Thursday 3 May 2012

Online DNP in Pediatrics: Degree Program Information


A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program in pediatrics prepares registered nurses to work directly under doctors in a clinical setting. For students unable to relocate for school, online degree programs are available

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatrics Degree Program Information

Individuals looking to practice nursing in a clinical setting will find a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree a good option, as opposed to a traditional, research-based master's program. A DNP degree program is a doctoral-level, practice-focused program specifically designed for nurses who are interested in advanced training & education. Some programs offer concentrations within the degree program, such as pediatrics, family practice, or adult care. Nurse practitioners work with doctors & patients to deliver top-quality, patient-centered health care by practicing evidence-based medicine.

Program Information & Requirements

Licensure as a registered nurse (RN) is a typical requirement for admission to a DNP program, along with a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited nursing program, depending on whether the DNP program is designed as a post-bachelor's or post-master's program. Students can expect to devote 4-6 years towards the completion of a DNP program.
Since the program requires a significant amount of time be spent in actual clinics, online programs are combined with a clinical residency conducted in the student's local area. For the online portions of the program, students will need a computer with Internet access & a supported Web browser, such as the more recent versions of Internet Explorer & Firefox. Students may also need to purchase videoconferencing software for some DNP online programs, & a webcam. Courses are often delivered via a course management system such as Blackboard Vista.

List of Courses

The curriculum consists of advanced classes specifically designed to prepare students for a specialized career as a nurse practitioner in pediatrics. In addition to classroom instruction, students spend a vast amount of time in clinical practice.

Mental Health Issues in Pediatric Patients Course

Students conduct mental health evaluations with pediatric clients & their families. Areas of focus are childhood & adolescent mental health, dealing with mental health issues in primary care, pediatric neurology & behavioral-developmental specialty practice. Students are involved in site visits to clinical hospitals.

Child Healthcare Issues in School Course

This course gives students a comprehensive overview of the pediatric healthcare issues encountered in school settings, such as asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes & cardiac problems. Students devote approximately 90 hours to clinical time, where they work directly with children who have healthcare needs & the children's families.

Advanced Pediatric Nursing Practice Basics Course

Students learn to assess a variety of illnesses afflicting newborns through adolescents. Special topics of interest include physical development, allergies, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics & the pulmonary system. Students are expected to spend almost 90 hours in actual clinical practice, the majority of which should be in a pediatric primary care clinic.

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