Becoming a nurse practitioner could be a great fit for you. Nurse practitioners are in high demand right now.
Are you thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner?
Concordia University’s Post-BSN to DNP program could be a great fit for you if you have your bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting a 45% growth in nurse practitioner jobs from 2019 to 2029. The Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) is quickly becoming the industry standard for preparing nurses for modern advanced nursing roles. In fact, by 2025, the entry level requirement for nurse practitioners will be a doctorate. Master’s degree programs for nurse practitioners are phasing out.
“A nurse practitioner means being part of the patient-centered health care team to deliver care within the community,” Program Director Diane Ames, DNP, FNP-BC, stated. “It’s so rewarding because of the partnership you develop with your patients to optimize their health care needs. You’re educated to practice the art and science of advanced practice nursing.”
Nurse practitioners can influence the changing landscape of health care at both the practice and system level.
What is the curriculum like?
In this program, you’ll take master’s and doctorate-level courses at the same time to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to earn your DNP and become a primary care nurse practitioner. This program does not grant a master’s degree; instead, you’ll be awarded a doctorate.
Concordia offers two specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
You can choose the three-year track or the five-year track to complete this program.
Our strong curriculum prepares our students well.
“We are consistently above the national average for our certification board passing rates. In fact, in both of our focus areas we were at 98% or higher for the past several years. We attribute these strong rates to our updated curriculum and the rigor of our program,” Dr. Diane Ames stated.
Key Curriculum Updates
This curriculum update included adding an additional science course on top of the core courses of pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and advanced physical assessment. Creating a genetics, immunology, and microbiology course provides for a strong science foundational. Furthermore, besides content knowledge and clinical experiences, you will be afforded the opportunity to work with virtual patients that covers patient conditions you might not have experienced during your clinicals.
Robust Clinical Experiences
Our program requires 720 clinical nurse practitioner hours in addition to 288 hours obtained in leadership hours from the DNP project. When you complete your DNP and pass your certification boards, you will be prepared to practice at the highest level of nursing.
Quantitative and Qualitative Skills
You will grow in your ability to search out the best evidence and to analyze data to integrate into your nursing practice to provide safe patient care. Our curriculum is set up to expand upon your critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills. Additionally, you will develop leadership skills in order to direct and provide patient-centered care that improves health care outcomes.
What makes Concordia’s BSN to DNP program unique?
We utilize an online, flexible, asynchronous learning model that is taught by experienced faculty. You will meet with our program advisor to build a personalized full time or part time progression plan that accommodates your schedule. Additionally, this truly is a practitioner’s program. We have flexible start dates and scheduling, and this exists so that you can continue to serve in your various vocations.
Our program is designed with a Christ-centered world view to help you grow in mind, body, and spirit. This mission empowers you to serve your community and the world at large.
What are the next steps?
You can apply online here. The application process does not need to be completed at one time. You are not required to take the GMAT or the GRE.
You’ll need:
- Official Transcripts from all universities attended
- GPA of 3.0 required (science and undergrad nursing GPA are appraised as part of the admission process)
- Resume/CV
- 3 letters of recommendation
You can learn about our Uncommon Scholarships here.
Do you still have questions?
If you have questions about taking the next step toward becoming a nurse practitioner, feel free to book a call with one of our Inquiry Support Specialists. They’re equipped to answer your questions and connect you with the information you need.
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