As baby boomer healthcare professionals prepare for retirement, higher-level healthcare positions across the country are opening up. Opportunities are emerging for the next generation of experienced nurses to take on leadership roles and help tackle complex decisions about the future of our healthcare system. For nurses with an MSN degree who want to seize these opportunities, an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can provide the training needed to start the process of becoming leaders in either clinical or systems positions.
Maryville University Online DNP Curriculum
The online DNP program at Maryville University aims to prepare future healthcare leaders for high-level careers in clinical practice, policy, advocacy, systems leadership, and more.
Check out a full list of Maryville’s Online DNP course offerings here*:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Core and Capstone Courses
The DNP program is 11 courses, 33 credit hours
Doctor of Nursing Practice Foundation Courses (15 credit hours)
NURS 700 | Principles of Epidemiology and Biostatistics | 3 Credits |
This course introduces students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. The fundamental concepts and techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics are explored with particular emphasis on applications in epidemiology, public health, global health, disease surveillance and outbreak analysis, health care administration, and the social and biological sciences. Basic statistics, including exploratory data analysis, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, and ANOVA methods are presented. Evaluating and using output from statistical computing software are also addressed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 701 | Foundations of Clinical Scholarship | 3 Credits |
As the first course in the DNP program, this course is designed to refine students' scholarly writing skills through a variety of strategies. Along with important works in nursing, literature in other disciplines is also explored. The process of concept analysis is emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 702 | Integrating and Synthesizing Research | 3 Credits |
This course emphasizes an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge according to scientific principles and rules. The conceptual consequences imposed by science on philosophies of knowledge are also discussed. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated in an effort to prepare students for the design of research proposals. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 709 | Advanced Health Care Policy | 3 Credits |
In this course knowledge of the American healthcare system is used to identify economically and politically feasible and viable policy changes that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system's delivery of health care. The policy-making process is examined to prepare students to be effective advocates for health policy change. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 710 | Graduate Statistics | 3 Credits |
Understanding the measurement of phenomena is a critical component of the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results. (3 credit hours) |
Doctor of Nursing Practice Capstone Courses (18 credit hours)
NURS 703 | Ethics For Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to present ethical principles and decision-making models for the highest level of nursing practice. Evidence-based nursing and interprofessional literature are used to analyze ethical dilemmas that arise in professional practice. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 704 | Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to provide students with the foundation of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI) concepts. Theoretical perspectives of quality and patient safety factors and the use of selected process improvement tools will be examined. Evidence-based practice and change management will be integrated with concepts of PI and QI. Systems thinking will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 705 | Clinical Inquiry I | 3 Credits |
In this course, students design an evidence-based research study that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this research initiative is explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students complete the human subjects training and write a proposal. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 706 | Clinical Inquiry II | 3 Credits |
In this course, students implement their clinical project and complete data collection. Students apply integrated research concepts as they pertain to their clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 707 | Clinical Inquiry III | 3 Credits |
In this course, students complete data analysis of the clinical project. Based upon the results of data analysis, students disseminate their evidence-based research through written and oral delivery. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 708 | Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership | 3 Credits |
Organizational, management and social science theories are analyzed in the context of organizational leadership and change management. Systems thinking is emphasized. (3 credit hours) |
Doctor of Nursing Practice with NP Concentration (DNP-NP)
DNP-NP students complete the courses listed above plus:
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (6 credit hours)
NURS 603 | Professional Role Development | 3 Credits |
Advanced Practice Nurse This course provides a theoretical foundation for exploring, analyzing, and evaluating the advance practice nursing roles within the health care system. The legal and ethical context in which the advanced nurse practices is addressed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 610 | Health Promotion/Disease Prevention | 3 Credits |
The master's-prepared nurse is in a key position to influence the health practices of individuals, groups and communities. Health screening, risk assessment, targeted needs assessment, and health promotion are emphasized. Health care goals at the local, regional, and national levels are implemented to direct program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. (3 credit hours) |
DNP-NP Credits by Concentration:
AGPCNP 62 Credit Hours, AGACNP 68 Credit Hours, FNP 68 Credit Hours, PNP 65 Credit Hours, PMHNP 71 Credit Hours
Nurse Practitioner Core Courses (11 credit hours)
NURS 611 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 Credits |
Provides the basis for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and the changes in normal function that result in manifestations indicative of illness. Emphasis is on correlating manifestations of illness with pathophysiological processes in order to formulate diagnoses and health care goals. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 612 | Advanced Health Assessment | 5 Credits |
Advanced practice nurses perform comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings. Advanced health assessment integrates health history, physical and psychological changes and psychosocial variations. The assessment is used to determine health and risk status, develop health promotion strategies, and establish priorities of care. Differences between a complete health history and a history for an episodic event are examined. This course incorporates 80 hours of documented clinical experience with a preceptor focusing on health history and physical assessment. The student will apply concepts related to advanced health assessment and health promotion to problems of adults in rural and/or urban health settings and will begin their clinical logs. (5 credit hours) |
NURS 615 | Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | 3 Credits |
Nurse practitioners diagnose and prescribe treatment regimens for persons with common acute and/or chronic health problems. This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens for illnesses that affect individuals. Also included are illness prevention and non-pharmacological primary care for individuals and populations at risk. Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed. (3 credit hours) |
AGACNP Concentration Curriculum
For the AGACNP concentration you will need:
NURS 640 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
First didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Focus is on evidence based theory and research in individuals experiencing acute illness with common problems seen in the acute care setting. Students will analyze practice guidelines and learn to develop differential diagnoses implementing clinical judgment and decision-making as it relates to pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence based management. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 641 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
First practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Application and integration of concepts presented in the NURS 640 with focus on applying knowledge and skills in acute care practice settings. This course will examine common acute care presentations. The practicum requires 250 clinical practice hours. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 642 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
Second didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Students will continue to expand on knowledge, decision making and management of acute and emergent physiological alterations in cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, infectious disease, OB-GYN and Hematology-Oncology disorders, while implementing critical thinking of pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence-based management of complex symptomatology. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 643 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
Second practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Application and integration of concepts presented in the NURS 642 with focus on comprehensive health care to complex, acute and critically ill patients in a clinical, preceptored practicum experience. The practicum requires 250 clinical practice hours. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 644 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
Final didactic management course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Students will continue to refine knowledge, decision making and management of acute and emergent physiological alterations in neurological, traumatic, toxicology/ingestions, psychiatric, burns, shock states, failures states, sepsis, and multisystem disorders, as well as intensive life support and end of life, while implementing critical thinking of pathophysiology, pharmacology and evidence based management of complex symptomatology. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 645 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
Final practicum course in the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Application and integration of concepts presented in the NURS 644 with focus on comprehensive health care to complex, acute and critically ill patients in a clinical, preceptored practicum experience. The practicum requires 250 clinical practice hours. (3 credit hours) |
AGPCNP Concentration Curriculum
For the AGPCNP concentration you will need:
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision making within a multidisciplinary context. The practicum requires 215 clinical practice hours for the FNP concentration and 250 hours for the AGPCNP concentration. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision making within a multidisciplinary context. The practicum requires 215 clinical practice hours for the FNP concentration and 250 hours for the AGPCNP concentration. (3 credit hours) |
FNP Concentration Curriculum
For the FNP concentration you will need:
NURS 620 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care I | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems are studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 621 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum I | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision making within a multidisciplinary context. The practicum requires 215 clinical practice hours for the FNP concentration and 250 hours for the AGPCNP concentration. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 623 | Adult-Gerontology Health Care II | 3 Credits |
Care of adults experiencing selected common acute and chronic health problems as well as those experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. Emphasis is placed on detailed history taking, differential diagnosis, management of health care problems, and documentation of findings. Strategies to manage health problems of adults in urban and rural primary care settings are explored with an emphasis on evidence-based research guidelines. Nursing care to support positive life-style behaviors, primary prevention, and support of functional ability is discussed. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 624 | Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Practicum II | 3 Credits |
The theoretical, clinical, and role components of care are implemented in a supervised clinical practicum with a board certified nurse practitioner or physician preceptor. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of young, middle, and older-aged adults with common and complex health problems in a primary care setting. Emphasis is on independence in decision making within a multidisciplinary context. The practicum requires 215 clinical practice hours for the FNP concentration and 250 hours for the AGPCNP concentration. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 629 | Pediatric/Family Health Care | 3 Credits |
Care of childbearing women, pediatric clients, and their families experiencing complex and multiple health problems is studied in this course. This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of children and women in their reproductive years. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family. Stages of development are explored from biophysiological, cognitive, emotional, and sociocultural perspectives. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 630 | Family Nurse Practitioner Practicum | 3 Credits |
The nurse practitioner practicum experience provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under the supervision of an established nurse practitioner and/or physician preceptor. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health problem management, family involvement, health promotion and teaching, health maintenance, and continued collaboration with health professionals is emphasized. This practicum requires 235 clinical practice hours with a board-certified Nurse Practitioner preceptor or MD, with 70 hours Women’s Health and 165 hours in Pediatrics (3 credit hours) |
PNP Concentration Curriculum
For the PNP concentration you will need:
NURS 650 | Health Promotion of the Pediatric Population | 3 Credits |
Focus on growth and development for stages of pediatric development using theory and evidence based practice; learn anticipatory guidance techniques. Understand appropriate health promotion and illness prevention within the pediatric population incorporating individual, cultural, ethnic, and spiritual preferences into health care. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 651 | Pediatric Assessment and Diagnosis I | 3 Credits |
This course introduces pediatric nurse practitioner students to advanced nursing management of the pediatric population in a primary care setting. Content on how to perform comprehensive history and physical examination and use diagnostic testing and screening tools for the pediatric population in addition to interpretation of data and understanding differential diagnosis for common pediatric illnesses. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 652 | Pediatric Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum I | 3 Credits |
Under the supervision of clinical preceptors, working with the pediatric population in primary care and other settings begin to develop the competences needed for a nurse practitioner. Develop an understanding of pathophysiology concepts in the pediatric population. Understand case management, collaboration and referral for specialist for evaluation and community resources. The practicum requires 250 clinical practice hours. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 653 | Pediatric Assessment and Diagnosis II | 3 Credits |
This course broadens the pediatric nurse practitioner student's primary care role and expands the interprofessional team involvement. Course content focuses on advanced nursing management of the pediatric population who present with disease processes seen in a primary care setting along with continued development of health promotion and disease prevention competencies. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 654 | Pediatric Assessment and Diagnosis Practicum II | 3 Credits |
Under the supervision of clinical preceptors, students will work to assume a more autonomous role in initiating physical assessments, determining pathophysiological processes, interpreting diagnostic findings, initiating pharmacologic and non- pharmacologic therapies, providing patient education, and developing disease management and health promotion strategies for the pediatric population. The practicum requires 250 clinical practice hours. (3 credit hours) |
PMHNP Concentration Curriculum
For the PMHNP concentration you will need:
NURS 660 | Psychopharmacology and Mental Health Assessment | 3 Credits |
This course will examine the advanced concepts of assessment, psychopathology, and differential diagnosis in advanced practice psychiatric-mental health nursing, as well as the study and use of psychotropic drugs used in the holistic treatment of acute and chronic psychiatric-mental health disorders, including pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. A strong emphasis is placed on proper assessment and identification of discrete aspects of cognition, affect and behavior in the diagnosis and treatment planning of psychiatric illness across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 661 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management I | 3 Credits |
This course will focus on synthesized advanced practice knowledge relevant to the multidimensional assessment and interventions processes of the adult and older adult and their family. A variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of acute and chronic mental health disorders among adults and older adults. Neuroscience principles and family-centered theories will be addressed. Selection of appropriate treatment strategies including individual and group psychotherapies will be emphasized. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 662 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum I | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to persons with psychiatric illness and their families. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted acute and chronic psychiatric symptoms and disorders. A variety of psychotherapeutic strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of DMS-5 diagnoses among adult and older adult clients. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 663 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management II | 3 Credits |
This course will provide the student with an opportunity to evaluate and apply evidenced-based approaches of health promotion, diagnosis and management of psychiatric illness in the care of children and adolescents and their families. An expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to develop an understanding of the etiologies of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses among children and adolescent clients and their families. Students will continue to develop more in-depth knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including crisis intervention, as well as individual and group psychotherapies. (3 credit hours) |
NURS 664 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum II | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to children and adolescents and their families with psychiatric illness. Students will integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Evidence-based practice and research-based clinical decision making will be emphasized in order to evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span. (3 credit hours - 215 clinical hours) | ||
NURS 665 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management III | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to synthesize theoretical knowledge and evidenced based research for psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. A continued expansion of knowledge in a variety of theories and models will be used to further enhance an understanding of complex mental health disorders in order to diagnose, treat, and evaluate a variety of specialty issues among patients across the life span. Students will develop an advanced knowledge of various psychopharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions including individual and group psychotherapies to treat various complex DSM-5 disorders across the life span. (3 credit hours) | ||
NURS 667 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Diagnosis and Management Practicum III | 3 Credits |
This practicum is designed to synthesize advanced practice knowledge relevant to psychiatric-mental health specialty areas with a focus on life span issues. Students will show an advanced ability to integrate relevant theories into the clinical management of targeted across the life span with complex psychiatric symptoms and a variety of DSM-5 disorders. A variety of treatment and management strategies will be explored. Using advanced evidence-based practice knowledge and research-based clinical decision-making students will evaluate, diagnosis, treat, and evaluate a variety of DSM-5 diagnoses across the life span working within a more advanced role. (3 credit hours - 235 clinical hours) |
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Professional licensure and certification regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific licensure requirements which includes ensuring the program of interest meets the licensure requirements prior to enrolling. Students may visit the professional licensure page or reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.
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Skills, Concepts, or Opportunities an NP Certificate Degree Can Provide
DNP classes can vary by program, but a typical DNP curriculum can help students develop skills and expertise in the following key areas:
- Evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice, or EBP, is a clinical approach that integrates three components into patient care decision-making: clinical expertise, patient values, and the best available research evidence. EBP is now used across healthcare fields, and it’s widely seen as the most effective way to provide high-quality patient care. Students learn how to apply evidence, how to gather new evidence, and how to determine patient preferences and values.
- Patient care. Improving patient outcomes is the primary goal of any position a DNP may take on. Students learn about issues such as patient safety and quality of patient care in order to prepare them to make patient care decisions at a higher level.
- Healthcare policy and setting. Familiarizing themselves with current healthcare policy and how healthcare is practiced across different settings prepares students to effect policy changes, whether they’re working in government, advocacy, or another role.
- Legislative advocacy. There’s great demand for DNPs who can work to advocate for changes in healthcare policy, working to protect patients or to ensure that policies reflect the latest research.
Common Courses for DNP Students
Specific DNP classes may vary by program, but most universities will offer courses that touch on the following core topics. These are some of the courses commonly offered for this degree:
Ethics for Advanced Nursing Practice. In this course, students explore ethical principles and decision-making models for nursing practice at the highest level. Using evidence-based nursing and inter-professional literature, students analyze ethical dilemmas that occur in nursing practice.
Quality and Patient Safety in Advanced Nursing Practice. Students get to work on systems thinking in this course, which introduces the foundational concepts of process improvement (PI) and quality improvement (QI). Students will examine these concepts through a theoretical lens and learn about select process improvement tools.
Clinical Inquiry. This course lets students take an active role in evidence-based research, as they design their own research studies to inform clinical practice. Students will navigate feasibility and budget issues, train human subjects, and write a proposal.
Organizations Theory and Systems Leadership. In this course, students can learn to analyze organizational, management, and social science theories related to organizational leadership and change management. Another opportunity to exercise systems thinking, this course prepares students for a possible path in systems management.
*Note. Clinical hour requirements for state licensure may vary by state. Students are encouraged to visit the Board of Nursing website for the state in which they intend to practice to verify specific requirements. Students may also reach out to our team of enrollment advisors for guidance.