Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a DNP- and a Ph.D.-prepared nurse? What is Evidence-based Practice? I want to be a nursing faculty member; is this the right program for me? Read the answers to these and other frequently asked questions below.
A DNP is a doctoral degree in nursing. A nurse who has earned the credentials of a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is equipped with the skill sets to initiate and sustain organizational practice changes. A DNP-prepared nurse is viewed as a system leader to guide the profession in identifying key clinical problems based on observations and data analysis, and to translate findings from research into clinical practice to improve the quality of healthcare for the individual, the community, and the nation.
A nurse with the credentials of DNP is considered to have a practice doctorate, while the nurse credentialed as Ph.D. is considered to have a research doctorate. A DNP-prepared nurse uses research findings to influence practice, while a Ph.D.-prepared nurse conducts research to identify evidence. See DNP versus Ph.D. Contrast Grid.
Evidence-based Practice is the integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence when addressing a clinical problem that has been identified in practice.
Chatham University's post-master's DNP program consists of 27 credits that can be completed in four terms.
A new cohort begins each Fall and Spring term.
Chatham University's DNP program has a one-time two-day on-campus residency requirement. Students come to campus near the end of the program to showcase their planned evidence-based practice change projects and meet their peers from all over the country.
Chatham University's DNP program prepares students to practice as leaders in the promotion and use of evidence-based practice in healthcare delivery systems. Students have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of teaching practice, curriculum design, and evaluation methods by completing the Professional Nurse Educator Certificate upon graduation from the DNP program.
A DNP project is the culminating scholarly project of a DNP program. At Chatham University, it is a fully designed, implemented, and evaluated evidence-based practice project that is completed over the course of the program.
At Chatham University, DNP projects are usually implemented at the student's place of employment but can be implemented at other approved sites if needed.
A BSN-to-DNP is an integrated degree program where students earn both a Masters and a DNP degree. Chatham University offers a BSN-to-DNP Executive Track that is designed for baccalaureate prepared nurses who want to expand their opportunities to lead change at the executive level.
Chatham University's BSN-to-DNP Executive Track is 48 credits and can be completed in eight terms.
Students completing the BSN-to-DNP Executive Track will graduate with both an MSN and a DNP degree.