This option provides Wilmington University MSN Leadership students the opportunity to take selected DNP courses to fulfil the requirements of the MSN Leadership program and two additional DNP experiential engagement courses. Students therefore accelerate completion of the DNP program following successful completion of the MSN Leadership program.
Legal Nurse Consultant, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Executive Concentrations:
Students have the option of (a) taking two selected DNP courses (DNP 7000 and DNP 7104) in lieu of two selected MSN-LDR courses (MSN 6646 and MSN 7741, respectively), and (b) receiving conditional acceptance into the DNP program prior to completion of the MSN-LDR degree. By participating in this option and completing the four selected courses, the number of credits required to complete the DNP program at Wilmington University, following graduation from the MSN-LDR program, is 33 as opposed to the traditional 45 credits.
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Completion of all three MSN-LDR courses (nine credits)
2. GPA of 3.0 or greater
3. Letter of recommendation from doctorally prepared professional
4. Current employment in an advanced nursing practice specialty
5. Goals statement (see the intent form for instructions)
The MSN Leadership to DNP Accelerated Option Intent Form is located in the College of Health Professions MSN Leadership Student Organization site. Upon submission of the intent to enroll form, the MSN Leadership and DNP Program Chairs will ensure that the eligibility criteria are met. If the eligibility criteria are met, students will be contacted by the DNP Program Chair to assist with appropriate course sequencing, advisement, and preparation for doctoral study.
PHASE 1:
1. The above criteria are met.
2. The Intent Form is submitted.
NOTE: Students are not obligated to earn the DNP degree at Wilmington University. Graduate level courses may be used in transfer, if accepted by other institutions.
3. A decision is made, and the student is informed.
4. If student wishes to be accepted into our DNP program, he/she may begin the formal DNP application process at this time (application, recommendations, goal statement, transcript submission, and interview).
5. Student should seek advisement from the Graduate Program Chair (MSN-LDR and DNP) regarding schedule and courses.
6. Student completes up to four selected DNP courses.
PHASE 2:
1. Student must earn at least B in the doctoral level courses for the credits to be applicable to the DNP degree.
2. Student must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
3. Student completes the formal application process, as described in Phase 1.
4. Official DNP acceptance after completing the requirements for the MSN-LDR degree, with above criteria met.
5. If a student does not meet the above criteria, he/she may graduate with an MSN-LDR degree upon successful completion of the required graduate course of study. That student may then apply to the DNP program through the regular process for admission.