Web-Based Curriculum for Working Professionals
The curriculum consists of three core components: 

1. Self-directed web-based courses accessed over the internet. These courses use a highly self-directed approach in guiding students through the examination of course concepts which reflect the complexity of practice at the doctoral level. While the readings and websites provide the necessary background information, assignments and online discussions provide the opportunity for you to process the information, internalize key concepts and demonstrate learning.
2. Intensive seminar weekends on campus (two per semester) provide valuable time for you to interact one-on-one with faculty and others in the class. Weekend seminars provide additional opportunities to discuss, analyze, and problem-solve while moving through the course.
3. A clinical component is built into 6 of the DNP courses. Clinical experiences are individualized for each student based on their prior education, current clinical practice, and future role expectations. Students complete clinical experiences in the community where they practice.

We Prepare You for Web-Based Learning
If you're not familiar with web-based learning, we'll help get you started through a pre-program course titled, "Communication and Information Management," (CGN 5000) the summer prior to your first semester. The course is not mandatory for DNP students but is an option if you would like extra practice with the online-learning environment.

This course will orient you to the web-based format of all subsequent online courses, as well as familiarize you with the College of Graduate Nursing's policies, student roles, and writing demands. During the pre-program, you may take part in computer skills training sessions in which you'll learn how to:  

• Post comments on discussion boards
• Submit a paper online in APA format with references 
• Access Internet resources

Outstanding Academic Support
Caring about students and helping them achieve success is the hallmark of all WesternU faculty. Our nursing faculty are respected practitioners and scholars who keep pace with the latest teaching techniques and technology and are committed to helping you master the material.

The College of Graduate Nursing staff are also a great resource when it comes to your everyday support. Although you are studying at a distance, we work hard to connect with you to ensure you are on track to succeed in your courses and finish in a timely fashion.

The Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library and Bookstore are set up to support our students with textbook and academic research needs while the Computing Resources/Information Technology staff are available to our distance students for technical support.

Additionally, you can draw on the expertise of the Learning Enhancement & Academic Development Office (LEAD). Although located on campus, the LEAD office is available to our distance students via email and phone. LEAD staff are ready to assist you with many aspects of academic life such as review of APA formatting for scholarly papers and sharing suggestions for stress relief.

For more information, complete the information request form or contact Dr. Daroszewski.