DNP FAQ

Why should I return to school for the DNP degree?

Due to the increased complexity of health care and the nursing and nursing faculty shortage, the field of nursing is in need of strong nursing leadership. The standard of practice for terminal degrees in nursing within the next few years will be the research-focused PhD in nursing and the practice-focused DNP. This trend will allow the discipline of nursing to attain an equal stance with other health-related professional fields that offer both practice- and research-focused doctoral degrees.

The graduate of the DNP program will possess the knowledge and skills to perform in a leadership role in a variety of settings, including clinical, educational, and organizational. Rutgers will offer two foci to the DNP: the clinical track and the administrative track. The health care delivery system in the United States requires doctorally-prepared, practice-focused practitioners that can effect change, provide strategic planning and program development, apply data m anagement and informatics skills, translate research into evidence-based practice, influence health and social policy for diverse populations, and influence positive health care outcomes. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a two-year, 41-credit post-master’s program that includes theoretical courses, a clinical residency, the development of a practice portfolio, and the completion of a capstone project leading to a potentially publishable clinical paper. The coursework is delivered in an online and blended format similar to the PhD program and will include a residency period in which the students will gather on campus for instruction and socialization.

How do I obtain general information about doctoral programs at Rutgers?

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey offers many doctoral programs on its three campuses: Newark, New Brunswick, and Camden. To view these opportunities and to learn more about individual programs, visit the general Rutgers website at: http://www.rutgers.edu. The College of Nursing is administratively located in Newark, New Jersey. Our website is http://nursing.rutgers.edu.

What is an online and blended format?

An online and blended format is the integration of online learning (asynchronous) and face-to-face learning experiences (synchronous online and/or in-person meetings) that result in increased knowledge and social interactions.

Do I need a computer?

Yes, you will need a computer with high speed internet access to successfully complete the requirements for the DNP degree. Full technical requirements can be found at http://ecollege.rutgers.edu/technicalreq.jsp.

What computer skills do I need?

You will need to be proficient in word processing (preferably Microsoft Word), presentation software (preferably Microsoft Powerpoint), spreadsheets (preferably Microsoft Excel), Internet use (e.g., 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 and downloading documents and files to online courses and official University web sites, and the installation and maintenance of anti-virus and firewall software. If you are lacking in any of these skills, it is important that you obtain these skills through, for example, courses offered at your area community college and/or high school or via self-study through any of the free on-line tutorials that are available on the web.

How do I obtain an application for the doctoral program at Rutgers?

You must apply online for the DNP program. The application is found at: http://rutgers-newark.rutgers.edu/gradnwk/. The deadline of US citizens is October 1 of each year for spring admission only. Additional deadlines can be found at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu.

What are the admission requirements for the DNP program?

The requirements for admission to the DNP program are:

• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program,
• A master’s degree with a major in nursing from a nationally accredited program,
• A cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.2 (where A=4.0),
• Satisfactory GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical and/or writing abilities),
• Submission of the following materials:
• Current registered nurse licensure,
• An essay describing the applicant’s goals for doctoral study and career goals relative to advanced nursing practice,
• Curriculum vitae with relevant work experience pertaining to the area of clinical specialization (certification in specialization is preferred),
• Two scholarly papers of which the applicant is sole author (this can be a published article or chapter, a paper done in the master’s program, and/or a paper completed for work),
• Three letters of reference from professional sources that support the applicant’s ability to succeed in the doctoral program. Two of these letters must come from nurse academicians,
• Two official transcripts of all previous college work, and
• Completed application form.

Does Rutgers consider applicants whose baccalaureate degree is not in nursing?

If the applicant has completed an AD to MS degree with a major in nursing from a nationally accredited program will be able to enter the DNP program.

Does Rutgers consider applicants whose masters degree is not in nursing?

As noted in the admission requirements, a master’s degree in nursing is required and the applicant can choose from eight practice specializations offered by Rutgers to obtain a master’s degree first before entering the DNP program.

Does the program provide advisement to prospective students?

Yes. Feel free at any time to contact Dr. Mary Ann Scoloveno, Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Education, by phone at 973/353-5060 or by email at scoloven@rutgers.edu.

Do I have to take the GRE?

Yes, the GRE is required. There is no time limit in terms of when the test was taken. It is recommended that you obtain a score of 500 or higher on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam. Also, a 500 or higher on the analytical section (if you took that form of the test in past years) or a 3.5 or higher on the writing portion is recommended.

What happens if I do not do well on the GRE?

If your scores fall significantly below the recommended scores, as noted in the question above, you should consider retaking the exam. It is advisable to contact the Director of the Graduate Program if you have any questions about your scores.

What are the costs of the program?

The costs of the program vary each year. For the current schedule of tuition and fees, please go to http://www.studentabc.rutgers.edu/billing. Additional costs will include your laptop or notebook computer, other hardware and software requirements, travel and housing costs for residency periods.

Does the program have graduate assistantships, financial aid, and scholarships available?

Yes, the College of Nursing has graduate assistantships (GA). The GA works 15 hours per week with 10 hours devoted to teaching in the undergraduate program, usually in a laboratory course, and 5 hours assisting a nursing faculty member on their research. Specific information regarding this option will be provided to you during the first residency period in the first year.

The College of Nursing has two additional funding options available for the full time student (9 credits in the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits in the summer semester): a Federal traineeship and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. The traineeship provides money for tuition, fees, and sometimes books. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program provides funding for tuition, fees, books, and other costs for conducting research. Students who receive this loan and work full-time for four years as a nursing faculty member following graduation from the DNP program will have 85% of their loan forgiven.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities at area hospitals and community and professional organizations. Work settings may also offer tuition reimbursement. Occasionally we will also have scholarship opportunities at the College and Graduate School levels that provide tuition and fees and sometimes, a small stipend. Current students are informed by email whenever these scholarships are available.

What are the residency requirements?

Students are expected to attend a two-day orientation in January at the beginning of their program. In the orientation, students will receive: (a) an introduction to the DNP program, (b) directions on how to successfully participate in an online and blended learning format, and (c) course instruction. During this time, the student will meet the faculty involved in the DNP program. During the second and third years, the residency period will be for four days and will occur in June. During that time, students from both the DNP and PhD programs will have opportunities to meet and socialize. The dates will be announced for these residencies.

Are there any pre-requisite requirements?

Yes. Students entering the DNP program are expected to have successfully passed a master’s level course in nursing theory, nursing research, advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and a basic statistics course, before enrolling in the DNP nursing sequence.

How do I develop my coursework?

Upon admission, students are assigned to a faculty advisor. Every attempt is made to identify someone with similar interests. This faculty member will work with the student to determine their progression through the program of study. The faculty advisor may or may not become the chair or a committee member of the student’s capstone project committee.

Are all of the courses online?

All fall and spring semester nursing courses will be offered in an online and blended format using Blackboard. Two of these courses will be shared with the PhD students. Students will be required to take one interdisciplinary course in health care m anagement.

Where do the clinical practicums take place?

You, with the help of the faculty, will determine your career goals and identify experiences most likely to meet those goals. Clinical practicums will be developed which will facilitate your meeting your career goals. The location of your practicums for each of the clinical residency courses is determined by your interest area, skill level, and geographic needs, as well as by the availability of clinical sites and course objectives. Your practicums may take place in a clinic, hospital, and/or private practice setting.

Do I have to find my own preceptor?

The faculty member for your practicum will identify for you two to three possible preceptors that they feel will best meet your interest area, skill level, and geographical need. You will then need to contact each of these potential preceptors to see which one of them will best meet your educational needs. You will negotiate your clinical days and hours with your preceptor each semester.

How many hours of clinical do I have to complete?

The goal of the DNP program is to prepare graduates to make significant changes in clinical practice. Through the DNP program students will gain skills in program planning and evaluation, health care policy, evidenced based practice, outcomes improvement, and will add greatly to the breadth and depth of knowledge they already have. The number of clinical hours will, in part, depend upon the student’s background and their career goals. Students can expect to complete at least 500 clinical hours during the program.

Is a dissertation required?

No, a dissertation is not required for the DNP degree, but you will need to complete a capstone project. You will take two semester long courses that will prepare you for this project and the subsequent write-up of this project. It is anticipated that the paper you compose at the end of these courses will be publishable. You will form a committee to assist you in this capstone project.

How do I identify my chair and committee members for the capstone project?

There are four members on a DNP capstone committee: a chair, two College of Nursing faculty (internal members), and one member from outside of the College of Nursing (external member). The external member may be identified from within other Rutgers units or from outside the Rutgers system. Throughout your coursework you will be considering who you would like to work with. It is important that the members work well together so that you can have the best outcome.

How long is the program?

The DNP curriculum requires 41 credits beyond the master’s degree. Of that total, 35 credits must come from nursing courses, including 6 credits for capstone projects leading to the development of a program and final clinical paper and 12 credits in clinical practica. An additional 6 credits are required in epidemiology (3 credits) and healthcare management (3 credits), interdisciplinary courses. The DNP student will have 8 years in which to complete this program of study according to University policy. Full-time students will complete the program in 5 semesters; it is expected that most part-time students will complete the program in 9 semesters.

Do I have to take a certain number of credits each semester?

Most students take their coursework on a part-time basis; two courses per semester. If you are receiving financial aid that requires full-time study, you need to take nine credits (usually 3 courses) for the spring and fall semesters and six credits (usually 2 courses) in the summer semester.

Can I take a semester off?

Yes, you can. When you wish to do this for personal reasons, you must register for Matriculation Continued after obtaining approval from the Director of the Graduate Program. This allows you to retain your active student status for the nominal student fee of $79.00. There is no tuition for this registration.

What is a typical full- and part-time program of study?

*For the Spring 2007 cohort, only part-time enrollment will be allowed. Due to faculty assignments, the first cohort will use the second schedule. Two of the semesters will be FT (semesters 3 and 5).
If you have further questions that were not answered, please contact:

Mary Ann Scoloveno, RN, EdD
Interim Associate Dean for Graduate Education, and Associate Professor
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey,
College of Nursing
180 University Ave., Ackerson Hall, Rm. 102A
Newark, NJ 07102
973/353-5060 (ph), scoloven@rutgers.edu (email)