The Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Educator option is for experienced nurses who are passionate about teaching and committed to transforming nursing education. Coursework spans curriculum design, instructional technology, teaching and evaluation strategies, nursing and change theory, foundations of advanced nursing practice, health policy, informatics, and population-based health — all aligned with national nurse educator competencies and the AACN DNP Essentials.
Depending on your previous education and nursing experience, the DNP–Nurse Educator program offers two entry pathways:
- BSN to DNP-Educator for nurses preparing to become academic or clinical educators
- MSN to DNP-Educator for nurses seeking to expand their educational expertise and lead improvements in nursing education
- Beyond the credits listed in the sample MSN to DNP plan of study below, students entering the MSN to DNP-Educator pathway may require as many as 8 additional credits to acquire the necessary 1000 clinical practicum hours. A gap analysis will help determine if further practicum hours are required.
Together, these pathways support your progression into an advanced practice role focused on teaching, learning, and educational leadership.
MSN to DNP Sample Plan of Study
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |
| Year 1 | NURS 590 Colloquium – 1 credit NURS 831 Evidence-Based Practice II: Translating Inquiry into Practice – 3 credits NURS 841 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education – 3 credits NURS 842 Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education – 3 credits Credit total – 10 | NURS 587 Ethics in Health Research – 1 credits NURS 588 Healthcare Policy for Nurse and Healthcare Scholars – 3 credits NURS 837 Evidence-Based Practice III: Project Development (75 DPH) – 3 credits NURS 840 Nursing Education Theories and Strategies – 3 credits Credit total – 10 | NURS 834 Doctor of Nursing Practice Clinical Practicum (150 CPH) – 2 credits NURS 835 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project (75 CPH) – 2 credits Credit total – 4 |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer Semester | |
| Year 2 | NURS 808 Population Health Perspectives – 3 credits NURS 813 Pharmacology, Pathology and Physical Assessment for Nurse Leaders – 3 credits NURS 835 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project (75 DPH) – 2 credits Credit total – 7 | NURS 835 Doctor of Nursing Practice Project – 2 credits NURS 836 Healthcare Informatics (75 DPH) – 3 credits NURS 845 Healthcare Economics and Policy for Nurse Administrators – 3 credits Credit total – 7 |
Learn more about the program’s courses by visiting the University Bulletin »
DNP–Educator Practicum
A total of 1,000 hours of post–B.S. practicum are required in the DNP–Educator program. You may transfer 450 hours of practicum (if applicable) from the master’s program. The remaining hours are accomplished through various courses in the DNP curriculum that include practicum hours as part of the coursework. Practicum hour plans will be developed in consultation with the course faculty member and with the approval of the DNP faculty adviser.
- Development of the plans for practicum experiences begins with your admission to the program.
- The practicum planning process involves establishing a site affiliation agreement with the practicum site and identifying a preceptor(s).
Our clinical placement team supports students in finding practicum sites and preceptors, but cannot guarantee top-choice placements. Students are responsible for starting this process early to maximize their chances of securing optimal placements. You will be responsible for working with the college’s Clinical Placement Coordinator to accomplish the affiliation agreement process. - Some students choose to complete practicum requirements at their place of employment and other students identify alternate practicum sites.
