Winona State University introduces the new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program allows individuals with a master’s degree in nursing to gain advanced clinical and leadership competencies.

"The new movement towards the option of a practice-focused doctorate in nursing is critical for the people of our state and nation,” said Timothy Gaspar, dean of the WSU College of Nursing and Health Science. “Outcome based care, management of complex and/or at risk populations, incorporation of effective use of health technologies, utilization of health information systems and leading in the development of public policy in health care are among many roles that a DNP nurse will demonstrate as a nurse scholar."

Ideal candidates for the new DNP program are nurse executives, nurse informaticians, nurse educators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and nurse practitioners. The first students were admitted for enrollment in the Fall 2007 semester.

According to Gaspar, the students are “excited about developing the knowledge and expertise necessary to become leaders and innovators in helping reshape the future healthcare system.” He continued, “These DNP graduates will be prepared at the highest level of nursing practice to lead and innovate in the application and translation of research into best practice with the goal of improving the health and well being of people.”

The DNP program is a collaboration within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, approved by the Higher learning Commission, and involves a consortium of four schools: Winona State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Students from all four universities progress together as a cohort.

Tuition for the new DNP program is $650 per credit, with approximately seven credits scheduled per semester.

The DNP program curriculum is structured around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education. Course content builds upon the master’s degree and consists of a minimum of 36 credits. Five semesters of doctoral level coursework end with completion of an evidence-based clinical capstone project. Throughout the course sequence, students work with clinical experts and graduate faculty who have expertise in applied research.
For more information, call Gaspar at (507) 457-5122.

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