BSN to DNP Programs in Minnesota (MN)
Nurses may earn a DNP through one of a few schools in Minnesota if they hold at least a BSN and a valid nursing license. Programs prepare graduates for roles in leadership and clinical practice. Read on to learn more about these programs.
Augsburg University
Augsburg University has a post-BSN DNP (DNP-FNP). The DNP-FNP is a family nurse practitioner track that integrates leadership and clinical care, and prepares students for certification as family nurse practitioners (FNPs).
The College of Saint Scholastica
The College of Saint Scholastica has a BNP to DNP program that can be completed in four years, and enables students to specialize in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Family Nurse Practitioner. The DNP program provides preparation for advanced nursing and leadership positions.
Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is suited for nurses who already hold a BSN and want to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) working as family nurse practitioners (FNPs). The program takes nine semesters, consists of 80 credit hours, and 1,000 hours of clinical practicum.
Winona State University
Winona State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is for nurses who have a BSN. It focuses on evidence-based practice, clinical practice, nursing theory and critical thinking within its curriculum. Students can choose from several DNP concentrations, including: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS), Nursing Leadership Program: Practice and Leadership Innovations (PLI), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota at Twin Cities offers a BSN to DNP program which takes around three years and is delivered through online courses and on-campus sessions. Students can choose one of 12 DNP concentration areas which include Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.
| School Name | Programs Offered | Average Graduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|
| Augsburg University | DNP | $13,124 |
| The College of Saint Scholastica | DNP | $13,479 |
| Metropolitan State University | DNP | $7,771 in-state, $15,542 out-of-state |
| Winona State University | DNP | $7,260 in-state, $10,540 out-of-state |
| University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | DNP | $17,064 in-state, $26,412 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
How to Earn a DNP in Minnesota
BSN to DNP programs in Minnesota require nurses to have completed a bachelor's degree in nursing, and have relevant experience. Students may choose a nurse practitioner or alternative DNP track, but will likely take some of the following courses in their DNP program.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology courses explore health and illness in society, as well as disease and risk factors. Students may study causes of illness as they related to certain populations and regions, as well as how the subject of health is treated in society and organizations. Courses may focus on methods and implications of epidemiologic investigation, and include legal and ethical associations.
Leadership in Nursing
Many DNP programs consist of a nursing leadership course in order to develop students' ability to lead in their careers. In these courses, students learn the various aspects of leading organizations and groups, and how to use leadership roles to improve patient health and safety. Students may explore how to manage and transform healthcare in complex situations.
Economics in Healthcare
In healthcare economics courses, students learn about the financial and economic aspects and implications of healthcare. Students develop a fundamental understanding of economic concepts in the healthcare market and how they affect patient care. Other topics covered will likely include performance improvement, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare economics, and economic clinical problems.
Evidence-Based Practice
In this key DNP course, students explore how to use evidence for solving problems in healthcare. This course gives students the skills necessary to search for, and analyze, helpful and accurate historical data pertaining to healthcare issues. Students are typically responsible for finding solutions to proposed healthcare problems with evidence collected through research.
Politics in Healthcare
Politics in healthcare courses typically cover policy, power, and political issues within the healthcare system that impact patient care. These courses may explore the correlation between wealth and illness as well as how the cost of healthcare causes a lack of health resources to populations. Other topics covered may include methods for creating change in healthcare, political activism, and policy evaluations.
Admission Requirements for a BSN to DNP Program in Minnesota
DNP programs in Minnesota require nurses to hold a valid RN license along with some specified amount of nursing experience (often at least a year). Students who apply to a BSN to DNP program are only required to have a BSN degree. Programs may also require letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives, resume, and a GRE if an applicant's GPA does not meet the requirements.
DNP programs in Minnesota are available to licensed nurses who hold a BSN, and can be completed in around three or four years. Students may complete a DNP program focused in leadership to become prepared for roles such as administrators and educators, or they may complete a practice-focused DNP for a more clinical-focused curriculum which prepares them for careers as advanced practice nurses and primary care providers.