Nursing (D.N.P.)

Location(s): Online

View of someone holding a stethoscope.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Cami Veire, Nursing Advisor and Graduate Specialist
Graduate Nursing
SDSU Sioux Falls Campus (STC)
2300 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
605-367-8400

Program Information

The D.N.P. program was established in 2009. The purpose of the D.N.P. program is to prepare Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to transform clinical practice as expert clinicians and leaders with a special focus on rural and underserved populations.

The program is open to registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing with certification and licensure as a CNP, CRNA, CNS, and CNM. The program is designed for part-time study (including summers) and requires 28-37 course credits.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and postgraduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate program at South Dakota State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

South Dakota State University College of Nursing Healthcare Simulation Center has full accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in teaching/education. This status will be granted from Oct. 25, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2027.

Certification and Licensure

Students must provide evidence of professional registration by submitting a copy of the most current RN and APRN license.

Course Delivery Format

Courses are delivered online.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Post Master’s to D.N.P.

28-37 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

Post Master’s to D.N.P.

For additional information, refer to the Graduate Nursing Department webpage.

*NURS 875 credits are taken to reach 1000 hours and may vary by student. This program is taken by students that are already advanced practice nurses (master’s prepared) so their master’s education practicum hours are applied to their DNP.

HSC 631 - Biostatistics I Credits: 3
NURS 750 - Transformational Leadership in Nursing Credits: 3
NURS 783 - Healthcare System Management and Evaluation Credits: 3
NURS 789 - DNP Capstone I Credits: 1
NURS 835 - Ethical Issues Influencing Practice and Research in Health Credits: 2
NURS 850 - Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations for Evidence-Based Care Credits: 3
NURS 855 - Translational Research in Health Care Credits: 3
NURS 860 - Health Operations and Financial Management for Nurse Leaders Credits: 3
NURS 875 - DNP Intensive Credits: 1-9 (0-9 credits required) *
NURS 880 - DNP Project (COM) Credits: 1-8 (6 credits required)
NURS 889 - DNP Capstone II Credits: 1

Total Required Credits: 28-37 (Post Master’s to D.N.P.)

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Score of 81 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5 total band
Duolingo: 110

In addition to meeting the Graduate School admission requirements, applicants for graduate study for the Post Master to Doctor of Nursing Practice (who possess current certification as a NP, CRNA, CNM or CNS) must have:

Current, unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States or its’ territories prior to enrollment in first graduate nursing course.
National certification and licensure as a NP, CRNA, CNM, or CNS.
Completed and verified application to the Graduate Nursing program via NursingCAS website.
Interview assessment reviewed by graduate faculty.
Completed Compliance requirements: Clear Background check, clear FBI rolled fingerprint, clear drug screen, Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, ACLS certification for FNP specialization, professional liability insurance, influenza vaccine, and TB test.

For applicants who completed their higher education within the United States:

Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.
Master’s degree in nursing (from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program) with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.

For applicants who completed their higher education outside the United States:

A degree deemed equivalent (by the World Education Service) to a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (within the United States Education System) with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.
A degree deemed equivalent (by the World Education Service) to a Master’s degree in nursing (within the United States Education System) with a minimum cumulative preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 point grading system.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Requirements .