OU College of Nursing Launches BSN-DNP Program for Advanced Nursing

The OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing is launching a BSN-DNP academic program to train nurses in highly advanced clinical skills.

Applications are due in January, but the college is preparing prospective students with informational sessions that begin Sept. 26.

The BSN-DNP program allows nursing students to earn their doctorate of nursing practice after earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Students in the BSN-DNP program will focus on advanced nursing competencies. By 2025, a DNP will be required for entry into practice for advanced practice nurses. The addition of the program also moves the OU College of Nursing in line with other medical specialties requiring doctorates for advanced practice, such as pharmacy, physical therapy and speech pathology.

“The faculty have worked hard to place our advanced practice nursing programs in line with national educational trends,” said OU College of Nursing Interim Dean Gary Loving, Ph.D., R.N. “Advanced practice nurses with a practice doctorate are better prepared to function effectively in a rapidly changing and ever more complex healthcare system.”

The BSN-DNP program will offer three specialty pathways: Family Nurse Practitioner; Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist; and Executive Leadership.

Advanced practice registered nurse and faculty member Amy Costner-Lark, DNP, will lead the program, which is designed for nurses seeking a practice-focused terminal degree.

“Given the increasing complexity of patients in a complex healthcare system, preparing nurses to practice at the highest level is critical to ensure quality outcomes,” she said. “Offering a BSN-DNP program is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing position statement on the DNP as entry-level for advanced practice nurses. The University of Oklahoma has a rich history of preparing exceptional nurses, and this program will continue to provide high-quality clinicians who focus on evidence-based practice and quality improvement for the citizens of Oklahoma and beyond.”

Prospective students can begin applying for the BSN-DNP program in mid-October, and the application deadline is Jan. 15, 2020. The program will start in June 2020.

The OU College of Nursing is offering four informational sessions for potential applicants, led by the program director. The sessions will be held in the Oklahoma City campus building and broadcast by video to the college’s campuses in Tulsa and Lawton. Session dates are:

* Sept. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Room 130 in Oklahoma City; broadcast to Tulsa LC 231 and Room 403 in Lawton
* Sept. 30, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Room 130 in Oklahoma City; broadcast to Tulsa LC 145 and Room 403 in Lawton
* Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Room 211 in Oklahoma City; broadcast to Tulsa LC 138 and Room 403 in Lawton
* Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Room 211 in Oklahoma City; broadcast to Tulsa LC 137 and Room 403 in Lawton