Doctor of Nursing

Overview

The Doctor of Nursing is a 4 year coursework and dissertation based program offered via the distance and open learning mode. The program is for nurses to pursue their career pathway in clinical, education and research, while honing their critical and analytical thinking and decision making skills.

This terminal degree for nurses will prepare them for their future challenging roles in healthcare delivery. The program admits registered nurses who already have a Master of Nursing and they will be the future nurse leaders, academicians and researchers, contributing to the efforts of the nation’s high income, knowledge based population.

In the clinical area they will be the resource person as well as the experts in their selected field.

The program is offered in 12 semesters (4 years) with a total of 80 credits and 13 structured courses.

The assessment is both continuous evaluation and a final submission of dissertation including viva.

The final course is dissertation where the students will be able to select an area of study relevant to their previous background and experience where they will be expected to apply the research and statistical knowledge learned.

CodeCourse NameCredit Hours
NPPS7103PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE3
BPAW7103TECHNICAL / ACADEMIC WRITING3
NPPP7103POLICY AND POLITICS IN NURSING3
NPHE7103HEALTH ECONOMICS3
NPED7103EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN HEALTH CARE 3
NPLE7103 LAW AND ETHICS IN NURSING 3
NPNI7103NURSING INFORMATICS 3
NPRM7103RISK MANAGEMENT 3
NPQT 7103QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS3
NPQR7103QUALITITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS3
BPAS7103APPLIED STATISTICS3
NPHO7103EVALUATION AND HEALTH OUTCOMES RESEARCH 3
NPCP7004CONCEPT PAPER 4
NPND7201-1DISSERTATION 1- PROPOSAL WRITING6
NPND7201-2DISSERTATION 2- PROPOSAL DEFENCE/ETHICS6
NPND7202-3DISSERTATION 3 – DATA COLLECTION, DATA ANALYSIS7
NPND7202-4DISSERTATION 4 – DISCUSSION & PRELIMINARY FINDINGS PRESENTATION, CONCLUSION7
NPND7202-5DISSERTATION 5 – SUBMISSION7
NPND7202-6DISSERTATION 6 – FINAL SUBMISSION /VIVA7
Total Credits80

Malaysian Learner Fees

Year 1RM4,590 (Sem 1)RM4,590 (Sem 2)RM4,590 (Sem 3)
Year 2RM4,590 (Sem 4)RM7,650 (Sem 5)RM4,590 (Sem 6)
Year 3RM2,110 (Sem 7)RM2,110 (Sem 8)RM2,110 (Sem 9)
Year 4RM2,110 (Sem 10)RM2,110 (Sem 11)RM2,110 (Sem 12)
TOTALRM43,260

Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens

* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

The University offers 50% discount for:
1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and
2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) is required.
The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects.
Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.

Note
Processing fee: RM50
Re-registration fee of RM220 per semester is chargeable for extension of the Research Thesis/Dissertation 

Financial options:Payment Mode:
EPF (Account 2); orJomPAY
Education or Personal Loan from commercial banks; orInternet Banking
HRDF (subject to employer’s eligibility); orDebit/Credit Card.

International Learner Fees

Year 1RM5,508 (Sem 1)RM5,508 (Sem 2)RM5,508 (Sem 3)
Year 2RM5,508 (Sem 4)RM9,180 (Sem 5)RM5,508 (Sem 6)
Year 3RM2,110 (Sem 7)RM2,110 (Sem 8)RM2,110 (Sem 9)
Year 4RM2,110 (Sem 10)RM2,110 (Sem 11)RM2,110 (Sem 12)
TOTALRM49,380

Notes:
1 – Fees applicable to International applicants
2 – The fee above excludes registration fee, processing fee and resource fee. Fee imposed first semester only-non refundable . (Diploma RM2,700; Bachelor RM3,200, Master RM3,700, PhD/Doctorate RM4,200).
3 – Financial method: Telegraphic Transfer , PayPal (Invoice will be prepared in MYR and will be added 6% to cover PayPal transaction fees.)
4 – The fees are for subject fees only and are not applicable for research, registration, repeating of subjects and other fees.
5 – 60% payment of the semester fees must be made before the semester starts, 40% payment before the examination week.


* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.
**LATEST UPDATE: 30 August 2022

PEO 1 – Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced health knowledge in the field of professional nursing practice. (PLO 1, 2)

PEO 2 – Collaborate with health care teams to deliver health to a diverse population in complex health care environments using evidence-based practice. (PLO 3, 4, 5, 6)

PEO 3 – Evaluate health care policy to innovate and influence change using appropriate professional communication and leadership skills. (PLO 8)

PEO 4 – Apply research, information technology and entrepreneurial skills legally and ethically in personal and professional development. (PLO 7, 9, 10, 11)

PLO 1    Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced knowledge in a field of study or professional nursing practice (C3, A3)Cluster 1
PLO2   Evaluate current critical issues with complex abstract ideas into a comprehensive systematic, integrated new nursing knowledge.  (C5)Cluster 2
PLO3    Demonstrate mastery of practical/ technical/scientific skills at all levels of complexities in one or more areas of specialization and resolve new emerging problems within the context of the nurse practitioner. (A3 P5)Cluster 3a
PLO4   Influence peers, scholarly community and society  in the field of expertise to bring effective collaboration within a diversity of partners(A5)Cluster 3b
PLO5   Display advanced/sophisticated leadership skills in ethically and professionally conveying information, insights, ideas, and problems to other groups and networks. (A5, P5)Cluster 3c
PLO6   Perform existing or develop lifelong learning skills with new appropriate tools/methodologies to support and enhance research activities (A5, P4 )Cluster 3d
PLO7   Use numeracy skills for research and lifelong learning activities (C3 A1)Cluster 3e
PLO8   Work with full autonomy using leadership, professionalism, and accountable managerial capabilities in solving problems in a complex setting, for own work and significant others within the organization, as well as contribute to society at large in technological, social, and cultural progress (A3)Cluster 3f
PLO9   Integrate knowledge for lifelong learning to enhance personal and professional development in the nursing field. (C6, A4)Cluster 4(i)
PLO10 Initiate and lead entrepreneurial ventures and projects locally and globally. (C6, A3)Cluster 4(ii)
PLO11 Display attitudes and professionalism ethically in providing care to meet the needs of the diverse population with its complexities and implication while upholding the professional and ethical code of nursing practice. (A5)Cluster 5
  1. What is a Doctor of Nursing (DN)?
    The DN is a one of two terminal doctoral degrees in the field of nursing. While its counterpart, the PhD, is more research-oriented, those who earn a DN have completed the highest level of nursing academic through course work -oriented designed. The program is for nurses to pursue their career pathway in clinical, education and research. This terminal degree for nurses will prepare them for their future challenging roles in healthcare delivery.

  2. How do I qualify to join this DN program ?
    Requirement for joining this program is Master of Nursing , Master in Health Science or other health related qualification at level 7 Malaysian Qualification Framework. Other qualifications equivalent with Masters which is accepted by Senate.

  3. What is the duration of the course?
    This is a 12-semesters course (4 years). A specific set of doctoral-level coursework required in all DN programs for two years , and two years of dissertation. This is a 4-year coursework and dissertation based program offered via the distance and open learning mode.

  4. What are the requirements for International students to join this program?
    A minimum score of 500 in Test for English as a Foreign language (TOEFL).
    A minimum score of 5.0 in International English Language Testing System(IELTS)
  5. What is total credit to complete the duration of the course?
    A total of 80 credits as approved by Malaysian Qualification Framework
  6. What is the nomenclature of post graduate degree awarded after completion of DN?
    Doctoral degree according to the field of specialisation e.g DBA, DEd , DN
  7. What is the impact of DN program to your career?
    Nurses with DN degree are in an important position to serve as leaders in the continuing articulation of the discipline, as well as contributors on multiple levels to the development of the knowledge base of nursing.
  8. How does DN program contribute to the community in general?
    They continue to lead, share and contribute new knowledge/innovations/practices in the related field and its emerging issues, and towards the social, technological and cultural progress in the academic and professional contexts.
  9. Is the program accredited?
    The program has been accredited and approved by MQA – The assessment of required accreditation of DN program no is MQA/FA 0839
  10. What are the course subjects in DN program?
    DN curriculum coursework include subjects health care policy and politics , and evidence-based practice. Philosophy of science, nursing informatics , research methods and statistics and health economics , risk management and law and ethics in nursing.
    All DN students are required to fulfil 40 credits of course work and 40 credits of dissertation.The dissertation is meant to demonstrate students’ mastery of the theories and practices learned throughout the DN
  11. What will be the career progression from entry into nursing and the DN?
    Multiple routes and mechanisms for career progression will be possible and ultimately decided by each educational institution. The proposed model allows for progression from the BS or MS or to the DN.
  12. How many institutions currently offer the DN through online ?
    Currently Open University Malaysia is the only university in Malaysia offering the course via online.
  13. How will the DN differ from the PhD in terms of curriculum content, research competencies, outcomes and roles occupied?
    The DN focuses on providing leadership for evidence-based practice. This requires competence in translating research in practice, evaluating evidence, applying research in decision-making, and implementing viable clinical innovations to change practice. Considerable emphasis is placed on a population perspective, how to obtain assessment data on populations or cohorts, how to use data to make programmatic decisions, and program evaluation.

Here some common types of career fields for graduates with a Doctor of nursing degree, along with examples of career opportunities in each field

Career Field Examples of Career Opportunities
Advanced Practice Nursing 1. Nurse Practitioner
2. Certified Nurse Midwife
3. Clinical Nurse Specialist
4. Nurse Anesthetist
Nursing Education 1. Nurse Educator
2. Clinical Instructor
3. Nursing Program Director
4. Academic Dean
Nursing Administration 1. Nurse Manager
2. Nursing Director
3. Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
4. Healthcare Administrator
Health Policy and Advocacy 1. Health Policy Analyst
2. Nurse Advocate
3. Lobbyist
4. Government Health Advisor
Public Health Nursing 1. Public Health Nurse
2. Epidemiologist
3. Community Health Specialist
4. Occupational Health Nurse
Telehealth Nursing 1. Telehealth Nurse Practitioner
2. Telehealth Program Manager
3. Remote Patient Monitoring Specialist
4. Virtual Care Coordinator
Research and Innovation 1. Nurse Researcher
2. Clinical Trials Coordinator
3. Nursing Informatician
4. Healthcare Innovations Manager
Gerontology Nursing 1. Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
2. Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist
3. Director of Geriatric Services
4. Aging-in-Place Coordinator
Please note that this table provides a general overview, and there can be overlap between different fields. Additionally, the specific job titles and opportunities may vary based on the individual’s specialization within the DNP program and regional differences in healthcare needs.
Syed Hussein Syed Abdul Rahman
Syed Hussein Syed Abdul RahmanJohor Bahru

The struggle to balance study and work gave me better insight into productivity and efficiency. I was able to apply the lessons learned to my occupation. My study at OUM was my progress in development. The encouragement and guidance from OUM gave me the platform and confidence to succeed in my studies. Today, my degree has given me generous employment recognition, added edge in promotion, and salary advances.

Syed Hussein Syed Abdul Rahman
Syed Hussein Syed Abdul RahmanJohor Bahru

The struggle to balance study and work gave me better insight into productivity and efficiency. I was able to apply the lessons learned to my occupation. My study at OUM was my progress in development. The encouragement and guidance from OUM gave me the platform and confidence to succeed in my studies. Today, my degree has given me generous employment recognition, added edge in promotion, and salary advances.

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