This course provides an overview of basic concepts in biostatistics with application to healthcare. Various research methodologies and data collection procedures are analyzed. The meaning of specific biostatistical tests, how to detect patterns in data, and how to judge the validity and reliability of data are explored. Specific clinical applications of biostatistics related to advanced nursing practice is examined.

This course integrates foundational and advanced principles of epidemiology and population health across the lifespan. Students’ progress from analyzing basic epidemiologic measures to critically appraising complex determinants of health, including social, cultural, environmental, structural, and genetic influences. By applying ethical, evidence-based frameworks and statistical concepts, learners conduct population risk assessments, identify priority health needs, and examine the root causes of illness and inequity. Building on these foundations, learners design, implement, and evaluate culturally responsive health promotion, disease prevention, and policy initiatives that address community, urban, national, and global contexts. Emphasis is placed on translating epidemiological data into actionable proposals, leading interprofessional collaborations, and advocating system-level improvements that enhance equity, quality, and sustainability.

This course explores leadership theory, organization theory, philosophy, culture, structure, and processes for their relevance to health care enterprises. The implementation, development, and improvement of both inter professional practice models and healthcare outcomes are examined. Quality improvement models are discussed in the context of national initiatives and organizational processes. The role of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse is examined within the health care system.

The primary focus of this course is to explore the leadership role of DNP nurses in health policy development and implementation. Overview of issues in health policy, including the socio political and economic context of health and health seeking behaviors, are explored. Health care policy development and implementation at the local, state, national, and global levels are examined. Ethical dimensions of public policy formulations and implementation are highlighted.

An overview of the foundational concepts of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) is provided. The stages of implementing a new HMIS, from planning to evaluation, are examined. The standards, governance, policy, globalization, and future of HMIS are discussed. Data analysis and presentation techniques are explored and used to trend organizational findings.

This course will enable students to understand, apply and communicate the concepts required for effective financial planning, decision making and management in health care programs and organizations. The long-term financial impact of practice changes will be assessed at the organizational level. In addition, this course focuses on the structure and function of organizations. The elements of organizational features, culture and human talent and the influence on outcomes are explored.

This course prepares students to develop a publishable manuscript based on their DNP project. It addresses the key elements of scholarly writing including development a query letter, preparation of a scholarly paper, determination of authorship, and identification of ethical/legal considerations. Considerations for engaging in peer review and effective strategies for oral and poster presentations are addressed.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the initial stages of the DNP project, including clinical problem identification, stakeholder engagement, critical appraisal and synthesis of evidence, and development of collaborative project teams. Students will build a strong foundation in leadership and organizational readiness for sustainable system-level change, preparing them for comprehensive project planning and implementation.

This course focuses on the latter phases of the DNP project. This course facilitates the design of detailed program plans using logic models, ethical considerations, IRB application development, and project evaluation strategies. Students engage with mentors and stakeholders to refine project proposals, develop budgets and timelines, address ethical issues, and present their scholarly work to academic and clinical audiences, ensuring readiness for project implementation and leadership in practice.

The focus of this course is to facilitate DNP project implementation. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the DNP project development seminars. This course includes 150 practicum hours.

The focus of this course is to facilitate DNP project evaluation. It builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the DNP project development seminars. Emphasis also is placed on the dissemination of project findings for translating evidence into practice. 

DNP students enroll in mentored practicum hours to gain expertise in building and assimilating knowledge in advanced nurse practice. This course may be repeated for a total of 10 SH, or at the discretion of the faculty advisor.