DNP Programs South Dakota

The shortage of primary care physicians is expected to worsen in the coming decade. Increased life expectant among the current baby boomer population and greater access to healthcare coverage are just a few factors that will increase demand on the healthcare system. There is a nationwide shortage of physicians, but to date, the shortage impacts primary care more than any other specialty. According to the Annals of Family Medicine, the nation will need an additional 52,000 primary care physicians by 2025. In South Dakota, nearly 27 percent of the population live in areas with a primary care shortage. A lack of primary care providers greatly impacts seniors and rural residents whose access to adequate care diminishes with each passing year.

Nurse practitioners are the solution to the delivery of primary care in rural communities say several experts. They can be used to manage patients with chronic conditions in outpatient settings. Using the specialized training gained in master’s and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs, they can manage both acute and chronic patients and lighten the burden on primary care. Figures from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners indicate that approximately 86.5 percent of nurse practitioners are trained in primary care. Thus, there’s an adequately trained and sizable workforce to fill the lack of physicians.

The DNP delivers the advanced training that nurses need to deliver quality, safe, and specialized primary care to solve this issue that has plagued the medical industry for the last five decades. Graduates are capable of diagnosing and prescribing medication without a physician’s oversight. Since they take less time to train than physicians, they can help meet the healthcare demands in a timely manner. Their services are not only comparable to that of a physician but also more affordable. While NPs can safely and legally practice with a master’s education and certification from a recognized body, many choose to pursue a DNP to bring their education in line with that of a physician. The focus on specialized education gives them the ability to provide a similar quality of care that a physician offers. The American Medical Association supports this claim, finding no difference in the “plan of care” and patient outcomes produced by NPs and physicians.

In South Dakota, NPs can practice to the full extent of their training. In 2017, state laws made provisions for NPs to practice without a physician’s oversight after completing 1,040 hours of practice under a collaborative agreement. Under the provisions of the bill, NPs can use their full autonomy to operate their own practices, diagnose patients, prescribe medication, and care for patients.

Reasons to Get A DNP

Some nurses close the door to education after they graduate from nursing school. They minimize the value of advanced degrees, satisfied to use the knowledge they have to deliver care at the bedside. If they but looked closely at the evolving healthcare system, they would see the benefits of pursuing the educational pathway to the end of the road – the terminal DNP degree. As a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse, you owe it to yourself and your patients to enhance your practice. The DNP provides just such an opportunity to broaden your perspective and become an expert in your chosen area of practice.

Many employers have education as a factor in their selection of new employees and promotion of existing ones. They recognize the qualities in MSN graduates, but having a DNP could give you extra points in the education category. By maximizing your skill set, you will have numerous opportunities to step into leadership roles in many areas. These include organizational leadership, positions in healthcare facilities, research facilities, public health departments, and much more. You can also choose to operate your own private practice or work full-time or part-time as a nurse education. Whatever your decision, the DNP will open unparalleled opportunities to take on more responsibilities and boost your pay grade.

The future of nursing presents unlimited opportunities for those who feel a call to care for others. But more than just compassion, nurses must be capable of practicing within the fragmented healthcare system, making autonomous decisions, and serving as independent providers of care. The DNP seeks to develop these skills in nurses. It produces advanced clinical practice leaders who can meet the population’s demands for high quality, safe, and affordable care. Graduates have a unique blend of clinical, leadership, economic, and organization skills not seen in their MSN counterparts. As such, they are better positioned to analyze nursing practice and design plans of care that will positively impact healthcare outcomes. While the degree won’t alter the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, it will equip them to collaborate with other NPs and other healthcare professionals and function as change agents and leaders of care in an increasingly complex clinical environment.

Nurses, especially those practicing at the advanced level, must provide accurate and reliable information to patients and colleagues. They must be aware of changes in regulatory requirements and new techniques and procedures in the standard of care. The DNP produces advanced nursing experts who are capable of using innovative, evidence-based practice to apply research findings and translate knowledge to improve outcomes. They will develop and evaluate care plans to meet current and future patient population needs, assess credible findings to implement best practices, function as leaders in the development and implementation of policies, advocate for the profession and patients, use clinical judgment and systems thinking to design, teach, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based care, and collaborate with interprofessional teams.

Once you’ve decided to invest time and energy to obtain this terminal degree, it is critical that you choose the right program. Your current qualifications and intended focus area will largely determine your choice, but there are other critical factors. Most programs are delivered online to accommodate working nurses. Though the program has been around for some time now, many universities are just getting started with this program offering and may still be in the accrediting process. It is important that you investigate the program’s accreditation at your school of choice. The time it takes to complete the degree and accomplishments of the faculty are some other factors to consider. Some programs can be completed in just 2 years if you enter with a master’s degree. In the end, you’ll earn the skills, knowledge, and expertise to maximize your opportunities in the profession, including rewarding and challenging leadership roles in healthcare.

DNP Admission Requirements South Dakota

South Dakota State University collaborates will the University of Missouri to offer several track options for DNP students.Registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses can enroll to prepare for greater leadership roles in their place of work. Common courses include nursing, informatics, administration, evidence-based research, economics, and healthcare policy. The track chosen will determine the specialized courses and direction of the practicum conducted in various clinical settings.

The rigorous curriculum prepares students to manage the health care needs of diverse populations. From the first day, students will be immersed in theory and research to develop a diverse perspective and critical understanding of the complexities of nursing practice. Coursework is typically delivered in an online format. Graduates will qualify for positions that place them at the highest level of practice for leadership. They would know how to translate research into practice to improve patient outcomes. Graduates must complete a total of 1000 hours of practice, which may include practicum hours earned on the MSN program.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by university, point of entry, and the track chosen. Common requirements include an active registered nurse license, and master’s of science degree or baccalaureate degree in nursing, and completion of graduate statistics. Below are some other general guidelines. Check the school’s website for specific requirements.

BSN-to-DNP Requirements

Following are the requirements for admission to South Dakota State University.

  • Submit two applications: one to the Graduate Nursing Program and one to the Graduate School
  • Have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program
  • Have current licensure as a registered nurse
  • Complete an approved statistics course with a grade C or above
  • Have a minimum of 1500 hours or nursing practice – verifiable by employer
  • Attend an interview with graduate faculty
  • Have RN liability insurance
  • Complete a background – admission is conditional based on the results of the background check
  • Complete a drug screen
  • Submit documentation of the required immunizations

MSN-to-DNP Requirements

Following are the requirements for admission to South Dakota State University.

  • Submit two applications: one to the Graduate Nursing Program and one to the Graduate School
  • Have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program
  • Have a master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program
  • Have current licensure as a registered nurse
  • Have advanced practice licensure and certification in an advanced practice role
  • Complete an approved statistics course with a grade C or above
  • Have a minimum of 1500 hours or nursing practice – verifiable by the employer
  • Attend an interview with graduate faculty
  • Have RN liability insurance
  • Complete a background – admission is conditional based on the results of the background check
  • Complete a drug screen
  • Submit documentation of the required immunizations

Tuition and fees per credit cost $572.50 for South Dakota residents enrolled in the South Dakota State University.

DNP Programs South Dakota

Brookings, SD DNP programs:
South Dakota State University
1175 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57007
605-688-4121

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.