The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares clinical scholars recognized for outstanding leadership and innovation to apply their talents and expertise to delivery of evidence-based patient- and population-centered care that improves systems of care and positively influences patient outcomes. The program focuses on inter-professional collaboration and development of the kinds of competencies in quality improvement and safety, policy analysis, and program evaluation that lead to enhanced outcomes for patients, families, providers, and organizations.
The Post-master’s DNP (PM_DNP) program admits nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurse leaders. . The part-time program offers flexibility to accommodate working professionals. Note that BSN-prepared nurses interested in becoming nurse anesthetists are encouraged to review the BSN-DNP in Nurse Anesthesia information.
The BSN-DNP programs are designed to be flexible and provide optional nurse practitioner and nursing leadership tracks without having to earn a Master of Nursing degree first. The nurse practitioner tracks offered include Adult Gerontology Acute Care, Family, and Psychiatry Mental Health and are focused on clinical competencies, inter professional collaboration and development as a change agent. The nursing leadership and administration track is designed for aspiring nurse leaders who desire a doctorate degree while progressing on their leadership journey.
Cizik School of Nursing, a part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is ranked in the top 5% of graduate nursing programs in the United States. The campus is located in the Texas Medical Center, a place where students can enjoy the resources of a distinguished academic health science center and the broad learning opportunities offered by the world’s largest medical center. The DNP program at Cizik School of Nursing (UTHealth), established in 2006, was the first of its kind for Texas.
The Curriculum
The program uses a hybrid curriculum model with students attending synchronous and asynchronous classes both online and on campus. Classes usually occur four to five times per semester. The BSN-DNP program requires nine semesters while the PM-DNP program is completed in seven semesters. Preceptorships and fellowships support both individual goals and achievement of the national Doctor of Nursing Practice competencies.