QUARTER SYSTEM

The University is a four-quarter, year-round operation system that provides an essential flexibility for adult students. Each quarter is 3 months in length with the equivalent of 11 weeks of classroom instruction conducted in a 3 day block each month. AUHS’ credits are expressed in a quarter unit; one-quarter unit normally represents no less than one hour of class work and two or more hours of outside study per week for one quarter. One and one-half (1 ½) quarter units are equivalent to one (1) semester unit, and one (1) quarter unit is equivalent to 2/3 of a semester unit.

Quarter Breaks

After the completion of the final exams on the 11 weeks of each quarter, a break is given in between quarters for a minimum of one (1) week to a maximum of two (2) weeks long.

Definition of Quarter Credit Unit

One (1) quarter credit hour equals 10 hours of lecture, 20 hours of laboratory work and 30 hours of externship/field instruction. One hour lecture consists of 50 minutes plus a 10-minute break.

GRADING SCALE

All courses require a minimum passing grade of B or higher.

APPLICATION DEADLINES (After the deadline, applications may still be accepted depending on the seat availability.)

DNP PROGRAM PROGRESSION

1. Progression within a course and from course to course is governed by the general faculty in concert with the Chair of SON Graduate programs. Course sequences are prescribed according to the graduate program plan of study and accrediting agencies.
2. Faculty may review a student’s record based on didactic and clinical performance, professionalism, and attendance. The Chair may choose to put the student on probation, make conditional requirements, and/or dismiss the student. The Chair in concert with the faculty will give a letter to the student stating the action of the faculty. Appeal of this action by the student is made to the Chair.
3. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the program.
4. A grade of “B” or better must be achieved in all courses. A student receiving a grade below a “B” in any course is considered to have failed that course. The student must then remediate and pass the course.
5. Students are only permitted to fail one course in the process of completing the DNP program. Students may retake the failed course. If the student fails the repeated course, the student may not continue in the program.
6. Students may not drop a course to avoid receiving a failing grade. Students must seek counsel from the faculty or the Director before dropping a course.

DNP PROGRAM INFORMATION

DNP Practicum Hour Requirements

The DNP program requires the completion of a practicum scholarly project designed to allow students to apply their research to a clinical problem. The practicum requires 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours, 600 of which will be completed at a local clinic or medical setting under the guidance of a preceptor. Hours reflect time engaged in experiences related to the role and responsibilities of the doctoral-prepared advanced practice nurse. Upon approval, students may use clinical hours from their MSN and/or APRN programs to meet the total hour requirement or they must continue to acquire missing hours throughout enrollment in the program. Throughout the program, students will identify activities to enhance their ability to apply and synthesize DNP course content with real-world examples, while also getting acquainted with their future roles. They are encouraged to engage with experts in nursing and other disciplines. Each student’s fulfillment of the DNP hours requirement will be unique.

1,000 hours of faculty-guided practicum must be directly aligned with program learning outcomes and AACN DNP Essentials/Domains.