AUHS University Mission
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) is a private Christian-based minority-serving University of higher education welcomes students of diverse backgrounds and prepares them to make a positive impact on society through the provision of exceptional quality patient-centered care within the context of a global perspective of the human condition. This mission is accomplished through the creation of a strong and caring academic environment where excellence, diversity, and the development of the entire person – mind, body, and spirit – is addressed and where teaching/learning, research, service, and scholarship is valued and supported. Inspired by a strong belief in God and the Christian values of love and caring for humankind, and of justice and respect the University’s core values include a holistic approach to education, promotion of the intellectual, analytical and critical thinking abilities of its students, evidence-based knowledge, and service to our fellow man, and a commitment to life-long learning.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
- Performance (Academic Excellence/ Research/ Scholarship). In the area of performance, graduates will demonstrate social, philosophical knowledge of their profession/career pathway (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, clinical research, etc.).
- Cultural Competence (Diversity). In the area of cultural competence, graduates will deliver culturally competent and sensitive caring that is evidence-based on the appropriate health career (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, clinical research, etc.) service area.
- Critical Thinking (Academic Preparation or Excellence/Education). In the area of critical thinking, graduates will apply critical thinking as the theoretical and scientific underpinnings to the appropriate health career occupation (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, clinical research, etc.) to build a solid foundation and drive the profession forward.
- Social Responsibility (Service). In the area of social responsibility, graduates will develop social and personal responsibility for ongoing professional growth and development including higher education in the appropriate health career profession (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, clinical research, etc.).
- Christian Values. Throughout the program and upon completion of the appropriate health sciences career programs (i.e., nursing, pharmacy, pharmacy technician, clinical research, etc.), students should be able to affect positive clients-patient outcomes by sharing their Christian Values of love, caring, justice and respect, as an advocate client-patient needs and rights.
Program Description
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a concentration on Population Health Administration and Health Systems Leadership is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in population health practice. This program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to drive sustainable improvements in health outcomes and promote health equity for diverse populations.
The program emphasizes integrating population health principles, evidence-based practice, leadership, and advocacy to address communities’ and populations’ complex health challenges. Students will gain a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, health disparities, and the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on health outcomes. They will develop expertise in population health assessment, intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Throughout the program, students will engage in coursework that covers topics such as epidemiology, healthcare policy and systems, research methods, and leadership in population health. They will learn to critically analyze research and evidence, apply epidemiological principles, and utilize quality improvement methodologies to drive positive change in population health.
The program also places a strong emphasis on leadership development and advocacy skills. Students will learn effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation strategies for leading interprofessional teams and engaging stakeholders in population health initiatives. They will gain insights into policy analysis and development and the ethical considerations and cultural competence necessary for addressing health disparities and promoting health equity.
As part of the program, students will have the opportunity to engage in practical experiences through clinical placements, population health projects, and leadership practicums. These experiential learning opportunities will allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, working alongside experienced professionals in population health practice.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles in various settings, such as healthcare organizations, community health centers, public health agencies, and policy-making institutions. They will be equipped to develop and implement evidence-based interventions, advocate for policy changes, and drive sustainable improvements in population health outcomes.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a concentration on Population Health Administration and Health Systems Leadership empowers nurses to become influential leaders, change agents, and advocates for improving the health and well-being of communities and populations. Graduates will be poised to significantly impact population health, address health disparities, and promote health equity for all.
Admissions Procedures
Prospective students must have applied for admission to their program of study to be officially accepted for a specific starting date. The process includes the following steps:
-
Contact the university and make an appointment with an admissions representative for an initial consultation (except doctorate level programs).
-
Send a complete application packet with required documents to AUHS Admissions Department by the deadline. Only complete applications will be processed.
-
Complete scheduled formal interviews, by invitation only.
-
Complete Financial Aid meetings.
-
Respond to the Acceptance Letter.
-
Attend the New Student Orientation.
Admission to the DNP program requires:
-
Complete and submit a DNP application.
1.1 Application Fee. -
Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
-
Graduate of an accredited college or University with a Master of Science Degree in Nursing or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or another healthcare-related field.
3.1 Minimum GPA of 3.0
3.2 Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institution
3.3 MSN Degree (University/College) Accreditation Requirements: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or a National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLN CNEA)
3.4 To confer the DNP degree: 1,000 Masters’ Program clinical hours of face-to-face, healthcare system preceptor experience is required.
-
-
For APRNs: Evidence of 500 clinical hours – Students are accepted as advanced practice registered nurses, providing documentation of the acquired 500 hours of direct patient care.
-
For Non-APRNs with MSN Degree: Clinical hours earned during MSN coursework will be subject for approval.
-
Students acquire the remaining 500 hours during the plan of study of the DNP Program.
-
-
Licensing Requirements (Applies to both Domestic and International applicants):
-
-
Unencumbered APRN/RN license in the state where you plan to do your clinical hours.
-
Submit proof of certification in an Advanced Practice Nursing specialty
-
4.1 DNP students are required to maintain an unencumbered APRN/RN License as required in the state in which the student will be practicing.Personal goal statement, include the following:
5. Personal goal statement, include the following:-
-
Proposed Clinical Scholarly Project Statement
-
Potential Population Project Site
-
Potential Project Mentor
-
-
Three letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
-
Panel interview with DNP Leadership and faculty
-
State of California residency or residency in a state where AUHS has been granted State Authorization.
Transfer Policy
Transfer credit is not accepted for this program.
Admission Denials/Withdrawals
After declining admission to a specific term, when seeking admission again, the applicant must resubmit a new application packet with the required documents, meet the current admission requirements, and complete the entire admission process.
A student will be recommended for the degree of Doctor of Nurse Practitioner upon completion of the following requirements:
-
-
Documentation of a total of 1,000 clinical hours under the supervision of a clinical preceptor.
-
Completion of all prescribed courses with a grade of B or higher and no incomplete (I) grades.
-
-
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the program.
-
Has satisfactorily passed prescribed exams.
-
Has completed 50 hours of community service.
-
Has completed all degree requirements within 22 months following initiation of the matriculation process.
-
Has completed at least one approved AUHS authorized and/or sponsored international mission trip.
All requirements are due before matriculation unless indicated in university policy. All proof/documentation must be on file.
