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Degree Requirements

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .

The research projects for the DNP program involve addressing an issue in the clinical setting. Students conduct a quality improvement project allowing them to implement a practice change and evaluate the effect of this change. This is not an in depth research study but instead is intended to initiate practice change and inspire further research. 

Some examples of studies/questions investigated by prior students in our program are as follows:

• Are patients who receive patient specific education more willing to accept the influenza vaccine than patients who do not receive specific education?
• Compared to didactic-only learning, does simulated difficult airway management result in greater perceived self-confidence in managing a difficult airway in second year student registered nurse anesthesia students?
• To determine whether the use of the American Diabetes Association's Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test is more effective at identifying commercial motor vehicle drivers at risk of diabetes versus current practice of sole reliance on glycosuria.
• Will SRNAs that participate in EI training, as compared to prior to participation in emotional intelligence (EI) training, have enhanced levels of EI?”

All required documentation must be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the full summer semester:

• Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher from an accredited MSN program.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
• Completion of graduate level advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology courses.
• Three letters of recommendation addressing applicant’s practice and ability for doctoral study.
• Current resume.
• Copy of certification/license as an advanced practice nurse.
• Copy of unencumbered RN license.
• Description and total number of clinical hours/cases completed in MSN program with verification from program director.
• Completion of Graduate Studies Admission Application and fee.

• Q: What are the career options for students graduating with this degree?
  A: The DNP Advanced Practice program will open up new career options that may include: Health Care Executive, Nurse Manager, Nursing Faculty, Advanced Practice Nurse, Health Care Lobbyist, and Clinical Care Researcher.
• Q: Can you complete the program on a part-time basis?
  A: Yes! Nearly all of our students are employed full-time as nurses. Our program offers flexible coursework built with working nurses in mind.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Coursework is offered 100% online, with core courses offered asynchronously and clinical courses synchronously. Additionally, there are 500 required clinical hours that are incorporated into coursework.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.

1. Synthesize and appraise current scientific evidence and theories to enhance the practice of nursing and healthcare.
2. Create leadership roles to advance clinical practice and health care delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations.
3. Utilize healthcare informatics and an evidenced-based approach in clinical scholarship to critically evaluate, design, and implement healthcare delivery for diverse populations, settings, and systems. 
4. Integrate knowledge of and evaluate current and emerging information systems and patient care technology, considering related ethical, regulatory, and legal issues, to improve care delivery and organizational systems.
5. Develop and advocate for healthcare policy change in response to social, political, economic, and ethical issues in all healthcare arenas. 
6. Engage in intra-professional collaboration to facilitate change, improve communication, enhance patient outcomes, improve desired health outcomes, and advance high quality, safe, patient centered care in complex healthcare delivery systems. 
7. Translate epidemiological, bio statistical, occupational, environmental, and cultural principles into clinical prevention and population health. 
8. Formulate advanced levels of clinical judgment and professional values as an advanced practice nurse.

1. Synthesize and appraise current scientific evidence and theories to enhance the practice of nursing and healthcare. 
2. Create leadership roles to advance clinical practice and health care delivery at the organizational and systems level and to improve health outcomes of individuals and populations. 
3. Utilize healthcare informatics and an evidenced-based approach in clinical scholarship to critically evaluate, design, and implement health care delivery for diverse populations, settings, and systems. 
4. Integrate knowledge of and evaluate current and emerging information systems and patient care technology, considering related ethical, regulatory, and legal issues, to improve care delivery and organizational systems. 
5. Develop and advocate for healthcare policy change in response to social, political, economic, and ethical issues in all healthcare arenas.
6. Engage in intra-professional collaboration to facilitate change, improve communication, enhance patient outcomes, improve desired health outcomes, and advance high quality, safe, patient centered care in complex healthcare delivery systems.
7. Translate epidemiological, bio statistical, occupational, environmental, and cultural principles into clinical prevention and population health. 
8. Reflect on clinical experiences and how the knowledge gained influences the future role of the nurse leader.