Online DNP-PNP 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 focuses on growth and development and milestones of pediatric patients using theories and evidence based practice. Students will learn anticipatory guidance techniques, health promotion and illness prevention concepts within the pediatric population, incorporating individual, cultural, ethnic, and spiritual preferences.

Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 615 and NURS 612 (may also be taken concurrently)

Corequisite: NURS 655C

This course is the first in a two-part pediatric primary care didactic sequence. In this course students will focus on acute and chronic primary health care problems of children and adolescents.

Prerequisite: NURS 611, NURS 612, NURS 615 & NURS 650

Corequisite: NURS 652 or NURS 652C

This is the first practicum course in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program. Students will apply and integrate concepts presented in the NURS-651 with focus on applying knowledge and skills in pediatric primary care practice settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 650

Corequisite: NURS 651

This course is second in a two-part pediatric primary care didactic sequence. In this course students will focus on acute and chronic primary health care problems of children and adolescents.

Prerequisite: NURS 651 and NURS 652 or NURS 652C

Corequisite: NURS 654 or NURS 654C

This is the second practicum course in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program. Students will apply and integrate concepts presented in the NURS 653 with focus on applying knowledge and skills in pediatric primary care practice settings.

Prerequisite: NURS 651 and NURS 652

Corequisite: NURS 653

This practicum course in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) program focuses on primary care setting and the preventative well child visit. Students will apply and integrate concepts presented in the NURS 650 with a focus on applying knowledge and skills in pediatric primary care practice settings around pediatric health promotion.

Prerequisite: NURS-612

Corequisite: NURS-650C

Maryville’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares graduates for impactful careers in clinical, nonclinical, and leadership roles. Specializing in pediatric nurse practitioner coursework, this program equips you to deliver high-quality primary care to infants, children, and adolescents.

Whether working in pediatric clinics, schools, or hospitals, you can develop the expertise to address the unique health needs of young patients. The program also prepares you to lead in advocacy, education, or research roles to improve pediatric healthcare outcomes.

Maryville’s online DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), affirming they meet or exceed the rigorous quality standards set for nursing education.

Furthermore, Maryville University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a distinction the university has maintained since 1941.

As the field of nursing continues to expand with greater responsibility and autonomy, advanced education has become essential. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) represents one of the highest levels of nursing education, equipping nurses with the skills to excel in specialized areas and improve patient care.

For pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), earning a DNP provides the advanced training needed to deliver exceptional care to children from infancy through adolescence. DNP-educated PNPs gain expertise in preventive care, acute and chronic illness management, patient education, and family-centered care.

This degree also opens pathways to leadership roles in policy, research, education, and healthcare administration, allowing PNPs to shape the future of pediatric healthcare while improving outcomes for young patients.

Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue certifications relevant to pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) practice, such as the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (PPCNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Certified Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (CPNP-PC) credential from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB).

Maryville’s NP graduates consistently exceed the national average pass rates for certification exams across multiple specialties.

For those not seeking NP certification, the standalone DNP program is an alternative, allowing for a faster graduation timeline while preparing for advanced nursing or nursing-related roles.

When deciding between a DNP and an MSN, consider your career goals. A DNP focuses on advanced practice, leadership, and research, positioning you for roles that influence healthcare systems and patient care quality.

An MSN, on the other hand, is ideal for RNs advancing to NP roles or for NPs seeking specialization. Both degrees share foundational learning, but a DNP offers deeper expertise and wider career potential.

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.

Looking for a different specialty? At Maryville, we offer four additional NP concentrations for you to consider — so you can broaden your expertise or focus on a specific area of interest.

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

Choosing a DNP with no concentration allows you to finish your degree more quickly, but it isn’t designed for NP certification preparation.