In this DNP practicum course, students will create individualized objectives in their specific area of interest. Students will identify a clinical or administrative question, generate evidence, and develop a plan to translate evidence into practice. The course will focus on problem identification and planning at the practice, organization, or system level. Students will complete work under the guidance of an approved clinical mentor. Students will generate a practicum portfolio that drills down to the evidence regarding their clinical/administrative question and resulting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Students complete the practicum journal requirements throughout the course. Students will complete a self-evaluation and reflect on their personal growth in their specific area of interest.

In this DNP practicum course, students will create individualized objectives to continue completing the gap in practice activities identified in NURS 8502. Students will implement gap in practice activities, monitor, measure, evaluate outcomes, and disseminate results back to the organization. The course will focus on the continuation of the evidence-based practice problem identified in NURS 8502. Students will complete work under the guidance of an approved clinical mentor. Students will generate a practicum portfolio that drills down to the evidence regarding their clinical/administrative question and resulting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Students complete the practicum journal requirements throughout the course. Students will complete a self-evaluation and reflect on their personal growth in their specific area of interest.

The focus of this course is to integrate and extend the Doctor of Nursing Practice student's skills and knowledge of research methods to read, interpret, and evaluate research studies. Essential topics will include overview of research concepts and the research process; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methods and designs, including data collection, data analysis and interpretation techniques; ethical issues in research; and utilizing research findings to guide practice. Basic statistics will be reviewed, including the appropriate use of various statistics, underlying assumptions of the procedures, and the interpretation of results generated from statistical software. An analysis of how research designs and methods support the research process for the translation of evidence into clinical practice will also be examined.

Advanced practice nurses frequently apply epidemiologic concepts to inform evidence-based practice. Students in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methods in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. Students examine select population health issues such as chronic and infectious diseases and effects of disasters and emergencies. Throughout this course, students gain a deeper understanding of the various research designs and methodologies professionals use in epidemiologic research and their relevance to population-based nursing practice. Consideration is given to study designs, primary and secondary data sources, epidemiologic measures, sources of error, and ethical issues relevant to research. Students apply epidemiologic methods to the development of a program proposal for a population health issue.

When used effectively, information technology can support generation of new knowledge and emerging information technologies. In this course, students examine the critical appraisal and use of information technology in advanced nursing practice. Students work to gain the skills and knowledge needed to research, develop, process, integrate, and manage data, communication and information systems, and programs through technology resources in consumer, clinical, and public health settings. Students engage in a variety of discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on topics including retrieval and critical analysis of digital data and emerging technology to support healthcare quality improvement; electronic health records integration and evaluation; and web-based learning and intervention tools to support and improve patient care. They also explore ethical, regulatory, and legal issues as well as the healthcare standards and principles for selecting and evaluating information systems and patient care technology that effects positive social change. They engage in course assessments focused on the practical application of scholarly writing, critical thinking skills, and the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also explore the essentials of being a Walden doctoral student, relevant professional and specialty standards of doctoral-level nursing practice, intra- and interprofessional collaboration, and the process of the DNP doctoral project/dissertation.

Traditional path: To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an approved CCNE specialization or an equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements.

Executive Leadership: To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an approved CCNE specialization or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a master’s degree in a business or non-nursing health-related field, or an equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements.

Nurse Practitioner Specializations: To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a current, active RN license, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a 3.0 or higher GPA or an equivalent from an accredited school, and meet the general admission requirements.

All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.