samford. Students in the School of Nursing are required to provide proof of current personal health insurance coverage. Each semester, students in the IMSON are automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored student health insurance plan. There is a charge for this coverage. To have the charge removed from his/her Samford account, a nursing student must provide proof of insurance by completing the insurance waiver at https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/school-page.

   International Students: Based upon federal regulations and University policy, all F and J visa holders are required to carry insurance that meets certain coverage requirements. Information about specific policy carries, minimum coverage, and premium costs is available from the Office of Global Engagement at (205) 726-4334.

3. Provide current documentation of BLS certification
4. Adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct as specified in the Samford University catalog.
5. Possess a current unencumbered RN nursing license in your state of practice and in the state of all clinical rotations.
6. Maintain licensure and certification. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the IMSON of any encumbrance that is placed on any license.
7. Submit to background check and random drug testing.
8. Make a grade of B or better in each required or prescribed course in the D.N.P. program. NOTE: A grade of C, D or F constitutes a failure in any prescribed or required course in the D.N.P. program. **Students must maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA and may not earn a grade below B in any course to progress in the curriculum. Students must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA to graduate.
9. Maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA and may not earn a grade below B in any course to progress in the curriculum.

Academic Policies

Students who receive a grade below a B in any required or prescribed course or whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and must:
• Repeat any nursing course in which a grade received was below a B and receive a grade of B or better.
• Be aware that a required nursing course can only be repeated one time.
• Be aware that failure of the same course twice or failure of two separate courses constitutes dismissal from the program

Students who fail to successfully complete a required nursing course within one calendar year of the academic probation notification will be dismissed from the program.

Students must be aware that matters of plagiarism, unethical, unprofessional or unsafe conduct may result in immediate dismissal from the School of Nursing.

Students who need more than five years to complete the program may petition the IMSON graduate program to request an additional year for completion (a total of six years for completion).

Readmissions Policy

A student who has been dismissed from the Ida Moffett School of Nursing graduate program may apply through the Office of Graduate Student Services for readmission after an intervening period of not less than one semester. The appropriate graduate admission committee will consider such requests for readmission on presentation of substantial evidence of a responsible and successful period of work or study during the intervening period. There is no guarantee, however, that a student will be readmitted. The decision regarding readmission rests with the dean and is based upon the faculty’s evaluation of the likelihood of the applicant’s ability to perform successfully in graduate coursework.

B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The B.S.N. to D.N.P can be completed in three years of full-time study. Concentrations include family nurse practitioner, dual family nurse practitioner family/emergency nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and nursing informatics and analytics.

Admission Criteria

Applications for the B.S.N. to D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
3. Bachelor of science in nursing degree from a regionally accredited and CCNE, CNEA, or an ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited program.
4. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
5. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
6. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper), or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
7. Video interview.
8. For students pursuing the BSN to DNP in family nurse practitioner, dual nurse practitioner family/emergency, nursing administration, and nursing information and analytics, the following additional requirements apply: one undergraduate nursing research course with a grade of C (2.0) or better, and one undergraduate health assessment course with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

Nurse Anesthesia

B.S.N. to D.N.P. (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Admission Criteria

Applications for the B.S.N. to D.N.P. in Nurse Anesthesia program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application directly through Slate. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Complete the Supplemental Application Form for the nurse anesthesia program, found at www.samford.edu/nursing/supplemental-application-forms.aspx.
3. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
4. Bachelor of science in nursing degree from a regionally accredited and ACEN or CCNE accredited program.
5. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
6. Minimum one year full time critical care experience as a registered nurse.
7. Minimum GRE score within the last 5 years. a. Verbal: 153; Quantitative: 144; Analytical: 4.0 b. The Miller Analogy Test (MAT) is not accepted.
8. International applicants or American citizens who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper) or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9. On-campus interview.
10. If accepted, a non-refundable fee of $1,000 is required to secure admission into the program. This fee is applied to the first semester’s tuition.

Progression Policies

In order to progress in the School of Nursing nurse anesthesia program, the student must:

1. Have a completed Health Data Record (with all required immunizations) updated annually and on file, according to policy with ESS.
2. Carry health insurance while enrolled at Samford. Students in the School of Nursing are required to provide proof of current personal health insurance coverage. Each semester, students in the IMSON are automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored student health insurance plan. There is a charge for this coverage. If you are a new nursing student, you will need to register your health insurance coverage by clicking on the following link and completing the information: https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com/school-page.
3. Document and keep current professional liability insurance for clinicals.
4. BLS, ACLS, PALS certification prior to clinical rotations and through graduation.
5. Adhere to the Code of Ethical/Professional Conduct, School of Nursing section.
6. Possess a current unencumbered Alabama registered nursing license and in the states of all clinical rotations.
7. Submit to random drug testing and a criminal background check.
8. Obtain a grade of “B” or better in each didactic course and a “Pass” grade in each clinical course.

Program Interruptions and Readmissions

1. Students must complete all semester coursework before progressing to the next semester. Individual exceptions may be made by the department chair. An incomplete grade (INC) may be awarded if the student has done work that would earn a passing grade in the course but has failed to complete some portion of the required work because of an emergency, and the work can be completed without further class attendance. An INC grade automatically becomes an F if not removed by the last day of classes in the next full semester after the grade was given.
2. Students who receive a non-progressing grade may reapply to continue their course of study the following year. Additional remedial courses may be required on a case-by-case basis prior to readmission. Determination for readmission will be made by the nurse anesthesia program faculty with approval of the dean of the School of Nursing.
3. Students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program may reapply to continue their course of study the following year. Additional remedial courses may be required on a case-by-case basis prior to readmission. Determination for readmission will be made by the nurse anesthesia program faculty with approval of the dean of the School of Nursing.
4. Students will be obligated for complete tuition payments for any enrolled semester. For students readmitted to the program, tuition costs will be at the tuition rate in place at the time of readmission.

R.N. to D.N.P. (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

The R.N. to D.N.P. program can be completed in three and one-half years of full-time study. The R.N. to D.N.P. is offered for family nurse practitioner, dual family nurse practitioner family/emergency, nursing administration, and nursing informatics and analytics.

Admission Criteria

Applications for the R.N. to D.N.P. program are considered on a competitive basis by the School of Nursing; thus, applicants’ admission profiles are evaluated according to stated admission criteria. The applicant will be considered for admission to Samford University and the School of Nursing graduate program upon submission of the following required materials:

1. Completion of application. For complete admission instructions, visit www.samford.edu/nursing.
2. Current unencumbered license as a registered nurse.
3. Associate degree from a regionally accredited and CNEA or an ACEN (formerly NLNAC) accredited program, or hospital diploma.
4. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
5. International applicants (applicants who are not United States citizens or permanent residents) must contact the director of graduate student services for detailed program requirements.
6. American citizens or permanent residents who learned English as a second language must score at least 575 (paper), or 90 (internet) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
7. Video interview.

Programs

• Advanced Practice (D.N.P.)
• Advanced Practice Emergency Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)
• Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner-Post Master’s (D.N.P.)
• Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (D.N.P.)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• Family Nurse Practitioner w/ENP Specialty (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• Nurse Anesthesia (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• Nursing Administration (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• Nursing Administration (D.N.P.) (Post-Master’s)
• Nursing Informatics and Analytics (B.S.N. to D.N.P.)
• R.N. to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Courses

• NURG 700 - Theory and Philosophy of Nursing Practice (3)
• NURG 701 - Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
• NURG 702 - Biostatistics (3)
• NURG 703 - Information Systems and Technology (3)
• NURG 704 - Policy for Population Health (3)
• NURG 705 - Leadership, Economics, and Quality (3)
• NURG 710 - Teaching-Learning Principles (3)
• NURG 711 - Nurse Faculty Role in Curriculum Development (3)
• NURG 712 - Nurse Faculty Role in Program Evaluation (3)
• NURG 715 - Nurse Faculty Role Transition (3)
• NURG 720 - Administrative and Organizational Theory (3)
• NURG 721 - Strategic Management of Organizations (3)
• NURG 722 - Administrative and Organizational Controls (3)
• NURG 725 - Nurse Administrator Practicum (6-8)
• NURG 726 - Nurse Administrator Practicum I (2)
• NURG 727 - Nurse Administrator Practicum II (2)
• NURG 728 - Nurse Administrator Practicum III (2-4)
• NURG 740 - Resource Planning for the Advanced Practice Nurse (3)
• NURG 741 - Contemporary Issues within Vulnerable Populations (3)
• NURG 742 - Emerging Diseases, Genetics, and Health Trends (3)
• NURG 745 - Advanced Practice Practicum (6-8)
• NURG 746 - Advanced Practice Practicum I (2)
• NURG 747 - Advanced Practice Practicum II (4)
• NURG 750 - Clinical Decision Making in Advanced Nursing Practice (2)
• NURG 751 - Primary Care of Adults (6)
• NURG 752 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Adult (3)
• NURG 753 - Community Focused Primary Care (3)
• NURG 754 - Primary Care of Women (2)
• NURG 755 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Women (2)
• NURG 756 - Primary Care of Children (3)
• NURG 757 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Across the Lifespan (4)
• NURG 758 - Emergency/Urgent Care (2)
• NURG 759 - Advanced Practice Clinical: Emergency/Urgent Care (2)
• NURG 760 - DNP Project I (2)
• NURG 761 - DNP Project II (2)
• NURG 765 - Case Management across the Continuum (3)
• NURG 766 - Cultural and Spiritual Competence (3)
• NURG 770 - Service Learning and Interprofessional Practice (2)
• NURG 771 - Psychiatric Mental Health I (3)
• NURG 772 - Psychiatric Mental Health II (3)
• NURG 773 - Psychiatric Mental Health II Clinical (4)
• NURG 774 - Psychiatric Mental Health III (3)
• NURG 775 - Psychiatric Mental Health III Clinical (4)
• NURG 777 - Family Nurse Practitioner Synthesis Practicum (7)
• NURG 780 - Leadership Seminar I (2)
• NURG 781 - Health Systems and Administration Seminar (2)
• NURG 782 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum I (2)
• NURG 783 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum II (2)
• NURG 784 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum III (3)
• NURG 785 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum IV (3)
• NURG 786 - Health Systems and Administration Practicum V (4)
• NURG 791 - Emergency Care I (3)
• NURG 792 - Emergency Care Clinical I (3)
• NURG 793 - Emergency Care II (3)
• NURG 794 - Emergency Care Clinical II (3)
• NURG 795 - Advanced Practice Practicum: Emergency Nurse Practitioner (3)