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An education in nursing at Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette Main Campus, is explorative, transformative, and impactful. While it offers undergraduate programs to kickstart anyone’s journey into the field of nursing, where the school truly shines is its graduate offerings. These include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and specialized Master of Science (MS) programs.
Ranked #31 nationally by US News & World Report 2024, Purdue’s DNP program focuses on fusing evidence-based practice with leadership and clinical skills — a strategic combination that prepares nurse practitioners to deliver the highest level of patient care. This terminal degree can be pursued through two pathways: post-Bachelors of Nursing or post-Master of Science degrees. In both routes, students build on the knowledge and skills of clinical practice, innovation and testing of care delivery models, health outcome evaluation, health policy, and other areas required of advanced nursing education.
The program has four nurse practitioner (NP) concentrations: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Primary Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Clinical placements are obtained and supported by the school. Opportunities to participate in clinical rotations with practising faculty as well as to build your network with the faculty, students, and practitioners, are also included.
This is a program tailored to help NPs reach the peak of clinical nursing practice. “Purdue focuses on making sure that we treat the patient before problems develop into something serious, making sure we’re proactive in our patient care,” says DNP Family NP student Sarah Michael. “I feel like the staff and professors in the programme are always there for you and willing to answer any questions you have. You definitely feel supported.”
Regardless of pathway or concentration, DNP graduates are prepared to influence the big picture of healthcare outcomes, expertly navigating significant and complex challenges in healthcare today. Equipped with enhanced clinical skills and an in-depth understanding of the socio-political aspects of the field, they are set to join the industry and lead as NPs, educators, and more. Purdue MS and DNP graduates also have a 100% first-time pass rate for national NP certification.
Purdue University School of Nursing’s PhD graduates competently and confidently conduct rigorous research to expand nursing science and translate findings across the spectrum of healthcare. Source: Purdue University.
Nurses seeking a more in-depth study of nursing science can explore Purdue’s PhD in Nursing program to prepare for a career in producing translational research. Intensive, immersive, and rigorous, the program emphasizes the optimisation of healthcare delivery through innovative care and healthcare delivery systems.
At Purdue, you will receive individual mentorship from nationally and internationally renowned faculty and explore your research interests in coursework and cross-campus collaborations. As an on-site program, you’ll have the opportunity to foster connections with a diverse and close-knit community and benefit from access to the many resources available within the R1 institution.
With less than 1% of nurses holding a PhD, nurse scholars and scientists are in high demand. To increase access to its PhD program, Purdue offers two entry points — after a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. “After a few years as a bedside nurse, I have seen numerous gaps in healthcare and opportunities for improvement,” says PhD student Yitong Wang. “Having a PhD in Nursing allows me to combine clinical skills with nursing research knowledge to make positive, impactful changes to nursing practice and patient care.”
Like other programs offered by the school, PhD graduates swiftly launch careers in academia and research, taking up roles that contribute beyond the sphere of clinical practice, like university faculty, research managers, and policy advisors.
The School of Nursing’s master’s programs cover different age groups and needs, giving graduates an edge when joining the job market. Source: Purdue University.
Purdue’s MS programs are just as impactful.
Ranking #25 nationally in US News & World Report 2024, the four MS programm mirror the DNP’s four concentrations: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Each acts as a foundation for nurses seeking advanced practice roles or to further their pursuits in research and education, balancing theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and research methodology. A focus on developing clinical expertise in managing complex health conditions is prominent throughout the curriculum, emphasising preventive care and health promotion.
The Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner programs are designed to educate nurses to provide competent, culturally sensitive, cost-effective, accessible, and efficient care, with a special lens on rural underserved populations. The former is targeted at delivering care to infants, children, and adolescents, while the latter targets families, allowing Family NPs to provide care to all ages.
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program – recognized by the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence – is for those seeking to care for patients aged 13 and older in various settings, with options for interdisciplinary work available. In the Psychiatric/Mental Health program, you will learn how to deliver advanced psychiatric/mental health care to families and individuals of all ages.
Purdue’s nursing master’s and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Paired with comprehensive theoretical and practical learning experiences, graduates quickly become in demand at healthcare institutions in Indiana and across the country.
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