Family Nurse Practitioner, DNP

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The Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master’s degree for various roles in health care leadership.

Students of the program are equipped to design models of health care delivery, evaluate clinical outcomes, identify and manage the health care needs of diverse populations, and use technology and information to transform the field.

Students also are trained to practice as family nurse practitioners (FNP). FNPs are prepared to provide patient care in a variety of settings, including: community agencies, homes, hospitals, industry, offices, private practices, public and private clinics, and schools. FNPs act both independently and in partnership with other health care professionals, and are focused on health promotion and disease prevention. They are trained to conduct comprehensive health assessments, diagnose and manage acute illnesses (with appropriate referral), and manage chronic conditions.

The FNP program at USF is a post-graduate program. Students complete much of their core DNP courses prior to starting their NP core and FNP role courses. Curriculum plans include options for baccalaureate (BSN-DNP FNP) or master’s-prepared nurses (MSN-DNP FNP). Course schedules are designed for both full and part-time students and are responsive to the needs of the working nurse professional. This program is delivered as hybrid format (some in-person and online coursework). Classes are held at the Hilltop campus in San Francisco on Teaching Weekends (Friday-Saturday) twice a month, plus practica hours.

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CONCURRENT MASTER’S OPTIONS

BSN-prepared students have the option to complete a concurrent master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) or Public Health (MPH). Courses for the master’s degree are completed during the first two (2) years of the program. The MSBH is an all in-person program. Courses meet at the Hilltop campus in San Francisco up to two (2) times per week. The MSN courses are completed online. The MPH program can be completed in-person or online.

USF also offers a post-graduate APRN certificate program for the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

ACCREDITATION

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at the University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The DNP FNP program is included in the accreditation of the DNP degree program in the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

Graduates meet the outcome competencies and practice standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for the DNP. In the program, students complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, complete the DNP qualifying examination and complete an evidence-based practice project.

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Please check our State Authorization Status List for the states and territories from which we can enroll students in specific online degree programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the DNP program the graduate will be able to:

Combine knowledge in nursing, ethics, and the medical sciences to develop and evaluate practices and models of patient care delivery.
Develop and evaluate effective strategies for managing ethical dilemmas present across the health care, technology, and research fields.
Use analytic methods to design, implement, and evaluate best-practice models for patient care and care delivery.
Effectively develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to advance the field and systems of health care delivery.
Demonstrate leadership in the development and implementation of institutional, local, state, federal, and international health policy.
Advocate for social justice, equity, and ethical policies in health care.
Advance the effective use of health care information systems to ensure high-quality outcomes.
Effectively lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Effectively communicate and collaborate with health care teams in developing and implementing organizational and practice models, health policy, and standards of care.
Analyze and synthesize various data related to patient health information.
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of health in complex situations, incorporating diverse approaches to design, implement, and evaluate interventions.
Analyze the relationship among practical, organizational, population, fiscal, and policy issues to educate individuals and colleagues effectively.
Develop relationships and partnerships with patients and other professionals to facilitate optimal patient care outcomes.
Advance the mission and core values of the University of San Francisco.

In addition to the DNP Program Outcomes, upon completion of the FNP program the graduate will be able to:

Demonstrate the specialized body of knowledge and clinical competencies required to assume an advanced practice nursing role, including theoretical foundation, evidence based clinical practice and inter and intra professional collaboration.
Demonstrate the ability to provide quality health care services that reflect cultural competence, social justice, fiscal stewardship, and ethical responsibility, representing the Jesuit mission of a more humane and just world.
Create and implement holistic plans of care that competently assess, diagnose, treat, and evaluate patients with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient centered care.
Demonstrate the ability to integrate doctoral scholarship and leadership skills in the delivery of care.

Major Requirements (72-78 Units)

Complete a minimum of 72 units of Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN/RN) courses (600:7999). See adviser for course selection.