Curriculum Models for the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

Lucy N. Marion, PhD, APRN, BC, FAAN; Ann L. O'Sullivan, PhD, CRNP, CPNP, FAAN; M. Katherine Crabtree, DNSc, APRN, BC, FAAN; Marva Price, DrPH, RN, FAAN; Susan A. Fontana, PhD, APRN, BC

Disclosures

Topics in Advanced Practice Nursing eJournal. 2005;5(1)

Next Steps

Beyond the curriculum models, NONPF is focused on identifying the NP competencies at the practice doctorate level. NONPF began this work in 2003 with a review of the literature and an environmental scan. In 2004, NONPF collected additional data through questionnaires and an open discussion forum. A qualitative research task force within NONPF analyzed the data to put ideas into patterns of expected competencies for NP graduates of practice doctorate programs. The NONPF Practice Doctorate NP Competencies Work Group is now using this analysis to identify additional competencies beyond the current domains and core competencies for all NP graduates. NONPF will then use its established process of national consensus and validation to create the doctoral competencies specific to NPs for our nation.

Nursing education continues to meet the complex and continually changing healthcare needs with innovative nursing programs. The practice doctorate is expected to produce valuable resources for the nation as we strive to meet the needs of patients, fully use the clinical expertise of NPs (APRNs), and ensure the relevancy of the profession.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next Section

Cite this: Curriculum Models for the Practice Doctorate in Nursing - Medscape - Mar 11, 2005.

MODEL 1: Traditional Model -- Baccalaureate + Master's + Practice Doctorate Ladder
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation Basic nursing	BSN	4 years	RN licensure
Clinical leader Nursing specialty	MSN/MN and APRN specialty	2 years	National Specialty Certification/ additional recognition in some states
Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	Approximately 2 years	No additional licensure or certification at this time
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 2: Master's Entry Program + Practice Doctorate
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leaders Nursing specialty	MSN/MN (Master's Entry Program) and specialty preparation	3 years	RN (often after 15-month program); National Specialty Certification Exam/ additional recognition in some states
Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	Approximately 2 years
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 3: Generic Master's Entry (CNL) + Specialty Practice Doctorate
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leader	Generic Master's (CNL)	4 semesters (15-18 months)	RN licensure
Nursing specialty Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate	3+ years	National Specialty Certification/additional recognition in some states
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

MODEL 4: Seamless Model for Post-Baccalaureate Practice Doctorates
Levels of Competence	Degrees Conferred	Time for Completion	Licensure or Certification
Preprofessional preparation	Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) + prerequisites	4 years + time for prerequisites
Basic nursing Clinical leaders Nursing specialty Doctoral competencies/ subspecialization	Practice doctorate and specialty preparation	4-5 years	RN National Specialty Certification/ additional recognition in some states
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS: Postdoctoral and joint PhD preparation

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.

processing....

Curriculum Models for the Practice Doctorate in Nursing

Next Steps

Tables

Tables

Tables

Tables

References

Authors and Disclosures

Authors and Disclosures

Comments

Email This

Feedback