The Decker School of Nursing offers graduate programs leading to the degree of master of science with a major in family nursing, community health nursing or gerontological nursing and a PhD in nursing with a focus on rural health.
In the Master of Science program, students select one of four functional roles to pursue either as a clinical nurse specialist, administrator, educator or nurse practitioner. Dual roles are also available for additional credit. Concentrations are available in disaster preparedness and rural nursing. Forensics and palliative care concentrations are pending approval.
For those students already holding a master's degree in nursing, the Decker School offers programs leading to a certificate as a family, gerontological or primary care nurse practitioner. Students with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and certification as a nurse midwife may complete requirements for a master's degree in family nursing.
The PhD program in nursing is designed to prepare graduates for research and active scholarship in nursing that will extend the knowledge base of nursing and improve the delivery of rural health care. Graduates will be prepared to conduct research and develop theory related to nursing and health of rural people. Based on analysis of nursing, client or health systems in rural areas, graduates are able to design future practice models, direct the development of policy initiatives and effect meaningful change within healthcare delivery systems. The program includes:
The Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to prepare Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to respond more efficiently to changes in health care delivery and emerging health care needs. The DNP focuses on providing leadership for evidence-based practice, and will incorporate the advanced practice content currently included in the master's program. New courses will encompass the following essential content:
Under the guidance of a committee, students will complete a Capstone Project which will result in the implementation of a program plan for improvement of one of the following areas:
