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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DNP in Public Health Nursing?

• The Public Health Nursing DNP is based on population-focused practice. The target population can be a community, an aggregate, a state, a country or a global focus. 

How does the DNP differ from the PhD, DNS, or DNSc in terms of curriculum content, research competencies, outcomes and roles occupied?

• The DNP focuses on providing leadership for evidence-based practice. This requires competence in translating research in practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable clinical innovations to change practice. Considerable emphasis is placed on a population perspective, how to obtain assessment data on populations or cohorts, how to use data to make programmatic decisions, and program evaluation. If a DNP desires a more formal research role, additional preparation will likely be required-similar to a MD completing a PhD. The PhD and DNS/DNSc programs are research intensive. In many cases, PhD graduates accept academic or governmental positions where research is a major expectation.

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 but rather nurses who are expert consumers of the research literature. This will enable you to evaluate research studies better than at the master’s level, and make more 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?

• We have extremely few dropouts. Out of every 50 students who enter, at least 45 will graduate. In the Public Health Nursing option, no one has dropped out during its 6 years of existence. As of May 2007, we have graduated 12 new doctorates.

Are web based classes as good as a classroom for interaction and group

work?

• We find that web-based 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 positions responsible for clinical program delivery and clinical teaching 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 full-time program, requiring about 45 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, which might mean not learning as much as you should, making low or failing grades, or not doing your work adequately which could jeopardize your job.

How many hours a week should I expect to put in?

• For each 1 hour credit, plan on spending 4 hours each week on assignments and readings. If you are taking 12 hours credit, this means about 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?

• Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), also your email program, preferably Outlook, Outlook Express, or Entourage.

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. You may want to become a Skype member (free: Skype.com) so you can make free phone calls over your computers for conversations. Some students also use webcams for conversations so they can see each other. Some faculty also like to communicate this way but it is not required.

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. Thus you must read all the assignments on time and be prepared to discuss the readings at the onset of each week’s discussions. You may 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?

• February 1st is the deadline for all materials to be submitted.

How do I apply?

• Application must be made in two parts:

• Web-based component – www.utmem.edu/nursing then Future Students, Apply Online Now***
• Paper-packet component – all supporting documentation must be submitted in one packet.
• Instructions: www.utmem.edu/nursing then Future Students then Application 101.

 

Is there an application fee?

• Yes, there is a $50.00 application fee.

What will the program cost?

Is there any financial assistance available?

• The College has a number of scholarships that students are eligible after admission

• 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.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources for Nursing Students