Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I send my official academic transcripts? 

Please send to DNPinfo@wakehealth.edu

Do I need to Complete the FAFSA to be eligible for financial aid?

Yes, to be eligible to receive financial aid you must complete the FAFSA.

What are the minimum Requirements for Online Learning?

A basic knowledge of computer and internet skills is required to be successful in an online course. Skills needed include: 

Understanding of basic computer hardware and software; ability to perform computer operations, such as:

• Using keyboard and mouse. 
• Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, and check properties. 
• Software installation, security and virus protection. 
• Using software applications, such as Microsoft office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) or Google Docs, 
• Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking and saving files in different formats. 
• Using email, including sending and downloading attachments.
• Internet skills (i.e., connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases. 
• Familiarity with and use of online educational resources (i.e., podcasts, Webex, video calls). 
• Communicate using a discussion board and upload assignments to a classroom website. 
• Allowing pop-ups from websites (i.e., Canvas). 
• Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, URL, and application.
  
   

Personal skills including:

• Self-discipline and time management skills. 
• Problem-solving skills. 
• Critical-thinking skills. 
• Netiquette and strong communication skills. 
• Research skills. 

Minimum computer requirements:

• Processor – Windows: i5 (Gen 8)
• Memory (RAM) – 16GB or Greater
• Storage – 512GB or higher. 
• Display – 13” or larger with 1440x900 or better resolution
• Network – Windows 802.11 b/g/n/AC; Macbook Airport Extreme
• Operating system – Windows 11 or macOS 14.0 Sonoma
• Antivirus Protection – Windows Security; macOS: Sophos

What is the value of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree?

DNP-prepared nurses are uniquely equipped to translate evidence into practice, lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and drive system-level change across healthcare settings (AACN). The value of the DNP lies in its direct impact on practice and outcomes. Through rigorous preparation in evidence-based practice, healthcare systems leadership, informatics, policy, and quality improvement, DNP graduates improve clinical outcomes, care delivery processes, and health system performance. The required DNP scholarly project demonstrates the ability to implement and evaluate practice changes that improve outcomes for individuals, populations, or health systems.

Do I need to have Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment course credits prior to admission?

Students admitted to the program without documented completion of all three (3) of the required advanced practice foundation courses: Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology, and Advanced Health Assessment/Simulation Lab are required to complete these courses as part of their plan of study. Successful completion of these courses is mandatory to ensure adequate preparation for advanced practice and doctoral-level coursework.

Obtaining practice hours

DNP Post-master's track students are required to earn 1,000 post-baccalaureate hours as part of the degree requirements. Practice hours earned during a nursing master's program will be reviewed on an individual basis and deducted from the required 1,000 hours. Students will indicate the number of hours needed to earn during the DNP Post-Master's track. Students will complete a minimum of 250 DNP project-related hours and will also earn approximately 100 practice hours from activities completed in DNP core courses. The remaining needed hours can be earned through DNP immersion experiences. Cumulative hours will be documented on a DNP time log form and submitted each semester.

Is the program fully online?

The DNP Post-master's track is 30 credits across 24 months and is primarily administered in a distance education format. However, there may be onsite sessions scheduled well in advance to accommodate students’ schedules.

What is a critical care unit? 

A critical care area Is defined as one where, on a routine basis, the RN manages one or more of the following: invasive hemodynamic monitors (e.g., pulmonary artery, central venous pressure, and arterial catheters), cardiac assist devices, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive infusions.

What are examples of acceptable critical care units? 

Acceptable units include, but are not limited to surgical intensive care, cardiothoracic intensive care, coronary intensive, care, medical intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and neonatal intensive. Other areas may be considered provided the applicant can demonstrate competence with managing unstable patients, invasive monitoring, ventilators, and critical care pharmacology. 

How are applicants selected for an interview? 

All completed applications are reviewed for invitation to interview.  Selected applicants will be invited to meet with the admissions committee and will be notified via email. Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements will not be invited for an interview and will be notified of their application status via email. Admission to Academic Nursing programs is a highly competitive process and there will be applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements but who are not selected for an interview. 

What are the admissions committee decisions? 

The admissions committee will render one of the following decisions:

1. Admit
   1. Applicant will be offered admission to the next matriculating cohort, or earlier if a seat is available.
2. Waitlist
   1. Applicant will be placed on a list and may be offered admission to the next matriculating cohort, if a seat becomes available. The waitlist remains active until a cohort matriculates. Once a cohort starts, the waitlist is dissolved and an applicant must reapply for the next admission cycle to be considered for admission to a future cohort. 
3. Deny
   1. Applicant will not be admitted during this admission cycle. Reapplication is possible but the applicant will be expected to demonstrate personal improvement evidenced through resubmitted application materials and/or interview.

What is the Casper Assessment?

Visit https://acuityinsights.app/ to discover more about the Casper assessment, why we are requiring you to take Casper, how you can prepare for Casper, and the steps to register for the Casper.