Next Start Date: Online Doctorate in Nursing
Making a difference in the lives of patience has always been at the heart of nursing. Build your expertise in health care, strengthen leadership skills and become a clinical expert with the ability to improve the quality-of-care patients receive with an online Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). UMass Lowell is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Schools for a Doctor of Nursing Practice, with courses led by distinguished nursing faculty who have real-world industry experience.
The DNP is designed for those with a Master of Science in Nursing. This doctorate degree can be completed in two years when pursued full-time or within three years for part-time students. While courses are delivered online, the program features five two-day on-campus intensives that offer valuable networking, mentoring and scholarship opportunities. You may pursue eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP), which covers 85% of tuition and fees.
Earn Your DNP in as Little as Two Years
One of the Most Affordable Tuitions in the Nation
Career Outlook
"Overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 26 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners was $115,800 in May 2019."
Key Takeaways
- Gain in-depth knowledge in evaluation research and health policy
- Be prepared to transform health care through organizational leadership
- Deepen your knowledge of evidence-based practice and health care informatics
- Build advocacy skills to influence governmental and organizational policy decisions
- Experience on-campus intensives that provide networking opportunities, presentations, the development of scholarly projects and optional field trips
Transforming Health Care Through Leadership
The interdisciplinary curriculum in the online DNP offers in-depth knowledge in evaluation research, health policy, organizational leadership, financing, evidence-based practice and health care informatics. Graduates will also build advocacy skills that are essential in influencing governmental and organizational policy decisions.
Low-Residency On-Campus Intensives
Built into the online DNP program are five 2-day on-campus intensives that provide students with the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with peers and faculty. The first intensive is a comprehensive orientation introducing students to the university, faculty, online technology and fellow students. Later intensives include guest speakers, presentations, development of scholarly projects, networking events and more, along with optional tours and field trips.
Why Should You Choose UMass Lowell for Your Online DNP?
A Fully Accredited Degree from a Name You Can Trust
Offered through UMass Lowell's Solomont School of Nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).- Earn a highly respected degree from a school that is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Schools for a Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Get personalized teaching and support from distinguished nursing faculty with real-world industry experience
- Pursue eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, where 85% of tuition and fees are covered
- Learn from an early pioneer in online education, with nearly 25 years of experience delivering online programs
Questions
For more information about the Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP, please contact Lisa Ann Marchand, DNP, FNP-C, FNAP at Lisa_Marchand@uml.edu.Curriculum Outline
- 11 Courses / 33 Credits
- PUBH.5120 Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion (3cr)
- PUBH.5770 Biostatistics for Health Data (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- NURS.7170 Evaluation Research (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- NURS.7710 Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)
- NURS.7700 Evidence Appraisal * (3cr)
- PUBH.6070 Healthcare Information Systems (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- NURS.7740 Scholarly Project Design * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
- XXXX.XXXX Elective
- NURS.7720 Scholarly Project Implementation * (3cr)
- NURS.7730 Evidence Dissemination, Advocacy & Policy * (3cr) - Available Spring 2024!
Course Descriptions
NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion (3cr)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the concepts and methods of epidemiological research. Students will critique the principles of epidemiology with an emphasis on health promotion research. Students will analyze and develop epidemiological approaches, which seek to promote health and prevent disease.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
NURS.7170 Evaluation Research (3cr)
This course focus is on the basic concepts of evaluation research and their application to education, health and social programs. Specific design and analytic approaches that effect quality evaluation research will be reviewed. Students will design a mock evaluation study. Prerequisites: Completion of a graduate level research methods course
NURS.7700 Evidence Appraisal (3cr)
In this course the student will explore the role of the DNP in evaluating evidence to inform practice. The student will also identify a critical issue or influential trend within the health care system that impacts health care delivery. Methods relevant to reviewing, analyzing, synthesizing, and applying evidence from the scientific literature will be discussed. Models of systematic reviews of the literature will be explored and implemented. Decisions will be made relative to the student's topical area of interest and identification of the Scholarly Project Chair.
Requirements:
NURS.7070 Epidemiology of Health Promotion, and Must be a matriculating student in DNP program or needs permission of instructor.
NURS.7710 Advanced Nursing Leadership and Management (3cr)
This course consists of a seminar and leadership experience. The seminar will explore the major concepts in leadership and management and their application in the health care setting. The role of DNP will also be discussed in terms of leadership in the health policy, education, and clinical settings. A leadership project will be completed by the end of the semester.
NURS.7720 Scholarly Project Implementation (3cr)
In this course, students will implement their DNP Projects according to DNP Scholarly Project guidelines. Building on the course work of previous semesters, students will share progress on their projects and discuss issues related to implementation. Course work will guide students through the phases of implementation and evaluation.
Requirements:
Pre-Req: NURS.7700 Evidence-Based Practice.
NURS.7730 Evidence Dissemination, Advocacy & Policy (3cr)
this course will include a weekly seminar. The students will complete the scholarly project by undertaking dissemination activities. The student will analyze policies influencing DNP practice and quality, cost, and access to health care and participate in the policy making process.
Requirements:
NURS 7700 Evidence Appraisal, NURS 7720 Scholarly Project Implementation, NURS 7740 Scholarly Project Design.
NURS.7740 Scholarly Project Design (3cr)
In this course, the student will design and present the Scholarly Project proposal. Students will meet biweekly with the scholarly project chair to develop the DNP scholarly project using knowledge acquired in previous course work. Students will complete a University of Massachusetts Lowell Institutional Review Board application that considers ethical and cultural issues related to the scholarly project.
Requirements:
Pre-Req: NURS.7700 Evidence-Based Practice.
PUBH.5120 Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement (3cr)
This course focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach to operations analysis, process redesign and quality improvement in health care. Focus is placed on the tools, methods and processes used for improving work flow processes, patient safety and performance in a variety of health care settings. Students study the history, development and principles of quality improvement in healthcare.
Requirements:
Graduate level or permission
PUBH.5770 Biostatistics for Health Data (3cr)
This is a practical course in biostatistical methods for health research. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the use and interpretation of standard biostatistical methods. Topics include probability and sampling distributions, regression and ANOVA, methods for analyzing rates and proportions, power and sample size calculations. Students will gain experience in using a statistical software package to apply and expand their data analysis skills.
PUBH.6070 Healthcare Information Systems (3cr)
This course provides a broad-range overview of the healthcare information systems industry, its history, recent developments and continuing challenges, as well as a practical understanding of healthcare information systems acquisition and implementation. Topics include EMR, Data, CMS Quality Programs, Clinical Integration and health information exchange.
Program Requirements
To be recommended for a University of Massachusetts Lowell doctorate degree, candidates must satisfy all of the general requirements below, plus any additional requirements that may be required by the department through which the program is offered. Any additional requirements for this program are either listed below or may be found in the University's Graduate Program Catalog.
General Requirements:
- Students must complete the program of study designed by the Department in which they are enrolled and approved by the University.
- Satisfactory grades in all subjects offered for the degree must be earned. See Academic Standing.
- All financial obligations, including tuition, fees and expenses, must be satisfied as evidenced by completion.
- Upon completion of all their courses, graduate degree candidates must submit a signed Declaration of Intent to Graduate (DIG) form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.
Graduate Program Policies
In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Spring 2024 Tuition |
Cost Per Credit | Cost Per 3-Credit Course* |
|---|---|---|
Graduate |
||
| Online | $585 | $1,755 |
| On Campus | View Here | View Here |
Additional Costs |
|
|---|---|
| Term Registration Fee | $30 |
| Late Fee | $50 |
| Graduate Degree and Certificate Application | $50 |
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
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Admissions Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing with APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) preparation with national certification as an APRN or board eligible for certification OR Master of Science in Nursing with a current RN license.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 in a nursing master's degree program (3.300 GPA preferred).
- 500 master's or post-master's practicum hours. Applicants who are not APRNs must provide evidence of practice hour equivalents from their master's program or ANCC certification in their area of practice, which affords 250 hours.
- Virtual interview with nursing faculty.
- No GRE required.
Applying into a Graduate Degree Program
All applicants must submit:- An application
- An application fee
- A statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation (one academic recommendation preferred)
- Official transcripts
- TOEFL if appropriate
- Resume
- F1 student visas are not issued for this program
Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For General Assistance:
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!
