UF to launch program for bachelor’s degree nursing graduates to earn practice doctorate
Those interested in applying should visit the visit the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree page, or call (352) 273-6331 or email ckiley@ufl.edu
Beginning in fall 2009, the University of Florida College of Nursing will begin offering a postbaccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The BSN to DNP program, offered in a variety of clinical specialties, will allow those who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing to enter directly into DNP study. UF is the first school in Florida to begin accepting applications and the first to be approved by the Board of Governors.
Applications are currently being accepted for the BSN to DNP program, which will complement the college’s postmaster’s DNP program started in 2006. Currently those who wish to obtain a DNP in Florida must already have their master’s degree in nursing. The initial UF BSN to DNP program will allow BSN graduates for advanced practice as family nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, adult nurse practitioners or acute care nurse practitioners.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has recommended that the DNP replace the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as the entry level for advanced practice by 2015. National bodies that offer certification exams for advanced practice are expected to require nurses to hold a DNP in the future. This will include new nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), nurse midwives (CNM), and nurse anesthetists (CRNA).
UF is one of 63 programs nationwide that offers a DNP program, however, most only offer a postmaster’s option at this time.
“The UF College of Nursing was the first nursing program in Florida to offer the PhD in Nursing Science for those seeking a research career. We will again be at the forefront of a changing paradigm for nursing education by offering the BSN to DNP, as the terminal degree for those seeking careers in advanced practice,” said Kathleen Ann Long, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing. “We are proud to have a leadership role in offering the DNP program to baccalaureate nursing graduates.
“The focus of the DNP program is innovative and evidence-based practice. This degree program prepares advanced practice nurses with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for health care delivery in the future, and will provide advanced practice nurses with educational backgrounds comparable to those of health care professionals in other fields,” Long said.
Due to the growing complexity of health care, the explosion of scientific knowledge, and the increasing sophistication of technology, master's degree programs in nursing now have credit hours far beyond those in other fields. The practice doctorate in nursing follows a trend toward clinical doctorates in other fields including pharmacy and physical therapy.
UF will continue to offer its master’s degree program in several specialties including neonatal nursing, nurse midwifery, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and public health nursing (contingent on grant funding) for a transitional period. By 2012, these specialties will also move to the DNP level. In keeping with national standards, the advanced generalist Clinical Nurse Leader program will continue as a master’s degree offering.
During the national transition period from the MSN to the DNP for advanced specialized practice, the College will offer post BSN students the option to exit after earning the MSN and return as a postmaster’s student to complete the DNP at a later time.
The BSN to DNP program will be 93 credits and last 4 1/2 to 5 years for part-time students and 2 1/2 years for full-time students. The deadline for first review of applications is March 15, although applications will continue to be accepted until May 31 on a space available basis.