Indiana Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

Ball State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review
Ball State University, 2000 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47306.
Ball State University is based in Muncie, Indiana. The university prides itself in offering cutting-edge, immersion-based learning experiences. Ball State University was established in 1917, and today serves over 20,000 students

The Doctorate of Nursing practice is a part-time nursing program which prepares students for a role in advanced nursing practice. The DNP program is designed for nurses with a masters degree and advanced practice specialization as a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), NP (Nurse Practitioner) or Nurse Midwife. The DNP program is a distance education doctoral nursing program in which students complete clinical requirements in their location. Though the program is delivered online, nurses in the DNP program are required to go to the Ball State University campus once each year.

Admission requirements include graduation with a minimum 3.2 GPA from a masters degree program accredited by a nursing body. Prerequisite courses in statistics, nursing research and health assessment are required for the DNP program. Proof of a valid RN license and recent work experience in a clinical setting must be submitted with the application. Exam scores for the Graduate Record Exam are not required to apply for the DNP program.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program can be completed in as little as eight semesters of study and up to seven years from commencing the program.

Indiana State University: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Review

Indiana State University

200 North 7th Street

Terre Haute, IN 47809

Based in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University has been recognized by the Princeton Review among their “Best in the Midwest” universities. The university serves over 11,000 students annually.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered in the Department of Advanced Practice Nursing at Indiana State University. The doctoral program is designed to prepare Family Nurse Practitioners, FNPs, for an advanced practice role in nursing.

Graduation from an MSN program for FNPs with a 3.0 GPA and accreditation by a nursing body is necessary to apply to the DNP program. Additional admission requirements include an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Certification) and completion of prerequisite courses in statistics and nursing research. Nurses are required to submit three letters of recommendation and a sample of written work as part of the application process. Applicants should have a minimum of two years clinical nursing experience. International students will be required to earn a satisfactory score on the TOEFL, an exam to assess English proficiency.

In lieu of a dissertation, students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program complete a doctoral project. The DNP degree program is designed to be completed in two years of study and requires 39 academic credits. The required clinical hours are completed throughout the duration of the nursing program, beginning in the first semester.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University School of Nursing

1111 Middle Drive

Indianapolis, IN 46202

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) awards degrees from both Indiana University and Purdue University. The university has over 11 schools and serves over 20,000 students in downtown Indianapolis.

The Indiana University School of Nursing is designed as a Center for Excellence by the National League of Nursing. The School of Nursing offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing Science. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing may also be completed as a BSN-PhD (Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Philosophy) option.

The PhD in Nursing Science focuses on training research scientists and offers two tracks. Students can choose from a Health Systems or Clinical Nursing Science focus. Admission requirements to the PhD in Nursing Science include an earned BSN or MSN from a nursing program accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC. Students with a BSN must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, while students applying with an MSN should have a 3.5 or higher GPA.

The DNP degree program focuses on improving the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. The DNP can be completed in 37academic hours of study and is offered to nurses with a masters degree. Additional admission requirements for the DNP program include completion of the statistics prerequisite, an MSN with a minimum 3.3 GPA earned from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program, and an RN license.

Purdue University: DNP Program Review

Purdue University

School of Nursing

502 N. University Street

West Lafayette, IN 47907-2069

Purdue University (PU) is based in West Lafayette, Indiana and is one of the most prominent universities in the state. The university was established in1869. Purdue University in Lafayette is one of six universities in the PU system.

The DNP program at Purdue Universities accepts BSN and MSN graduates as well as current Masters of Science in Nursing students. Admission requirements to the DNP program include a minimum 3.0 GPA in undergraduate study, a prerequisite course in statistics completed no more than 5 years prior to entering the program and an interview with a nursing advisor. Conditional admission may be possible for students who do not meet GPA requirements.

Students entering the DNP program with a bachelors degree are required to first enter the masters track for preparation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice may be completed in two to three years for nurses who have a masters degree. The program may be completed on full or part time study. Additional time is required for BSN students without a masters qualification to complete the DNP.

A variety of programs are available to assist nurses in completing their doctoral education. Graduate assistantships and both departmental and university scholarships are available in addition to a variety of external support programs.

University of Southern Indiana: DNP Program Review

University of Southern Indiana

8600 University Boulevard

Evansville, IN 47712

The University of Southern Indiana was established in 1965. The university serves over 10,000 students and is based in Evansville. Over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the University of Southern Indiana.

Advanced Practice and Organizational Systems and Leadership are the two doctoral tracks in the DNP degree program offered by the University of Southern Indiana. The 36 credit doctoral program requires completion of a capstone project rather than a dissertation. The DNP program can be completed in five semesters of full time study or eight semesters of part time study. Both part and full time study options include study during the summer.

To apply to the DNP, students must submit applications to the Office of Graduate Studies and College of Nursing and Health Professions program individually. The DNP program accepts applications from masters prepared nurses with a minimum 3.25 GPA. As part of the application process, students must submit an essay, letters of recommendation and summary of the focus of their capstone project. The capstone project seeks to offer recommendations for improvement of a health care issue based on training provided in the doctoral program.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the DNP program at the University of Southern Indiana.

Each year the College of Nursing and Health Professions applies for a federal grant to assist in funding full-time study for DNP students. The grant for federal funds must be submitted and approved each year, and in past years funding has been available to doctoral students in the nursing program.