Clinical Experiences for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students—A Survey of Postmaster's Programs

Abstract

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has recommended that doctor of nursing practice (DNP) graduates complete 1,000 hours of practice at the postbaccalaureate level during a supervised academic program. Information is lacking about specific DNP program clinical requirements in existing postmaster's programs. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the number of clinical hours required in postmaster's programs and the types of clinical experiences provided. Forty-three DNP program directors completed an electronic survey in a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. Results indicated that the majority of schools (68%) required the same number of clinical hours regardless of specialty or previous hours. Respondents described a range of clinical experiences that integrated DNP competencies. Programs differed in their clinical hour requirements, ranging from 0 to 1,000. In comparison with schools with only DNP programs, those that had both DNP and PhD programs were more likely to require additional clinical hours if applicants had less than 1,000 hours previous to admission.