No, students are not required to arrange their own clinical placements. With institution-arranged clinical placements, students focus on their studies while our dedicated faculty and clinical placement team professionals place them with trusted preceptors based on their interests. The School of Nursing maintains a robust network of over 200 health site partners, providing opportunities for students to engage in diverse clinical experiences. Student clinical hours are divided throughout five semesters. 

Many students continue to work while in the DNP program. Finding the balance between doctoral level academics and work amount is different for every student. Some factors to consider are the phase of the program you are in (didactic courses vs. practicum courses which require more daytime, weekday availability), your employer’s flexibility, and your other personal commitments. 

There are benefits to continuing to work, including that this can be an opportunity for a DNP Project site where you know key stakeholders and the culture of the organization, as well as supporting contextual learning.

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing has been instrumental in designing a true systems improvement project since the inception of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The DNP Project is about translating research into practice.  Students engage with our community partners to develop projects that address emerging health care needs and improve health equity and the quality and safety of care. 

Components of the DNP project include: 

1. Student identification of a systems based, quality improvement problem in health care
2. Implementation of a sustainable, evidence based solution to address the problem
3. Evaluation of process and outcome measures of the project
4. Completion of a paper and presentation that describe the project, its outcomes, impact, and sustainability plans.

DNP students partner with dedicated advisors for support and successful completion of the program: 

1. Program Advisor – Assigned at the time of admission to the program, this faculty member will provide specialty specific guidance as you complete the degree. 
2. Professional Advisor – Located within Student and Career Advancement Services, the professional advisor assists with day to day questions, navigating challenges that arise, guides degree completion steps, and facilitates connections to University resources.
3. DNP Project Advisor – Determined prior to the first semester of DNP project related coursework and will provide guidance in completion of the DNP project.

Students communicate openly and regularly with their faculty and preceptors about concerns that affect their successful completion of learning goals. Students are encouraged to engage in self-care activities which enhance their ability to work effectively with patients.

Yes! Many of our DNP students serve as Teaching Assistants for the School of Nursing to develop nurse educator skills and earn tuition remission.  

Tuition is covered based on the percent appointment. Below are some examples:

15% TA—approximately 30% of tuition covered

25% TA—approximately 50% of tuition covered

30% TA—approximately 60% of tuition covered

50% TA—100% of tuition covered

Teaching Assistants provide mentorship in three areas – in the skills lab coaching students through simulations, in classroom settings supporting faculty, and in clinical settings supporting students in their clinical rotations.