BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Q: How long will it take to complete the program?

A: The post master's DNP is currently part time over 8 consecutive semesters (including summer semesters). Most students will be able to complete the program in this time frame. Some students may need additional elective course hours to obtain the required 90 post baccalaureate credit hours. All students have up to 7 years to complete the program.

Q: Do the credit hours completed in my master's program count toward the total required 90 post baccalaureate hours?

A: Credit hours completed in your master's program will count toward the total required 90 post baccalaureate hours. A minimum of 48 of the required 90 hours must be completed at BSU.

Q: Is the program totally online?

A: Yes all work is completed online including tests.

Q: Are any trips to campus required?

A: No campus visits are required. Graduates are invited to come to campus to participate in graduation ceremonies.

 

Q: Will I be required to have a computer with certain specifications?

A:  The following computer hardware is recommended:
      Form Factor: Laptop or Desktop Model computer
      Processor: Intel core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz or higher
      Memory: 2 GB of RAM or more
      Graphics Card: 128 MB or better
      Hard Drive: 120 GB or more
      Optical Drive: 16xDVD +/?RW/CD?RW or better
      Operating System: Windows XP or Vista
      Monitor: 15" or larger

Q: What type of network access do I need?

A: You will need a high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL with the minimum line speed of 384 Kbps or higher.

Q: Will I need specific computer skills?

A: Skills you will need include, but are not limited to, word processing, online database searching, and E-learning navigation skills (e.g., Blackboard, WebCT). Students who have not taken distance education courses at BSU are encouraged to take NUR 605: Nursing Information Technology as an elective prior to starting other courses. The School of Nursing provides on-campus and off-campus support at the Simulation and Information Technology Center (SITC) where you can ask questions and receive help with technology related problems.

Q: Will I need any other equipment for the courses?

A: Students will use video recording cameras for some assignments and the DNP Project. The School of Nursing Simulation and Information Technology Center recommends the use of Flip Video MinoHD or Ultra HD video recording cameras. These cameras are reasonably priced, easy to use, small pocket sized camera capable of recording high definition video. The MinoHD is capable of recording 60 or 120 minutes of video and ranges in cost from $199.99 to $229.99 depending on model.  The UltraHD is capable of 120 minutes of video and costs $199.99.

*The standard Mino and Ultra are not recommended due to their lack of highdefinition video capture. Full specification and additional information can be found here:  http://www.theflip.com/en-us/products/specs.aspx.

Q: Is a dissertation required?

A: No, a dissertation is not required. The student will complete a 4 credit hour DNP project. This will be a creative scholarly project designed by the student in collaboration with a faculty advisor.

ADMISSION

Q: How do I apply?

A: There are two applications to complete.

Graduate School at: http://www.bsu.edu/gradschool 
This application is submitted electronically.

School of Nursing at: http://www.nursing.iweb.bsu.edu/apply.html 
This application can be completed online and then printed to submit by mail.

Q: Is there an application fee?

A: Yes, the Graduate School application fee is $50.00.

Q: Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required for all applicants?

A: Yes all applicants must take the GRE and submit scores. There is no pre-established minimum score. The Admissions and Progressions Committee does consider GRE scores as one component of the application review process. The test must have been taken within the past 5 years. For information, test dates, and applications forms go to: http://www.gre.org.  

Q: Can an advanced practice nurse in any role apply?

A: Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse midwives with a master's degree in nursing and any population foci (family, adult, neonatal, pediatrics, women's health, psychiatric-mental health) may apply.

Q: Are all qualified applicants admitted to the program?

A: No, the number of applicants admitted to the DNP program will be limited to 20 new students each academic year. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not ensure that the applicant will be admitted to the program.

Q: Can I apply to start in any semester?

A: No, students are only admitted once each year to start course work in the fall semester. However, once admitted the student can take a directed elective course during that preceding summer semester.

COURSE SEQUENCE AND COURSE WORK

Q: How will I know which courses to take?

A: A plan of study will be developed for you upon admission. You may change the plan by discussing this with your academic advisor.

Q: May I go full time?

A: No, the program is currently designed for part-time study.

Q: Can I take one course at a time?

A: The program is currently designed for students to take two courses each semester (fall and spring) and one course in the summer semesters. The student's initial plan of study will be designed in this manner. If it becomes necessary to only take one course or to skip a semester the academic advisor will work with the student to adjust the plan of study. Because some courses are pre-requisite to others and each course is only offered one time each year the student should expect possible delays in completion if the plan of study is changed. 

Q: What is the time frame for offering courses?

A: Semesters are 16 weeks for fall and spring semesters and 10 weeks for summer semester.

Q: Are elective courses offered online?

A: Yes, several elective courses will be available online through the school of nursing as well as other departments within the university.  A list of DNP Online Elective Courses is provided on our web site. 

Q:  How will I know what elective courses I should take and how many elective 

      course hours I will need?

A: The Director of the NP/DNP Program will assist you in determining what elective courses you should take and how many elective course hours you will need.  Some elective course hours may be taken the summer before you start the fall semester DNP courses. NUR 605 Nursing Information and Technology is strongly recommended as an elective for students who have not taken online courses through BSU. This can be taken the summer before you start the fall semester DNP courses.

Q: Do I work at my own pace?

A: The program is structured on a semester basis with assignments due at specific times. You may work at your own pace during the assignment period.

Q: How do courses work?

A: The BlackBoard system is used for courses. This system is structured for course work including an announcement page, access to syllabi, course calendar, modules,links to web sites such as the library, discussion boards, and quizzes. Asynchronous discussion boards are often used for assignments to allow students to post information and for the instructor and other students to respond. Live online chats and conference calls may also be used for small group discussion.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Q: How many of the courses require clinical hours?

A: For the post master's program there is a total of 510 required clinical hours. These are completed in NUR 760 Population Focused Care (90 clinical hours), NUR 764 Leadership in Advanced Practice (60 clinical hours) and NUR 790/791 Practicum (360 hours).

Q: Where do I go for my clinical experiences?

A: Clinical experiences are done in your own community with preceptors you select based on requirements for the course.

Q: Will you help me to find qualified preceptors?

A: We will provide guidance in relation to required qualifications for preceptors. Generally students are able to network effectively to find individuals in their area who can serve as preceptors. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Q: Can I apply for financial aid?

A: See the web page for Financial Aid at: http://www.bsu.edu/finaid 

Q: Are any scholarships available?

A: There are currently no BSU sponsored scholarships for doctoral students in nursing. We are happy to complete any required forms for students who apply for scholarships at local or national levels.

TUITION

Q: What is the tuition and do you have a payment plan?

A: Please see the Bursar's web page at: http://www.bsu.edu/distance/tuition 

Q: Are there any other fees?

A: There is a fee of $15.00 for each course which provides for access to and use of Mosby Nursing Consult, a comprehensive electronic library with more than 2500 nursing and allied health journals, educational materials, updates, drug information, and nursing electronic books. 

COMMUNICATION

Q: How do I communicate with course instructors? 

A: Via e-mail, fax, and phone.

11/09