Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
The post-master's DNP (PM-DNP) curriculum has two pathways: (1) PM-DNP in same role and population as master's degree and current certification (as applicable) and (2) PM-DNP to add a new APRN role or population to current certification.
PM-DNP in the same role and population as master's degree and current certification (as applicable) requires a minimum of 35 credits. Required practicum hours are individualized based on the number of hours completed in the master's program. All students must complete a minimum requirement of 180 practicum hours (3 credit hours). Completion of the series of advanced nursing practicum courses provides the student with a minimum of 1000 hours of postbaccalaureate academic practice experience. Students may enroll in a full-time or part-time program of study. Full time students will complete the program in four (4) semesters; part-time students may complete the program in seven (7) semesters. The maximum time to complete the program is eight (8) years. Each nursing role and population builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the Master's degree and emphasize the utilization of theoretical formulations as a basis of nursing practice.
Example: I have practiced as a CNS for 10 years and would like to earn the DNP degree.
PM-DNP to add a new APRN role or population to current certification is designed for the student already board certified as an Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse (APRN) seeking a different role or population focus. Clinical learning experiences will be respective to the chosen plan of study in addition to also completing a series of advanced nursing practicum courses aimed to support the successful completion of the DNP project. Students may enroll full-time or part-time and must complete the program in eight (8) years.
Example: I have practiced as a CNS for 10 years and would like to complete academic and clinical requirements to sit for certification as a Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner upon graduation with a DNP degree.
Verification of clinical hours and fundamental APRN "3 P's" courses is required upon admission. Students without verification of the 3Ps will have to add the following courses into their plan of study.
HLSC 6410 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
HLSC 6409 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits) and
NURS 7709 or 7909 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics (2 credits)
NURS 6315 Advanced Health Assessment (5 credits)
PM-Nurse Educator DNP
The Post Master’s Nurse Educator Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) curriculum provides advanced preparation for nurse educators, with the goal of equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in expanded professional roles, particularly within nursing education. The program emphasizes critical thinking, comprehensive evaluation of current practices, scholarly inquiry, and evidence-based decision-making. It is designed to cultivate innovative leaders and educators capable of addressing the growing demands of the healthcare system. Core areas of study include leadership, program evaluation, curriculum design, and effective leadership strategies, all aimed at strengthening competencies in nursing education.
The Post Master’s Nurse Educator DNP curriculum prepares nurses for advanced practice by building expertise in nursing education and clinical leadership. Graduates are prepared to function in interprofessional roles as providers and coordinators of care serving both individual patients and populations across the healthcare continuum in a variety of settings. The curriculum is grounded in the LSUHSC School of Nursing core values and integrates theoretical frameworks with advanced decision-making and problem-solving skills to support meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery and improved patient outcomes. Core content includes advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and supervised experiences in providing direct patient care. The curriculum is individualized based on the student’s prior master’s-level preparation and requires a minimum of 35 credit hours. In addition, students must complete practicum hours, as needed, to achieve a minimum of 1000 post-baccalaureate academic practice hours, inclusive of those earned during the master’s program experience.
The Post-Master’s DNP offered in the same role as the master’s degree is delivered online for nurse educators. https://online.lsu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/nursing-practice-nurse-educator/
PM-Nurse Educator DNP
Verification of clinical hours and fundamental APRN "3 P's" courses are required upon admission. Students without verification of the 3Ps will have to add the following courses into their plan of study.
HLSC 6410 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
HLSC 6409 Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits) and
NURS 6315 Advanced Health Assessment (5 credits)
For information regarding the post-masters DNP Program of Study, please contact:
Phone: 504-568-4113
Email: dnp@lsuhsc.edu