Doctor of Nursing Practice

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The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in the School of Nursing at Coppin State University is to prepare nurses to provide advanced primary health care to the underserved population in urban settings. The curriculum reflects the general philosophy of the School of Nursing, as well as the expressed needs of community. The curriculum content reflects integration of various concepts that are essential for the graduate program focusing on primary health care of the community. The program defines the DNP graduate as a registered nurse with advanced knowledge in the assessment and management of changing family health pattern across the life span.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program delivers an innovative academic endeavor that will assist in increasing the number of advanced practice nurses prepared to meet the healthcare needs locally, nationally and internationally. The DNP program of study provides education in nursing science, leadership, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, systems thinking and evaluation of health outcomes. The DNP program curriculum will prepare advanced practice nurses who have earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited program. The Post-Masters option incorporates the AACN’s recommended guidelines for Graduate Nursing education, and advanced practice.

Advanced practice may be either direct care specialty (examples include but are not limited to nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist) or indirect care specialty (nursing administration, health policy or health informatics). The student shall complete a minimum of 30 semester hours and additional practice hours. Up to 700 verifiable practice hours may be transferred from the student’s MSN degree program.

Students will successfully complete a DNP scholarly project that can involve, research, gaining additional expertise in an identified area and spending practicum hours in a setting that is relevant to their DNP Project. Students are able to gain experiences during the DNP practicum that will aid in the development and completion of the DNP project. This advanced practicum will provide the opportunity to, for example, link policy making with clinical systems, translate research into practice, and/or serve as change agents for health care. The student will have an individualized practicum plan to meet the goals and objectives related to their DNP Project.

Plans of Study will be developed for individual students, which reflect their goals, background, specific requirements, either for full-time or part-time study. Each student will have advisement with a member of the faculty. A curriculum outline for the degree is provided for students’ part-time or full-time study.

HFSON mission

The mission of doctoral education, offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, is to prepare graduate nurses with advanced knowledge who will practice at the most advanced level of nursing. The graduate program of the School of Nursing derives its purpose directly from the underlying philosophy of the School of Nursing. The graduate program builds on the foundation of undergraduate and graduate education; the program prepares professionally educated nurses who are capable of intellectual and professional leadership to provide high quality clinical nursing to populations, focusing on vulnerable, underserved urban and global communities.

Philosophy

The faculty of the School of Nursing believe that graduate education prepares the nurse with a strong theoretical foundation, and provides increased opportunities to utilize analytic methods to critically appraise existing literature and other evidence to determine and implement the best evidence for practice.

The faculty believe that baccalaureate education prepares the graduate for the emerging roles of the beginning nurse generalist and provides the foundation for graduate study. Professional nursing education is built on theoretical foundations of the humanities, liberal arts and the basic and applied sciences. These are used in conjunction with nursing science in a creative and disciplined approach to provide nursing care under conditions of change.

Faculty believe that nursing is a scientific and clinical practice discipline, which facilitates the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of adaptive responses in clients, through therapeutic nursing interventions.

Graduates incorporate advanced theory, research, advocacy, leadership, and clinical skills with an emphasis on independent and inter-professional practice required to assume responsibility and accountability for the health promotion, assessment, diagnosis, and management of culturally diverse clients’ problems across settings.

Through its program of study and outreach service, the School of Nursing fosters the University’s unique mission of focusing on the problems, needs, and aspirations of the people from vulnerable, underserved urban and global communities. Faculty believe that there is a dynamic exchange and interdependence between the individual and his or her internal and external environments at it relates to the provision of culturally sensitive care.

Major areas of concentration are directed toward reaching applicants from diverse backgrounds who have commitment to continual personal and professional growth in serving the urban and global communities.

As students consistently demonstrate analytical abilities, they exhibit an increased ability to incorporate emerging information systems and technology for the improvement and transformation of healthcare. Faculty believe education is an individual process in which the educator and learner have shared responsibility.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the requirements for the DNP degree, the student will:

1. Integrate advanced knowledge from the sciences, humanities and ethics with clinical expertise to support advanced nursing practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and evaluate nursing theories and concepts as a basis for advanced nursing practice.
3. Plan, engage, and participate in clinical scholarship for evidence practice.
4. Provide and design care for vulnerable, underserved, culturally diverse clients utilizing health promotion strategies.
5. Plan, initiate, and evaluate changes in health care policy and the healthcare system.
6. Analyze epidemiological, statistical, environmental, and relevant data regarding individuals, families and the community.
7. Integrate nursing science with emerging technology and information systems to identify, gather, process, manage and evaluate healthcare outcomes, the healthcare delivery system and investigate healthcare issues to improve quality.
8. Develop and evaluate organizational and systems leadership for quality improvement and systems thinking.
9. Demonstrate and integrate inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes to foster continuity of care.
10. Advocate for health care and policies that promote client health and the advancement of nursing as a profession.
11. Utilize professional standards in advanced practice nursing roles.
12. Develop and evaluate new practice approaches based on nursing theories and theories from other disciplines.

Application, Admission and Recruitment Policies and Criteria

The Helene Fuld School of Nursing does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identify and/or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, creed, handicap, veteran status, or national origin.

Applications received after the official posted deadlines may be given consideration at the discretion of the Dean, Associate Dean, and the DNP Chairperson.

Applicants Information

The program involves instruction and clinical. The academic load varies depending on the selection of part-time or fulltime plan of study. Each individual student will be evaluated independently to develop their course of study using the gap analysis and where applicable, approved credits from other colleges and universities will be accepted. Other exceptions will be determined by the departmental Chairperson in collaboration with the Associate Dean and the Dean of the College of Health Professions.

Application for enrollment into the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University is a three-step admission process. Step 1: An application must be made first to the University. Applicants must meet all University requirements and be officially admitted to the University by the Graduate Admissions Office. Step 2: Applicants must be admitted to the College of Health Professions. Step 3: Applicants must admitted into the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.

Admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing is based upon a thorough evaluation of all components of the application.

Students must be admitted to the university, have a competitive* cumulative with a minimum GPA of 3.25; meet the competitive criteria for the admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice program. All students admitted to the program will be required to sign the Honor Code, Confidentiality, Release of Information form, and complete the Health Clearance, Background Check, and Drug Screen.

The Director of Admissions submits all completed applications to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. No decision is made with respect to an application to a graduate program until all required credentials have been submitted. The DNP Chairperson, HFSON Graduate faculty and the CHP Dean make all decisions regarding admission to the DNP Program.

Students apply to the Coppin State University School of Graduate Studies through the Office of Admissions. The Dean of the College and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the faculty, Chairperson of the DNP program, and HFSON Associate Dean make admission decisions. These persons constitute the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Applicants must submit a completed application, and official transcript for the degree granting institution, and all of the institutions attended, and three (3) current letters of reference from current employer, instructors, or other persons who can attest to their character, integrity, and academic potential.

All applicants who meet the requirements shall have an interview with the HFSON Graduate Faculty. In addition, official transcripts and three (3) letters of reference are required for admission. All doctoral student applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license in Maryland or a compact state prior to enrolling or applying in the program. Licensure must be maintained in good standing throughout enrollment in the School of Nursing. The Dean, Associate Dean, and Chairperson of DNP program must be notified immediately if the status of licensure changes for any reason.

Applicants are advised that if they have been convicted of or have pled nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, they may not be eligible for relicensure as a professional nurse in Maryland.

Note for all applicants: Admission to Coppin State University is not considered automatic admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.

*Note to all applicants: Admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing is highly competitive. The criteria contained here are the minimum criteria; however, this does not guarantee admission.

Transfer Credits

Students applying to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are able to request for transferable courses up to 6 credits.

Masters Prepared Registered Nurse Applicant Criteria

Procedure for Applying

In order to be considered for admission to the DNP program, applicants must submit a completed application packet and:

1. Receive admission to the University prior to requesting admission to the College of Health Professions and the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.
2. Complete the application process as required by the University Office of Admissions.
3. Complete the application form for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program (http://www.coppin.edu/dnp/Application.pdf) and all necessary documentation for the DNP program.
4. Must hold a current unencumbered Registered Nurse License for the State of Maryland and/or Compact state licensure. If a Nurse Practitioner, must hold an unencumbered Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license with documentation of national certification.
5. Masters degree in Nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign university.
6. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or better on a 4.0 scale on all college or university courses completed prior to requesting admission to the DNP program. Must submit transcripts from all universities and colleges attended.
7. Submit a current resume.
8. Submit an essay which addresses the student’s philosophy of nursing and overall professional goals.
9. Submit three (3) letters of recommendation on the form required by the Nursing Program. (These forms are ONLINE or in the HFSON Admission Packet or found on the STAR website.)
10. * Interviews will be held with students who have met admission requirements.

The applicant should be advised that additional requirements of the program include:

1. Maintenance of an unencumbered RN license prior to enrollment and while matriculating in the program.
2. Computer skills: proficiency is expected in word processing (preferably Microsoft Word), presentation software (preferably Microsoft PowerPoint), spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Excel), Internet use (such as search/browse, access specific web sites), email (including the ability to attach and send documents via e-mail and to retrieve documents from incoming emails), uploading/downloading documents and or attaching files, use of the web enhanced courses management system (Blackboard), ability to access and navigate the official University web site, and the installation and maintenance of anti-virus and firewall software.
   If students are lacking in any of these skills, it is important that these skills be obtained through, for example, courses offered or via self-study through any of the free on-line tutorials that are available via web. Computer skills as suggested above by CSU CHP Helene Fuld School of Nursing are defined as a demonstrated ability to use technology to access, manipulate, evaluate, use, and present information.
3. Health clearance with statement by physician or care provider verifying student is in good health and capable of maintaining the rigors of a nursing program. To obtain the physical examination from your personal provider, students must utilize the Coppin State University Community Health Center’s Physical Examination form. The form must be stamped and dated by the health care provider.
4. Complete the health requirements including PPD testing, Immunizations, and titers. Additional requirements may be identified by the Community Health Center administration to be in compliance with the agency stipulations.
5. Completion of background check and urine drug screening once admitted and must use the company selected by the HFSON.
6. CPR Basic Life Support (BLS for Healthcare Professionals) and AED Training. Must be an American Heart Association Certification of CPR (adult, child, and infant). This card must include date of expiration.
7. Completion of the HFSON online training for HIPAA, OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogens standard and Joint Commission requirements including Diversity and Restraints. Instructions will be provided on this requirement.
8. Signed Honor Code, Confidentiality, Release of this Information and Photo/Video Consent. An admitted student shall receive instructions on how to meet this requirement.

Academic Policies

Grading

Students must attain a final grade of “B” in all nursing courses required in the Nursing Program of Study. Student performance in the clinical practice components will be graded on a pass/fail basis; the criteria for determining acceptable performance are included in the syllabus of each clinical nursing course. Satisfactory clinical performance is required to earn a passing grade in a clinical nursing course. Students who are not performing at a satisfactory level will be so advised at mid-point in the course. Students must pass both clinical and didactic components to pass the course.

Grading Scale

Student must attain a final grade of “B” in all nursing courses required in the Nursing Program of Study. The grading system for graduate students is as follows:

Progression

Satisfactory progress in the Nursing Program promotes and enhances retention and expansion of knowledge and skills. Therefore, once nursing courses are begun students are expected to progress each semester in accordance with the Plan of Study.

* The student must complete each course prior to enrolling in the next course. A grade of “B” (80% in nursing courses) or better must be achieved.

If the student does not successfully complete the failed course the next semester it is offered, the student may be dismissed from the Program.

Courses required in the Nursing Program may not be taken more than twice*. Students must adhere to the sequence of courses as outlined in the Plan of Study.

*Exception for medical withdrawal and extraordinary circumstances

Probation Policies: A student will be placed on probation in the School of Nursing for any of the following reasons:

1. A student who earns less than the required cumulative grade point average of 3.0 will be placed on probation.
2. A student will also be placed on probation for failure to achieve a grade of “B” or better in any nursing course.

Admission to Degree Candidacy

The following are requirements for acceptance to Degree Candidacy and completion of the DNP Program: The official Plan of Study is to be used when a student applies for Admission to Degree Candidacy. It must include the following:

1. All information contained in the Plan of Study.
2. All graduate courses taken by students (including transfer credits) with grades earned in each course.
3. A list of the courses the student plans to take to complete the program.

The student with the Advisor’s or Department Chair consultation and assistance will prepare the plan. It must be approved by the Chairperson of the Department and submitted to the Dean. Upon submission of the student’s application for Admission to Candidacy to the Graduate Council, the Plan of Study will be included the student shall:

1. Follow all policies and procedures that apply to Degree Candidacy requirements for Coppin State University, Graduate Division, and the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.
2. Successful completion of 12-18 credits of the DNP plan of study with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 with a “B” in all courses.
3. Admission to Candidacy Application is forwarded by the Chairperson of the DNP program with the Plan of Study, and transcript for approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council.
4. After Admission to Candidacy, it is required that the student must complete the remaining course work with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, and a grade of “B” in all courses.

Dismissal Policies

A student shall be dismissed from the Helene Fuld School of Nursing for any of the following reasons:

1. Failure to achieve a grade of “B” in nursing courses required as per the Plan of Study. This includes withdrawing from a course, or failing the course on the second attempt. A student may enroll in a nursing course only two (2) times.
2. Failure to maintain the cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 required in the Nursing Department for two (2) consecutive semesters.
3. Additional reasons for dismissal from the nursing department include but are not limited to:
   1. Has blatant breach of client, agency, University, HFSON and/or student-to-student confidentiality. An example of student-to-student confidentiality breach includes inappropriate release of student’s health information.
   2. Action or lack of action that cause an adverse complication in the class or clinical setting. Failure to follow agency, University, CHP, or HFSON policies.
   3. Academic dishonesty or a violation of the HFSON Honor Code.
   4. Unprofessional conduct (Refer to Honor Code and Student Code of Conduct)
   5. Failure to demonstrate in clinical practice setting the ability to be physically and mentally competent at all times to provide safe client care.
   6. An encumbered license for any license student.

Process for Requesting Reinstatement

The applicant seeking reinstatement to the School of Nursing must submit a reinstatement request packet to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduation Requirements

1. Successful completion of all courses taken with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0.
2. Completion of all courses with a grade of B or higher.
3. Successful completion of a DNP Project.
4. Recommendation of the faculty.
5. Completion of 1000 clinical practice hours (students can transfer a maximum of 700 verifiable clinical practice hours from their Masters Program or Nurse Practitioner program.) 300 practicum hours must be completed as a component of the DNP program.

A student completing the DNP program is required to successfully complete a Portfolio as a Graduation requirement. A student shall complete this requirement during his/her final semester. The student shall submit the document to the DNP Chairperson and/or designee who will review the Portfolio for adherence to the guidelines. A student must achieve a passing score.

The student must have a graduation GPA of 3.0; portfolio as the Exit requirement; have successfully implemented and disseminated the DNP Project and must pass at the benchmarks set by the faculty.

Student Participation in Governance within the Helene Fuld School of Nursing

Students participate in program development and evaluation. At the end of each course, students have the opportunity to evaluate both the course and the instructor(s). Students participating on faculty committees are selected through the Nursing Student Association. Students are encouraged to participate in any of the following HFSON Committees. Participation is based on being a member of the Nursing Student Association.

An undergraduate nursing student representation shall ordinarily include: Faculty and Student Affairs Committee, Curriculum Committee, Evaluation Committee and the Program Committee.

Student Fees

In addition to annual University tuition and fees, students in the Helene Fuld School of Nursing should anticipate the additional fees throughout the nursing program, which are subject to change based on vendor costs. These include and are not limited to (course management, health clearance, background and drug screen, books, uniforms, graduation, transportation costs to clinical settings).

Most clinical facilities are accessible by public transportation; otherwise, a personal automobile is needed. Clinical facilities may be located within a fifty (50) mile radius within the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area.

Information on fees for the Nursing Program is provided annually by the Helene Fuld School of Nursing to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One DuPont Circle, NW Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036-1120.

Programs

• Nursing Practice, Full time, DNP
• Nursing Practice, Part time, DNP

• BSN to DNP Doctoral program

Return to: Doctor of Nursing Practice