At Walden University, the IRB (Institutional Review Board) process is a structured procedure that ensures ethical standards are upheld in all research involving human participants, including DNP capstone and doctoral projects. Here’s a breakdown of the IRB process tailored specifically for Walden DNP students:
IRB Process at Walden University for DNP Students
What Is the IRB?
The Walden IRB oversees all student, faculty, and staff research that involves human subjects to ensure compliance with federal regulations, ethical principles, and university policies.
For DNP students, IRB approval is typically required before implementing any part of your project that involves data collection from or about people, including QI (Quality Improvement) or EBP (Evidence-Based Practice) initiatives.
Steps in the IRB Process for DNP Projects
1. Complete Research Ethics Training
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All students must complete CITI training (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative).
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Choose the Social/Behavioral Research course and any supplemental modules (e.g., for QI or HIPAA).
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Upload your completion certificate to your IRB application.
2. Determine If IRB Review Is Required
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Walden distinguishes between:
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Research (systematic investigation that contributes to generalizable knowledge)
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Quality Improvement (local changes, not intended for publication)
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You must submit a Self-Evaluation Tool to determine the need for IRB review.
If your project does not require IRB approval, you will receive an IRB determination letter confirming this.
3. Develop and Submit the IRB Application
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Applications are submitted through IRB Manager (Walden’s online submission system).
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Required documents:
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CITI certificate
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DNP project plan/proposal
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Site approval letters
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Consent forms (if applicable)
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Data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interview guides)
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Recruitment materials
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4. IRB Review and Communication
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IRB may grant:
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Exempt status
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Expedited review
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Full board review (rare for DNP projects)
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You will receive:
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IRB approval letter, or
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Requests for revisions
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5. Conduct the Project (After IRB Approval)
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You cannot begin any data collection until formal IRB approval is received.
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Adhere strictly to the approved plan. Any changes must go through an amendment process.
6. Submit Completion Report
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After your project is done, submit a Study Closure Form to the IRB to formally close your study.
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The IRB process is separate from your project committee or URR (University Research Reviewer) reviews.
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Work closely with your DNP project chair to align project goals and documents.
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Start IRB preparations early in your project planning phase to avoid delays.
