Doctor of Nursing Practice

Graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are prepared for advanced nursing practice within the complex, multi-tiered global healthcare environment, serving as collaborative leaders, change agents, role models, and mentors within interprofessional teams. Students develop advanced knowledge and skills necessary to translate evidence into practice, impact organizations and systems, and apply evidence-based practice to improve healthcare outcomes of individuals, families, and populations. Guided by expert faculty and a supportive culture, students complete a culminating DNP Project grounded in implementation science and reflective of the dynamic healthcare environment. Students will select a specialization in either Executive Leadership or Public Health and Policy.

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Director of Nursing
• Nursing Administrator
• Director of Public Health or Policy

This program does NOT academically qualify graduates for advanced practice nursing licensed careers, including but not limited to the following:

• Nurse Practitioner
• Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Rasmussen University part of American Public University System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. http://www.ccneaccreditation.org.

This program is not available in all states.

This program is not designed to prepare graduates for any advanced practice nursing license or any other state-issued professional license or certification. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing agency. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence.

Applicants must submit an application packet containing:

• A completed program application form.
• A professional essay, as prescribed in the application packet.
• Two professional statements of recommendation.
• A current curriculum vitae or resume.
• Applicants must hold a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license issued by a board of nursing in the U.S from the state where the clinical hours will be completed. Rasmussen University part of American Public University System ("Rasmussen") defines a current, unencumbered license as a license that is unexpired and has not been reprimanded, stipulated, suspended, revoked, or has any current or prior disciplinary action, regardless of current ability to practice. When the applicant holds more than one current RN or APRN license, all current licenses must be unencumbered. The student is required to maintain a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license throughout the duration of the program. Failure to maintain a current, unencumbered RN or APRN license throughout the duration of the program will result in administrative withdrawal from the University.

• Official transcript with a minimum GPA of 3.0 that reflects either:

  1. A Master’s in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, or
  2. A baccalaureate degree in Nursing from an accredited program (CCNE, ACEN, or CNEA) and a Master’s degree in a related field.

  There is no appeal process available to request waiver of requirement.

• All applicants must provide a letter of attestation reflecting the total number of post-baccalaureate practicum hours earned. The signed attestation must be on the university letterhead where the post-baccalaureate clinical hours were obtained.
• Complete a virtual interview with the Dean of Nursing for DNP and MSN

When a completed application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Dean of Nursing for DNP and MSN.

In addition to determining program entrance acceptance, the review will determine the number of total clinical/practicum hours earned at the post-baccalaureate level that will apply to the program. This will determine the remaining practicum course hours required to complete the program.

Once the Dean of Nursing for DNP and MSN approves the application packet and determines the number of practicum course hours required to complete the program, the following will be required:

• A Rasmussen application and enrollment agreement
• A criminal background screening
• Any additional program specific requirements as specified at the time of enrollment

Approved applicants will receive a communication from Rasmussen confirming acceptance.

Accepted applicants must complete an online orientation course and will attend a Doctor of Nursing Practice Orientation and receive a Graduate Nursing Program Handbook.

Drug testing, proof of current immunizations and screenings, and proof of current CPR certification are not entrance requirements for this program. However, Rasmussen will require proof of current immunizations and proof of current CPR certification 14 days prior to the first day of the quarter of the professional practice experience to remain enrolled in the practicum course. Some practicum sites may have additional requirements such as drug screening, proof of health insurance, photo ID, etc., prior to placement in the professional practice experience. The student is responsible for complying with and paying for any health examinations, immunizations, and drug tests required by the Rasmussen or the practicum site.

In addition to meeting all other acceptance requirements, applicants to this program must successfully complete and pass a criminal background check through Rasmussen’s chosen third-party vendor. An additional and different background check may also be required during active enrollment prior to practicum or clinical placement depending on site requirements. An additional background check may include components that are different than those originally checked at the time of admissions. Any prospective student must also consider their history, lifestyle, and future actions before enrolling in this program, and carefully consider whether their actions may prevent them from attaining employment in the field they choose to pursue. Additional requirements, such as industry-specific training may be required to obtain employment in this field. Applicants for careers in this field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, and drug/or alcohol testing. Employment decisions, including whether to require background checks and other tests, are made at the discretion of the employer.