Online DNP-FNP Program

This course is designed to introduce students to the purpose, content, and methods of epidemiology and biostatistics. Students will learn to evaluate and use output from statistical computing software.

Prerequisite: NURS 710

This course is designed to explore the phenomenon of interest related to the DNP scholarly project. Students will systematically develop a project protocol that is supported by the literature and submit it for department approval.

Course objectives:

1. Develop a clinical question that guides the scholarly project.
2. Read critically from professional nursing literature and other related disciplines to interpret, analyze and apply current research to improve practice.
3. Apply a systematic approach to address clinical problems within healthcare organizations, including outcome measures and a sustainability plan to create meaningful changes in clinical outcomes.
4. Develop a protocol and submit it to the DNP council for project approval.
5. Develop the first chapter of the scholarly project that includes needed sections based on the selected DNP project format.

This course is designed to emphasize an objective approach to the integration and synthesis of knowledge. Manuscript preparation and practical use of evidence are incorporated to prepare students for the design of research proposals.

Prerequisite: NURS 700 and NURS 701

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the measurement of phenomena as it relates to the research process. Procedures for selecting, applying, and interpreting the correct statistical application to a research problem will be presented with students processing the results.

Prerequisite: NURS 700

This course will allow the students to design an evidence-based project that will guide clinical practice. The feasibility of conducting this initiative will be explored. Potential funding sources and budget issues will be examined. Students will apply the elements of protection of human subjects and complete the Maryville IRB.

Prerequisite: NURS 700, NURS 701, NURS 702, and NURS 703

This course is designed to expand the students knowledge of clinical project data collection and analysis of data. Students will apply integrated research concepts pertaining to the clinical project. Utilization of various methods of data analysis and data management systems will be explored. Complete project data is needed prior to the start of this course.

Prerequisite: NURS 705 and NUS 705L

This course is designed to expand the students understanding of methods of dissemination in translational research. Variables that impact the analysis of data related to the scholarly project will be examined. Implications for patients, clinical practice and the healthcare systems will be explored and findings disseminated.

Prerequisite: NURS 706

This course explores focused and comprehensive health assessments in a variety of settings and patients across the lifespan. This includes development of health promotion strategies and prioritization of care.

Prerequisite: Online - NURS 611, NURS 615

Corequisite: On Ground - NURS 615

This course focuses on the pharmacological foundation for safely prescribing medical regimens of illnesses for individuals across the lifespan. Also included are illness prevention, non-pharmacological and legal implications for prescriptive authority for the nurse practitioner.

Note: Selection of appropriate therapies, patient education and evaluation parameters are stressed.

This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this first of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.

Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615

Corequisite: NURS 621 or NURS 621C

This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice nurse and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum.

Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, and NURS 615

Corequisite: NURS 620

This course covers the care of adults experiencing acute, chronic and complex health problems of select body systems in this second of two sequential courses. Current research based interventions are analyzed. Individual, family, and group counseling/education for patients and families are incorporated. Included is primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention and management of complex symptomatology.

Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621 or NURS 621C

Corequisite: NURS 624 or NURS 624C

This course will cover the theoretical, clinical and role components of care by an advanced practice provider and are integrated in a supervised clinical practicum. Opportunity is provided for the assessment, management, and evaluation of adults with chronic and acute health problems in a primary care setting.

Prerequisite: NURS 620 and NURS 621

Corequisite: NURS 623

This course prepares Family Nurse Practitioner students to develop expertise and assume responsibility for health promotion, maintenance, and management of chronic and acute illness of children and women’s health. Emphasis is placed on the child within the framework of the family.

Prerequisite: NURS 623 and NURS 624 or NURS 624C

Corequisite: NURS 630 or NURS 630C

This course provides the student with an opportunity to assume responsibility for the primary health care services of individuals and families under clinical supervision. The student is expected to assume increasing responsibility for planning and implementing therapeutic processes and for documenting and evaluating outcomes of care. The role of the FNP in health care promotion and management and collaboration with health professionals.

Prerequisite: NURS 623 and NURS 624

Corequisite: NURS 629

Maryville’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program equips graduates to thrive in clinical and leadership roles across nursing, administration, and patient care. With a focus on family nurse practitioner coursework, this program prepares you to deliver primary care services for patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Whether you envision yourself in a private practice, community health center, or hospital-based role, the FNP track is designed to ensure you’re ready to address diverse healthcare needs. Additionally, this program positions you to step into leadership or educational roles within family-focused healthcare settings.

According to PayScale, DNP graduates earn an average salary of approximately $115,000, covering both clinical and nonclinical roles, with clinical positions often offering higher pay. The top 10% of FNPs report salaries of $131,000 or more.

Salaries vary based on factors like discipline, education level, years of experience, and location of practice.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits Maryville’s online DNP programs, guaranteeing adherence to strict academic standards. This ensures the program delivers exceptional nursing education.

Additionally, Maryville University has been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1941.

As the nursing field progresses toward greater responsibility and autonomy, advanced education is becoming essential. As a terminal degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is one of the highest credentials in nursing, offering the most advanced training for nurses. DNP-educated family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are uniquely positioned to enhance patient care, specialize in advanced practice areas, and take on leadership roles.

With their extensive education, DNP-prepared FNPs provide comprehensive primary care to individuals and families across all age groups, from infants to seniors. They are skilled in preventive care, acute and chronic treatment, patient education, and management. In addition to clinical expertise, earning a DNP equips FNPs with the tools to influence healthcare policy, lead in administrative roles, and contribute to research and education — broadening their impact beyond traditional nursing practice.

Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue certifications for FNP practice, including the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification (FNP-BC®) offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.

Maryville’s NP graduates consistently exceed national averages on certification exam pass rates across multiple specialties.

For those not pursuing NP certification, the standalone DNP program is an option, allowing for an earlier graduation and preparation for advanced nursing or related roles.

Your career goals will guide you to choose between a DNP and an MSN. A DNP is a terminal degree that emphasizes leadership, research, and advanced clinical practice, perfect for nurses pursuing leadership roles or improving care quality.

An MSN may be more suitable for RNs moving into a nurse practitioner role or for NPs exploring a specialization. While MSN programs cover key nursing concepts, DNP programs take education further, unlocking wider opportunities.

You don’t need an MSN to pursue a DNP. For BSN-prepared nurses, we offer a BSN to DNP pathway, allowing you to move straight into a DNP program on an accelerated timeline.

If you’re interested in pursuing a specialization other than, or in addition to, family care, we offer four other DNP concentrations for you to consider:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Pediatric NP
• Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Opting for a DNP without a concentration streamlines the path to your terminal degree and allows you to graduate more quickly, but this path does not qualify you for NP certification.