Post-Masters 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 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 requires a minimum of 36 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 (4 credits)

For information regarding the post-masters DNP Program of Study, please contact:

Phone: 504-568-4113
Email: dnp@lsuhsc.edu