Frequently Asked Questions

What will the DNP graduate be able to do?
Upon completion of the DNP program the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate advanced levels of clinical judgment/scholarship in nursing practice;
2. critically analyze complex clinical situations and practice systems;
3. evaluate and apply conceptual models, theories, and research in order to improve health care of diverse populations;
4. systematically investigate a clinically focused area of nursing in order to advance health care;
5. analyze the social, economic, political, and policy components of health care systems which affect care planning and delivery;
6. assume leadership roles in the development of clinical practice models, health policy, and standards of care;
7. integrate professional values and ethical decision-making in advanced nursing practice.

What is a DNP in Public Health Nursing?
The Public Health Nursing DNP is a nursing practice that is focused on populations as patients. The patient/population may be a community, an aggregate, a state, a country or the world. PHN DNP graduates may provide care to an individual or family, but the focus of this curriculum is care of populations (e.g., upstream prevention, infrastructure change, and leadership).

How does the DNP differ from the PhD, DNS, or DNSc in terms of curriculum content, research competencies, outcomes and roles occupied?
The DNP degree is focused on developing leadership skills through the development and application of evidence-based practice. This requires competence in translating research in practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable innovations to change practice. The PHN DNP option places considerable emphasis on populations, particularly in meeting the PHN Core Competencies domains and performance measures (http://www.sphtc.org/phn_competencies_final_comb.pdf).  If a DNP desires a more formal research role, additional preparation will likely be required (e.g., similar to a model where the MD completes a PhD). The PhD and DNS/DNSc programs are research intensive.

How much opportunity for scholarly research is there in the DNP or should I look at the PhD?
The DNP program is not designed to prepare researchers and does not require a dissertation. Rather, the PHN graduates will be expected to understand and interpret the research literature as consumers. This will enable PHN DNP graduates to analyze research studies, create policy, develop programs, and lead informed decisions about whether new research findings warrant changes in policy, procedures, or practices. You will also be qualified to be a co-investigator on NIH or CDC studies as the content expert. You will not be qualified, however, to seek a research grant as a Principal Investigator from NIH.

How many people complete this program?
Our graduation rate for the DNP program and Public Health Option is at or greater than 95%.

Are web enhanced classes as good as a classroom for interaction and group work?
We find that web-enhanced courses involve even more interaction and group work than face-to-face classes. Plan to communicate with your fellow students at least 5 days a week. If you go more than 2 days during the week without communicating with your fellow students and instructors, you might be considered “missing.”

What kind of positions can I expect with this degree?
The DNP graduates will likely seek practice leadership roles in a variety of settings: management of quality initiatives, executives in healthcare organizations, directors of clinical programs, and faculty (both tenure and non-tenure appointments would be appropriate). In addition, there are needs for doctorally prepared nurses in policy positions (legislatures, advocacy groups, voluntaries), entrepreneurs, and at numerous positions at CDC and local/state health departments.

Can I work and go to school?
Since this is a rigorous full-time program, requiring about 36-40 hours a week, we recommend that you not work. However, if you absolutely must work, you should not work more than 20 hours per week. Any more work than that means you will have to cut corners somewhere. The result might mean you will not learn as much as you should, or you might make low or failing grades, or your employment/work will suffer, which could jeopardize your job.

How many hours a week should I expect to put in?
For each 1 hour credit, plan on spending 3-4 hours each week on assignments and readings. If you are taking 12 hours credit, this means about 36-48 hours a week will be spent working on courses. That is why this is a “full-time” program.

What computer programs should I know how to use before I begin?
You should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), also your email program, preferably Outlook, Outlook Express. In addition, the College of Nursing will provide opportunity to improve your skills in on-campus offerings.

Since this is a distance-learning program, how will I communicate with my classmates?
Students primarily communicate with their instructors and colleagues through Blackboard; however, phone numbers can be helpful in a pinch. PHN DNP students also communicate with their Advisor/teachers using the webcam Adobe Connect Professional ®. They will be required to purchase a webcam camera and earphones. Outside the class, there are free webcam sites available for student to student conversations. There is also Skype (free: www.Skype.com) so you can make free phone calls over your computers for conversations.

How much reading is expected with each course?
That varies but unlike face-to-face classes, you cannot expect to skip the readings and get your notes during a classroom lecture. With distance learning, the onus of learning shifts to the student. In the PHN DNP option, you must read all the assignments on time and be prepared to discuss the readings at the onset of each week’s discussions. You will also be required to bring in additional readings that are current and relevant, to share with the class and discuss.

When will I be certified?
Students may sit for the Community Health Nursing Certification Exam offered by ANCC upon completion of the program.

When should I apply?
The application deadline is January 15th.

How do I apply?

Application instructions are found at our Application Instructions Page .

Is there an application fee?
Applicants pay a $65 application fee to NursingCAS. After acceptance, students are required to submit a $75 Admission Processing Fee and a $200 Guaranteed Enrollment Deposit (GED). The GED, a non-refundable fee due within 30 days of acceptance, is held in escrow and applied to the student’s first term of study.

What will the PHN DNP program cost?

Information regarding tuition, fees and other cost can be located at http://www.uthsc.edu/finaid.

Is there any financial assistance available?
The College has a number of scholarships that students are eligible after admission. Information regarding the availability of scholarships can be located at http://www.uthsc.edu/finaid.

The Academic Common Market allows a student to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate program at a university in another state without having to pay out-of-state tuition if that program of study is not offered by the public institutions in the student’s home state.

To be considered a priority applicant for all UTHSC, College of Nursing Scholarships you must submit a completed FAFSA by August 1.

Completing the FAFSA ensures consideration for financial aid, loans, scholarships, traineeships, etc.

• Step 1
• Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov; UTHSC code is 006725.
• Step 2
• UTHSC Office of Financial Aid will receive your FAFSA info.
• You will receive an Award Letter from UTHSC Financial Aid indicating types of funding you qualify for and amounts awarded.
• Step 3
• Read/Sign Award Letter - then return it to UTHSC Financial Aid.
• Step 4
• Once all forms/signatures are received, loans will be processed.
• Funds should be available by first week of class.

Scholarships

1. Scholarships via UTHSC College of Nursing/Financial Aid
• Limited number and $ amounts of scholarships available
• Scholarship criteria “scholarship specific” (need vs. merit)
• Scholarship amounts and recipients vary from year to year
• Completing FAFSA by June 1 ensures scholarship consideration
2. Scholarships through External Funding Agencies (e.g., HRSA)
• Continually changing list – often nursing education related
• List will be sent to you after you accept
3. Funds-for-Time Scholarships
• Local organizations (e.g., Methodist-LeBonheur, Baptist,…) have programs that offer tuition reimbursement for a time-commitment
• List will be sent to you after you accept

The UTHSC College of Nursing is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Electronic Campus for distance education courses, programs and services offered through many institutions of higher education in the southeastern United States.

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