DNP is designed for nurses seeking a terminal degree in nursing practice, offering an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs. The changing demands of the nation’s healthcare environment require the highest level of nursing knowledge and practice expertise to assure quality patient care.
Highlights include:- A team of diverse, dedicated faculty and instructors, including specialists in anesthesia, pediatrics/neonatal, acute care, geriatric, leadership, hospital administration and law.
- Collaborative online classrooms and coursework.
- Location in the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, a fast-growing hub of research, business and education that’s designed for innovation.
- Small online class size that ensures a cohesive student group and a high degree of faculty engagement and support.
- Graduation from a nationally-recognized university.
- Interactive, engaging online courses that inspire lifelong learning.
Online Learning
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed with the working professional in mind. The majority of interaction is performed through our easy-to-use online learning management system which gives you access to classmates and faculty, the Coy Carpenter Library and other resources any time of day and wherever you have internet access.
Online learning, a key component of the curriculum, is both independent and collaborative. It includes question-and-answer discussions, online group work, web conferencing and recorded and live video instruction. The program is fully online with a few onsite sessions.
| Course | Credits |
| Leadership and Collaboration | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
Students then analyze and apply select theoretical and conceptual models used in quality improvement, leadership and research in healthcare.
Leadership and Collaboration (3 credits) This course prepares nurses to integrate leadership skills into collaborative practice that promotes change in healthcare systems and policy. Students will
explore their leadership style, interactions with other professionals, and leadership impacting groups, organizations, and the community. Emphasis is placed on strategic thinking, influence, and
negotiation strategies required for effective leadership in healthcare.
Healthcare Management, Finance and Law (3 credits) This course prepares the nurse leader to navigate organizational, financial, and legal environments in order to ensure delivery of compliant
and quality healthcare. Students will produce a business plan for a change management project.
Foundations of Research Analysis (2 credits) This course focuses the research process on comprehension and synthesis of current scientific literature. Throughout the course, interactive
learning is used to guide critical analysis of nursing research studies and communicate their effect on the practice environment.
Healthcare Policy, Advocacy and Ethics (3 credits) This course examines the ethical principles of moral reasoning and its practical application. Students debate and critique moral, ethical, and
political arguments using case studies, as well as examine current political events that impact nursing practice.
Informatics and Data Driven Healthcare (3 credits) This course analyzes the application of data in the healthcare system and the policies surrounding its collection and use. Students explore the
role of the electronic health record, telemedicine, and ethical big data collection in improving population and individual health and driving clinical decision making. Students will evaluate the
use of technology for health planning and delivery of care.
Biostatistics and Epidemiology (2 credits) This course explores the application of biostatistics and epidemiology to clinical decision-making in nursing. Students will apply basic concepts of
design and statistical inference to the study of health for selected clients, populations, and settings.
Translating Research into Practice (3 credits) This course builds upon the concepts from Foundations of Research Analysis to provide a broader understanding of the research process.
Students learn to translate scientific evidence into nursing practice thereby impacting organizational systems and patient populations.
Doctoral Study (6 credits over 3 semesters) During the doctoral study, students will synthesize learning throughout the program through the construction and dissemination of an evidence- based
practice project. The scholarly project will be derived from practice needs that focus on a change initiative such as a quality improvement project, program evaluation, evaluation of a new
practice model, or a systematic literature review. Students work in pairs.
DNP law electives can be accessed here.
For more information visit “Track Courses” on the WF MSL Health Law Policy website.
Wake Forest University Law School Academic Calendar
| Year | Fall Course (Credits) | Spring Course (Credits) | Summer Course (Credits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conceptual Models, Quality and Safety (2) | Foundations of Research Analysis (2) | Translating Research Into Practice (3) |
| Biostatistics and Epidemiology (2) | Informatics and Data Driven Health Care (3) | *Wake Forest University Law Elective (3) |
|
| 2 | Healthcare Policy, Advocacy, and Ethics (3) | Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration (3) | Health Care Management, Finance, and Law (3) |
| Doctoral Study (2) | Doctoral Study (2) | Doctoral Study (2) |
*Flexible Offering: To determine when each law elective is offered, refer to the “Track Courses” on the WF MSL Health Law Policy website
A basic knowledge of computer and Internet skills is required in order 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, 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, 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 Web site
- Allowing pop-ups from websites (i.e. Canvas)
- Knowledge of terminology, such as browser, URL, application, etc.
Personal skills including:
- Self-discipline and time management skills
- Problem solving skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Netiquette and strong communication skills
- Research skills
Computer specifications for online courses include:
Minimum hardware specifications:
- Use a computer 2-years old or newer when possible
- 4GB of RAM
- 250 GB Hard drive
- Core i5 Processor or Greater processor
- Speakers/Headphones
- Recommended: Webcam and Microphone
Minimum operating system requirements:
- Windows 10
- Mac OSX 10.6 and newer (Mac)
- Mobile operating system native app support
- iOS 7 and newer (versions vary by device)
- Android 4.2 and newer
Internet connection and web browser requirements:
- Minimum of 512kbps; high speed connection is recommended.
- Web browser (Latest modern versions of Firefox, Safari, Chrome)
- Recent version of Flash (used or recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)
- Adobe Reader/Acrobat
- JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas
Recommended software:
- Microsoft Word 2013 or newer recommended (If you are not using Microsoft Word, we recommend saving documents as .rtf files for compatibility)
Note: Canvas is best viewed at a minimum resolution of 800x600. If viewing on a device with a smaller screen, the Canvas mobile app is recommended. The program does not provide an institution-issued laptop. Therefore, students are expected to use their own laptop that meets the system requirements above.