This course provides DNP students with a comprehensive foundation in systems-based practice and population health, emphasizing the critical role of advanced nursing practice in improving health outcomes and advancing health equity. Students will examine theoretical models and evidence-based frameworks relevant to population health management and apply them to real-world contexts. Key focus areas include social determinants of health, healthcare disparities, health promotion, and disease prevention. Through an integrated approach, the course explores how DNP-prepared nurses lead initiatives that transform care delivery, reduce inequities, and support sustainable, high-impact health strategies at the community, regional, and national levels.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.2f, 1.2j, 2.5j, 2.7e, 2.7f, 2.8j, 3.1j, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.1n, 3.2e, 3.2f, 3.3e, 3.4i, 3.4j, 3.4k, 4.1i, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2h, 5.1i, 5.1k, 7.1g, 7.1h, 7.2i, 7.3g, 8.2j, 9.3m, 9.4f, 9.6g, 9.6h, 9.6i; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgement, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the impact of social determinants of health and healthcare disparities on population health outcomes across diverse communities.
2. Evaluate systems-based practice models and theoretical frameworks that inform population health management and health equity initiatives.
3. Critically appraise healthcare policies and organizational structures that influence access, quality, and equity in population health.
4. Synthesize population health data and evidence to inform decision-making and lead quality improvement initiatives within healthcare systems.
5. Apply population health principles to assess community health needs and prioritize evidence-based strategies for prevention and wellness promotion.
6. Design culturally responsive, sustainable health promotion and disease prevention programs informed by epidemiological and demographic data.

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the U.S. healthcare system, focusing on the organization of care, population health, and health disparities. Students will compare the U.S. system with those of similar economies, analyzing differences in care models, health outcomes, costs, and policies to identify areas for improvement. The course emphasizes public health preparedness and addresses the unique challenges of caring for diverse populations. Students will build a foundation in health equity, population health management, and economic decision-making by analyzing social and behavioral determinants of health. Additionally, students will explore the role of health information technology in healthcare, evaluating its effectiveness for providers and consumers. This course equips students with skills to integrate informatics into evidence-based practice, enhancing decision-making and patient outcomes. By combining healthcare delivery, informatics, and innovation, the course prepares students to lead improvements in healthcare systems, utilizing technology and strategies to enhance quality, efficiency, and equity.

(This course covers PLO: 3, 7, 8, 9; AACN DOMAINS: 3, 7, 8, 9; AACN COMPETENCIES: 3.1j, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.3c, 3.4j, 7.1g, 7.1h, 7.2g, 7.2i, 7.2l, 7.3h, 8.1g, 8.1k, 8.3h, 8.3i, 8.3j, 8.4f, 8.5h, 8.5i, 8.5k, 8.5l, 9.2i, 9.3m, 9.6f; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the organization of care, population health strategies, and the factors contributing to health disparities within the U.S. healthcare system.
2. Critically compare the U.S. healthcare system with those of similar economies, identifying differences in care models, health outcomes, cost structures, and policy approaches.
3. Analyze how social and behavioral determinants influence health outcomes, disparities, and access to care.
4. Develop strategies for reducing health disparities and improving population health through evidence-based interventions and policies.
5. Assess economic factors influencing healthcare organizations and policy decisions, including cost-containment strategies and value-based care initiatives.
6. Investigate the utilization of health informatics by providers and consumers, critically assessing its effectiveness in enhancing decision-making, care delivery, and patient outcomes.
7. Develop innovative approaches that leverage technology and strategic leadership to improve healthcare quality, efficiency, and equity within healthcare systems.

Prerequisite: Basic statistics course recommended

This course introduces students to modern statistical methods and their applications in medical and public health research. Emphasis is placed on understanding and utilizing epidemiologic models to identify factors contributing to health issues and to inform the planning of healthcare delivery programs. Students will develop skills in applying statistical principles to interpret and evaluate data relevant to public health and policy development.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 3, 4, 5, 9; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 3, 4, 5, 9; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.1e, 1.2f, 1.2g, 1.2j, 1.3e, 1.3f, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.2e, 3.4i, 3.4k, 4.1j, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2i, 4.2j, 4.2k, 4.3e, 4.3f, 4.3h, 4.3i, 5.1i, 5.1l, 5.1o, 9.1h, 9.1i; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze epidemiologic models to determine key factors contributing to population health challenges and inform data-driven healthcare strategies.
2. Integrate ethical principles and professional standards in the interpretation, application, and dissemination of research findings in nursing and public health contexts.
3. Apply advanced statistical research methods to design, interpret, and critique medical and public health studies.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of quality improvement, research, and evaluation methodologies within diverse healthcare environments.
5. Synthesize current and emerging scientific evidence to inform clinical decision-making and promote evidence-based nursing practice and policy development.

This course examines the critical intersection between translational science and evidence-based practice within the context of advanced nursing scholarship. Students will develop the ability to critically appraise, translate, and apply research findings to improve health outcomes and inform practice changes. Emphasis is placed on the systematic steps of evidence-based practice, including question formulation, literature synthesis, evaluation of evidence quality, and outcome measurement. Students will explore strategies for implementing and disseminating evidence-based interventions across diverse settings. The course also introduces data management principles and the application of statistical methods to support clinical inquiry. Students will be prepared to lead practice improvements and contribute to advancing nursing science and healthcare delivery by focusing on scientific rigor, clinical relevance, and systems thinking.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.1e, 1.2f, 1.2g, 1.2j, 1.3e, 1.3f, 3.1l, 4.1h, 4.1i, 4.1j, 4.1l, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2h, 4.2i, 4.2j, 4.2k, 5.1o, 7.3e, 7.3f, 7.3g, 7.3h, 8.2f, 8.2j; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the relationship between translational research and evidence-based practice to inform clinical decision-making and system-level improvements.
2. Evaluate the quality, relevance, and applicability of existing research evidence to guide the selection and implementation of evidence-based interventions in diverse practice settings.
3. Design a structured evidence-based practice process, including formulating a clinical inquiry, conducting a comprehensive literature review, and synthesizing findings.
4. Apply appropriate statistical methods and data management tools to interpret research findings and support data-driven practice change.
5. Integrate principles of translational science and systems thinking to bridge the gap between research, practice, and policy in improving population health outcomes.
6. Develop strategies for implementing and disseminating evidence-based solutions that address identified clinical or organizational problems and support sustainable change.

This course prepares Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students to lead transformative changes in population health through strategic leadership and inter-professional collaboration. Grounded in ethical, culturally responsive, and evidence-based practice principles, the course emphasizes advanced leadership to address health disparities and improve outcomes across diverse populations. Students will analyze and integrate concepts from epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, and the social determinants of health to design, implement, and evaluate clinical prevention and population health initiatives. Emphasis is placed on systems thinking, health equity, policy advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration to support sustainable improvements in population health locally, nationally, and globally.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.2f, 1.2h, 1.2i, 2.7e, 3.1j, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.1n, 3.4f, 3.4g, 3.4h, 3.4i, 3.4k, 3.5i, 4.2g, 6.1g, 6.2j, 6.3d, 6.4g, 7.1g, 7.3h, 9.1i, 9.3l, 9.3m, 9.6f, 9.6g, 10.3j, 10.3k, 10.3o, 10.3p; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the impact of social determinants of health, cultural factors, and health disparities on local, national, and global population health outcomes.
2. Evaluate epidemiological, biostatistical, environmental, and occupational health data to inform population-focused health interventions and clinical prevention strategies.
3. Design evidence-based population health initiatives that integrate principles of health equity, systems thinking, and culturally responsive care.
4. Demonstrate leadership competencies in fostering inter-professional collaboration to address complex health challenges across diverse communities and care settings.
5. Develop policy advocacy strategies to influence health policy and promote structural changes that advance equitable population health outcomes.
6. Integrate ethical decision-making and evidence-based leadership practices to support sustainable, community-engaged approaches to improving health outcomes.

This is the first of three sequential courses in population health assessment, planning, and program intervention. The course focuses on applying concepts and methods for conducting an in-depth assessment of health status among populations, which serves as the foundation for the health planning process. This course will provide Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to conduct comprehensive assessments of population health needs. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence the health needs of populations and their impact on health outcomes. Students will utilize the ethical considerations and challenges associated with population health assessments, including privacy, consent, and the equitable distribution of resources.

This course requires a minimum of 150 supervised practice hours, up to a maximum of 250 supervised practice hours, which may be applied to the doctoral project. Documentation and confirmation of the required practice hours are required for successful completion of this course.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,10; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,10; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.2f, 1.2g, 1.2h, 1.3e, 2.3h, 3.1j, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.1n, 3.2e, 3.3f, 3.4k, 3.5f, 3.5i, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2k, 4.3e, 4.3f, 4.3h, 5.1k, 10.1c, 10.2g, 10.2i, 10.3l; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply the concepts and methods of population health assessment to conduct comprehensive assessments of health status among diverse populations.
2. Evaluate the social determinants of health and their impact on population health outcomes and healthcare access.
3. Utilize ethical frameworks and principles to address ethical considerations and challenges associated with population health assessments.
4. Apply evidence-based approaches in conducting population health assessments, integrating the latest research and best practices.
5. Reflect on personal and professional growth throughout the population health assessment process, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

This is the second of three sequential courses in population health assessment, planning, and program intervention. This course will provide Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to develop and implement evidence-based interventions to address population health needs. This course builds upon the foundation of population health assessments and will cover essential topics such as intervention, planning, and implementation strategies. Students will critically analyze population health assessment findings, identify priority areas for intervention, and develop evidence-based intervention plans, considering the cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on applying best practices and integrating the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and behavior change theories into intervention design.

This course requires a minimum of 150 supervised practice hours, up to a maximum of 250 supervised practice hours, which may be applied to the doctoral project. Documentation and confirmation of required practice hours are required for successful completion of this course.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,10; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,10; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.1e, 1.2f, 1.2h, 1.2j, 1.3e, 2.5h, 2.5j, 3.1k, 3.1l, 3.1m, 3.1n, 3.2g, 3.3e, 3.3f, 4.1l, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2k, 6.1g, 6.1j, 7.3e, 9.1i, 9.2i, 9.2l, 9.6f, 9.6g, 9.6i; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply evidence-based practice principles and methodologies to develop comprehensive intervention plans that address identified population health needs.
2. Analyze population health assessment findings to identify priority areas for evidence-based interventions influenced by cultural, social, economic, and environmental factors.
3. Integrate health promotion, disease prevention, and behavior change theories into the development of evidence-based interventions.
4. Evaluate and select appropriate implementation strategies and techniques for diverse populations.
5. Examine ethical considerations, cultural competence, and social justice perspectives in the implementation of evidence-based interventions.
6. Communicate effectively about evidence-based interventions and their impact on population health outcomes to diverse stakeholders.

This is the third of three sequential courses in population health assessment, planning, and program intervention. This course will provide Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively implement evidence-based changes in population health practice. This course builds upon the foundation of population health assessment and intervention planning, focusing on the practical aspects of driving sustainable change within healthcare settings. Emphasis is on implementing and evaluating innovative advanced nursing practices with communities and populations. Students will explore effective leadership approaches and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of implementing evidence-based interventions on practices and policies.

This course requires a minimum of 150 supervised practice hours, up to a maximum of 250 supervised practice hours, which may be applied to the doctoral project. Documentation and confirmation of required practice hours are required for successful completion of this course.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9,10; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.1e, 1.2i, 1.3e, 2.7f, 3.4h, 3.4i, 3.5g, 4.1i, 4.1j, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2k, 5.1k, 5.1l, 6.1g, 6.1j, 6.2g, 6.4f, 7.1g, 7.3f, 7.3g, 8.2h, 8.2j, 9.2l, 9.3m, 9.4g, 10.3j, 10.3k, 10.3o; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based interventions on practices and policies within healthcare settings.
2. Apply effective leadership approaches and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of implementing evidence-based interventions in population health practice.
3. Evaluate the impact and outcomes of implemented evidence-based changes on population health outcomes and healthcare practices.
4. Apply data analysis techniques to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of evidence-based changes in population health practice.
5. Advocate for policy changes to support the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based changes in population health practice.
6. Develop effective strategies to engage stakeholders, foster collaboration, and communicate the value and impact of evidence-based changes in population health practice.

This final DNP Capstone course synthesizes the experience of implementing an evidence-based practice investigation, including data analysis, evaluation, and interpretation. Students will demonstrate the principles of evidence-based practice, epidemiology, and quality improvement methodologies to measure the effectiveness and impact of evidence-based changes on population health outcomes and draw meaningful conclusions. Students will reflect on their project outcomes, identify successes and challenges, and discuss the implications for future practice and research. This course serves as a capstone experience, showcasing the students’ achievements and preparing them to be influential leaders in improving health outcomes and promoting health equity for diverse populations. Students will complete a comprehensive manuscript of the DNP clinical scholarly project or White Paper position and deliver a live oral defense presentation to faculty and peers. Dissemination plans and developing a poster and abstract for a peer-reviewed journal are also required.

This course requires a minimum of 150 supervised practice hours, up to a maximum of 250 supervised practice hours, which may be applied to the doctoral project. Documentation and confirmation of required practice hours are required for successful completion of this course.

(This course covers PLO: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10; AACN DOMAINS: 1, 4, 5, 8, 9,10; AACN COMPETENCIES: 1.1e, 1.2f, 1.2i, 1.3e, 4.1h, 4.1i, 4.1j, 4.1m, 4.2f, 4.2g, 4.2k, 5.1k, 5.1l, 5.1o, 6.1j, 8.2h, 8.2j, 9.1i, 9.3j, 10.2i, 10.2j, 10.3j, 10.3k, 10.3l, 10.3n, 10.3o, 10.3p, 10.3q; AACN CONCEPTS: Clinical Judgment, Communication, Compassionate Care, DEI, Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, Health Policy, Social Determinants of Health; AONL DOMAINS: Communication and Relationship Building, Knowledge of the Health Care Environment, Leadership, Professionalism, Business Skills)

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Synthesize and integrate the findings of their evidence-based practice investigation, including data analysis, evaluation, and interpretation.
2. Implement principles of evidence-based practice, epidemiology, and quality improvement methodologies to measure the effectiveness and impact of evidence-based changes on population health outcomes.
3. Analyze project outcomes, identify successes and challenges encountered during the implementation of evidence-based changes, and discuss the implications for future practice and research.
4. Demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and scholarship in completing their DNP clinical scholarly project or White Paper position.
5. Reflect on personal and professional growth throughout the process of completing their DNP project, demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.