How long will it take to complete the DNP program?
Most of our students enter as full-time students but we do offer a part-time option. The full-time plan of study is approximately 3 years (8 semesters). The part-time plan of study is approximately 4 years (11 semesters).
What kind of services do pediatric nurse practitioners provide?
PNPs practice in a variety of settings ranging from primary care and pediatric specialty offices or clinics to acute care settings, such as urgent care clinics, hospitals, or surgery centers. All PNPs perform comprehensive physical assessments, order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and develop therapeutic management plans, and provide evidence-based, patient and family-centered, culturally competent care.
Some of the services provided by primary care PNPs include health maintenance care for children, routine developmental screenings, and the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic medical conditions in children.
Services provided by acute care PNPs include caring for acutely, chronically, and critically ill children in various acute care settings. These conditions are typically acute or complications of chronic conditions and are often life-threatening.
What is the main difference between primary care and acute care?
The primary care PNP provides care to children from birth through young adulthood and possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in pediatric primary healthcare, including physical, psychological, and social concerns of children in the areas of health maintenance and promotion, and assessment and management of disease processes. The primary care PNP encourages optimal health and wellness of children within the context of their families, communities, and environments.
The acute care PNP works with an interprofessional team to care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults to provide evidence-based care in assessing and managing life-threatening illnesses and organ dysfunction or failure. The acute care PNP cares for patients with acute, complex, critical, and chronic illnesses in a variety of care settings.
In summary, both primary and acute care PNPs treat children birth through young adult. Primary care focuses more on health promotion and maintenance, and acute and chronic illnesses managed within the medical home. Acute care focuses more on life-threatening and severe acute illnesses, or chronic conditions with acute complications.
If I choose one PNP focus now and want to also do the other later, how much longer will I have to be in school?
Completing the other PNP track would add 2-3 semesters to your program of study. It depends on when the decision is made so we can adjust your program of study accordingly.
How many hours of clinical will I need to complete each semester?
Currently, our PNP students complete 180 hours of practicum in their PNP Practicum I, 180 hours in PNP Practicum II, 360 hours in PNP Integrated Practicum, and 360 hours in Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice.
Can I work while in the DNP program?
This is a difficult question to answer because each student has different needs and learns differently. The majority of our students work full-time until they enter their Health Assessment course. Most students go part-time at that point because the course content is more labor intensive and practicum hours begin the following semester. However, each student has a different plan and adjusts, as needed.
Can I apply if I live in another state?
Absolutely! We are excited to work with students from other states and want to broaden our student body.
For more information, please contact Dr. Kellie Bishop at 501-526-8954 or KBishop@uams.edu, or Emily Davis at 501-296-6408 or EDavis2@uams.edu.