School of Nursing Now Offers BSN-to-DNP Pathway

July 18, 2014

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently approved a significant proposal to establish a defined pathway for students seeking an education in graduate nursing programs. The College of Health and Human Sciences’ School of Nursing now offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Pathway which allows students to eliminate one year of study and become exposed to core doctoral level concepts much earlier in the educational process. Deborah Allen, graduate program director of the School of Nursing, says ultimately the change means better quality of care for Georgians and the nation. "This program indicates that Georgia Southern is responsive to provide educational experiences that will improve the health care of Georgians,” said Allen. “It also shows the University’s commitment to continue meeting the educational preparation necessary for nurse practitioners to work in the ever-changing health care environment." Previously, to become eligible to take the national certification exam allowing graduates to become licensed to practice in the state of Georgia, they had to complete three years of study to earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree (MSN), and an additional three years of study to earn their DNP. The new BSN-to-DNP Pathway allows students to choose from two options: They can either opt-out of the program having earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree as a nurse practitioner and take their national certification at that time, or they can choose to continue taking courses toward earning their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. If students choose to opt-out and return to the program within four years, they may complete the remaining courses without repeating any course content to obtain their DNP degree. Currently in Georgia, students are eligible to take the national certification exam with an MSN or DNP. "Through extensive didactic classes, clinical training and specialty cognates, the BSN-to-DNP program is providing me the tools to incorporate nursing theory, evidence-based practice and clinical experience to practice to the fullest extent of the advanced practice nursing (APRN) degree," said Janet Jordan, graduate student." "Upon graduation, my goal is to open a free clinic either in a very rural area in the United States or possibly in a second world country to provide care for people who are unable to obtain any form of healthcare. As a DNP prepared nurse practitioner I will have the education and experience to bring the most effective clinical practice initiatives, nursing theory and the best evidence-based practices to a very vulnerable group of people. I will also be better trained to treat my patients across their lifespan, allowing me to provide preventative care instead of the more common reactionary medicine that we see today." Students who graduate with a DNP degree are employable in a variety of areas in the health care field, including private practice, hospitals and other health are organizations. Georgia Southern faculty teaching the DNP portions of the program have doctoral degrees and many are licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in Georgia.